Grand Palladium Resort & Spa Jamaica gets $27.5M upgrade

April 24, 2023 No Comments

Grand Palladium Hotel Group, which manages two hotels in Montego Bay, has undergone a thorough refurbishment of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa.

The ambitious $27.5 million project includes the refurbishment of 537 suites, as well as various common areas such as the lobby, one of its show-cooking restaurants, and one of its most iconic bars.

New room upgrades

The newly 537 refurbished rooms of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa are available after reopening at the beginning of the year.

Of these there are two new categories that stand out in 48 suites with sea views: 40 Superior Junior Suite Private Pool Ocean View and 8 Superior Suite Private Pool Oceanfront View. Surrounded by vegetation, these swim-up suites offer a private pool and terrace which are fully equipped with seating and a wooden pergola.

In the Superior Junior Suite Private Pool Ocean View, the pool is 86 sq ft. and the terrace is 161 sq ft.; and the Superior Suite Private Pool Oceanfront View is now the largest in the entire hotel, featuring a 161 sq ft. pool and terrace fully furnished with a dining room.

This room category has a private living room with a balcony, a larger bedroom, and a relaxation area that includes a chaise lounge and a large glass window that overlooks the ocean.

Energy efficiency and technology have also played an important role. All rooms have energy-saving systems with sensors for light and air conditioning and the swim-up pools are heated through an efficient system that uses heat pumps.

Hotel revamp

The refurbishment highlights some of the hotel’s most emblematic spaces. Among them is The Infinity Saloon Bar, the meeting point of Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa with spectacular 180º views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as shows and live music.

Its open-air terrace now has elegant awnings and lounge-style furniture with sofas and large armchairs, perfect for resting while sipping delicious cocktails. In this area, black and white stripes in the furniture fabrics combine perfectly with the tropical touch of the mural in the bar decorated with the image of the national bird – the Hummingbird.

In the lobby, further enhancements of the English colonial style were made to the solid wood and furniture. The reception has been updated with white treillage lattices and mirrors that match perfectly with the bold black lamps installed in the area.

In the culinary end, the MoBay show-cooking, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has increased its capacity to accommodate up to a total of 286 diners.

Divided into four areas by screens, the space now has two new food stations to offer a greater variety of dishes and products. The design is marked by vegetation, mixed fabrics, and green, black, and light tones.

A complete, varied, and sustainable offer

Ideal for families, couples, friends or groups, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts presents itself in Jamaica with a resort made up of the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa and the Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. The 517 suites and several areas of the latter also underwent an exhaustive renovation six years ago in order to reinforce the neoclassical design, with a colonial style and a strong British influence to the resort.

Located in Montego Bay, on the northwest coast of the country, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica has 1,054 rooms of different categories and offers guests direct access to the beach, the opportunity to choose between 11 restaurants and 15 themed bars, various entertainment options for all ages, the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center, as well as extensive facilities, including one of the largest pools in the Caribbean.

All these magnificent facilities and the excellent quality of service make Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Jamaica the ideal place to celebrate corporate events, dream weddings through the Weddings by Palladium brand, and special occasions such as bachelor or bachelorette parties, among others.

Air Transit offering year-round service to Marseilles

April 21, 2023 No Comments

Air Transat is expanding its operations in the French market, most notably on two exclusive direct routes departing from Montreal.

Following the annualization of its service to Lyon announced earlier this winter, the airline is also adding Marseille and the region of Provence to its roster of year-round destinations.

In addition, the non-stop service to Nantes will also be extended. Flights that initially ended in the fall will now be operated until 24 January, 2024, in order to offer travellers more flexibility when travelling to western France.

Air Transat is the only airline to offer direct flights from Canada to the airports of Marseille and Nantes. A total of seven French cities will be served non-stop this year, including three on a year-round schedule, namely Paris, Lyon, and now Marseille.

