What’s New in Tokyo?

| 20th January 2014

According to The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun, the number of foreign visitors to Japan surged 24 per cent and topped the annual record of 10 million people in 2013. Many tourists are revisiting Tokyo just to see what’s new and to appreciate the ever-changing commercial landscape. Below, I’ve listed just a few of the newer, more popular developments. These attractions will be of interest if you’re planning your first trip to Tokyo, or you’ve travelled to Japan in the past and you’re looking forward to visiting destinations in Tokyo which didn’t exist on your previous visits.

‱ The majestic Tokyo Skytree which opened in 2012 is currently the most well-known and popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. It’s 634 metres/2,080 feet high, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world and it attracted more than 6 million visitors in the first year of opening.

Tokyo Sky Tree

‱ The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center also opened in 2012. It’s located in front of the Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa and it’s an excellent place to find out about what’s new in Tokyo and get tourist information in English.

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‱ If you love to shop, I recommend the new 34-floor Hikarie shopping complex in Shibuya and the very glamorous Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, at the Omotesando Avenue and Meiji-dori intersection in Aoyama.

‱ I also recommend a visit to the newly-refurbished Tokyo Station and the KITTE shopping complex in front of JR Tokyo Station’s Maranouchi South Exit, within the former Tokyo Central Post Office. The seven floors at KITTE offer a shopping and dining experience that embraces Japanese aesthetics and it’s the kind of place Japanese people buy presents for their Japanese friends.

‱ Odaiba is a man-made island and shopping/dining/entertainment centre which has been developed in Tokyo Bay and is very popular with families. Attractions include the Oedo Onsen Monogatari (a hot spring theme park), the National Museum of Emerging Science, the famous Rainbow Bridge, a Leisureland for bowling, karaoke and sports games, as well as a variety of shopping malls, a Ferris wheel and the Museum of Maritime Science.

Odaiba

‱ Finally, if you’re interested in art exhibits in Tokyo, I highly recommend a visit to the new “Art Triangle Roppongi” which includes The National Art Center, Tokyo, The Suntory Museum of Art and The Mori Art Museum, inside Tokyo Midtown. You can get a visual and audio guide at the reception desk that allows you to watch interviews with the artists and listen to commentaries on each art installation. Here’s a link for more information: Japan National Tourism Organization.

So have a wonderful time in Tokyo if you’re planning a trip to Japan!

Reviews for Tokyo Hearts: A Japanese Love Story

| 14th January 2014

Recently, Mustika from Indonesia was kind enough to write a review on her blog for my first novel Tokyo Hearts: A Japanese Love Story . I’ve been very lucky to receive some wonderful reviews from readers and book reviewers all over the world and I thought it would be nice to share a few of them with you. I really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to write such lovely comments.

Tokyo Hearts cover

Please note: If the reviews are written in another language you’ll see there is usually a translator available to convert the text into English or whichever language you prefer.

Just click on the reviewer’s name to go directly to the full review.

‱ Mustika Permata Sari Muchtar

“I was drawn into the book and I felt very close to the beauty of Japan. Coupled with the complicated love story between Haruka and Takashi, this book will make you want to visit Japan.”

‱ Book Viral

“They say you should never judge a book by its cover, but Tokyo Hearts is definitely an exception to the rule. As captivating inside as it is on the outside, it is a veritable smorgasbord of cultural eloquence.

A Japanese love story for our times, it is set against the backdrop of Tokyo life with Renae Lucas-Hall skillfully weaving her plot through the very heart of a city renowned for its frantic pace of life. It will certainly garner fans from readers intrigued by Japanese culture.”

‱ Jean Vallesteros (Jean BookNerd)

“Renae’s writing style is able to channel the life of modern-day Japan into words and readers will feel like they are in the heart of Tokyo while following the lives of Takashi and Haruka. The Japanese culture is truly unique and Renae accurately captured just how amazing it is. She has delivered a story that takes readers outside of the normal trend of YA books out there and not only gives us an incredible love story, but also an amazing look into a culture that is very deep rooted in tradition. I am certain that the sequel, Tokyo Dreams, will follow the same calibre of marvellous writing.”

