The hard angles of the Tokyo skyline were softened by mother nature as we arrived early on a summer’s morning to Hotel Chinzanso – an oasis in the urban jungle.
We arrived by private transport arranged by the hotel, one of many conveniences that supported a soft and relaxing landing into this busy city. We were greeted warmly and the children were handed little soft squirrel toys to their surprise and glee. As we made our way to our rooms we observed the splendid interiors, with elegant marble and many Japanese art objects, marrying timeless style and a respectful bow to culture. We deliberately stayed in the Prime Premier Garden Suite King Room and the others in the Prime Deluxe Garden Suite Twin Room to take in the spectacular views of the garden.
Hotel Chinzanso cares for a magnificent garden and a new artistic installation called the Tokyo Sea of Clouds, together they create a delicate and ethereal experience in the middle of the metropolis. Visiting in the day is gorgeous but this outdoor installation also comes alive at night with fireflies, 1000 lights and mist coalescing. Magic. Looking out the window we were immediately struck by the verdant garden below which has been thoughtfully shaped over many years. From our bird’s eye view we spotted dozens of large Koi fish circling one another in the pond. This contrast of the city scape with the serene and amorphous beauty of the garden felt like a perfect and poetic introduction to Japan.
After settling in, breakfast was at Miyuki restaurant with a Japanese set menu of fish, pickled portions, rice, roe, omelette and soup. Because it was rainy the garden and Tokyo Sea of Clouds installation was an accessible and easy option for day-one in a new place, and it blew our minds. It is an amazing garden with many special historical aspects to enjoy and learn about. We admired Entsukaku, a unique and rare three-story pagoda and strolled past mature camelias, hydrangeas, luscious moss and more.
That evening we dressed for a special meal in the gardens at Mokushundo (stone-grilled cuisine), a Showa Era restaurant which, though it’s the beginning of this particular holiday, we all agreed was one of the best meals we’ve had. The food was prepared both by the chef and on our table upon unique lava stones from Mount Fuji. From the exquisite starter dish below, the plentiful food only gets better.
Walking back to the hotel from this garden is short and leisurely, it really was an incredibly memorable place to visit; not only for the good taste, beauty and luxury, but also the quality amenities when travelling with older people and little ones.
The turn down service was tidy and kawaii, we came back to see our squirrel toy with a little bow tied around her neck. The staff also kindly returned a N95 mask that had fallen out of a pocket. This kind of thoughtful attention is a marker of Hotel Chinzanso. Access and help from reception is smooth and responsive. One night we called down for a room service meal which came quickly and was delicious, offering a feast of Japanese cuisine and some Western elements to cater to all our tastes.
On our last day here we spent hours at the incredible teamlabPlanets, a fun but tiring exercise. After this we relaxed over lunch at Bistro, one of the casual but still lovely restaurants at Hotel Chinzanso. That night we enjoyed a perk of staying in the suites, access to the lounge where we enjoyed a traditional Koto music performance, and refreshments.
The Hotel Chinzanso staff and service is exceptional, attentive and kind. The amenities abound. While we couldn’t experience all it had to offer in two days we thoroughly enjoyed the fine dining, in room service, accommodating and gentle attitude toward children, incredible garden, and lounge. This place truly deserves its 5 star status and upholds it with grace.