Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers is a luxurious hotel located in central Yokohama. I stayed in this great hotel during my trip across Japan last September. I always wanted to visit Yokohama, and when I decided that I will go there, I started looking for a nice hotel to stay at. Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel seemed like a perfect choice for me. Is located right next to Yokohama Station, so I was extremely well connected to the whole city and the surrounding area. I was so glad that after my long trip from Nagano Prefecture, I didn't need to drag my luggage far after getting off the train. Later when I was exploring Yokohama, every destination that I wanted to visit was just a short train or subway ride away from the hotel.

The building itself has 28 floors and it dominates the main area around the Yokohama station, so you cannot miss it when you exit the station. As you enter the hotel you will probably be impressed by its gigantic lobby. I was blown away when I saw it. The lobby area stretches over three floors and it is connected by wide staircases and escalators. There is a nice looking bar there where you can relax while waiting for check-in, or just drop by even if you are not staying in the hotel. For the guests of the hotel there is a special area where you can pour free beer for yourself. The whole lobby area in general looks quite luxurious and is beautifully decorated with several artworks and a huge chandelier hanging above. There are a lot of staff members in the lobby and around the check-in area, so they will be able to help you if you have any problems.

I'm sure you have all heard about the high standard of quality and service that Sheraton hotels offer, and I'm glad to say that this one is no exception to that rule. Everything from rooms and amenities, to service and other facilities, is on a high level. Across its 28 floors, Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel offers a wide variety of bar lounges and restaurants. Sheraton Club Lounge is one of those that I enjoyed a lot. It is an exclusive lounge for the Sheraton Club guests which can be accessed most of the day. It offers free breakfast in the morning, snacks and hot beverages during the day, and cocktails and other drinks in the evening. All that with an amazing view of the whole city.

Another great place where you can enjoy some good drinks and an even better view of the city is the Sky view Lounge Bar at the 28th floor of the hotel. There you can enjoy quality cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. On the same floor there is a luxurious French restaurant "Bay View" that is ideal for both romantic dinners with your partner or business meals with important clients. Along with the amazing prepared and presented "gourmet food", and a high degree of hospitality, it offers a spectacular view of the Yokohama Bay area. On the second floor, there is another restaurant which I enjoyed called buffet restaurant Compass. It offers all-day buffets and the guests of the hotel receive coupons for free breakfast there. I really enjoyed the wide variety of Western, Chinese, and Japanese dishes, particularly their are omelette and french toast. If you plan on sightseeing, I recommend that you have a large breakfast since you will need the energy to explore everything Yokohama has to offer.

But the best restaurant I went to in the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel is a traditional Japanese restaurant Ko-No-Hana. I will talk more about this amazing restaurant in detail in another post. It is safe to say that I was absolutely amazed by the dinner I had there, and I hope I will have the chance to go there again. 

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel also has a sports club with a gym and a pool, photo booths, shops, beauty salons, and many other facilities that make your stay there even better. I wish I had more time to stay at this hotel, and I know that when I come back to Yokohama I will definitely stay here again. I suggest that you check out their website and learn more. And if you're planning to visit Yokohama, look no further this luxurious and renown hotel.

Shibu Onsen Kokuya

Shibu Onsen Kokuya

Kokuya is a traditional Japanese-styled inn, also known as a ryokan, located in Shibu Onsen, a small town in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. Kokuya has a long history since it was founded almost 400 years ago and is currently overseen by the 16th generation of owners, making it one of the oldest hotels in Japan. Even though it is located far from the major cities like Tokyo or Nagoya, it is relatively easily accessible. I took a 4 hour-long bus ride from Shinjuku to Nagano, where I transferred to a local train, and one hour later I was in Shibu Onsen. There I was greeted by the staff of Kokuya who escorted me to the ryokan. 

When you get to the town and to the ryokan itself, you can feel the weight of history all around you. Everything is decorated in a traditional way and it makes you feel like you traveled back to a more simpler time. I really enjoyed the look and feel of Kokuya from the moment I got there. Not only did the staff pick me up at the train station, but when I arrived to Kokuya itself, even more members of the staff were waiting to greet me. They were all very friendly and explained to me all about Kokuya and how to experience it in the best possible way. Shibu Onsen Kokuya itself consists of three buildings that are connected and they contain many rooms and hot spring baths. 

The rooms are separated into two groups, ones with a private open-air bath with hot spring water and without one. The ones that have a private open-air bath with hot spring water included inside the room are separated into three categories C, B and A, from which A is the best. All rooms have that traditional look and feel and no matter in which one you stay at, I believe that you would enjoy it since it is quite a unique experience. 

Kokuya also has six public and two private baths that use free-flowing hot spring water from six different spring sources, and the guests can enjoy all of them. The private ones can only be occupied by one group of guests and the rest are free to use by everyone, however they are gender restricted. Half of them are for men and half for women, but every 12 hours they change which gender is allowed to use that bath. Some of them are outdoor or some of them are indoor, some are more large while some are smaller, some have warm water some have extremely hot water, so there's something for everyone. And if that is not enough for you, there are 9 additional public hot springs located inside town just a short walk from Kokuya. You can access them thanks to the key you receive as the guest of the ryokan. Apart from the rooms and baths, Kokuya has several dining rooms most of which have private enclosures so you can dine in private. 

One more thing I want to point out is the surrounding area. It has several interesting, although less known places you should visit. Some of these are mount Yokoteyama, Kusatsu-Shirane volcano, and the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can witness Japanese snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. To conclude, Kokuya has a lot to offer, and if you want to get that feel of traditional rural Japan, it is an ideal place to stay at.

InterContinental Tokyo Bay

InterContinental Tokyo Bay

During my trip to Japan I visited many amazing places and stayed at some great hotels. One of these is the Intercontinental Tokyo Bay. Intercontinental Tokyo Bay Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the center of Tokyo's Minato district, which gives it good connectivity to major parts of the city like Ginza and Odaiba. It is easily accessible since it is connected by a walkway to the Takeshiba Station, and the hotel offers a free shuttle bus that commutes from the hotel to Shinagawa station and Hamamatsucho station, from which it takes about 20 min with the monorail to reach Haneda Airport. For me, the location was ideal since I planned on exploring Odaiba and going for some shopping in Ginza. Also, the Tokyo Tower is nearby, so I recommend everyone that stays in this hotel, to take a night stroll to the Tokyo Tower to enjoy it for close by.
The InterContinental brand has always been known for its high level of service and luxury they offer. This can be seen when you enter its spectacular lobby which, among others, features are large and beautiful Japanese traditional artwork. 

Also, there's a New York Lounge Bar located in the lobby which is absolutely spectacular to see, and there's also an award-winning cake shop which offers a variety of cakes, baked goods, & hotel original goods carefully created by Executive Chef Pâtissier Junji Tokunaga. I have to say that I was impressed by the staff of the hotel. They were all quite professional and very well versed in English. Upon my arrival, I was escorted to my room and explained everything I need to know to enjoy my stay at the hotel.

The Intercontinental Tokyo Bay Hotel offers several kinds of rooms that are divided into two groups according to the view they offer. These are the Riverside view rooms, which offer beautiful views of the Sumida river and the city, and the Bay View rooms, which have a breathtaking view of the entire Tokyo Bay and the famous Rainbow Bridge. The room in which I stayed was the Superior Bay View room. The room itself has all the amenities you can expect from a high-end luxury hotel room. From beautiful high-quality furniture and a flat-screen TV, 2 the coffee machine and the Bluetooth Entertainment System, and many more cool things. 

The bathroom is also quite spacious and luxurious and offers you the ability to either take a shower or take a nice hot bath in the bathtub. But the selling point of the entire room for me personally, is the absolutely spectacular view that it offers of the entire Tokyo Bay. The whole city is at your fingertips as you watch the ships cruise down the river, and as tiny cars drive along the streets. You can spend days there just enjoying the view taking in the vista of the beautiful, never sleeping city.

This luxurious hotel has so much to offer and I definitely recommend that you check out their website and, if you like what you see, that you book a stay.

Japan Food Trips in Tokyo

Japan Food Trips in Tokyo

If you are one of the lucky people planning to travel to Tokyo in the near future - or are already there - I have the perfect way to make your trip an unforgettable one. Visit Japan Food Trips and book a Japanese food tour custom made just for you!

When thinking about Japanese food, there are a myriad of delicious, unique, and truly exciting dishes. It's also one of the most sought after cuisines in the world, so every trip to Japan must be cherished as an opportunity to try all the amazing food from the local culinary masters. Because, let's be honest, if you're making such a long journey, then you really owe it to yourself to try as many of the best Japanese dishes as you can. Whether you only have a passing interest in food or are an obsessed food lover, Japan has something for everyone.

 

With it's unforgettable sushi, ramen, yakitori, gyoza, wagyu, tempura, or tonkatsu that excites you the most - the overwhelming and endless options can make it very difficult to find the best and most affordable places that are a perfect match for you. This where Japan Food Trips comes in! Between language barriers and hard to reserve places, its a no brainer that you should book a food tour when going to Japan. This way, you get an experienced and reliable guide making all the plans for you, so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable culinary journey. 

