If you like to live a lavish lifestyle or at least like to see how the other half live, Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi is a must see if you are visiting Tokyo. The upmarket designer store is the Japanese equivalent of Harrods and even more upscale than it’s British rival. The jewellery section alone is a dazzling and the ceiling lined with chandeliers that must cost a pretty penny. At the atrium stands the statue of a Goddess which epitomes the stores ethos. Everything has a formula, all the staff follow a strict procedure. The organisation is almost ritualistic and very precise.
Mitsukoshi first opened it’s doors to the public hundreds of years ago in 1673 and they sold clothes to the affluent gentry who sought regal attire. Now the store sells tailor made kimono’s starting at £14k a piece. Of course, it’s impossible to visit and just buy a kimono! Most consumers will absolutely have to own matching shoes and bags.
The store has the most tempting and beautifully arranged food hall. Fragrant fruits are wrapped in beautiful cloths and you get the feeling that you are definitely paying for the packaging, but what beautiful packaging it is. It would certainly put our hand wrapped christmas gifts to shame! We spotted one piece of fruit marked up at £45. We discover that this gourmet fruit is extremely hard to get hold of and sold on an island far away. We daren’t even gently touch it!
If you are looking for a hotel that offers privacy and luxury, you might want to consider the Aman hotel. The reception is has a pool and striking sculptures that add an air of elegance. The suites have huge windows reaching to the ceiling and over looks Mount Fuji and the Imperial Palace Gardens.
For a real treat head to Higashi Chaya in Kanazawa where the tea houses were once home to the beautiful geishas. The geishas of old did not have it easy and had to be multi-talented. Among their many talents required would be the ability to drum, serve tea and discuss the arts. Those who were geishas must possess charm, many abilities, hold an educated conversation and be entertainers as well.
Another that should be on your hotlist is Swissotel Nankai – a 5 star hotel with Japanese baths, six restaurants and a massive swimming pool. The views are unrivalled and you can enjoy sipping an ice cool beverage as you watch the sun sink below the skyline.
Japan is wonderful holiday destination for those seeking a cultural experience and offers ancient culture blended with modern technology and art. It’s an incredible place that will delight all of your senses.