The route will mainly be operated with new generation Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring spacious cabins, state-of-the-art in-seat entertainment systems and the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ and NO_x) in their class.

A new Hyatt property just opened in the heart of Mexico City

April 19, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes is a modern, 201-room hotel located in the heart of the southern financial district of Mexico City.

With 24 floors, three curated food and beverage outlets, and contemporary guestrooms, the hotel is an ideal spot for both business and leisure travellers.

Located in one of Mexico City’s main business districts, Colonia del Valle, the opening marks the sixth Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Mexico and the second in Mexico City, alongside Hyatt Regency Mexico City, further demonstrating Hyatt’s intentional strategy for growing its brands in the region.

The hotel is housed within an exclusive mixed-use development complex, offering gourmet dining options, energizing meeting and events spaces for groups of any size and a seamless experience on one of the most important streets in the city with parks, plazas, historical attractions and businesses throughout.

All the hotel’s spaces are designed with productivity in mind conveniently located next to the World Trade Center Mexico City (WTC), which is home to the city’s convention center and Pepsi Center, and near the vibrant Condesa and Coyoacan neighborhoods. Guests are also a short distance away from the main business districts like Reforma and Polanco as well as less than seven miles away from Mexico City International Airport.

“We’re excited to debut Hyatt Regency Mexico City Insurgentes just steps from Mexico City’s World Trade Center on one of the most prominent and longest avenues in the capital city of Mexico”, said General Manager, Carlo Bava. “Our prime location provides guests access to a thriving business hub just outside our doorstep. We look forward to offering guests, customers and World of Hyatt members the tools they need to stay connected and energized for a stress-free experience.”

There’s now a direct flight from Toronto to Martinique

April 17, 2023 No Comments

A new direct flight between Toronto and Martinique is now possible, thanks to a new route from Air Canada.

The launch of the route represents the culmination of a long-term effort and vision advocated by the Tourism Commissioner for the Martinique Tourism Authority, , Bénédicte di Géronimo.

This new route offering non-stop flights to Martinique will strengthen the bond between Canada and the Caribbean island, building upon a successful 14-year run of non-stop flights from Montreal.

“This connection between The Isle of Flowers and the Canadian economic capital reinforces the presence of Martinique in Canada, which is now our second most important market,” said di Géronimo. “I salute the commitment of our key partners such as Club Med, MSC Cruises and The Martinique Aimé Césaire Airport Company (SAMAC) and all partners in the tourism industry in both Martinique and Ontario. This is one more opportunity for our Canadian visitors to discover, taste and share the famous ‘joie de vivre’ that inspires us every day.”

Toronto passengers will now enjoy the comfort of a non-stop, 5-hour flight aboard an Airbus A220, with a capacity of 137 seats.

“Air Canada is very pleased to be the leading carrier between Canada and the French Caribbean, and we are exceptionally delighted to add new flights from Toronto to Martinique this winter. This new service complements our year-round flights from Montreal. Martinique is a unique leisure destination renowned for its rich history and culture, outdoor activities and natural beauty. We have optimized connections to and from our Toronto hub to give customers convenient travel options and bring more people to discover Martinique!” said Alexandre Lefevre, Vice President, Network Planning – North America and Scheduling at Air Canada. 

With the launch of this flight, the riches of Martinique are more accessible to Canadians than ever. The verdant “Isle of Flowers” is known for its abundant nature, delicious Creole cuisine, fascinating heritage and welcoming French-Caribbean hospitality. The destination has enjoyed surging popularity with Canadian travellers, both due to its broad array of experiences and safe environment.

“We are delighted to offer our Canadian visitors the experience of an authentic, beautiful and romantic Martinique. We await them with open arms and thank Air Canada for helping us realize the launch of this vital new route,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Martinique Tourism Authority, Americas.

This local guide is eager to show off the Amazon

April 14, 2023 No Comments

Would Percy Fawcett and his companions have returned from Brazilian jungle hale and hearty had they had one of Josue Basilio’s forefathers as a guide? Well, given the Basilio family’s ability to find its way around in the Amazon that might well have been the case.

