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The top Tokyo spots you need to know 

By Condé Nast Traveller

The top Tokyo spots you need to know

World-class dining, singular cityscapes, and impeccable style – Tokyo has it all. The Japanese capital is a neon-lit cultural hub where tradition meets modernity, full of surprises and serendipity. With over 30 travel and lifestyle benefits, The Platinum Card ® from American Express will enable you to make the most of your visit to this dynamic, cosmopolitan city. Here's everything you need to know about the top spots to visit. 

Where to eat

Boasting 203 Michelin-starred restaurants, Tokyo is a hotspot for food lovers. At tofu kaiseki specialist Shiba Tofuya Ukai , a tranquil carp pond and beautifully sculpted gardens conjure the ambience of old Edo. Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Narisawa showcases exquisite local ingredients in contemporary creations such as langoustine with tear-shaped peas and slippery junsai water shield. Get your sushi fix at Ginza Kyubey, where each piece of nigiri is like a miniature work of art. For meticulously crafted wagashi sweets, head to the light-filled Toraya Akasaka flagship. The Platinum Concierge Service helps Cardmembers discover local gems like these and book reservations at the city’s top restaurants.

Tofu kaiseki specialist Shiba Tofuya Ukai shot by Ben Richards

Tofu kaiseki specialist Shiba Tofuya Ukai shot by Ben Richards

Where to shop

Tokyo is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from vintage kimonos to cutting-edge fashion. Designed by Tokujin Yoshioka, the Pleats Please Issey Miyake store in Aoyama displays the late Miyake's revolutionary, colourful garments in a futuristic space lined with recycled aluminum. More than a mere bookstore, Daikanyama T-Site spans three interlocking buildings, each crammed with thousands of volumes and a treasure trove of knick-knacks. Looking for something more traditional? Immerse yourself in the ancient craft of washi with a paper-making workshop at Ozu Washi , a longstanding shop and cultural centre in the Nihonbashi business district. With virtually every pound you spend on your Platinum Card, you’ll earn one Membership Rewards® Point to use in any way you wish.

Toraya Akasaka Store shot by Ben Richards

Toraya Akasaka Store shot by Ben Richards

What to see

Securing tickets to popular attractions and exhibitions is another Cardmember benefit. Sculpture enthusiasts will marvel at the vast collection of pre-modern Asian art at the Nezu Museum, housed in an elegant structure by Kengo Kuma. But the property’s 17,000sq m Japanese garden, criss-crossed with streams and dotted with teahouses, is reason alone to visit. Over at the Mori Art Museum, contemporary art is the focus; take in 360° panoramic vistas from the museum’s observation deck on the 52nd floor before wandering through the rotating exhibitions.

Tokyo skyline shot by Ben Richards

Tokyo skyline shot by Ben Richards

Where to stay

Platinum Cardmembers also enjoy exclusive benefits at leading luxury hotels and resorts, including room upgrades and guaranteed 4pm late checkout at 25 properties across the city. Wake up to complimentary breakfast and views of the Tokyo skyline from the timelessly chic Mandarin Oriental , sip expertly mixed cocktails at the glittering Gold Bar in the Tokyo Edition Toranomon , or unwind with the Aman Tokyo’s Signature Spa Journey – a soothing treatment featuring a full-body scrub and a 90-minute massage. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready for more adventures.

The Platinum Card® from American Express shot by Ben Richards

The Platinum Card® from American Express shot by Ben Richards

Even when it’s time to leave, your trip ends in style thanks to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, which grants you access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. And with a special Cardmember Welcome Bonus (see box, opposite, for details), there’s never been a better time to plan your dream trip to Tokyo – and beyond.

Apply today and enjoy a new Cardmember welcome bonus of 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £4,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership. Terms apply.

For more information and to apply for The Platinum Card, click here .  

Representative 448.0% APR variable (inclusive of annual fee + purchase rate). Annual fee. Terms and Conditions apply.

  18+, subject to approval. All information including representative APR is correct as at 30 November 2022. Interest rates link to the Bank of England base rate. See   amex.co.uk   for details.

Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Membership Rewards ®  points are not earned on balance transfers, cash advances, American Express travellers cheque purchases, foreign exchange, fees and interest charges for returned payments, finance charges, late payment and referral charges, fees/charges including joining, annual and Membership Rewards fees. Membership Rewards terms and conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points redemptions. Visit   membershiprewards.co.uk/terms

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15 essential things to know before you visit Tokyo

By Crista Priscilla

Shibuya shopping street

Tokyo is a city that might be well spoken of in the plural, just as the Greeks used to speak of Athens – for this city is the largest in the world, and even locals might not be able to comprehend the whole city in their lifetime. Made up of 23 wards that are distinctively unique to each other, one person's understanding of Tokyo might be different to another's – depending on which area they spend most of their time in.

However, there are some universal rules to live by whenever you are in the city. No matter which area of Tokyo you are in, these are some tips to enjoy the magnitude of the megalopolitan area seamlessly and pleasantly.

Haneda airport

1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival

Narita may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city centre from Haneda will save you time and money. With its amazing public transportation system, you can easily choose between trains or buses.

2. The Japan Rail Pass might be too expensive if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to travel through the country, but if you will spend most of your time in Tokyo, it can be a rather lavish expense – and an unnecessary one. The Japan Rail Pass only works for trains and buses that are managed by the JR company. Throughout Tokyo, other train lines operate as well as JR trains. Most JR stations sprawl among the more commercial areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku, but to get to know Tokyo beyond the touristy sites, explore more the neighbourhood-y ones such as the old town Yanaka, hipster Kuramae, or traditional fish market of Tsukiji. To get to  those  places you’ll need to take the subway and buses operated by other companies, which are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Tsukiji Market Tokyo

3. Get yourself a Pasmo (or a Suica)

These will make your adventure through the megalopolitan serpentine transportation system a walk in a park. Pasmo (or Suica – they are the same kind of cards, just issued by different train companies) is a super-smart card that can be used not only to get you through the train station ’s gate but also to pay for everything, from bus tickets and vending-machine snacks to your compulsive buying in Tokyo’s exceptional convenience stores. You can easily get one from the ticket machines at any train station, load it up with yen and hop on and off effortlessly between modes of transport like the locals do.

4. Remember this is a cash country

No matter how futuristic your imagination of Japan is, it is still a country that is very much rooted in tangibility – and to some extent, a sensory experience. That is why Japanese people prefer renting comic books rather than getting a kindle, or ordering an expensive carved seal (hanko) than registering a digital signature, or in this case, carrying (and receiving) cash than using debit and credit cards. So prepare a thick wad of yen at all times, because there are five-star ryokans or top-tier sushi restaurants that refuse to take credit cards or e-money. If you need more cash, find the nearest convenience store – these usually have an ATM inside. Very few Japanese ATMs work with foreign cash, let alone provide you with an English language option, but those in the 7-Elevens should be reliable enough.

5. Note: there are at least five stations with the name “Shinjuku”

If you ask the locals where the Shinjuku station is, they might ask you in return, “Which one?”. Shinjuku, like most famous districts in Tokyo, is not only vast but also comprised of several areas, and each has its own train station (with different operating train companies). There is the famous Shinjuku Station that is owned by JR company (the same company that issues the Japan Rail Pass), and there are those with the name “Nishi-Shinjuku”, “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae”, “Shinjuku-san-chome”, “Seibu Shinjuku”, plus many more. So when you’re planning to visit Shinjuku, or any other district, make sure you’re heading to the right station, closest to the place you’re looking for.

Tip : Google Maps is a life-saver! It can indicate which train company you have to hop on to, and which “Shinjuku Station” you need to go to. Just enter the name of your destination and choose the one with the least walking distance.

