REVIEWS


Tokyo, Japan


LOCATION: This hotel-within-a-hotel is tucked inside Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa. The property is located in Shinagawa, a big hub located just 20 minutes from Haneda airport. Shinagawa is within the Tokyo Bay area and is home to the second-biggest train station in the city (after Tokyo station).


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I felt like a VIP as I was whisked through the main entrance of Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa and placed into a lift, emerging in a secret section of the property called Takanawa Hanakohro. This traditional Japanese ryokan-style hotel is an unexpected gem. With hardly any online presence, you need to seek it out to know it even exists. The kimono-clad staff are extremely attentive (one of the reasons it was awarded Five Star status by Forbes Travel Guide), and you feel like you’re staying at a tiny boutique rather than a large complex-style property.


THE FACTS: 7iÌh jÕÃÌ £È ÃÕiÌià q i>Vh n>mi` >vÌiÀ Ìhi yoÀ> found in the property’s surrounding gardens – Takanawa Hanakohro aims to offer a traditional Japanese experience. Each suite features tatami m>Ì yooÀin}] ÃVÀiinà >n` loÜ- lÞin} Li`ð 9oÕ½ll wn` >«>niÃi Ìi> ÃiÌÃ] ÌÀ>`iÌion>l Ãli««iÀà and accompanying socks. The Oh-Sai Lounge is exclusively for Takanawa Hanakohro guests and serves a traditional Japanese breakfast, cocktails and snacks. It also hosts sake tasting sessions, origami classes and furoshiki lessons, which


showcase the art of fabric wrapping. Guests wanting a Western breakfast can dine in the main restaurant of Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa. An extensive room service menu is also available. The property is surrounded by pristine gardens, which are beautifully lit after dark.


IDEAL FOR: Couples seeking a traditional Japanese experience away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo.


EXPLORE: The property is just a stone’s throw away from Shinagawa station, meaning central Tokyo is easily accessible by train. Recommend clients head to Asakusa, where old meets new and temples and neon signs live in harmony. A trip to Akihabara, known as Electric Town, is also worthwhile, but for a slice of history and culture head to the Meiji Shinto Shrine or the Imperial Palace Gardens.


WOW: I particularly loved how under the radar this property is. Even taxi drivers seemed perplexed when I gave them the property name: top tip, give them the Grand Prince details and address instead.


BOOK IT: Suites lead in at £419. Top category suites start from £2,200.


PRINCEHOTELS.COM/HANAKOHRO Hollie-Rae Brader


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


JANUARY 2024 ASPIRE 101


CREDIT: Nacasa & Partners inc.


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