Fawcett was a retired British army officer-turned-explorer who spent a lot of time in Brazil in the early 20th century, eventually becoming fascinated with tales of an advanced but abandoned city hidden deep in Brazilian jungle. Fawcett, who first arrived in Brazil after being asked to map a sparsely populated Amazon region, eventually set out to find the city that he labelled Z, returning in defeat more than once.

Undaunted, Fawcett sent off on another expedition with two companions in 1925 and none of the three were ever seen again. His story was told in the 2016 movie The Lost City of Z, which starred the likes of Sienna Miller and Tom Holland.

Basilio, a guide with Amazon Brazil travel company Katerre Expedition, which is based in the Amazon community of Novo Airao, reports that he never gets lost in the jungle, and his father and grandfather were equally at home in the world’s largest expanse of rainforest. “This is my house,” Basilio says of the wilderness.

The adventurous Basilio routinely leads Katerre Expedition guests into the jungle, happily demonstrating his wilderness skills, which are often dependent on his ever-present machete.

A recent Amazon waterways cruise on Katerre’s Jacare-Acu vessel had Basilio showing visitors how to make rubber, with his region once enjoying great affluence during the rubber boom. Basilio cheerfully made an incision in a rubber tree, then had a container catch the sap (area monkeys like to tip the containers so sap gatherers should keep a watchful eye on their area, he confided) and then quickly turned that sap into rubber.

Other tours had the multi-lingual Indigenous guide coaxing a large tarantula from its nest while cautioning his group to get somewhat but not overly close to the venomous creature; luring some bullet ants — known for their fearsome stings — into view; skillfully imitating the sounds of jungle birds; plucking a a smallish but carnivorous caiman from the water and then showing it to the tourists he shared a boat with before releasing the seemingly relaxed reptile unharmed into river water; and using his machete to fashion a vine into a type of rope that he used to quickly scale a branchless tree trunk.

“The machete is very important in the jungle. If I have my machete, I can survive,” says Basilio, who dubs his machete a “pocketknife.” Basilio’s sprawling, untamed backyard is home to many creatures, some seemingly cute, and others which likely wouldn’t earn that description from visitors.

“On one side you have alligators. On the other side you have piranhas,” the affable Basilio jokingly told those he was recently sharing a boat with. Basilio says the jungle serves as his pharmacy, providing plants that can be used to successfully treat a variety of ailments.

Those at home in the jungle will certainly find food if they know what to look for, says Basilio, who notes that he’s eaten bullet ants, which he describes as lacking in flavour; and hearts of palm, which were delicious. Basilio’s own jungle track record leaves him to believe that an individual can learn adequate wilderness survival skills within six months and after two years be totally okay wandering deep into the Amazon unaccompanied. “They can throw me from a helicopter (well, into the jungle). I will survive,” Basilio confidently states.

More information can be found at katerre.com/us. The company can also be reached by emailing patricia@ourwholevillage.com

STORY AND PHOTOS BY IAN STALKER

One of the Algarve’s hottest hotels reopened with a new look

April 12, 2023 No Comments

Situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and next to Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve in Southern Portugal, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort has reopened following an extensive redesign and refurbishment.

The major revamp introduces a contemporary and sophisticated new look to all the guest rooms, the entrance lobby, and The Argo Cocktail Bar, as well as newly landscaped gardens with a redesigned pool.

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reopened after a four month renovation, with a new nautical and contemporary design inspired by the Algarvian beaches, the marina and the Atlantic Ocean. In the 383 bedrooms, including 21 suites, the soft beige tones, striped fabrics and natural materials aim to reflect the views, creating a relaxed atmosphere and a perfect harmony between the exterior scenery and the interior design.