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Tokyo pod hotel

6. Be prepared to downsize

Get used to everything being small in Tokyo. The first diminutive thing you may notice is most likely your hotel room, and more often than not, the size of the bed and bathroom. Try to pack lightly for Tokyo, and check the bed size when you book your accommodation – the largest size most hotels have is a queen size, and few provide king-size beds. Most restaurants are also small, and they are meant to cater to only two-four people per group. Unless you come to a family restaurant or an established izakaya, it is usually a challenge to find one table for a group of more than four people. It’s highly advisable to do a little research about your preferred eatery’s seating arrangements, especially if you’re travelling in a big group.

7. A long queue is a good sign

Japanese people are known for their long suffering and perseverance. They don’t mind a long waiting time – nor getting up (way too) early to get in the line, be it for the opening of a new store or lunchtime at a famous soba joint. Don’t let long queues discourage you! Instead, get used to it or arrive earlier to beat the crowd. Better yet, join the queue because wherever there’s a long line with locals lining up, it’s a sign that the place is undoubtedly worth it.

View of Mt. Fuji Tokyo Tower and downtown Tokyo

8. Don't ask for a menu – ask for the ticket machine instead

When you step into a ramen shop, you are expected to place your order by giving your ramen ticket to the cook. There is no menu that will be given to you, nor a waiter to take your order. You have to find a massive machine, usually located by the shop’s entrance, that is full of buttons with photos of every item on the menu and its price. Insert your bill (remember to always bring cash) and press the button for the item that you want. Your ticket and exact change will be spewed out by the machine. Hand the ticket to the food attendant (or the cook himself) – that’s how you place your order in a ramen shop.

9. Be aware that most cafes and restaurants only open after 11am

Although Tokyo is the greatest feast on earth, the feast starts at lunch time, not at breakfast. Most eateries begin their first service at lunch, and hardly anything opens for breakfast unless it’s an international joint that clearly serves breakfast on its menu. The denizen of Tokyo have their breakfast at home, from a convenience store, or nothing at all because they are too busy running to get into the packed train before the doors close.

10. Watch out for rush-hour hell

You’ve probably seen the videos of Japanese train officers ruthlessly pushing people into sardine-packed carriages  And if you’re not keen to experience that kind of phenomenon during your trip, it is better to steer clear of taking the trains during weekday rush-hour peak – between 7am and 9am, and shortly after 5pm. The most congested lines will be the Tozai line, JR Chuo-Sobu line, and the popular JR Yamanote line which runs around the city and stops at some of Tokyo’s most popular districts including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. The stations will also be packed. Try to avoid commuting around these hours, but if you can’t, search for other walking-distance stations that operate different lines and depart from there.

Famous escalator in Tokyo

11. Learn escalator protocol

You will soon notice that on the escalator, people stand on the left side, and leave the right side open. That is to give way for others who are in a rush to use the right side to walk up without any obstruction. Stay on the left side when you’re riding the elevator to avoid annoyed looks from locals. While you’re living by this rule in Tokyo, you will have to do the opposite in the Kansai region – that will be Osaka , Kyoto and Nara. Just  don’t get mixed up between the two.

12. Public bins are scarce – so bring a bag for rubbish

Soon after devouring 7-Eleven’s fried chicken, you realise that you cannot find anywhere to throw away the greasy paper. A domestic terror attack in 1995 that involved deadly sarin gas forced the government to remove public bins to prevent future attacks, as they believed this could be another place where dangerous substances could easily be installed. That being said, you still can find these rare objects in a few spots in public parks, some train stations, public restrooms and in front of convenience stores.

Tip : Bring an empty plastic bag with you to hold the rubbish until you can take it home and sort it. Also, if you buy food or drink, eat it where you bought it. They usually place bins nearby so you can toss your rubbish right away.

Busy streets of Shinjuku Tokyo with neon lights and traffic

13. Get to know Tokyo's neighbourhoods

Tokyo, as vast and large as it is, is divided into many neighbourhoods that became city centres in their own right. The capital has several downtowns spread throughout the city. Depending on what you’re looking for, one downtown might be more suitable than another. Here are the five busiest downtown districts of Tokyo which each offer different impressions and experiences.

A frenetic neighbourhood full of young people. Expect to spend your money on animal cafes, 100-yen stores, or cute-looking puddings that are too pretty to eat.

The district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a massive office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese salarymen after office hours. Find the infamous Kabukicho, Tokyo’s biggest red light district where almost 300 nightclubs, love hotels, shops, host and hostess clubs, and restaurants are ready to serve you all night long.

An old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly – but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still widely present, especially in the western part. Ikebukuro is also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium.

A classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travellers, offering a large number of tourist-friendly entertainment spots. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural centre with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district is where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries and exclusive restaurants.

14. Get used to self-service cashiers

Don’t be surprised if there is no one waiting for you at the cashier when you’re checking out. These days, the country is increasing self-checkouts to ease labour shortage problems. You will find big stores in Tokyo such as Uniqlo, Muji or GU, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart install rows of self-service cashier counters that will calculate the total amount of your purchase. Note: these machines will automatically deduct payment from your credit cards without applying any payment authentication steps.

Side street in Tokyo

15. Silence is golden

Tokyo may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet – especially when on the train, bus and other public places. Talking in the train car is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by the people around you, it is considered annoying and rude. Japanese people are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume – including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board – is considered an understood etiquette.

First published in CNT UK  

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This ‘magical’ country has been voted the best place to visit in the world

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Tokyo, Japan Skyline

With flights from London to pretty much anywhere, choosing where to go on holiday can be an overwhelming task. 

Spoilt for choice, how are we supposed to know which country is worth spending all our hard-earned cash to visit? 

Well, thankfully, that work has been done for us: Conde Nast Traveller just shared the results from its annual Readers Choice Awards which surveyed 526,518 people to find out which is the best country in the world.

The result? Japan . 

If you know anything about Japan, you may not be surprised — from the cosmopolitan, futuristic Tokyo , to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto , Japan is not short of breathtaking scenery and fascinating culture. 

Not to mention Mount Fuji which, despite no longer being free to visit , is one of the most beautiful places, and bustling tourist attractions, in the world. 

Japan

Giving Japan its props, Conde Nast Traveller said: ‘Now that the country has reopened for visa-free tourism, you’ll still find the incredible restaurants, the ultra-relaxing onsens, the Shinto temples, the cherry blossoms , and the impeccably clean and efficient high-speed trains, which run along some of the most scenic rail routes in the world.’

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, it offers something for every tourist. City-slickers will be amazed at the vertical neighbourhoods that tower over Tokyo’s busy streets, with the capital’s Shibuya and Harajuku neighbourhoods a favourite for anyone looking to shop and eat.

lavender and another flower field in hokkaido , Japan - nature background

Alternatively, head off the beaten track to destinations like Mie prefecture – where you can see pearl divers and eat the freshest seafood imaginable – or Honshu – where you can indulge in a spa bath filled with Japanese delicacy, sake .

Be sure to time your trip with seasonal events, from the flowers blooming in Hokkaido in summer to the powdery winter snow of Niigata and Nagano that’s ideal for skiing.

It can also get extremely hot over summer in Japan and rainy season tends to be around June and July, so it’s worth taking this into account if you’d prefer certain weather while you’re there.

What tourists say

Don’t just take Conde Nast Traveller’s word for it.

Reddit user jackasssparrow spent two weeks journeying across Japan, which they called a ‘magical country’ that’s ‘incredibly close to achieving perfection.’

They added: ‘What I experienced, the feelings that were invoked by that experience, I can not let go of it. There’s nothing else in my life that has been as potent, enriching, and profound.’

Another, Hitokiri_Ace , said Kyoto and Osaka were their favourite spots during their 15-day trip, adding that food and sights were both ‘amazing’, and they ‘had a great time’.

Meanwhile, mibop3 , who visited with his partner on their honeymoon said: ‘This beautiful country exceeded all of our expectations and gave us the trip of a lifetime… Japan was everything we could have imagined and more. There is a certain standard of excellence that just permeates everything in Japan, and it makes the culture such a joy to experience. We can’t wait to go back.’

If you want to extend your holiday (since it’s difficult to see everything over a week or two), Japan recently announced it would be offering a digital nomad visa to remote workers looking to live and work in the country for up to six months.

The country joined the likes of  Spain ,  Portugal , and other European countries in offering these visas, which give people the right to work remotely in a country other than their one of residence.

How to take an affordable trip to Japan

The best can often mean the most expensive — and Japan is no different. 

A two-week holiday to the country is likely to set travellers back at least £600 per person — and that’s before flights which can set you back £1000 depending on when you book.

When to travel

It is possible to do Japan on the (relatively) cheap, mainly by visiting in the off-season, or our winter. Travelling to Japan between mid-January and March will help you save some pennies. 

Accommodation

If you’re not so fussed about luxury, you can bag a two-week stay at a budget hotel in Tokyo for £600 on booking.com . It’s also worth checking our Airbnb and Hostelworld — and booking well in advance to ensure you get a good deal. 

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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14 Best Airbnbs in Tokyo, Whether You Want to Be Near Nightlife, Temples, or Shopping

Posted: January 30, 2024 | Last updated: January 30, 2024

<p>Between the scores of sky-scraping luxury retreats and intimate <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/boutique-hotels-tokyo?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">boutiques</a>, <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/tokyo?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">Tokyo</a> has no shortage of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-tokyo?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">hotel options</a> for travelers to choose from—but when location is the priority, Airbnb is often the way to go. Staying in a rental is perfect for those who want to be immersed in the colorful streets of neighborhoods like Ginza, <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-essential-guide-to-shinjuku-tokyos-busiest-neighborhood?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">Shinjuku</a>, and Nakano. Admittedly, some of these apartments—like most in the Japanese capital—are on the small side, but come filled with personality, and helpful amenities like early luggage drop-off, washer/dryers, and even a grand piano in one Shinjuku abode.</p> <p>From sakura-themed living rooms to tatami-lined traditional homes, here are 14 spots that are well worth a stay on your next trip to Tokyo.</p> <p><em>We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. All listings featured on</em> Condé Nast Traveler <em>are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.</em></p><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

Between the scores of sky-scraping luxury retreats and intimate boutiques , Tokyo has no shortage of  hotel options for travelers to choose from—but when location is the priority, Airbnb is often the way to go. Staying in a rental is perfect for those who want to be immersed in the colorful streets of neighborhoods like Ginza, Shinjuku , and Nakano. Admittedly, some of these apartments—like most in the Japanese capital—are on the small side, but come filled with personality, and helpful amenities like early luggage drop-off, washer/dryers, and even a grand piano in one Shinjuku abode.

From sakura-themed living rooms to tatami-lined traditional homes, here are 14 spots that are well worth a stay on your next trip to Tokyo.

We've selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel

<p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths<br> <strong>Top amenities:</strong> Mount Fuji views, high-speed Wi-Fi</p> <p>This airy two-bedroom in Shibuya is a remote worker’s dream. The host, Mitsuko, offers guests cooking classes and has a wealth of information on what to see and do in the area. The bathroom has convenient perks that guests will love, like a curling iron and bubble bath products. The kitchen features natural marble, cooking appliances, and a dining table that can accommodate up to six—and easily functions as a workspace, too. The living room TV comes preset with Netflix and Hulu, while upstairs, one of the two bedrooms offers views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2uxxCQ7Rfr7UbY81Z3FnBafdqPBY3GRqSxsAHWCo9iGCvJNhBcsSWhndBYcBwkCxW5zrkGs5xG3hx5qJXnBSnKboytWjAHhoDw16eoouRURyMsMhWafNLpb87f1VT1VP6SFrQVY3a" rel="sponsored" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the remote worker

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: Mount Fuji views, high-speed Wi-Fi

This airy two-bedroom in Shibuya is a remote worker’s dream. The host, Mitsuko, offers guests cooking classes and has a wealth of information on what to see and do in the area. The bathroom has convenient perks that guests will love, like a curling iron and bubble bath products. The kitchen features natural marble, cooking appliances, and a dining table that can accommodate up to six—and easily functions as a workspace, too. The living room TV comes preset with Netflix and Hulu, while upstairs, one of the two bedrooms offers views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Book now at Airbnb

<p>When you're traveling on business—and not staying in a hotel with all of your coworkers—you need a few specific things out of your Airbnb. Among them, great Wi-Fi, a desk or workspace to answer after-hours emails (the time zone change here is really something), quiet surrounds, and easy access to transportation for meetings. Luckily, this studio in a residential area of Minato has all of the above. It's just a two-minute walk to the metro, has a kitchen island and couch for you to do work on, strong Wi-Fi, toiletries like shampoo and body wash so you don't have to pack your own, and, as a bonus, a terrific view of the city below.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> Studio, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/LXn2rY?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the business traveler

Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath Top amenities: Keyless SmartLock entry system, balcony

When you're traveling on business—and not staying in a hotel with all of your coworkers—you need a few specific things out of your Airbnb. Among them, great Wi-Fi, a desk or workspace to answer after-hours emails (the time zone change here is really something), quiet surrounds, and easy access to transportation for meetings. Luckily, this studio in a residential area of Minato has all of the above. It's just a two-minute walk to the metro, has a kitchen island and couch for you to do work on, strong Wi-Fi, toiletries like shampoo and body wash so you don't have to pack your own, and, as a bonus, a terrific view of the city below.

<p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> Studio, 1 bath<br> <strong>Top amenities:</strong> Historic neighborhood, shared lounge space</p> <p>Check into this quiet retreat located in the historical Yanaka neighborhood. Named one of the <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/9t8kf9Usx7ZyYpp4CapZ5KaeVa5XEHpBDNTBV2UwDnmTkfdLhGmjcLxJnnbhWtS89tA1xmQ88dAuFjmES4V4KEDbjWZdx9AKwuUn8oHKeCWupdBcW4onBrGXwgAtwwnPR8zmjHK8SGVTPWADkYJDK2Q2ND5Gq9SVQWnQfNoW4ZrYBr5mkXN6NEVXGKqWcWAZ4BL9ZghkZcWVSm4BS82LFvEQDDVyNHCGb1ZQoGqrZ9vLATww6kpQKkrLgFA2SaYKobLmdW5Zz7asaPVNfpc8r4ch5mvvjVYd4NSBJsLTcZ2WL5sR14mDLLkQu2jzdaaCotJkM7gknyWc2RZQ9x7caDHwCTzNgkdbKtsswmbs2ZA9MQuBbs88hjGmbFh2moEbtpYR4hUC" rel="sponsored">Top 10 Most Wishlisted Japanese Airbnbs</a> by <a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2BPJBD7rBsogDfQBZX1ALARTbGMhE3Ze87tqkLeDt6rvJZNZH6BdfBd6RUUdU9TwXTfoBd9FgVqxz8wwre56meUcBzECo19pVxz1syHMZPDV674G2FkK2g" rel="sponsored">Airbnb</a> in 2022, Yanaka Sow functions as a hotel and rental property. A former center for major events in Tokyo’s history, including the World War II attacks, many of the original structures of yesteryear still remain intact on the streets just outside—like their Edo period houses and variety of temples. The two-bed studio features a full kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals with a stove, kettle, and large refrigerator. A shared laundry area and lounge space are also available. Work by Japanese artists adorns the walls. UENO park is nearby, alongside a number of bars that dot the narrow roads; the Nippori train station is just a seven-minute walk away.</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2uxxCQ7Rfr7UbY81Z3FnBafdqPBY3GRqSxsAHWCo9iGCvJNhBcsSWhndBYcBwkCxW5zrkGs5xG3hx5qJXnBSnKbozmbdgpGXxzbhxJrugJWukxX2wzXguNPAKKRWdUB95foDGqiYg" rel="sponsored" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For a peaceful getaway

