They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and you don’t have to be a professional to see the beauty and unique aesthetic that Tokyo has to offer. For those who’d like to add a quieter and more creative item to their itinerary when they visit Tokyo, the locals have some recommendations they’ve been keeping secret.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, a five-star hotel in Tokyo and Tokyu Hotel Group’s flagship hotel has put together a list of locations recommended by locals to inspire and satiate the creative and artistically minded in Tokyo. From a museum that is a work of art in and of itself, to a park that is as pretty as a picture, make sure to add these items to your Tokyo itinerary.
Nezu Museum – Aoyama, Tokyo
After its reopening in 2009, the museum became famous for its remarkable and diverse private collections of Japanese and Asian art which was owned by the Japanese industrialist Kaichiro Nezu, and for its striking bamboo architecture designed by Kengo Kuma, one of the world’s top trending architects. Kuma is dear to The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, as he is the designer of the hotel’s main lobby. The Nezu Museum is an artistic masterpiece itself, with a beautiful iris-filled garden that blends with an exhibition of the national treasure Kakitsubata-zu, or Irises Screen, by Korin Ogata, making you feel as though you’ve become a part of the famous painting’s world.
Mori Art Museum – Roppongi, Tokyo
Located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the Mori Art Museum is known as the “Sky Garden Museum” for its breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo. Its contemporary exhibitions have a global outlook, are engaging, and stimulate discussion, making it the perfect place to think peacefully amidst the enriched and vibrant art that relates to all aspects of life just above the hustle and bustle of the city. The Mori Art Museum is unique among private art museums, having been founded to serve as part of a new community, with a sky deck on the top floor boasting a spectacular 360° skyline view of Tokyo. For locals, this is the best place to take a break after a day of shopping in the area, within the cultural heart of the city.
Shinjuku Gyoen – Shinjuku, Tokyo
Famous as a spot for “Hanami”, cherry blossom viewing parties, and with a variety of seasonal plants and flowers, Shinjuku Gyoen was originally part of a feudal lord’s residence during the Edo Period (1603-1868), but was opened to the public in 1949. This spectacular park is a natural form of art, filled with wonderful architecture and a range of different gardens, including English and French. The traditional Japanese landscape garden is the oldest, featuring large ponds surrounded by meticulously manicured shrubs and trees and beautiful pavilions. Be it in spring with the cherry blossoms or in the autumn with the red maple trees, Shinjuku Gyoen is a must visit destination to take in the artistry of nature.
Japan, a country on so many people’s bucket lists, is teeming with amazing experiences and hidden gems away from the crowded streets and bucket list locations that everybody visits, with plenty of treasures waiting to be discovered. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, the leading luxury hotel in Tokyo, is here to inspire and share the best things to do, the best places to go, and the best things to eat with authentic local insights. Make the most out of your trip to Tokyo, and experience a secret and special side that few know about with Tokyo Insider and The Capitol Hotel Tokyu.
Stay with The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Your Future Trip
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu continues to play a leading role in the growth of Japan’s hotel industry, being awarded as a five-star hotel in Tokyo for 2021 by Forbes Travel Guide. With its long history, it remains a beloved hotel for many VIPs from all over the world, including international musical greats, film and pop stars. The refined Japanese architectural style designed by Kengo Kuma, the trend architect in the world, creates an atmosphere perfect for relaxation, whether travelling to Tokyo for business or leisure. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is a member of Tokyu Hotels Group, one of the biggest hotel chains in Japan, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing 739 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences and unique hotel groups across 85 countries.