The 527 sq ft. family rooms come with an exterior lounge area and terrace, combining wood with sand-coloured textures and rattan finishes with sophisticated table lamps. The revamped Vilamoura Suite now includes the choice of a VIP experience, such as dinner for two at Pepper’s Steakhouse with beverages, an 80-minute treatment at Tivoli Spa, or sun loungers for two at the adjoining beach club – Purobeach – which is open between April and October.

The resort is well placed for access to numerous Algarve beaches, boat tours, golf courses, walking trails at Ria Formosa Natural Park and cultural discoveries in Loulé town with local artisans and its various arts like tile/dish painting, tapestry or basketry. Tivoli Marina Vilamoura also has a 25,833 sq ft. Tivoli Spa where guests can indulge in exclusive face and body therapies with local organic ingredients.

In the year that the Tivoli brand is celebrating its 90^th anniversary, the relaunch of a more glamorous Tivoli Marina Vilamoura reinforces the continuous values of the brand – timeless elegance and tradition. 90^th anniversary events and special guest experiences will be revealed throughout the year.

Rates at Tivoli Marina Vilamoura start from $330 for a Premium room including breakfast for two people. For more information on Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, visit https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-marina-vilamoura.

Meet Tina Hrast, a travel director with Insight Vacations

April 10, 2023 No Comments

by Wendy McClung

Outgoing, energetic and friendly, Tina Hrast has met many travellers in her 18 years as a travel director with The Travel Corporation’s luxury brand, Insight Vacations.

Arriving in Zagreb, Croatia for the company’s first Christmas markets tour of Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Austria, our group was greeted by a welcoming Tina, who clutched a binder that looked too important to let out of her sight.

After a few important ground rules were laid out, Tina provided a brief overview of what the next few days had in store for us. Tina, who is fluent in more than one local language, is from Ljubjana, Slovenia and has led tours in the Central and Eastern Balkans (16 countries) as well as Christmas markets in Poland, Prague and Germany.

We were in good hands.

Planning the perfect trip

There’s so much more that goes into planning a tour than meets the eye.

Travel directors like Tina provide insight into what happens behind the scenes when we are back in our rooms at night, fully content from the day’s activities and experiences. An energetic leader who loves her job and is fascinated with the people she meets and the places she goes to along the route, Tina shows her gratitude with little gifts of chocolate, mulled wine from market vendors and samplings of local fare on the go.

Keeping things humming along, she has been known to break into song for her guests while travelling by comfortable motorcoach from city to city, country to country. These places, new to most on the trip, bring a host of heady aromas and unsuspecting sounds that feed our senses day and night. It’s just Tina preparing the next day’s spreadsheets that record every meal, attendance, record changes and endless notes.

Every colour coded page is enveloped in a clear, protective cover and slipped into ‘the binder where each section is separated by defined tabs. There are at least 40 in total, sometimes more, depending on the size of the group and length of the trip.

It is this seamless organization and a sometimes obsessive attention to detail that makes the tour run smoothly. It starts with the first outing on the luxury motorcoach as seats are assigned in a rotational manner.

A unique experience

Tina’s role as a travel director is one that her passengers rely on for comfort of travel. Each guest wants something unique from the experience, whether it’s historical reference points, culinary or cultural experiences or simply adventure and activity away from home.

Directors like Tina find the time to get to know each individual, what their wish list includes, and adjust their schedules accordingly. Just ask and she will personalize your journey with suggestions for your free time.

Booking restaurants and optional tours for the group are many times her responsibility. Her binder is full of lists of acceptable vendors complete with comments, allowing her to use it as a reference point for additional tours.

Local experts only

Tina feels the most at home in Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. Even though she could lead the local city tours, Insight has a policy to employ local experts who specialize in that area.

And Tina gets it; it’s just another indication of the company’s focus on servicing the client in the best possible way.

At the end of our eight days, we said goodbye to Tina and her binder as she went off on her much deserved two-week break to be with her family.

Time to refuel, relax and rehearse some new songs for her next unsuspecting group of travellers!