Bed & bath: Studio, 1 bath Top amenities: Historic neighborhood, shared lounge space

Check into this quiet retreat located in the historical Yanaka neighborhood. Named one of the Top 10 Most Wishlisted Japanese Airbnbs by Airbnb in 2022, Yanaka Sow functions as a hotel and rental property. A former center for major events in Tokyo’s history, including the World War II attacks, many of the original structures of yesteryear still remain intact on the streets just outside—like their Edo period houses and variety of temples. The two-bed studio features a full kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals with a stove, kettle, and large refrigerator. A shared laundry area and lounge space are also available. Work by Japanese artists adorns the walls. UENO park is nearby, alongside a number of bars that dot the narrow roads; the Nippori train station is just a seven-minute walk away.

<p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath<br> <strong>Top amenities:</strong> Cherry blossom art, in-unit washer</p> <p>Celebrating Japan’s ubiquitous blush-colored flower, this one-bedroom wood-toned space features a large <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-to-see-cherry-blossoms-in-japan?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">cherry blossom</a> painting in the living room and another on the shower tiles in the bathroom. Spread across two brightly lit levels, sleeping accommodations include two futons on traditional Japanese tatami mats and two single beds. The full bathroom has a comfortably-sized shower and various bath products, and a minimalist kitchen with a hot plate, small fridge, and microwave available for guests who plan to cook. Other amenities provided include a USB adapter, hair dryer, bath towels, face towels, and laundry detergent for the in-unit washer. Conveniently located near Asakusa, the nearest train station is 10 minutes away on foot and the convenience store, Lawson, is just a few steps away.</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2uxxCQ7Rfr7UbY81Z3FnBafdqPBY3GRqSxsAHWCo9iGCvJNhBcsSWhndBYcBwkCxW5zrkGs5xG3hx5qJXnBSnKbozL4AnZsKSmuimnF2KFgcBHXnZ7CGg3HC72DUYVBoJLT55ck5v" rel="sponsored" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For a spacious retreat

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Cherry blossom art, in-unit washer

Celebrating Japan’s ubiquitous blush-colored flower, this one-bedroom wood-toned space features a large cherry blossom painting in the living room and another on the shower tiles in the bathroom. Spread across two brightly lit levels, sleeping accommodations include two futons on traditional Japanese tatami mats and two single beds. The full bathroom has a comfortably-sized shower and various bath products, and a minimalist kitchen with a hot plate, small fridge, and microwave available for guests who plan to cook. Other amenities provided include a USB adapter, hair dryer, bath towels, face towels, and laundry detergent for the in-unit washer. Conveniently located near Asakusa, the nearest train station is 10 minutes away on foot and the convenience store, Lawson, is just a few steps away.

<p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 2 bedrooms, 1 bath<br> <strong>Top amenities:</strong> Traditional Japanese decor, Mount Fuji views</p> <p>Step into this sleek fourth-floor retreat that features luxurious views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodations were designed by Japanese craftsmen to include rich wood-toned walls and vibrant wall paintings. There's one double bed in the main bedroom while an additional tatami room holds two futons for sleeping, though the landscape-lined walls might serve as a great place for meditation, too. The kitchen offers amenities like a microwave and electric kettle, and on warm days you can relax on the small balcony. Located in Ota-ku, the property is just 20 minutes from Haneda airport and a 15-minute walk to Keikyu Line Omorimachi station.</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2uxxCQ7Rfr7UbY81Z3FnBafdqPBY3GRqSxsAHWCo9iGCvJNhBcsSWhndBYcBwkCxW5zrkGs5xG3hx5qJXnBSnKboySZyiwZeyy3SitgKRM5uwA7xG6Nekn4PD6oy9H8DvnDV4dx96" rel="sponsored" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For traditional craftsmanship

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities: Traditional Japanese decor, Mount Fuji views

Step into this sleek fourth-floor retreat that features luxurious views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodations were designed by Japanese craftsmen to include rich wood-toned walls and vibrant wall paintings. There's one double bed in the main bedroom while an additional tatami room holds two futons for sleeping, though the landscape-lined walls might serve as a great place for meditation, too. The kitchen offers amenities like a microwave and electric kettle, and on warm days you can relax on the small balcony. Located in Ota-ku, the property is just 20 minutes from Haneda airport and a 15-minute walk to Keikyu Line Omorimachi station.

<p>Perfect for when you're on your own, this 320-square-foot studio has <em>just</em> enough space yet is packed with modern conveniences like air conditioning, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a galley kitchen. Bonus: You can drop off your luggage before check-in if you arrive ultra-early and coordinate with your host in advance. The Airbnb is located in a more residential neighborhood, Nakano, but is only three minutes from the closest Metro station and just two stops from Shinjuku.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/nLNybX?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the solo traveler

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Air conditioning, early luggage drop-off, elevator Perfect for when you're on your own, this 320-square-foot studio has just enough space yet is packed with modern conveniences like air conditioning, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a galley kitchen. Bonus: You can drop off your luggage before check-in if you arrive ultra-early and coordinate with your host in advance. The Airbnb is located in a more residential neighborhood, Nakano, but is only three minutes from the closest Metro station and just two stops from Shinjuku.

<p>For your very own zen <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-best-wellness-retreats-in-the-world?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">retreat</a> in the city, this newly built Airbnb features an open-air bath on a lush garden terrace that’s sure to remedy any tiredness after a long day of sightseeing. The second floor includes a king-size bed just steps away from the patio. On the first floor, a living room table and sofa sets up the ideal atmosphere to enjoy takeout or a movie night when you’re depleted from trawling the city. Nearby in the Akasaka neighborhood, streets lined with wine bars and boutique shopping will complete the perfect day.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/xkyZbv?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the peace-seeker

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Garden terrace, hot tub, king bed

For your very own zen retreat in the city, this newly built Airbnb features an open-air bath on a lush garden terrace that’s sure to remedy any tiredness after a long day of sightseeing. The second floor includes a king-size bed just steps away from the patio. On the first floor, a living room table and sofa sets up the ideal atmosphere to enjoy takeout or a movie night when you’re depleted from trawling the city. Nearby in the Akasaka neighborhood, streets lined with wine bars and boutique shopping will complete the perfect day.

<p>This elegant take on Japanese decor is a calm haven in the middle of Tokyo's neon bustle. Filled with natural light, the two-bedroom apartment in central Akasaka offers a traditionally Western bedroom in addition to a tatami living area that can sleep up to three. If you bring all of your friends, expect to host a dinner party in the spacious dining room and kitchen (there's even a Muji rice cooker). Just know that you'll have to hike up four flights of stairs—with your luggage—to get to this apartment.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/Y91Noj?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the hostess

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: Large dining table, tatami sleeping area

This elegant take on Japanese decor is a calm haven in the middle of Tokyo's neon bustle. Filled with natural light, the two-bedroom apartment in central Akasaka offers a traditional Western bedroom in addition to a tatami living area that can sleep up to three. If you bring all of your friends, expect to host a dinner party in the spacious dining room and kitchen (there's even a Muji rice cooker). Just know that you'll have to hike up four flights of stairs—with your luggage—to get to this apartment.

<p>This Airbnb's bright, floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balcony offer impressive views of Tokyo's Sumida River and 2,000-foot-tall <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/tokyo/tokyo-skytree?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">SkyTree</a>. Ideal for friends traveling to Tokyo, the space offers two full beds plus additional sleeping futons (at an extra cost) for up to four people. You're about 30 minutes from popular Shinjuku and Shibuya, but minutes from the nearby <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/tokyo/senso-ji?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">Sensō-ji</a> temple and food stalls.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/daLGZk?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the armchair traveler

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows

This Airbnb's bright, floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balcony offer impressive views of Tokyo's Sumida River and 2,000-foot-tall SkyTree . Ideal for friends traveling to Tokyo, the space offers two full beds plus additional sleeping futons (at an extra cost) for up to four people. You're about 30 minutes from popular Shinjuku and Shibuya, but just minutes from the nearby Sensō-ji temple and food stalls.

<p>Spacious Airbnb listings are rare in Tokyo, so large groups will want first dibs on this Shinjuku abode—especially those who like to entertain. The four-bedroom home features four floors: semi-basement, first floor, second floor, and attic. Two soundproof rooms in the basement set the scene for a memorable movie night—there’s a projector screen, surround sound, and a grand piano.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/eKqNBz?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the whole crew

Bed & bath: 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: Grand piano, projector screen, balcony

Spacious Airbnb listings are rare in Tokyo, so large groups will want first dibs on this Shinjuku abode—especially those who like to entertain. The four-bedroom home features four floors: semi-basement, first floor, second floor, and attic. Two soundproof rooms in the basement set the scene for a memorable movie night—there’s a projector screen, surround sound, and a grand piano.

<p>You won’t ever have trouble finding something to admire in this centrally located space in Akasaka. Sitting above a gallery and cafe, the quaint 75-year-old house is ideal for couples or families and includes a queen-size bed and living room with two floor mattresses. With its earthen walls and tatami floor mats, it’s one of the city’s last standing wooden houses. It was renovated in 2018 to include a new kitchen, shower, toilet, and washing machine. Head downstairs to the first floor cafe, and you’ll find a curated exhibit on postwar Tokyo, as well as a library of photos and books that educate viewers on the city’s multi-faceted past. For a bit of urban life, major metro stations are just minutes away, and right outside the door you can find endless food and <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-tokyo?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">nightlife options</a>.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/5gAnLN?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the history buff

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Downstairs cafe and gallery, historic wooden house

You won’t ever have trouble finding something to admire in this centrally located space in Akasaka. Sitting above a gallery and cafe, the quaint 75-year-old house is ideal for couples or families and includes a queen-size bed and living room with two floor mattresses. With its earthen walls and tatami floor mats, it’s one of the city’s last standing wooden houses—and was recently named a Guest Favorite. It was renovated in 2018 to include a new kitchen, shower, toilet, and washing machine. Head downstairs to the first-floor cafe and you’ll find a curated exhibit on postwar Tokyo as well as a library of photos and books that educate viewers on the city’s multi-faceted past. For a bit of urban life, major metro stations are just minutes away, and right outside the door you can find endless food and nightlife options .

<p>If Hello Kitty could call a home her own, this would be it. Blooming with cherry blossoms and bursting with pink, this sakura-inspired Airbnb is camera ready from the moment you walk in the door. Even the ceiling is printed with the motif of the flower. The one-bedroom is also just minutes away from <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/what-to-do-in-harajuku-our-guide?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood</a>, full of quirky fashion and dessert shops to enjoy.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/LXn2rM?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the influencer

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Picture-perfect decor, washer/dryer

If Hello Kitty could call a home her own, this would be it. Blooming with cherry blossoms and bursting with pink, this Sakura-inspired Airbnb is camera-ready from the moment you walk in the door. Even the ceiling is printed with the motif of the flower. The one-bedroom is also just minutes away from Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood , full of quirky fashion and dessert shops to enjoy.

<p>Disclaimer: Yes, that is a <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/japan-unveils-new-high-speed-train-between-tokyo-and-osaka?mbid=synd_msn_rss&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=syndication">Shinkansen train</a> zipping by the home at record speeds. But thanks to double-paned windows, the apartment is relatively quiet. Plus, according to previous guests, rail traffic is minimal during sleeping hours. The traditional Japanese soaking tub, the minimalist, light wood decor, the location minutes from the popular Ginza shopping district, and the chance to see one of Japan's most iconic symbols fly past your living room window all make up for it.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 1 bedroom, 1 bath</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/KjJz99?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the minimalist

Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities: Traditional Japanese soaking tub, great location

Disclaimer: Yes, that is a Shinkansen train zipping by the home at record speeds. But thanks to double-paned windows, the apartment is relatively quiet. Plus, according to previous guests, rail traffic is minimal during sleeping hours. The traditional Japanese soaking tub, the minimalist, light wood decor, the location minutes from the popular Ginza shopping district, and the chance to see one of Japan's most iconic symbols fly past your living room window all make up for it.

<p>This classic Japanese-style home includes tatami flooring and minimalist uses of wood throughout. Thoughtful touches like samurai clothing hanging from walls and handmade ceramics in vintage cabinets are an homage to artifacts of yesteryear. Modern amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a rice cooker. The house can accommodate up to eight guests within its two bedrooms and a living room with two floor mattresses.</p> <p><strong>Bed & bath:</strong> 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths</p> <div class="callout"><p><a href="https://airbnb.pvxt.net/jrzm20?trafcat=summer23" title="Book now at Airbnb">Book now at Airbnb</a></p> </div><p>Sign up to receive the latest news, expert tips, and inspiration on all things travel.</p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/newsletter/the-daily?sourceCode=msnsend">Inspire Me</a>

For the traditionalist

Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths Top amenities: Air conditioning, classic Japanese decor

This classic Japanese-style home includes tatami flooring and minimalist uses of wood throughout. Thoughtful touches like samurai clothing hanging from walls and handmade ceramics in vintage cabinets are an homage to artifacts of yesteryear. Modern amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a rice cooker. The house can accommodate up to eight guests within its two bedrooms and a living room with two floor mattresses.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.

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The Best Spas in the World

By CNT Editors

The Best Spas in the World

These are the best spas in the world in 2024: the top-level retreats and medi-clinics, the most-results-driven health centers and the slickest spas. Wellbeing has never been more at the forefront of our minds than now, and there have never been more excuses to exercise wellness on a daily basis. From sound baths in the Maldives to recovery lounges in Napa Valley , 2024 is set to see boundary-pushing wellness trends in the travel world , with emphases placed on everything from menopause to men themselves . For now, explore some of the world's most incredible spas, as awarded by Condé Nast Traveller UK in this year's Spa Awards .

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

COMO Shambhala Estate

COMO Shambhala Estate Arrow

Acres of lush Edenic gardens flank steep forested terrain. Mist rises above rice terraces, and a sacred spring overflows into bathing pools seemingly hewn into natural rock. It’s hard to find a more beautiful backdrop to focus on oneself. Como Shambhala is one of the original greats, offering a rare union of health kick and holiday vibe in Bal i’s cultural capital, Ubud. Since closing for two years during Covid, the property has had a revitalising shot, with new wellness director Kimberly Rose Kneier launching programmes targeting fitness and detox, lifestyle and beauty, as well as introducing some tech, including sound frequency hubs for better sleep, an infrared sauna and a hyperbaric chamber. Kneier herself focuses on traditional Chinese healing. Behind the powerful Ayurvedic programme is Dr Prasanth Vayanakathu, who deploys dosha-specific medicated oils and herbs in his treatments, from the cleansing rituals of panchakarma to shirodhara, a deeply relaxing head massage. Together, the pair focus on fundamental transformative healing rather than quick fixes, and they don’t shy away from spirituality and energetics, forces they say are magnified by this revered location on the banks of the Ayung.

Established in 1995, this property has serious pioneering pedigree. Its first iteration, Begawan Giri Estate, was founded by British couple Debora and Bradley Gardner, who wanted to create a private estate that worked in tandem with surrounding villages, using materials that were in keeping with the landscape. The five-residence property became legendary. A few years later, Singaporean hotelier Christina Ong snapped it up, adding to her global portfolio that stretches from Tuscany to the Turks and Caicos. She shifted the focus to wellness by adding yoga pavilions, hydrotherapy pools and colonic treatments, creating an Eat Pray Love escape that is more about abundance than deprivation. Postpone any inclination to fast here. Como Shambhala Cuisine is a brand of its own, using organic ingredients, often served raw or with speedy field-to-fork passage to retain goodness. The 30 rooms, suites, villas and residences are mostly contemporary, with sleek interiors by Koichiro Ikebuchi amid local stone, wood and alang-alang roofing. Larger villas can take families, although most guests I meet are repeat couples from New York, Sydney and Tokyo. Underpinning the holistic healing is a profound appreciation of nature and traditional culture. When I ask the hotel’s general manager, Gede Suteja, why the Balinese believe this location – on a river bend surrounded by temples, shrines and ashrams – is special, he says: “We don’t believe this place is special. It is special.” – Michelle Jana Chan

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Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa

Forte Village is not simply a resort. Open since 1970, it’s a whole, safely-contained and celebrity-friendly town dedicated to the pursuit of holidays, folding in eight hotels, 13 villas, boutiques, bars and 21 restaurants, from Michelin-starred to brunchy. If that sounds like a turn-off, imagine all that ensconced in 300 acres of perfumed Italian pines, palms, eucalyptus and yucca; bookended by mountains and a thick wedge of talcum-white sand. Thalasso’s imprint on Sardinia is ancient, so it’s right it should be the focus at the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa. The hero of the piece is the thalasso circuit, created by Dr Angelo Cerina alongside the Thalasso Research Centre at Milan University. Set in an acre and a half of greenery, it has six seawater pools, each with a different level of salinity and heat. You can bob along, clocking up endorphins and detoxification. Yet there’s much else besides. Acquaforte didn’t start out as an ambitious destination spa, but has evolved in that direction. One can sign up for packages focusing on thalassotherapy detox, anti-ageing and sports performance counselling, or go a la carte, while the thalasso circuit aids chronic fatigue, sleep disorders and menopausal issues.

The Forte Lab does proper diagnostics and there’s a huge team, including a huddle of experts in the diseases of the spine: physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and craniosacral practitioners. At the biomechanics lab, all of us are analysed for our posture, strength, stability and reactivity. Meanwhile, they don’t skimp on beauty, with treatments from LPG and Dr Barbara Sturm (including the famous Super Anti-Aging Facial). The Aesthetic Medical Centre does hi-tech treatments: biolifting, Yumeiho therapy and body sculpture from Dr Joanna Hakimova; and radiofrequency, fillers, peels, carboxytherapy and more by Dottorressa Francesca Marceddu. The best thing about tapping into it is that parental guilt doesn’t exist – the children are happily busy, with plenty of chances to have fun together too. The group tennis lesson on one of the 13 courts is a laugh, as is being lapped by an 11-year-old on the proper go-karting course. It’s an active kids’ paradise: there are world-class academies in every sport imaginable, including basketball with Ettore Messina, who coached the Italian team, and boxing with British ex-pro Frank Baglioni. The Real Madrid football academy draws in legions of happy half termers. There’s also diving, coastal rowing, sailing – you name it, they’ve got it.

Forte Village is not the sleekest resort in the world, nor has the best restaurants – though we eat beautifully. But it has a behemoth of a following, and guests are emotionally attached. I talk to the GM of a top London hotel, who comes every year, and a Qatari minister who visited every summer with his parents and is now bringing his child. It’s a testament to this diamond with many facets – one of which is a brilliant spa. – Lydia Bell

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Lanserhof Sylt

As I lie on the treatment table of internal medicine specialist Dr Perpetua Walser, my body feels better than it has for a long time. At the age of 40, a stage-three, grade-three, triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis sent me down a two-year-long treatment path. Brutal chemotherapy took my hair and triggered early menopause. Mastectomy surgery followed, then radiotherapy and further chemo. It felt as if the ordeal had aged my body 20 years. Having emerged from it all, I was drawn, unsurprisingly, to Lanserhof Sylt—its slogan is “living better for longer." I arrive as a bundle of nervous energy, traumatized by the treatment and terrified of recurrence. Checking in feels like arriving at a healing mecca. Sustainably designed by architect Christoph Ingenhoven, the building’s curved glass facade creates the sensation that the sprawling thatched roof is floating over the gargantuan space of 59 rooms and suites, public spaces and clinic. Natural light is maximised to support the circadian rhythm, promising a dreamless night’s sleep.

Lanserhof’s latest gem opened on the windswept island of Sylt, a seagull’s whirl from Denmark and known as “the Hamptons of Germany ” for its unspoiled beaches and heritage. The clientele range from burnt-out business owners to A-listers on an annual reset. The medical is thorough, with tests spanning cholesterol and blood sugar to body composition. I wear a heart-rate variability monitor strapped to my chest for 24 hours and am delighted to learn my biological age is five years younger than my actual age. The focus is on holistic health, so there are sunrise beach walks and cathartic psychotherapist sessions. They suggest IV therapy to replenish my amino acids, so I try to relax as the nurse inserts the cannula. Suddenly, I can’t breathe, and there are tears running down my face as I have a flashback to the chemo ward. A doctor grips my shoulder firmly and fixes my gaze. “Crying is transformation,” she tells me, turning a traumatic experience into an exorcising one. I check out with my head cleared, shoulders relaxed and gut cleansed of the anxious buzz of modern life. Feeling lighter, calmer and—yes—healed. — Rosamund Dean

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SHA Wellness Clinic

In the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Helada Natural Park in southern Spain , this sunshine spa offers a wide breadth of treatments with miraculously effective results. It’s a spa that consistently embraces modern wellness trends—it has the latest equipment, gadgets and expertise, all delivered alongside fresh, clean air and heaps of healing sunshine. Its biggest attraction is the fact that it doesn’t seem to have a singular USP; instead, it prides itself on catering to any and every wellness need, from food to fitness, dentistry to detox, preventative medicine and sexual health to natural therapies. It is, in essence, a one-stop wellness shop.

Guests choose between one of five programs (rebalance, healthy aging, optimal weight, Advanced detox, or optimal weight and advanced detox combined) but can easily add or remove things upon arrival. Stays start with a general health appointment, followed by a series of tests that look at everything from brain health (even to the extent of analysing potential predispositions to Alzheimer's) to sleep analysis and tiredness testing. New this year is the sexual health unit, headed up by clinical psychologist Dr Cinthya Molina. There are a series of treatments from pelvic floor therapies to radiofrequency procedures to stimulate regenerative tissue and an IV serum drop to increase libido. Life beyond the clinical treatments is just as hopeful—there are cooking classes, a well-equipped gym, personal trainers and beauty treatments.

