From The Air To There

Tokyo Tips from Airline Staff

Airline staff travel the world every day for work—which means they know the best spots to visit no matter the destination. From bespoke dining to unforgettable cultural experiences, here are the beloved sites frequented by Air Canada staff when they visit Japan’s most vibrant metropolis.

Asakusa Umaimon Azuma

1-32-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

One of my favourite restaurants in Asakusa, Azuma has been offering authentic Japanese cuisine since 1952. I’ll see both foreigners and locals enjoying a meal here. I love sitting in this space, where I can feel and taste the history of Japan right next to Sensoji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

Jean-Pascal Duchesne, In-Flight Service Director

OOedo-Onsen Monogatari

2-6-3 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

I had a wonderful time with my family in Tokyo. We tried an onsen, which is a Japanese hot spring bathhouse. Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari offered us a hot spring theme park experience like nowhere else in the world. After checking in, we went to our respective change rooms and put on yukata, which are like cotton kimono. We then met up again on the other side, where we found ourselves in an area offering food and beverage services, similar to a small food court, with local beer on tap. Our children were entertained by a variety of games, and the area also provided an opportunity to take photos. After spending about half an hour there, we proceeded to another change room to disrobe and wash up before entering the hot spring. Sauna facilities were also available. It was an interesting experience for children and parents alike. And yes, the water was very hot and therapeutic! The atmosphere provided a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s not to be missed!

Jamie Sun Flight Attendant

Terra

B1F Marusho Kobayashi Building, 5-1-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

The food here is amazing, and the sommelierselected wines are unbelievable! This restaurant’s famous chef was head of a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Australia before returning to Japan, and he definitely knows how to captivate his customers. I really enjoy the exquisite and refined Japanese-fusion dishes at Terra.

Lauren Borden, In-Flight Manager

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

1-27-39 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo

One of my favourite places in Tokyo is the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. While not a common tourist spot, they are very much worth a visit. The main appeal of the gardens is a large Western-style mansion that has inspired locations in popular media such as the guesthouse in the visual novel Umineko. Depending on the season, the gardens surrounding the mansion feature different flowers, such as cherry blossoms in the spring and a beautiful rose garden in the summer. Next to the mansion, a stairway leads to more gardens that feature a mix of Western and Japanese designs. I found myself at peace walking through the gardens, and look forward to visiting again during different seasons.

Savannah Mathieu, Customer Service Agent

Kiharu

B1F 5-1-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

I found this amazing Japanese restaurant in the busy Akasaka area. Located on the underground level, the restaurant has just eight seats and a small private room. There is no à la carte menu— it exclusively serves a seasonal full-course meal. Its variety of Japanese sake really adds a nice touch to the dishes!

Veronica Cheung, Customer Service Agent