Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Holiday Hotspot – Four Seasons Tokyo - www.fourseasons.com
Tokyo is an amazing mix of modern living and old-fashioned customs, high-tech gadgets and cartoon mascots. There are traces of old
n Ekki Bar & Grill
Japan scattered among the skyscrapers, high end shopping malls and noodle shops. In four days I got to sample it all! One of cities major tourist attractions is the Imperial Palace. The complex, which includes the beautiful grounds, is surrounded by 17th century walls and a moat. Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, is one of the most atmospheric places to explore Tokyo’s past located in the former pleasure playground of Asakusa – once a major geisha area. The following morning rise before 5am to register for entry to the famous tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market. Tucking
into the freshest sushi breakfast possible in one of the restaurants on the fringes of the market is also a highlight. One landmark that’s impossible to miss is Tokyo Sky tree – the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower, while those keen to tap into futuristic Tokyo should head to Akihabara or Electric Town – due to the quantity of electrics stores, alongside crowds of Japanese techno-geeks. If you are curious about Japanese sub-cultures be sure to visit stores specialising in “manga” comics and “anime” cartoons – as well as its famous cafes, where girls dressed up in cartoon-like maid outfits serve tea and sing to visitors. The huge shopping centre of Ginza is also home to high end shops and stores. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at nearby Marunouchi is a quiet, luxurious haven of
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com just 57 spacious guest rooms and suites, offering the ultimate in service, privacy, and exclusivity, with a well-trained staff that goes out of their way to make guests feel welcome. Thanks to this landmark skyscraper location and floorto-ceiling windows, every room has a view, but the very best accommodan Four Seasons tions are those that Tokyo Superio r Room overlook the city’s main train station — For best rates www. and the sleek and shiny fourseasons.com Turkshinkansens (bullet trains). Despite its bustling loca- ish airlines offer super contion, the hotel is protected nections from Dublin to from the outside world Tokyo via Istanbul. On longwith triple-glazed glass and haul flights, first, business & an ultra-contemporary de- economy class passenger’s sign that employs natural feast on authentic Turkish woods and soothing color and international dishes and schemes. the “in flight” experience The hotel also houses Ekki leaves other carriers trailing Bar & Grill, a contemporary far behind. American restaurant that ofThe new business lounge fers a fine dining experience for passengers connecting at – with many signature appe- Istanbul to Tokyo will leave tizers and main courses – to you breathless and for me be enjoyed while taking in is the finest of its kind in the world. stunning views of the city.
For best fares visit www. turkishairlines.com Inside Japan tailor your travel and cultural experiences to suit all interests and budgets. Most of the itineraries utilise the super-efficient public transport network, including the magnificent bullet train. For Itinerary ideas visit www. insidejapantours.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com