Mandarin Oriental Tokyo launches Creative Cultural Promotion

Guests at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo can now gain a unique insight into the traditional aspects of Japanese culture and Tokyo’s intriguing past, by taking advantage of an array of cultural options coordinated by the hotel, and focusing on its prime location in Nihonbashi, the historical heart of old Edo.

Within the immediate vicinity of the hotel, visitors can explore any number of traditional shops, many in business for centuries, specialising in bamboo fans, fine green teas, hand-made washi papers, Japanese confections and more. In addition, the hotel’s experienced concierge team has devised a unique array of optional cultural excursions that are available at an additional cost. These include performances by geisha at exclusive restaurants, an evening river cruise, a hot springs visit, or a hands-on sushi-making lesson at Tsukiji, the world’s largest marketplace for seafood. All the programmes are designed to appeal to both newcomers and repeat visitors to Japan alike.

Between 1 November and 30 April 2009, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s Delightful Japan package starts from JPY256,200 and includes:

• Three consecutive nights in a room or suite 
• Round-trip limousine Narita Airport transfer
• American breakfast for two at K’shiki restaurant or in-room
• A walking tour map of places of interest in Nihonbashi.

The following optional cultural programmes are all available at an additional cost:

Haute Kaiseki Cuisine and Performances by Geisha

In a private room at Kanetanaka or Shinkiraku, two of Tokyo’s most exclusive traditional restaurants where first-time clientele require a formal introduction, guests can enjoy sophisticated kaiseki cuisine as kimono-clad geisha sing and perform traditional dances.

Limited to one party per day; available weekdays except public holidays; seven-days advance notice required; from JPY150,000 for two.

Sumida River Pleasure Boat Cruise

Enjoy views of the city from a different perspective, on this tour of Sumida River - the playground and poetic source of inspiration to Tokyoites since the early 17th century. The evening begins with a meal of traditional Edo cuisine at Kameseiro, established on the waterfront in 1855. Afterwards, guests will board a chartered yakatabune, a roofed pleasure boat fashioned after those used by the Tokugawa shogun, for a river cruise complete with entertainment by geisha dancing and playing the shamisen.

Limited to one party per day; daily except Sundays and public holidays; seven-day advance notice required; JPY370,000 for two.

A Two-Michelin Star Lunch at a Private Retreat

Gather around a 750-year old hearth in a private room at Fukudaya, a favourite retreat of Nobel laureates, gourmands and other glitterati over its seven-decade history, for a lunch of refined kaiseki cuisine and a rare performance of Shinnai, a highly ornamented style of singing to shamisen accompaniment that dates back to the late 18th century. On Saturdays, dinner may be booked instead of lunch.

Limited to one party per day; daily except Sundays and public holidays; seven-day advance notice required; from JPY240,000 for two.

Craft Your Own Sushi in Tsukiji, ‘The Seafood Pantry of Japan’

This guided tour of Tsukiji’s inner and outer markets begins with a brief film presentation introducing the diversity of local colour to be witnessed at the world’s largest food market. After taking in the real action, convene at a popular sushi shop for a hands-on lesson by the chef in forming (and eating) the perfect sushi.

Minimum parties of four; daily except Sundays, Wednesdays and public holidays; five-day advance notice required; JPY38,000 per person.

The Ultimate Onsen Getaway at Gôra Kadan Hotel in Historical Hakone

Guests of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo can enjoy special privileges at Gôra Kadan, the ‘Grande Dame’ of hot-spring resorts in the Hakone National Park at the foot of Mount Fuji. The Mandarin Oriental concierge will book a luxury stay at this exclusive and traditional inn and former imperial summer residence, where the spacious gardens, thermal baths and surrounding lush mountain scenery invites total relaxation in any season.

The package rates assume double occupancy and are inclusive of a 5% consumption tax. A 10% service charge and a daily municipal accommodation tax of JPY200 per person. The prices listed for the optional programmes are estimations, inclusive of tax but exclusive of beverage charges. A 100% charge will be apply for cancellations made within 48 hours of the booking dates of optional programmes.

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