by Danielle Demetriou, The Telegraph, February 15, 2018
As Tokyo slowly turns a steady shade of pink in preparation for the arrival of the sakura (cherry blossom) season, shops, restaurants and hotels gear up to embrace the fleeting presence of Japan's most famous pink blooms. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tokyo in order to get the most out of the city's short but sweet season, from sakura-inspired afternoon teas and springtime menus, to private chauffeurs who will take you to your next blossom-viewing destination.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
7Telegraph expert rating
For a taste of cherry blossom season after dark, head to one of Tokyo’s newest shiniest hotels: the Hyatt Centric Ginza, which is in the upmarket Ginza district just in time for the sakura season. Make a beeline for its sultry bar NAMIKI667 – with its dark woods, warm red décor and double-height ceiling – and order its Sakura Fizz: a cocktail the perfect shade of pink based on the botanicals-rich artisan gin Roku, infused with sakura liqueur and raspberry puree and crowned with a stem of shiso flowers. Read expert review. From £272per nightRates provided by Booking.com.
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Aman Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
9Telegraph expert rating
Visitors arriving at the Aman this month will be in no doubt that it's sakura season: the first thing that will great them will be a vast, abstract sakura ikebana arrangement sitting beneath the lofty white washi paper ceiling in the lobby. The cherry blossom theme will continue in The Lounge with suitably pink cocktails (anyone for a Sakura martini?), as well as in the spa, where sakura tea is served following spring-themed treatments. Guests will also be able to visit cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo via rickshaw. Read expert review. From £1,318per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Mr & Mrs Smith.
The Peninsula Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
8Telegraph expert rating
The Peninsula Tokyo – already housed, appropriately, in a dusty pink tower – will undergo a comprehensive sakura makeover. Hundreds of cherry tree boughs will fill the lobby, with guests also able to indulge in sakura-themed spa treatments, pink cocktails in the top-floor Peter: The Bar, a cherry blossom-inspired Chinese menu at Hei Fung Terrace, and delicious Lunch Boxes (perfect for taking out for hanami picnics). Another highlight? The special Peninsula Classic Sakura Afternoon Tea (served from March 1 to April 15), with its array of cherry blossom-themed delicacies, from homemade sakura scones to sakura jelly panna cotta. Read expert review. From £471per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
Palace Hotel Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
8Telegraph expert rating
Those keen to skip packed train stations and bland rice balls that normally go hand-in-hand with cherry blossom viewing should sign up to this two-night Blossoming Tokyo package. Guests don't even have to leave their room – thanks to an exquisite cherry bonsai plant, cultivated by bonsai specialists Seikoen, placed in each room. The package also includes a sakura cake gift plus concierge tips for visiting the capital's best sakura spots, and a private chauffeur to take you to your next destination in Tokyo. It costs £590 per person and runs from March 19 to April 13 (although best to book for the end of March or start of April to ensure a glimpse of the pink blooms). Read expert review. From £340per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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HOSHINOYA Tokyo Tokyo, Japan
8Telegraph expert rating
For a truly traditional cherry blossom season (with a generous sprinkling of five-star luxury), one of the best places to head is Hoshinoya Tokyo. The hotel – a modern take on a traditional ryokan inn, complete with natural hot spring onsen baths on the top floor – can take guests (cotton kimono-style yukata dress optional) on a rickshaw tour of cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. Upon returning to the hotel, staff in the Ochanoma Lounge will serve green tea and sakura-mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes), the perfect prelude to a soak in the baths upstairs. Read expert review. From £427per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Tokyo, Japan
8Telegraph expert rating
For a cloud-brushing cherry blossom experience, Andaz Tokyo is serving a special Sakura Dinner in its rooftop bar from March 30 to April 15. Guests can sip pink champagne among blossoming cherry trees in the hotel's specially created Sakura Garden with views across nocturnal Tokyo, before enjoying a springtime menu including seasonal sashimi, lobster bisque and grilled Japanese beef sirloin – and, of course, an array of cherry blossom-themed sakura desserts (from 12,000 Japanese Yen/£80 per person). Sakura-inspired Hanami Afternoon Tea is also available. Read expert review. From £328per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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This article was written by Danielle Demetriou from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
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