We arrived via private transport arranged by the hotel, one of the many amenities that favored a soft and comfortable landing in this busy city. We were warmly welcomed and the children were given small squirrel toys to their surprise and delight. When we got to our rooms, we were treated to a stunning interior, with beautiful marble and many Japanese art objects, a nod to timeless style and culture. We deliberately stayed in the
Hotel Chinzanso maintains a stunning garden and a new art installation called Tokyo Sea of Clouds, together they create a delicate and surreal 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 served at Miyuki Restaurant with a Japanese set menu of fish, pickles, rice, rice, omelets and soups. Because it was Rain in the Garden and the Tokyo Sea of Clouds installation was an accessible and convenient option for a first day 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 camellias, hydrangeas, lush moss and more.
That evening we treated ourselves to a special meal in the gardens of a Showa-era restaurant, Mokushindo (stone-cut food), which, although it was the beginning of this particular holiday, we all agreed was one of our best meals. The food was prepared by the chef and served to our table on unique lava stones from Mount Fuji. From the wonderful starter dish below, more food is better.
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 an 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 for a room service meal which came quickly and was delicious, with a mix of Japanese cuisine and some western elements to suit all our tastes.
On our last day here we spent hours at the incredible teamlabPlanets, a fun but tiring exercise. We then relaxed for lunch at the Bistro, one of Hotel Chinzanso’s casual but still elegant restaurants. That night we enjoyed staying in a suite, 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 weren’t able to experience all it had to offer in two days, we thoroughly enjoyed the great food, room service, kid-friendly attitude, incredible garden and lounge. This place truly deserves its 5 star status and maintains it with grace.