‱ Sophie Carroll (Sophie’s Japan Blog)

“I’d readily recommend this book to anyone who is interested in modern Japan and loves a sweet story. You really warm to a lot of the characters and empathise with them. If you’ve been to Japan before or seen footage of Tokyo, you’ll also recognise a lot of the little details about the city. As a Japanophile and attention-to-detail kind of girl, Tokyo Hearts struck a chord with me. I strongly encourage you all to get your copy today!”

‱ ケレツクă‚č コツト (Goodreads)

“Renae completely captures the Japanese lifestyle and day to day experiences very well. I was soo hooked i felt like i was Watching an anime. ooooooo And i can’t wait for the 2nd season loolz :D! This is DEFINATELY worth the read!! Its sooo worth it i can’t even fathom these feels right now. It’s so amazing in every way. Specially the ending ohhh wow it was like a beautiful fairy tale ending in reality that i was moved to tears. Please Make time for this book and read it! I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.”

‱ Antonia (Whispers at Moonlight)

“Overall, Tokyo Hearts is a beautiful love story and I recommend it to you. Renae Lucas-Hall is a very talented author and I really like her writing style.”

‱ GoldenJ (Amazon)

“A beautifully written and engaging love story set in Japan, Tokyo Hearts is a book to lose yourself in. The scenes are believable, the dialogue that moves the story along is warm and evocative, the characters leap of the pages. Pleased to have found it, looking forward to another release by Renae Lucas Hall.”

‱ Alexandra Sutila (Another Books World)

“At the beginning I didn’t know that I’d like this book but now , I love it. It was a peaceful and a beautiful book. Reading this book I learned a lot of things about Japan and Japanese culture.”

‱ Simon (Goodreads)

“If I was to sum Tokyo Hearts up in one word it would be escapism. A wonderful opportunity to dive into an alternative culture. The author creates a very believable Tokyo that I found highly absorbing and left me wanting to explore Japanese culture in greater details. Bravo, an excellent novel and looking forward to more from Renae Lucas Hall.”

‱ Trip Fiction

“For us at TripFiction, this is a fabulous novel that weaves its way into the heart of Tokyo life and brings the city into sharp focus for the reader. This is a great novel for exploring frenetic Tokyo life, offering up little aspects that make Tokyo, well, Tokyo. The automatic opening of taxi doors, the young peoples’ love of Western and Japanese named brands, descriptions of the kotatsu heaters that many older style dwellings still have. Pocky Sticks! The intricacies of the subway lines and the delightful examples of how the Japanese enthusiastically embrace Western words and names”

Sue Magee (The Bookbag)

“You really feel as though you’re on the fashionable streets, in the department stores, on the bullet train or even in the tiny apartments that pass as home for so many people like Takashi.”

‱ Laura (Itsumo Japan)

“Tokyo Hearts would make the perfect holiday read”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

| 16th December 2013

A big thank you to everyone who has shown interest in my writing this year. I’m really grateful for all those book lovers who have read my novel Tokyo Hearts and the many visitors who have come along to read and comment on my Cherry Blossom Stories Blog in 2013. I hope you all return here again in 2014. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year!!

merry-christmas-happy-new-year

The Very Best Top 4 All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Restaurants in Tokyo

| 8th December 2013

Recently in Japan, all-you-can-eat buffets have become very popular. If you’ve ever eaten at this type of restaurant you’ll know there is often a wide variety of dishes on offer but the quality of the food may be dubious and you rarely walk out at the end of the meal saying “That was delicious”. If you’ve read my Guide to Eating Out in Tokyo, you’ll know I’m a big fan of restaurants located inside the major hotels in Japan and this is where I’d recommend you go and eat if you’re looking for a sumptuous all-you-can-eat buffet.

I’ve done all the research for you and below are four of the best buffet restaurants in Tokyo, where you’ll get value for money and you’ll really enjoy the meal. You’ll pay a bit more than the „1,000 per person offers at some of the lesser-known restaurants scattered throughout Tokyo, but you’ll definitely enjoy the food much more at these slightly more expensive restaurants and to make the experience even more special and gratifying, I guarantee you’ll be eating in much more pleasant surroundings.

