The Peninsula Tokyo

THAT LEGENDARY PENINSULA SERVICE

SHYING AWAY FROM THE BIG CITY HOTEL TREND TO BE PART OF A HIGH-RISE OFFICE BUILDING OR MULTI-USE COMPLEX, THE PENINSULA TOKYO STANDS 24-STOREYS HIGH OPPOSITE THE IMPERIAL PALACE AND IS SUPERBLY LOCATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS FINANCIAL DISTRICT OF MARUNOUCHI. A MODERN DAY LANDMARK, THE PROPERTY OFFERS COMMANDING CITY VIEWS, LUXURIOUS COMFORT, SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES, EXTRAORDINARY DINING AND THE LEGENDARY PENINSULA SERVICE.

The Honourable Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, explains the attraction of Tokyo for the renowned hotel group. “The sheer variety of Tokyo’s attractions are world famous – not only the bustling streets and vibrant economy, but also the traditions and renowned culture of the Japanese people, and thus The Peninsula Tokyo attempts to encapsulate all these sentiments in its architecture, interiors, public areas and guest rooms.”

With celebrated architect Kazukio Sato’s vision of The Peninsula Tokyo as a traditional Japanese lantern at the entrance of Marunouchi and Ginza, the hotel is a shining beacon drawing local and international guests to meet the world and experience the Japanese seasons reflected throughout the hotel’s design, facilities and services.

Guest rooms are amongst the largest and most technologically advanced in Tokyo and offer incomparable views of the city, the Imperial Palace Gardens and Hibiya Park. Interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, an alumnus of renowned Japanese interior design firm Super Potato, intertwines rich earth tone colours, woods, lacquer, marble and stone with design and functionality to create a luxurious living environment described as “international in design, but Japanese by inspiration.”

Peninsula’s legendary focus on technology is evident throughout, from personal nail dryers in each dressing room, to the bathrooms, which turn into personalised mini-spas at the touch of a button. The lighting system offers a choice of three distinct mood settings to allow guests to create an atmosphere tailored to their needs, whether they are getting ready to go out for the evening or simply relaxing in a hot bath.

Exciting communication gadgets include a wired phone in each room, which can be synchronised with guests’ personal mobile phones to enable the automatic transfer of incoming calls via Bluetooth synchronisation to any handset in the room as well as Skype calls in addition to regular calls.

Bringing Japanese and international artists together with art consultancy experts Art Front Gallery, The Peninsula Tokyo’s collection consists of approximately 1,000 pieces created by nearly 60 artists including Japanese designer Keisen Hama who created ‘Lying Dragon Gate,’ a magnificent bamboo masterpiece located in the heart of the lobby. With its rich Chinese heritage, The Peninsula Hotels wanted to bring the symbol of strength, harmony and good luck to Tokyo’s newest landmark hotel when it first opened in 2007. Hence the inspiration for Hama whose work of art graces the hotel’s soaring lobby honours the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac and one that represents each of these coveted traits. Hama’s depiction of a dragon lying over the universe also wards off evil spirits and offers protection.

Famed Japanese washi paper artist, Eriko Horiki’s works can be seen in The Peninsula Spa by ESPA. Born in Kyoto, her washi paper lighting adorns the spa reception area, enhancing the calmness and tranquillity of the spa.  Her work is also displayed at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Japanese restaurant Imasa.

In the enclosed atrium that soars 70-metres high, a specially commissioned sculpture by international artists Ben Jakober and Yannick Vu can be seen from the 8th to the 23rd floors, offering a glimpse of quintessential contemporary art. Three windows on each floor showcase 24 stainless steel cones, each one weighing 80 kilograms and suspended by high tensile cables. Each cone is wrapped with special Schott side-glow glass fibres, criss-crossing diagonally and emitting diffused light all along their length.

In a record-breaking partnership that began with The Peninsula Hong Kong’s first order for seven Silver Shadows in 1970, Peninsula Hotels and Rolls-Royce have been associated in excellence for almost 40 years.

The relationship commenced with the simple question “Have you enquired?”  When told that a fleet of Rolls-Royces would probably be too expensive for the hotel, Lord Lawrence Kadoorie (father of Sir Michael) enquired if anyone had actually contacted Rolls-Royce to ascertain the cost. That purchase made history for being the largest ever single order for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

The Peninsula Tokyo continues the Peninsula – Rolls-Royce tradition as the proud owner of a magnificent 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom. Each Peninsula Rolls-Royce is hand-made at the Rolls-Royce factory on the south coast of England, under the carmaker’s “Bespoke” programme to ensure they meet the exacting needs of the hotel. This programme allows customers to specify cars to suit their precise requirements, allowing modification of even the smallest detail, as well as introducing unique features to meet the hotel’s specific needs which may include the provision of a cool box for chilled hand towels, bespoke tread plates or a new, larger luggage compartment.

For the ultimate morning of indulgence, let the concierge book a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience at the nearby flagship Armani Ginza Tower. Chauffeured in the hotel’s Phantom, a private champagne breakfast for up to four guests will be catered by The Peninsula as a personal shopper stands by to present items from Armani’s latest collections. Showcasing the entire Armani world, including the signature Giorgio Armani collections for men and women, the Emporio Armani and Armani Casa lines, more than 6,000 square-metres of world class shopping is at your beck and call. In Peninsula-style, your purchases will be packaged and delivered to your room by personal pageboys.