We emerged from our immaculate suite to watch the sun rise (in the land of the rising sun), over Tokyo station from our wrap-around, window-side table at the top-floor restaurant of the Four Seasons Tokyo Marunouchi. We go all trainspotter for an hour, watching the infamous Shinkansen bullet trains pull out, on tracks like arteries, spreading out to the far reaches of this ancient city and beyond. In front of us is a work of art, one of Tokyo’s most discussed Japanese breakfasts – a fine collage of porcelain and pottery, set with perfect precision in a beautiful lacquer bento box. On them, perfectly cooked fish, pickles, rice and egg – modern twists on a traditional theme. A truly refined way to start an exciting day of exploring.
This big-name brand executes perfectly into boutique-hotel format in Tokyo’s financial district. At only 57 rooms, it is the smallest member of this global luxury chain. The ambience is informal and relaxing, with no stone unturned – giving the feel of a private member’s club over that of a hotel.
