Laforet Harajuku

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

Gyre Shopping Centre

Japanese take their fashion pretty seriously, and the bustling Shibuya is where shopping malls collide. If you are looking for something fancy, however, the quaint tree-lined street of Omotesando is the shopping street to go. Omotesando is known for its expansive malls filled with international brands peppered with exclusive one-off boutiques, galleries and cafes. 

Make a glam shopping date with the Laforet Harajuku—a stylishly designed building which houses more than 140 stores showcasing almost 400 fashion brands. Mix and match trendy Tokyo togs with the most fashion-forward accessories. When you are ready for a shopping break, head to the Laforet Museum on 6F, which hosts regular exhibitions showcasing a wide range of artists and fashion events. 

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Greeting you just across the street is the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, which is also known as a “fashion theme park.” Trending women’s fashion and swanky accessories fill the 6-storey building. While you are there, check out the “Omohara” terrace on level  3F, or “forest plaza” on level 6F—both terraces allow you to enjoy  a coffee break while admiring the view of the surrounding Harajuku area.

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Indulge your obsession with two of the world’s leading fashion brands at the Gyre shopping centre. Begin by exploring the massive Chanel boutique on its ground floor—known for its timeless suits, little black dresses, and the “Chanel No. 5” perfume—and continue browsing through the displays at Bulgari.

Shoppers here can enjoy a contemporary touch of luxe, thanks to the building’s striking architecture, courtesy of progressive Dutch designers at MVRDV. Beyond the two brands, Gyre is also home to a host of other high-end international fashion brands like DELVAUX, MoMA Design Store, Maison Margiela and others. 

Need a breather? Visit the Gyre’s welcoming spacious outdoors with wood-theme terraces filled with greenery. 

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Nadeshiko

Chazen

Nakajima-no-Ochaya

Tea ceremonies are a traditional Japanese ritual observed for over 1,000 years. Each ceremony is an elaborate cultural activity of preparing and serving matcha (fine Japanese green tea powder) with wagashi—a traditional Japanese sweet to balance out the bitterness of the tea. Over the centuries, the ceremony has evolved into an impeccable yet subtle art form, influenced by Buddhist philosophy. 

To cater to the burgeoning tourists’ interest in this cultured activity, numerous locations offering  commercial tea ceremonies have sprouted in the city. Fortunately, a small selection of places still offer authentic experiences. 

For a consummate Japanese tea ceremony experience, visit Nadeshiko. The ceremony is held in a tatami room, which can take up to four hours. For ladies, you can add to the richness of your experience by wearing a kimono. Not only will you appreciate the fine art and ritual of the tea ceremony, you will also learn how to properly don a beautiful silk kimono. 

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Chazen in the posh Ginza neighbourhood is yet another place you can visit to experience an authentic tea ceremony. Although it is located in an urban building, Chazen’s traditionally decorated space offers a silent, zen-like atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in the timeless and tranquil moment. Do not worry if you are unable to utter a word of Japanese—the host here has more than 30 years of experience and can easily explain what each step in the ritual represents in English. 

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If you want to attend a tea ceremony in a fully traditional Japanese setting, Nakajima-no-Ochaya is the ideal choice. It is located inside the beautiful 16th century Hamarikyu Garden—a setting which instantaneously puts you in a relaxed mood, even before you start the ceremony. An instructor will be on hand to guide you as you prepare your own tea ceremony; thereafter, you can sit back, enjoy your tea, and feast your eyes on the garden’s delicate beauty. 

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Joël Robuchon

Sukiyabashi Jiro

Ginza Kojyu

Did you know that Tokyo boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world? Known for their penchant for the highest quality in any cuisine, Tokyo residents clearly care for their food, as witnessed by the myriad dining options available. 

If you are looking for the best among them, visit Joël Robuchon, the eponymous restaurant from the celebrated French chef Joël Robuchon. Sadly, the chef passed away in 2018—fortunately, his restaurants still serve outstanding modern French cuisine. Pick from its handful of set menus or satisfy your gastronomic craving from a selection of a la carte options.  

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You cannot claim to have tasted Tokyo’s choicest cuisine without experiencing its finest sushi, and the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro is arguably the city’s best dining outlet for traditional sushi. The restaurant is so famous that it has served former US president Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The first sushi restaurant in the world to receive three stars from the Michelin Guide, its tasting menu of 20 small courses is specially prepared by 92-year-old Chef Jiro Ono and his team. 

With only 10 tables in a simple setting, dining happens fairly quickly. The rationale? Top-quality sushi should be served and consumed quickly after preparation to ensure that their taste is optimal.

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Traditional multi-course Japanese dining, also known as Kaiseki, is another culinary art form that you should enjoy in Tokyo. Ginza Kojyu is one of the best places in Tokyo to experience it. The restaurant features a cosy interior, which is great since the dining process might take a while.  

Diners can watch the food being prepared at the counter, which makes the dining experience a theatrical encounter. The restaurant’s seasonal menu features traditional Japanese cuisine alongside a handful of experimental dishes. As the restaurant is quite small, you are advised to reserve a table in advance.  

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Longing for some relaxation after a day out? Head back to Cerulean Tower Tokyo for some calming time at the CARJU RAJAH. This sanctuary for the senses offers a tranquil space for deep relaxation and healing. The salon provides a range of soothing therapies—from rejuvenating massages to gentle skincare products to suit your unique health and beauty needs. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy up to 20% savings when they book its services.

If you are looking to stay in the heart of Tokyo, enjoy up to 25% savings when you book in advance with us at Cerulean Tower Tokyu.