Whilst staying indoors, looking ahead to the future and thinking of places you’d like to visit is a great way to stay positive. Japan, a country on so many peoples bucket lists, is teeming with amazing experiences and hidden gems. We’re here to inspire you with the best things/places recommended by the leading luxury hotel in Tokyo, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu.
“The Capitol Tokyu Tips – The insiders guide to Tokyo” will offer authentic Japanese insight into where is the best to visit, away from mass tourism and into the best secret spots. Next time you visit Tokyo, you’ll be able to explore the culture as recommended by the local people.
These suggestions have been put together and endorsed by Hiroya Kobayashi, a chef sommelier at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. Hiroya has worked as a chef sommelier at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu for seven years. He is also responsible for the selection of beverages which are used in all of the hotel’s services and the arrangement between the restaurants and bar in the hotel. With the huge interest in different cultures outside of Japan, he believes that the relationship of wine and cuisine are exactly the same as understanding different cultures. Hiroya enjoys bringing excitement and enjoyment to his customers when pairing wines successfully with exceptional food.
For foodies, trying local cuisine is one of the most important things whilst traveling. As Japanese cuisine is recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, travellers in Japan enjoy and fall in love with different Japanese foods in each area across the country, and great dishes are always enjoyed best with amazing beverages.
Here Hiroya introduces you to the best food pairings you can enjoy in Japan:
- Tempura x Sparkling Sake “John”: Tempura is one of the signature dishes in Japan which consists of seasonal ingredients such as seafoods and vegetables covered with flour and fried and served one at a time to guests. Sparkling sake, especially the brand named ‘John’, is a perfect match for tempura as it foams well enough to cut through the fried oil of tempura in order to enjoy the full flavours.
- Sushi x Cold sake (Junmai-shu, Ginjo-shu): Even if you have never been to Japan, you might have tried sushi before. Cold sake is a better match with sushi than hot sake due to the fact that it has the ability to refresh your palate. This goes especially well with white fish including sea bream and flounder. If you’re enjoying red fish such as tuna and salmon, I highly recommend you select daiginjo rather than junmai sake. Sake is a great pairing with sushi because both of them are made with rice.
- Kaiseki cuisine x Japanese wine: Kaiseki cuisine, a Japanese traditional dish, is served with various ingredients and cooking methods. Japanese wine has a sensitive and balanced flavour which can harmonise everything in dishes like Kaiseki cuisine. When you next visit Japan, please experience both white and red wine across Japan!
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. With its long history it remains a beloved hotel for many VIPs from all over the world, including international musical greats, film and popstars.
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.