A luxury Thai hotel offering custom wellness programs just opened in Chiang Mai

April 7, 2023 No Comments

Allen Retreat Chiang May officially opened on April 6 in northern Thailand.

This is the third property under the Aleenta brand from Thailand-based luxury boutique hotel specialist AKARYN Hotel Group. Offering 44 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, spa and wellness centre featuring tailor-made wellness programs and retreats, the resort manifests Akaryn Hotel Group’s ongoing dedication to providing authentic, premium, sustainable experiences.

About the rooms

The spacious rooms, one-and-two-bedroom pool residences and a four-bedroom teak villa with a private swimming pool merge traditional Thai design with a soothing palette of natural hues, sophisticated furnishings and tech-savvy facilities.

The four-bedroom Teak Villa is made from antique golden teak that was collected by the owner before being restored and carefully reassembled into a new structure that welcomes groups of family and friends to enjoy a traditional Thai living experience with modern comforts.

Signature wellness centre

Embracing its spiritual location in the ancient city of Chiang Mai the resort is home to one of the brand’s signature Ayurah Wellness Centers.

Alongside complementary daily yoga, Qi Gong, meditation and mindfulness classes, the menu of holistic wellness retreats and tailor-made programs include:

Mind Balance (5 nights from $342 per night) combining natural healing and Thai Holistic Medicine.
Detoxification (5 nights from $325 per night) to address the symptoms and underlying causes of burnout.
Total Immersion Yoga (7 nights from $352 per night) incorporating movement, mindfulness and coherence.
Healthy Living (from $360 per night) for those living with diabetes or who may have a tendency to develop the symptoms.
Self Love (3, 5, 7, 14 or 21 nights from $350 per night) to overcome personal barriers through coaching, breathing, balancing and guided meditation.
Mindful Vipassana Meditation (3 nights from $304 per night) trains the mind to improve emotion, awareness, concentration and happiness. There is also an option to practise this retreat at the nearby temple, Wat Ram Poeng.

Cooking classes & more

Retreats are enriched by healthy cuisine and a Wellness cooking class, as well as bespoke nutritionist-led plans with full plant-based options. Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai enables clients to work with a resident ‘master healer’, doctor, nurse and nutritionist to achieve optimum wellness and balance in this tranquil environment.

Elevated gastronomy is available at the resort’s restaurant ‘The Garden’ which offers breakfast, lunch and a refined menu in the evening to both nourish and spoil. Menus have been curated to provide nutritious dishes that preserve the flavors of traditional Northern Thai Lanna cuisine alongside Western cuisine with a Lanna twist.

The Garden refrains from using imported products and focuses on sourcing Thailand’s highest quality produce with plant-based, keto and low sugar/carb options also available.

At the 1892 Bar guests can relax on the balcony overlooking the resort’s spiritual blessing garden while enjoying a distinctive selection of specially curated snacks including vegan Khao Soi Gyoza and Wild Boar Teriyaki.

Sustainable focus

Aleenta, which means ‘a rewarding life’, has served as the hotel collection’s manifesto since its launch in 2006. Each resort is anchored upon spacious accommodations, premium design, exceptional F&B, first-class facilities, holistic retreat programs and a long-term commitment to sustainability.

As the first hotel group in Thailand to go single-use plastic free in 2018, Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai continues this commitment to responsible hospitality. The resort was designed from reclaimed wood as a low-rise property, built to protect the local ecosystem, topography and maximize natural features.

There are many initiatives in place to source locally, recycle, conserve freshwater supplies, reduce their use of carbon-based electricity and engage with the community. Aleenta continues to seek and develop ways to further improve and support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals across the brand.

Celestyal Cruises welcomes newest ship

April 5, 2023 No Comments

Following an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul, Celestyal’s newest ship will set sail on September 2, 2023, taking over the Celestyal Crystal’s program, initially on its popular seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary.

