If you need to plan a meeting, the hotel offers meeting consultants who will assist you with the details, but if your trip to Tokyo doesn’t involve a meeting or if you plan on staying an extra day or two, the hotel offers a number of great events and tours through The Peninsula Academy. Learn about Japanese Sake, go an a guided tour of Tsukiji Fish Market or attend one of the cooking classes that are offered for fees that start around Y16,000 (US $160) per person. The Peninsula Hotel Tokyo also caters to visitors that want to get out and explore the city on their own by offering BMW bicycle rentals to their guests. Nearby sights include Hibiya Park, Yakitori Alley, and the Imperial Palace Plaza and East Gardens.

You don’t need to be a guest to enjoy the restaurants & bars at The Peninsula Hotel Tokyo. The lounge at Peter is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails overlooking the lights of Ginza or a romantic twilight dinner for two.

The Peninsula Hotel Tokyo offers a variety of room rates and packages that start around Y60,000 (US $600).

Image Credit: Flickr, Peninsula Tokyo

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

In ancient times, the Kamakura Gozan, five great Zen Buddhist Temples, more commonly know as the Five Mountains, were identified and utilized to promote Zen Buddhism throughout Japan. The Kamakura Gozan, ranked first to fifth are as follows:

The Kenchoji Temple was founded in 1253, shares its precincts with 10 smaller temples, and is the first monastery in Japan devoted solely to Rinzai Zen practice. Kencho-ji’s temple bell, hung in a thatched belfry not far from the Buddha Hall, dates back to the founding of the temple, is inscribed by the founding priest and is designated as a National Treasure.

Engakuji Temple, founded in 1282 to commemorate the deaths of both Japanese and Mongolian soldiers killed during the Mongols’ attempted invasions of Japan in 1272 and 1281, is home to largest bell in Kamakura, measuring 2.6 meters in height and 1.42 meters in diameter which was cast in 1301 and is also a national treasure.

Jyufukuji Temple was constructed in 1180 and it’s founding priest, Eisai, is famous for introducing green tea into Japan from China. The temple is also home to a number of caves called Yagura, in which ashes of all the chief priests are buried.

Jochiji Temple, founded in 1281, features a two-story main gate with a bell, cast in 1340, on the second floor, and windows on four walls that resemble a bell. The roof tiles bear the crest of the Hojos, the family who founded the temple. The Jochiji temple is also well know for the moss covered steps leading towards the temple itself.

Jyomyoji Temple, founded in 1188, is famous for the massive roof over its main sanctuary that creates a dignified atmosphere. You can also partake in Kisenan, a tea ceremony, at this temple overlooking a serene Zen garden.

These five temples make up the Kamakura Gozan, but no trip to Kamakura would be complete without a visit to the Daibutsu, or great Buddha Statue, which was cast in bronze in 1252, stands over 11 meters tall, weighs approximately 121 tons and was originally covered in gold leaf. The Daibutsu is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple and is a very impressive sight.

While the ancient city of Kamakura is famous for its temples and shrines, it has a lot more to offer visitors. In fact, the city has put together 11 different walking courses that include a tour of geographical features unique to Kamakura and a literary walking tour to Hase among the routes that take from 1-2 hours to complete. If you need a break from all of the culture and history that Kamakura has to offer, why not take a stroll along one of the local beaches or stay the night and enjoy the fireworks that are scheduled for August 11th this year. If you are planning an overnight stay, you may want to consider the Hotel New Kamakura, which was recently reviewed by the Japan Times.

To get to Kamakura , take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station. Some of the sights listed above are also convenient to Kita-Kamamura which is one stop after Kamamura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line. (area map PDF, see page 5)

Image Credit: Wikimeida, Kencho ji BuildingII.jpg, Engaku-ji,-Kita-kamakura Garden.jpg, Jufuku-ji Cemetery.jpg, Jochi-ji Entrance Kita-kamakura.jpg, Jomyo-ji,-Kamakura-Sand-Garden.jpg, and KamakuraDaibutsu4049.jpg

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The Pan Pacific Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu has 480 guest rooms and suites and is situated in the Minato Mirai District of Yokohama, just minutes away from The Landmark Tower, Japan’s tallest building, where you can take in the view of the bay from the 69th floor Sky Garden. Some of the other things to do and see in the Minato Mirai District include Yokohama Cosmo World, an amusement park with one of the largest Ferris Wheels in the World, the Kishamichi Promenade that stretches 500 meters over the ocean and the world famous Yokohama Chinatown.

The Captain Adventure Plan runs from July 19th to August 31st, excluding July 20th and August 1st, and prices start from ¥37,000 for two adults and one child. The plan also includes a breakfast buffet at the hotel’s Cafe Tosca. 

The Pan Pacific Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu is located about 40 minutes by train from Tokyo Station, followed by a one-minute walk from Minato-Mirai Station in Yokohama (access map).  For more information on The Captain Adventure Plan, call (045) 682-2222.

If your travel dates don’t coincide with the Captain Adventure Plan you can book your own cruise of Yokohama Bay and still enjoy all of the other great things that Yokohama has to offer.

Source: Japan Times, Sake in Osaka, cruising in Yokohama
Photo Credit:  Flickr, yokohama at twilight

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

If you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright or just want to see some of the decor from the 1923 hotel be sure to stop by the Old Imperial Bar for a drink or just wander through the lobby of this Tokyo landmark.

Standard room rates start at Y37,800 ($378 US) and run up to Y1,050,000 ($1,050 US) for a suite on one of the Imperial Floors.

IMPERIAL HOTEL TOKYO (map)
1-1, Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558
TEL: +81-3-3504-1111
FAX: +81-3-3581-9146

Photo Credit: Flickr, imperial hotel & Wikipedia, Imperial Hotel Wright House

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler