JET-SET TOKYO
© Japan Fashion Week Organization
© Mandarin Oriental Hotel
two) cocktails from a list of over 100 off menus shaped like a deck of cards or a fabulous dessert from a heart-shaped menu.
MAX OUT THE CREDIT CARD In a world were fashion and shopping go handin-hand, it’s impossible not to check out the fantastic shopping in Ginza, a district of Tokyo located just south of Kyobashi. If you are going to shop anywhere in Tokyo, Ginza is the place to be. It is recognized as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world. It’s home to the world’s oldest and prestigious department store, Wako, as well as many popular Japanese department stores like Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Matsuzakaya, Printemps and Hankyu. It is here that nearly every brand name can be found: Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, and Prada. The streets of Ginza are also lined with boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. For the convenience of shoppers on weekends, the streets are closed to traffic, making it a pedestrian only zone. Looking for a younger style? Then visit Shibuya, one of the wards of Tokyo where new trends are favored by teenagers and young adults. It is often referred to as the birthplace to fashion and entertainment trends found in Japan. It’s here that the Kogal (Kogyaru) style, based on the Japanese school uniform, became all the rage. This fashion is particularly found in the 109 Building, also known as Shibuya 109. It escalated in popularity when pop singer Namie Amuro wore outfits sold at the shops in the 109 Building. 62
Prices average about $5000 yen ($45.00) a person, but this includes appetizers, drinks, meal and dessert. If you are looking for a more traditional Japanese meal, then you owe it to yourself to try Jangara Ramen. Jangara Ramen is famous for their thin, Kyushu-style ramen noodle. Not to be compared to the American Ramen noodles, traditional ramen is a noodle dish that is served in a fish or meat based broth and often flavored with miso and topped with meat or vegetables.
SQUASH YOUR APPETITE After a long day of shopping, who isn’t looking for an escape? If in Ginza, then follow the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and visit Alice in Wonderland, one of the city’s many fantasy restaurants. The eatery combines Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland with a Japanese twist. Waitresses dress in the Gothic Lolita fashions while serving you a fusion of French and Italian cuisine based on Japanese material. There are 30 different kinds of appetizers prepared amuse-bouche, combining Japanese and Western cuisine, served with little cards that read “Eat Me.” Your eyes, as well as your stomach, will feast upon your order. Sushi is served in the shape of a caterpillar and croutons in the salads are shaped like Alice. Order one (or
Jangara is a smaller chain restaurant that was originally located in Kyushu in Southern Tokyo. Now there are 6 branches total all over Tokyo, in Harajuku, Akihabara, Kanda, Nihonbashi and Akaska. There is always a line, so be prepared to wait. But in the end, your patience will pay off, and your stomach will thank you.
GET YOUR DRINK ON Need a place to cool off? Look no further than the IceBar. Located in Ginza, the IceBar is a major attraction to those looking to experience arctic-like temperatures while surrounded by exquisite furniture and sculptures made entirely from ice from the Torne River in Sweden. Guests are encouraged to interact with the design, as it is a necessary part of the IceBar experience.
Drinks are served in your own personal ice glass, which you receive as part of the entrance fee ($3,500 yen or about $32.00). While cocktails are the specialty, sake, whisky, sho chu, brandy and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Next, warm up by visiting one of the two, 300 Bar locations in Ginza. Known as “the most friendly bar in Ginza,” the 300 Bar is a hip place to go and make new friends. With the flat rate of $300 yen for food and drinks, it’s an affordable place to eat, drink and get your true MANIAC-ness on. Start off by purchasing drink tickets and exchanging them for cocktails and appetizers. This bar is standing room only, so no wallflowers!
REST YOUR WEARY HEAD After a long day, you deserve to rest in comfort so make reservations at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Located in the prestigious financial district of Nihonbashi, the hotel is unique blend of past and future. The primary theme is “Woods and Water,” the hotel was conceived as a living tree with the guestrooms as branches. No object in the rooms was created to stand alone, but rather, keeping with Japanese tradition, all come together for form a whole. There are 178 guestrooms designed to make your stay as relaxing as possible, exuding harmony and serenity. Enjoy sleeping on 450-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets imported from Italy, yukata-Japanese kimonostyle night robes, a rainforest shower, a private
bar and deluxe bathroom amenities provided by Aromatherapy Associates. The Mandarin Oriental also provides the highest end technology, complete with 45inch HD flat screen television that are able to access text messages, faxes, voicemail and hotel billings. Overlooking the Imperial Palace garden and the Tokyo Bay, the hotel has central location to direct subway access at the Mitsukoshimae Station to all major points of Tokyo. So after a much needed rest, you can awaken refreshed and begin the Tokyo experience all over again. As MANIACs, we could definitely get used to this! 63