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Absolute Sanctuary Koh Samui

This serene retreat sits on a tropical hillside, looking out over the peaceful water of the Gulf of Thailand . The island is no stranger to wellness (nearby Kamalaya and the Four Seasons also have excellent spas), but this spa has served a devoted fanbase for years, loyal to Absolute’s good value and strong results. Founded by a Thai banker-turned-entrepreneur who established Absolute You, a series of fitness and lifestyle studios around Asia, the Sanctuary is well-equipped to handle harried city-dwellers in need of a quick-fix health boost. There is a focus on de-stressing and boot camp training, offered alongside a series of yoga, pilates and meditation classes. The Signature Wellness Program, for example, involves a bio-impedance analysis (fat mass, muscle mass, metabolic age) before having a private consultation to establish a bespoke plan, which could include the likes of gym work, fitness training and daily colon hydrotherapy sessions, as well as massage treatments and reflexology.

The spa is run by chief therapist Meaw Tip-anong Tipkanngoen, whose team has spent years honing their treatments and wellness offerings. Jana Braeuer teaches yoga classes with a heartfelt warmth known to bring guests to tears, while a series of visiting practitioners lead group exercise sessions and early morning beach walks. There’s so much going on here – it’s a place that doesn’t stand still, endlessly efficient and remarkably effective. It’s a simple, uncluttered spa without gadgets or gimmicks. – Michelle Jana Chan

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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The 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize Goes to Riken Yamamoto

By Elizabeth Fazzare

Pritzker prize

Today, the Yokohama, Japan–based architect Riken Yamamoto was named the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize winner. The 78-year-old Japanese talent is known for housing and civic projects including schools, libraries, and city services buildings—the majority in Asia—with designs that encourage togetherness and social interactions. As founder and principal of architecture studio Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop, Yamamoto’s major works include Hotakubo Housing (1991) in Kumamoto, Japan, a complex of 110 units that share a central green space and adjacencies; the Yokosuka Museum of Art (2006), a glass-clad structure with a serpentine entrance that locates many galleries underground so as not to interrupt natural views of Tokyo Bay; Tianjin Library (2012) in China, a large-scale project with a gridded design that creates a variety of reading room sizes for its collection of five million books; and the Circle at Zürich Airport (2020), a mixed-use hospitality, shopping, and office district located just steps from the terminal. He is the ninth architect from Japan to be awarded the prize, joining other leading design world figures like Tadao Ando (1995), Toyo Ito (2013), and Shigeru Ban (2014).

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Riken Yamamoto, winner of the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize

“The current architectural approach emphasizes privacy, negating the necessity of societal relationships,” said Yamamoto in a statement. “However, we can still honor the freedom of each individual while living together in architectural space as a republic, fostering harmony across cultures and phases of life.” This philosophy can be seen in Yamamoto projects across typologies, from housing that includes terraces spanning multiple units or courtyards shared with the public to spaces typically not accessible to outsiders. His design for Japan’s Hiroshima Nishi Fire Station, for example, creates a cube of transparent glass louvers as well as a visitor terrace and exhibition lobby, inviting the community unprecedented opportunities to meet and learn more about the work of their local firefighters in their station.

“One of the things we need most in the future of cities is to create conditions through architecture that multiply the opportunities for people to come together and interact,” says jury chair and 2016 Pritzker Prize–winner Alejandro Aravena . “By carefully blurring the boundary between public and private, Yamamoto contributes positively beyond the brief to enable community.”

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Fussa City Hall (2008) in Tokyo, Japan

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Iwadeyama Junior High School (1996) in Ōsaki, Japan

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Hiroshima Nishi Fire Station (2000)

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The Circle at Zürich Airport (2020)

Born in Beijing, China, Yamamoto relocated to Yokohama after World War II and lived with his mother in a home that had her pharmacy up front and their living spaces behind. Growing up in a space where he navigated the relationship between public and private daily had a deep impact on him. He received his Master of Arts in Architecture from Tokyo University of the Arts, faculty of architecture in 1971, and founded his practice two years later, dedicated to work that “remind[s] us that in architecture, as in democracy, spaces must be created by the resolve of the people,” according to the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize jury citation.

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Ecoms House (2004) in Tosu, Japan

After the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Yokohama founded an institute to support community through architecture, Local Area Republic Labo, and later established an award for young architects with these goals.

More recently, from 2018 to 2022, Yamamoto served as president of the Japanese art and design school Nagoya Zokei University and designed a new home for its academic programs in Nagoya, two hours by car from Kyoto, at the end of his tenure. With a gridded façade on its separated base, the building spans a train station, creating a bridge of its upper glazed volume. He is currently a professor at Kanagawa University in Yokohama and is designing his first project in Taiwan, the 312,150-square-foot (29,000-square-meter) Taoyuan Museum of Art, which flanks an elevated railway in Taoyuan.

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Nagoya Zokei University (2022) in Nagoya, Japan

“The city is essentially a place in which to dwell,” Yamamoto once said . “If so, what means are available to us in order to restructure the city into a habitable place?” Encouraging relationship building through communal private spaces and incorporating the public realm in each project, his more than five decades of work has aimed to answer that question.

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15 essential things to know before you visit Tokyo

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Shibuya shopping street

Tokyo is a city that might be well spoken of in the plural, just as the Greeks used to speak of Athens – for this city is the largest in the world, and even locals might not be able to comprehend the whole city in their lifetime. Made up of 23 wards that are distinctively unique to each other, one person's understanding of Tokyo might be different to another's – depending on which area they spend most of their time in.

However, there are some universal rules to live by whenever you are in the city. No matter which area of Tokyo you are in, these are some tips to enjoy the magnitude of the megalopolitan area seamlessly and pleasantly. 

Haneda airport

1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival

Narita may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city centre from Haneda will save you time and money. With its amazing public transportation system, you can easily choose between trains or buses.

2. The Japan Rail Pass might be too expensive if you’re only exploring Tokyo

Purchasing the Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to travel through the country, but if you will spend most of your time in Tokyo, it can be a rather lavish expense – and an unnecessary one. The Japan Rail Pass only works for trains and buses that are managed by the JR company. Throughout Tokyo, other train lines operate as well as JR trains. Most JR stations sprawl among the more commercial areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku, but to get to know Tokyo beyond the touristy sites, explore more the neighbourhood-y ones such as the old town Yanaka, hipster Kuramae, or traditional fish market of Tsukiji. To get to  those  places you’ll need to take the subway and buses operated by other companies, which are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Tsukiji Market Tokyo

3. Get yourself a Pasmo (or a Suica)

These will make your adventure through the megalopolitan serpentine transportation system a walk in a park. Pasmo (or Suica – they are the same kind of cards, just issued by different train companies) is a super-smart card that can be used not only to get you through the train station’s gate but also to pay for everything, from bus tickets and vending-machine snacks to your compulsive buying in Tokyo’s exceptional convenience stores. You can easily get one from the ticket machines at any train station, load it up with yen and hop on and off effortlessly between modes of transport like the locals do.

4. Remember this is a cash country

No matter how futuristic your imagination of Japan is, it is still a country that is very much rooted in tangibility – and to some extent, a sensory experience. That is why Japanese people prefer renting comic books rather than getting a kindle, or ordering an expensive carved seal (hanko) than registering a digital signature, or in this case, carrying (and receiving) cash than using debit and credit cards. So prepare a thick wad of yen at all times, because there are five-star ryokans or top-tier sushi restaurants that refuse to take credit cards or e-money. If you need more cash, find the nearest convenience store – these usually have an ATM inside. Very few Japanese ATMs work with foreign cash, let alone provide you with an English language option, but those in the 7-Elevens should be reliable enough.