The ship’s name symbolizes exploration, discovery and progress. The Journey embodies a spirit of ambition and adventure and a desire to take her guests further and get closer to the destinations she visits.

About Celestyal Journey

The Celestyal Journey is characterized by her abundant number of premium staterooms as well as their spaciousness.

The 1,260-guest mid-sized vessel offers 630 staterooms, 149 of which feature balconies – three times that of the previously available balcony staterooms on Celestyal’s seven-night offering. Of the 149 balcony staterooms, 120 are Junior Suites, 28 are Grand Suites and one is the spacious Penthouse Concept Suite. In addition, the vessel boasts 80 percent outside staterooms as well as a high guest to space ratio.

The Celestyal Journey offers guests a larger range of dining options as well, with seven one-of-a-kind venues including specialty and themed restaurants appealing to a wide array of tastes and cuisines from Mediterranean to European and Asian dishes.

In addition, the Celestyal Journey will have a cooking demonstration area and an exclusive Chef’s Table venue, ideal for celebrating special occasions with friends or for private group functions. Eight bars and lounges round out the food and beverage offerings, each with its own distinctive character, providing the ideal setting to indulge in Celestyal’s signature cocktails.

Features of Celestyal Journey

The Celestyal Journey features many open deck areas, creating an overall greater sense of light and space.

Expansive sundecks with two pools and two Jacuzzis offer spectacular views and connectivity with the sea, while a secluded and tranquil outdoor space, the Beach Club, will be created for exclusive use by all Grand Suite and Junior Suite guests. Guests booked in Grand Suites will also have access to Celestyal’s Concierge Service, which features a dedicated priority check-in counter, expedited embarkation and express luggage delivery service including assistance with unpacking.

A dedicated Celestyal Cruises’ Concierge will be available in the exclusive-use Poseidon Lounge to assist Grand Suite guests with tailored service requests.

On board amenities

There is also a large, comprehensive spa, fitness and wellness area offering ocean views and two, fully-equipped conference rooms and a multi-purpose amphitheater complete with a cinema, making The Celestyal Journey perfect for meetings and incentives.

The Celestyal Journey will set sail on October 14, 2023, with the “Steps of Paul” itinerary followed by the seven-night “Three Continents” itinerary, visiting Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and. Turkey, from October through December, 2023.

This will be followed by an exclusive holiday sailing, the 19-night, special Christmas sailing calling on Thessaloniki, Volos, Rhodes and Crete (Greece), Izmir, Kusadasi, Antalya, Istanbul (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus), Alexandria(Egypt) and an overnight visit in Haifa (Israel) to spend both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the “Holy Land.” This can also be split into eight- or nine-night itineraries.

Special launch offers will be announced shortly, along with more insight behind the branding evolution and how the Celestyal Journey comes alive for guests both onboard and onshore.

Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Crystal from September 2, 2023, onwards will be contacted by Celestyal and reaccommodated on sailings on the Celestyal Journey.

Day & Night: See the best of Tokyo, Japan any hour of the day

April 3, 2023 No Comments

Tokyo is a world-class city known for its impressive culinary scene, endless shopping promenades and eclectic nightlife. You can feel the energy and excitement of Tokyo on the streets, but you can also find plenty of ways to relax, whether in the parks or way up top on sky-high roofs. We wander the neighbourhoods of Tokyo to unpack some of the best ways to explore Japan’s bustling capital city, day and night.

CHECK-IN

There are roughly 3,600 hotels in Tokyo that offer just about any type of accommodation you can imagine, from inexpensive, small capsule rooms to grand luxury in the form of massive suites. In Ginza, the mid-priced Marriott Courtyard is an optimal choice, given it’s a 10-minute walk to the Tsukiji Market and less than 10 minutes to the Ginza Metro (subway), the major shopping areas and the Kabuki Theatre.