Japan Food Trips was founded by Stephanie Haddad, a food writer and food critic who has been living in Tokyo for many years and is extremely passionate about Japanese cuisine. You can rely on her to plan a perfect food tour that suits your needs, and show you all the best places to eat. You'll experience a combination of famous shops and plenty of "locals only" hidden gems. One of the best tours you can book with Japan Food Trips is a custom curated trip that can take place in any area of Tokyo you so choose. Some of her favorite featured areas include Ebisu, Sangenjaya, Shibuya, Harajuku and many more. All custom trips are tailor-made specifically to suit you and your needs and desires. Since Stephanie has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to knowing how to choose the best options for your culinary desires and budget, all you have to do is tell her what Japanese dishes you are looking to enjoy and how much you are looking to spend, then she will plan the rest. It's that simple! You even have the opportunity to go on a self guided tour if you don't want a guide and wish to explore the recommended places yourself. But keep in mind that if Stephanie is there with you, she can help you locate very hard to find locations and order from Japanese-only menus. She also helps communicate with all Japanese speaking staff members about any food allergies and recommends all the best dishes, of course!

There are many more tours offered by Japan Food Trips so make sure to check out their website and book a tour!

Japanese Cooking Class and Kitchen Knives

Japanese Cooking Class and Kitchen Knives

Are you a fan of Japan and Japanese cuisine who is planning to visit Kyoto? Do you wish to learn how to prepare simple but delicious Japanese home-made dishes and have a unique and fun food experience in Kyoto? If your answer is yes, then I have a perfect idea for you. Book a Japanese cooking class at Aogami Kyoto, and learn the ins and outs of Japanese cuisine with the help of a passionate and experienced chef.

Alexandre, founder of Aogami Kyoto, is a professionally trained French cuisinier who has been living in Japan for more than ten years now, regularly teaching French and Japanese cooking classes. He is extremely passionate about Japanese gastronomy and ancestral knife-making savoir-faire which makes him a perfect mentor for anyone who wishes to learn how to prepare tasty Japanese dishes. He will also introduce you to many aspects of Japanese culinary and cutlery tradition that you didn't previously know which will help you fully appreciate the art of Japanese gastronomy.

For example you will learn about Washoku, a central concept in Japanese culinary culture, recognized in 2013 by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, that finds its basis in a rich food tradition that goes back several centuries. One expression that incorporates the basics of Washoku is “Ichi Ju-Sansai”, which means one soup and three dishes. The principle of eating a soup and three dishes is perceived to provide a balanced meal when accompanied with cooked rice and pickled vegetables. Eating rice with every meal is one of the primary differentiating features of Washoku cuisine. 

When attending a class at Aogami Kyoto you will precisely learn how to prepare a seasonal “Ichi Ju-Sansai” menu. At the end of the session, you will enjoy the delicious meal you created  and share your impressions.

But, that's not all! Aogami Kyoto offers you a great occasion to acquire quality Japanese kitchen knives of various shapes and sizes to help you prepare food easily! These knives handmade by talented craftsmen are robust, sharp, truly look spectacular and will surely become the centerpiece of your kitchen equipment. They are a perfect gift for a friend, a family member who enjoys cooking or for yourself as a memento of your incredible journey across the land of the rising sun.

For Japan-based France’s aficionado, Aogami Kyoto also proposes French cooking lessons to learn how to prepare mouth-watering French family and bistro classics. It's a perfect opportunity to try something new and be able cook the Parisian way at home!

If you love Japanese food, experience Washoku cuisine at Aogami Kyoto is definitely one of the best things you can do while visiting Kyoto. For more information about cooking classes and Japanese kitchen knives, make sure to visit Aogami Kyoto's website to learn more and book a cooking class for you, your family and friends.

Authentic Japanese Cooking Class

Authentic Japanese Cooking Class

Are you planing to visit Kyoto on your trip to Japan and are looking for a fun and educational experience while there, I recommend you check out Aogami Kyoto. On their website you can book authentic Japanese home-made cooking classes and purchase high-quality Japanese kitchen knives, so make sure to pay them a visit.

Any journey to Japan would be incomplete without a visit to the famous city of Kyoto. As Japan's former capital and seat of the imperial court for many centuries, Kyoto offers a rich and diverse culinary tradition. There are many types of dishes to try there, from cheap street food, to highly prized Wagyu and Kaiseki delicacies. As you immerse yourself in the history of Kyoto, surrounded by many ancient temples and shrines, every meal you have in that beautiful city somehow feels even more appetizing. So it comes as no surprise that Kyoto is the 3rd most Michelin starred city in the world. Kyoto truly has something for everyone and I am sure you will enjoy your stay there.