1. “THE GARDEN LOUNGE” & “THE SKY” at HOTEL NEW OTANI TOKYO

Hotel New Otani Tokyo is my number one choice because this hotel offers two very different types of buffets – a sandwich buffet and an international buffet on the 17th floor. As well as this, “The Garden Lounge” offers a breath-taking view of a 400 year-old Japanese garden (see photo below) and “The Sky” restaurant rotates for an impressive panoramic view of Tokyo.

Although “The Garden Lounge” only offers a sandwich buffet, tea and coffee are included and if you have a sweet tooth you’ll love Chef Patissier Shinsuke Nakajima’s seasonal desserts.

Sandwich Buffet: „3,800 (11:30 – 2:00pm)

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“The Sky” restaurant at Hotel New Otani Tokyo offers one of the best vantage point for taking in the impressive night lights of Tokyo with a revolving 360 degree view from the 17th floor. You also have a choice of Teppenyaki, sushi, Chinese and Western cuisine. “The Sky” has introduced what they like to call a “Totally New Concept” where you can design and create your own dish. You just choose the ingredients and their expert chefs will cook your meal exactly the way you like it.

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Lunch: „5,250 (11:30am – 2:00pm)
Dinner: „8,400 (5:30pm – 9:00pm)

Closest train station: Akasaka-Mitsuke Subway Station (Tel: 81 33238 0028)

2. “MUSASHI” at THE ASAKUSA VIEW HOTEL TOKYO

Number two on the list has to be “Musashi” which opened in May 2012 to commemorate the new Tokyo Skytree (the tallest structure in Japan at 634 metres). From the restaurant you have great views of the tower and on the other side of the hotel you can view Mount Fuji on a clear day. There are more than 50 dishes on offer, including Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisine and the prices are reasonable.

Breakfast: „2,194 (7:00 -10:00am)
Lunch: „3,234 (11:30 – 2:45pm or 3:00pm on weekends)
Dinner: „4,389 (6:00pm – 9:30pm)

Closest train station: Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) (Tel: 81 33842 3751)

3. “GLASS COURT” at KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO

The “Glass Court” located in the main tower on the 2nd floor of the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo made the list because of its popularity. The hotel highly recommends that you make a reservation if you’d like to eat at this buffet restaurant. They also have child prices but that is only for children of primary school age. The Super Buffet includes Japanese, tempura, sushi, Chinese, Korean and Western cuisine.

Weekdays
Breakfast: adult „2,900 child „2,200 (7:00am – 10:30am)
Lunch: adult „3,500, child „2,500 (11:45am – 3:00pm)
Dinner: adult „5,400, child „3,100 (5:30pm -9:30pm)

Weekend
Lunch: „3,900 (no child prices) (11:45am – 3:30pm)
Dinner: „6,400 (no child prices) (5:00pm – 10:00pm)

Closest train station: JR Shinjuku Station (Tel: 81 3 3344 0111)

4. “THE IMPERIAL VIKING SAL” at THE IMPERIAL HOTEL TOKYO

The Imperial Hotel’s buffet at “The Imperial Viking Sal” is last on the list because of the steep prices but you’ll be eating in style, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and you’ll be eating at what many people believe is Tokyo’s best 5 star hotel. The reason it made the list is because their all-you-can-eat buffet is based on the first buffet dining restaurant in 1953 and also because it has a spectacular assortment of dishes including appetizers, fine hot entrees, soups, salads, roasts and desserts and most of this is prepared in front of you. They also have child prices for children up to 12 years-old. This is exactly the kind of place you would take a very special person to honour an important occasion and to eat in grand style. Breakfast includes both Japanese and Western dishes but Western-style cuisine is served for lunch and dinner.

Imperial buffet

Weekdays
Breakfast: „3,400 (7:00am – 9:30am)
Lunch: „5,500 (11:30am – 2:30pm)
Dinner: „8,200 (5:30pm – 9:30pm)

Weekends
Breakfast: „3,800 (7:00am – 9:30am)
Lunch: „6,000 (11:30am – 2:30pm)
Dinner: „8,700 (5:30pm – 9:30pm)

Children
Breakfast: „2,300
Lunch: „3,600
Dinner: „5,300

Closest train station: Hibiya Station (Tel: 81 33539 8187)

Please note a service charge may be added to your bill at any of the above restaurants.

All prices may differ to the prices on the hotels’ websites. I’ve spoken with a representative from each restaurant and the prices listed above are up-to-date.