For a five-star experience, indulge in Hoshinoya Tokyo, where sake tasting, hot spring bathing, luxury dining and attentive concierge services elevate the experience. For those who prefer elegant beauty and nature, request one of the suites at the Hotel Chinzanso overlooking the beautiful historic garden and the 700-year-old Pagoda.

ITADAKIMAS!

In Japanese, this literally means “I humbly receive”, but it’s the standard wish of “bon appetit” before enjoying a meal. Dining takes place in restaurants, called izakayas, which are informal eating and drinking establishments. Stand-up seafood bars and Yakitori stalls are also popular choices, and it’s not uncommon to find an eatery inside a chic department store!

In the early morning, visit Onigiri Marutoyo in the Tsukiji Market to pick up some fresh rice balls (onigiri) stuffed with cod roe, salmon egg, sea urchin, or shrimp tempura. For lunch, head to Toranoman Yokocho and walk the “alleyways” alongside 28 small restaurants featuring local and international cuisine. You can enjoy sushi at the counter in the food court at the Matsuya Ginza Department store or a more refined sushi experience at the famous Kyubey Ginza, which played a significant role in shaping the sushi scene in Japan.

EXPLORE

The best way to discover this city of nearly 14 million people is to immerse yourself in its neighborhoods. Daikanyama is known for its upscale, strolling vibe. It’s home to cafes, shopping and art galleries. Shimokitazawa features narrow streets, second-hand clothing shops, vinyl records and craft beer. Head to Shinjuku, (home of the 3D Calico Cat billboard), Ginza and Omotesando for high-end shopping and interesting architecture.

Other neighbourhoods to explore include Shimbashi, Rappongi, Ningyocho, Kappabashi, and Otemachi, each with its own unique personality.

DINE UNDER THE STARS

Tokyo shines bright at night time, and not just because of the abundance of neon signs. Start with a cocktail at one of the city’s best restaurants. In 2022, Michelin gave out 263 stars to Tokyo restaurants, more than any other destination worldwide. Three-star dining includes Joel Robuchon’s Chateau Restaurant in Ebisu. Two-star excellence can be found at Daniel Calvert’s Sézanne at the Four Seasons Hotel in Marunouchi, and 149 one-star restaurants include a range of cuisine: Japanese, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Italian.

As night falls, the yokocho, or alleyway, is an intriguing venue to eat and drink at. Traditional alleyways consist of a concentrated maze of small, kiosk-sized izakayas and bars. These include Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya, Omoida Yokocho in Ueno, and Harmonica Alley in Kichijoji.

ARTS & CULTURE

After dinner, head to the neighbourhood of Ginza and take in a play at the Kabukiza, a theatre that specializes in airing kabuki, which is a heavily-stylized, classical form of Japanese dance drama. Or, visit Suigian in Nihonbashi where you can dine on Kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine while watching noh theatre, another traditional Japanese dance drama that originated in the 14th century.

About a 10-minute taxi ride away from Ginza, in Ueno, one of Tokyo’s biggest tourist attractions, the Ameyoko Shopping Street, is open 24 hours a day. It’s crowded and noisy almost all the time, with lots of restaurants, bars and inexpensive shopping. Those energized by being with hundreds of others will enjoy Ginza at night time, with advertising signs, bright lights, stunning architecture, shopping, and traffic!

HEIGHTSEEING

Like any major city, Tokyo is sometimes best seen from above. Sunset helicopter rides are a popular choice, with many tour operators offering various routes over the city. Swoop down on the brightly lit Tokyo Tower, visit the Sumida River area, circle the Tokyo SkyTree and return to base near Tokyo Disney World.

But if helicopters are not your thing, you can find a place way above the crowds at the Tokyo SkyTree, which stands at a towering 634 metres. And there are other noteworthy observation decks including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, Tokyo City View, next to the Mori Art Museum in Rappongi Hills, and at Shibuya Sky overlooking the famous street crossing, with great open air views of the city.

For more ways to experience Tokyo, or to plan your trip, visit www.japan.travel/en/ca/.