However, there is an even better way to experience Japanese food than visiting restaurants or street food vendors. You can learn how to make it on your own! That way you take a part of Japanese culinary tradition back home with you and share it with your friends and family. I recommend you do this by finding a good Japanese cooking class hosted by an experienced chef who will share with you the secrets of Japanese cuisine. Best place to book such a class would be at Aogami Kyoto and I highly recommend you check out their website.

Aogami Kyoto was founded by Alexandre, a French cuisinier who trained with Alain Ducasse professional academy in Paris and who has been living in Japan for more than ten years now. His friendly demeanor, expert knowledge and passion for Japanese cuisine make him the perfect mentor for anyone who wishes to discover Japanese culinary culture.

Ideally situated at walking distance of the Imperial Palace, Aogami Kyoto is the ultimate destination to learn how to prepare simple and delicious Japanese popular dishes and have a complete Japanese culinary experience. During this friendly and interactive class you will discover local ingredients and learn hands-on how to cook several typical Japanese dishes. You will also acquire basic knife-skills and master simple homemade “dashi" stock as well as white rice preparation. Throughout the class you will have the opportunity to ask many questions and get all the tips you need to recreate the recipes back home. 

Also keep in mind that these classes can be organized for small groups as well as for solo travelers. Lessons can be tailored to your travel schedule and be held either in English or French.  

As a great plus, you will able to receive proper advice to choose the knife adapted to your needs and shop Aogami Kyoto’s sharp selection of high quality handmade Japanese kitchen blades. 

For Japan-based foodies, Aogami Kyoto is also offering hands-on French cooking lessons to learn how to prepare savory family dishes and mouth-watering French bistro classics. 

All in all, I am sure that if you are a fan of Japan and Japanese cuisine you will definitely enjoy this unique experience. So if you are intrigued by Aogami Kyoto and the services they offer, we highly recommend you to visit their website to learn more about them and book a class for you and your friends.

Best Japan Food Trips

Best Japan Food Trips

When visiting Japan, how do you experience Japanese food in the best possible way? Japan Food Trips has the solution for that when you book a fun and relaxing food trip around Tokyo.

When I travel to a foreign country, I am not only looking forward to the many amazing things I will see, but also all the delicious foods I will try. I believe eating amongst the locals and trying their food can really teach us a lot about a country's culture and truly help us experience and appreciate it more fully. So when you visit a unique country such as Japan, you really owe it to yourself to experience the local cuisine in a proper way. Setting a day aside - or at least part of it - to relax without the stress of google maps and all the "must do lists," is truly the best way to immerse yourself in the vibrant Japanese food and culture scene. That being said, the best way to do that is to find an awesome and reliable guide who will show you all the essential dishes and unique restaurants within that city. If by chance you are traveling to Tokyo, I strongly recommend you use Japan Food Trips.

Japan Food Trips is a unique guided food tour company whose founder, Stephanie, has dedicated years curating an incredible list of culinary gems that she wants to share with the rest of the world. Japan can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are visiting for the first time and don't speak the language so it can be really hard finding or getting into the best eateries, but having a reliable and experienced guide like Stephanie take you around and show you the best of the best, can be a truly amazing and relaxing experience that will surely resonate with you for years to come.

One of the food tours offered by Japan Food Trips is the Yanesen Day Trip called “A Trip Down Memory Lane.” This particular day trip is perfect if are looking to experience a more serene and historical part of Tokyo that is somewhat lesser known among tourists. Yanesen is a charming district in the North-Eastern part of Tokyo, comprised of three historical areas: Yankaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. The district is known for its traditional style, antiquated temples, magical shrines, old graveyards and many lovely local shops. Exploring this amazing part of Tokyo almost makes you feel like you've traveled back in time to a more simpler age. Now add to all of this along with the delicious local food you will try and Yanesen quickly becomes a must visit part of Tokyo. If you are interested and enjoy this aspect Japanese culture, then the Yanesen Day Trip, offered by Japan Food Trips, is a perfect option for you to experience an unforgettably fun day in Tokyo. On this trip you will have a lunch at lovely local shop that has some of the freshest sashimi and obanzai you’ve ever tasted. After lunch, you will explore the historic district and later settle into a craft beer tasting, and maybe even visit an art gallery. You will also visit the famous ginza street and try many delicious snacks with the opportunity to buy souvenirs to take home with you. Stephanie and the rest of Japan Food Trip's tour guides are very experienced and reliable, making sure that you enjoy your experience and remember it for years to come.

Visit Japan Food Trips for more information about this and other food tours offered.