5. Note: there are at least five stations with the name “Shinjuku”

If you ask the locals where the Shinjuku station is, they might ask you in return, “Which one?”. Shinjuku, like most famous districts in Tokyo, is not only vast but also comprised of several areas, and each has its own train station (with different operating train companies). There is the famous Shinjuku Station that is owned by JR company (the same company that issues the Japan Rail Pass), and there are those with the name “Nishi-Shinjuku”, “Shinjuku Gyoen-mae”, “Shinjuku-san-chome”, “Seibu Shinjuku”, plus many more. So when you’re planning to visit Shinjuku, or any other district, make sure you’re heading to the right station, closest to the place you’re looking for.

Tip : Google Maps is a life-saver. It can indicate which train company you have to hop on to, and which “Shinjuku Station” you need to go to. Just enter the name of your destination and choose the one with the least walking distance.

Tokyo pod hotel

6. Be prepared to downsize

Get used to everything being small in Tokyo. The first diminutive thing you may notice is most likely your hotel room, and more often than not, the size of the bed and bathroom. Try to pack lightly for Tokyo, and check the bed size when you book your accommodation – the largest size most hotels have is a queen size, and few provide king-size beds. Most restaurants are also small, and they are meant to cater to only two-four people per group. Unless you come to a family restaurant or an established izakaya, it is usually a challenge to find one table for a group of more than four people. It’s highly advisable to do a little research about your preferred eatery’s seating arrangements, especially if you’re travelling in a big group.

7. A long queue is a good sign

Japanese people are known for their long suffering and perseverance. They don’t mind a long waiting time – nor getting up (way too) early to get in the line, be it for the opening of a new store or lunchtime at a famous soba joint. Don’t let long queues discourage you. Instead, get used to it or arrive earlier to beat the crowd. Better yet, join the queue because wherever there’s a long line of locals, it’s a sign that the place is undoubtedly worth it.

View of Mt. Fuji Tokyo Tower and downtown Tokyo

8. Don't ask for a menu – ask for the ticket machine instead

When you step into a ramen shop, you are expected to place your order by giving your ramen ticket to the cook. There is no menu that will be given to you, nor a waiter to take your order. You have to find a massive machine, usually located by the shop’s entrance, that is full of buttons with photos of every item on the menu and its price. Insert your bill (remember to always bring cash) and press the button for the item that you want. Your ticket and exact change will be spewed out by the machine. Hand the ticket to the food attendant (or the cook himself) – that’s how you place your order in a ramen shop.

9. Be aware that most cafes and restaurants only open after 11am

Although Tokyo is the greatest feast on earth, the feast starts at lunch time, not at breakfast. Most eateries begin their first service at lunch, and hardly anything opens for breakfast unless it’s an international joint that clearly serves breakfast on its menu. The denizen of Tokyo have their breakfast at home, from a convenience store, or nothing at all because they are too busy running to get into the packed train before the doors close.

10. Watch out for rush-hour hell

You’ve probably seen the videos of Japanese train officers ruthlessly pushing people into sardine-packed carriages  And if you’re not keen to experience that kind of phenomenon during your trip, it is better to steer clear of taking the trains during weekday rush-hour peak – between 7am and 9am, and shortly after 5pm. The most congested lines will be the Tozai line, JR Chuo-Sobu line, and the popular JR Yamanote line which runs around the city and stops at some of Tokyo’s most popular districts including Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku. The stations will also be packed. Try to avoid commuting around these hours, but if you can’t, search for other walking-distance stations that operate different lines and depart from there.

Famous escalator in Tokyo

11. Learn escalator protocol

You will soon notice that on the escalator, people stand on the left side, and leave the right side open. That is to give way for others who are in a rush to use the right side to walk up without any obstruction. Stay on the left side when you’re riding the elevator to avoid annoyed looks from locals. While you’re living by this rule in Tokyo, you will have to do the opposite in the Kansai region – that will be Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. Just don’t get mixed up between the two.

12. Public bins are scarce – so bring a bag for rubbish

Soon after devouring 7-Eleven’s fried chicken, you realise that you cannot find anywhere to throw away the greasy paper. A domestic terror attack in 1995 that involved deadly sarin gas forced the government to remove public bins to prevent future attacks, as they believed this could be another place where dangerous substances could easily be installed. That being said, you still can find these rare objects in a few spots in public parks, some train stations, public restrooms and in front of convenience stores.

Tip : Bring an empty plastic bag with you to hold the rubbish until you can take it home and sort it. Also, if you buy food or drink, eat it where you bought it. They usually place bins nearby so you can toss your rubbish right away.

Busy streets of Shinjuku Tokyo with neon lights and traffic

13. Get to know Tokyo's neighbourhoods

Tokyo, as vast and large as it is, is divided into many neighbourhoods that became city centres in their own right. The capital has several downtowns spread throughout the city. Depending on what you’re looking for, one downtown might be more suitable than another. Here are the five busiest downtown districts of Tokyo which each offer different impressions and experiences.

A frenetic neighbourhood full of young people. Expect to spend your money on animal cafes, 100-yen stores, or cute-looking puddings that are too pretty to eat.

The district that never sleeps. Shinjuku is a massive office complex, so its commercial areas are catered to entertain flocks of Japanese salarymen after office hours. 

An old artistic district that is less festive than Shibuya or Shinjuku, and more family-friendly – but not less lively. The area was a home for many artists’ studios in the 1940s and its image as a district of art and culture is still widely present, especially in the western part. Ikebukuro is also known for its shopping, arcades, anime fans, and family days out at the city's rooftop aquarium. 

A classy adult-oriented area that is popular among travellers, offering a large number of tourist-friendly entertainment spots. Roppongi’s surrounding districts are home to many embassies and a large expat community. Recently, the district has also developed a reputation as a cultural centre with several world-class art galleries appearing in the area.

Tokyo's first Western-style shopping district is where the city's old money still shops. It is a bustling upmarket area with rows of prestigious department stores, high-end boutiques, art galleries and exclusive restaurants.

14. Get used to self-service cashiers

Don’t be surprised if there is no one waiting for you at the cashier when you’re checking out. These days, the country is increasing self-checkouts to ease labour shortage problems. You will find big stores in Tokyo such as Uniqlo, Muji or GU, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart install rows of self-service cashier counters that will calculate the total amount of your purchase. Note: these machines will automatically deduct payment from your credit cards without applying any payment authentication steps.

Side street in Tokyo

15. Silence is golden

Tokyo may be buzzing tumultuously with background sounds from blaring advertisement screens or salespeople screaming out deals outside the stores, but you are also expected to be quiet – especially when on the train, bus and other public places. Talking in the train car is not banned, but if your voice is loud enough to be heard by the people around you, it is considered annoying and rude. Japanese people are aware that they are sharing space with others, so keeping any noises at a low volume – including turning the sound off on your smartphone and not receiving calls on board – is considered an understood etiquette.

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    1. Choose Haneda instead of Narita Airport as your point of arrival. Narita may be the bigger, more famous airport in Tokyo, but Haneda is located in the city, while Narita is a part of Chiba prefecture, on the eastern outskirts of Tokyo. This means commuting to the city centre from Haneda will save you time and money.

  26. "Coolcations": Climate change reshapes summer vacation travel trend

    Summer vacations in colder climates like the Arctic are getting more popular, travel experts say, as people turn to "coolcations" to avoid record-breaking heat.. Why it matters: Despite the wince-inducing name, "coolcationing" could potentially reshape the travel and resort industries — as well as real estate investments, as climate change alters where people choose to recreate.