
Top-floor occupancy of a high-rise is commonplace for luxury hotels in Tokyo; it’s no different at the Four Seasons’ second outpost in the city. When you exit the elevators on the 39th floor, you’re greeted by a tranquil water feature that draws inspiration from the Imperial Palace’s moat. In fact, the royal residence (and the sprawling metropolis’ skyline) can be seen from various points throughout the hotel, including the lobby lounge, where afternoon tea is served, and many of its 162 rooms. Speaking of accommodations, they’re spacious here, as to be expected from a Four Seasons, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering plenty of natural lighting and panoramic views. And if you’re looking to set your eyes on Tokyo Skytree, head down to the heated indoor pool for a couple of laps, then cool off in one of the mist chairs.
When hunger strikes there are a few on-site dining options to choose from, including the all-day Italian restaurant Pigneto (the hand-tossed Neapolitan pizzas are the highlight); but the crown jewels are Est and Virtù, both of which are worth visiting even if you’re not a staying guest. At the former you’ll find refined take on contemporary French cuisine with a commitment to sourcing nearly all ingredients from around Japan and a seasonal menu. Meanwhile, the French-Japanese love affair continues at the latter in the form of cocktails, where spirits from both destinations are the star. The Smoked Ume Fashioned is a prefect representation of the concept, which uses a homemade brandy umeshu with plums that have been aged for at least six months, as is the Yuzu Nagi, where yuzu gin meets cognac in a bright, citrus-forward tipple. (Make sure to ask for the seasonal cocktail menu, where you might just find a kakigori-inspired drink, and order the lobster okonomiyaki, an elevated take on the Japanese classic.)
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