Lufthansa Group bets big on Japanese destinations

German aviation giant Lufthansa Group is going hard on flights to Japan and will offer 50 flights a week during the 2027 summer season.

This marks a significantly expanded service due to a strong increase in demand. 

Lufthansa is resuming its direct Frankfurt to Nagoya service as well as adding an additional daily flight to Tokyo-Narita to its Tokyo service. 

Stablemate SWISS is also expanding capacity the Lufthansa brands as the leading European airline group in this market. SWISS will have up to seven weekly flights from Zurich to Tokyo-Narita.

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most important industrial and economic centres with Aichi Prefecture the main centre for the country’s automotive industry and other manufacturing companies. 

“Japan is a key market for the Lufthansa Group, and we are pleased to further strengthen our presence with additional capacity and the resumption of flights to Nagoya," says says Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group.

"Together with our expanded Tokyo services, these investments provide our customers with more travel options and support the continued diversification of our intercontinental network. 

"As the leading European airline group in Japan, we remain committed to connecting people, cultures and economies between Europe and Japan.”

In total, the Lufthansa Group’s hub airlines - Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and ITA Airways will fly to Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Tokyo keeps visitors coming back for more

Once tourists have visited Tokyo they cannot stay away.

 
The sprawling Japanese capital is a big favourite with return visitors, the latest Repeat Visitor Ranking list from digital travel platform Agoda reveals.

The list highlights the top 10 destinations across Asia that keep travellers coming back for more.

Based on bookings made during the first half of the year, Agoda reveals that Tokyo has claimed the top spot for the first time, overtaking now second-placed Bangkok.

Rounding out the top five are Bali, Seoul and Osaka. Da Nang, Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei, and Johor Bahru complete the top 10 list.

This year's rankings reveal the rising appeal of Japan and Vietnam as increasingly popular places people love to re-visit. 

Beyond Tokyo's ascent to the top, Fukuoka has entered the top 10 for the first time at number eight, signalling travellers' desire to explore beyond Japan's traditional tourist hubs.

Da Nang in Vietnam has climbed two spots to sixth place, with its stunning beaches, proximity to UNESCO sites like Hoi An, and excellent value, Agoda said.

Andrew Smith, senior vice president for supply at Agoda, said: "Asia is home to so many destinations that are worth revisiting, and what we're seeing is that travellers are building relationships with their favourite cities.

"The shift with Tokyo's rise to number one and destinations like Fukuoka and Da Nang gaining ground show that travellers are finding new reasons to return, whether it's seasonal attractions, undiscovered neighbourhoods, or simply great food."

See www.Agoda.com.

Image: Shibuya, Tokyo

Qantas boosts services to Japan

Qantas is going all in on flights between Australia and Japan.

The Australian flag carrier has increased services between Melbourne and Tokyo and added more seats across the Tasman as Japan and New Zealand continue to be popular destinations for Australian travellers.

More than 45,000 seats will be added to Tokyo and Queenstown by early next year.

Qantas has increased its Melbourne-Narita services from daily to 11 flights per week from December 2026 to March 2027 in response to growing demand. 

The new flights will add a total of 30,000 seats to the route.

Japan continues to be a favourite for Qantas customers, with passenger numbers up 8% between October 2025 and March 2026, totalling 350,000 passengers for the period.

In addition, the airline is increasing frequency across the Tasman over the summer peak for travel between Australia and New Zealand, including over 15,000 additional seats between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane to Queenstown over the summer peak.

Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said: 
“Japan remains one of the most popular destinations on our international network and is showing no signs of slowing down, with more than half a million Australians visiting between January and May this year alone.

"Adding more capacity out of Melbourne means more Aussies can experience one of the world's great travel destinations, whether they're heading there for the first time or going back for more.”

There was also enthusiasm from Japan National Tourism Oraganization Sydney Office Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa. 

"We're delighted to see even more flights between Melbourne and Narita, further strengthening ties between Australia and Japan,” Kitazawa said. 

“Last year we marked an exciting milestone, with over one million Australians visiting Japan.

“We hope that even more people will be inspired to come and experience Japan.”

Tokyo the top destination for Lunar New Year escapes

What is the most popular travel destination for a Lunar New Year escape? 

Digital travel platform Agoda says search and booking patterns from Asia reveal Japanese capital Tokyo retains top spot, followed by Bangkok (Thailand), and Taipei (Taiwan). 

The data, comparing searches in December 2025, showed Osaka (Japan), ranked at fourth place, and Seoul (South Korea) secured the fifth spot while Fukuoka (Japan) held sixth position.

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) debuted on the list at seventh, while Sapporo (Japan) slipped one spot to eighth. Singapore and Hong Kong also remained popular, rounding out the list of top 10n destinations.

This year marks the Year of the Horse, symbolising energy, movement, and adventure. 

"The Lunar New Year is all about adventure and discovery, especially in the Year of the Horse," says Andrew Smith, senior vice-president for supply at Agoda. 

"It's exciting to see travellers embracing both traditional favourites and new experiences during one of Asia's top travel moments." 

See agoda.com/deals.

Image: Tokyo, Meghan Page, Scop.io

Take a stroll through Tokyo's fascinating history

Tokyo may be one of the most technically advanced cities on the planet, but it also has a fascinating history. 

The Japanese capital is showcasing its cultural roots through “Edo Tokyo,” with a renewed focus on the city's historical identity, highlighted by the reopening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum (above) on March 31. 

Before it became known as Tokyo, Japan's capital was called Edo, a fishing village that grew into one of the world's largest cities during the Edo period (1603–1868). 

This era shaped the foundations of modern Tokyo, influencing its urban layout, commerce, arts, food culture, and everyday life. 

Even today, traces of Edo remain woven throughout the city, offering visitors an opportunity to experience history alongside contemporary life.

Following an extensive renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will host immersive exhibitions, large-scale architectural reconstructions, and storytelling that brings daily acrivities and culture to life. 

Across Tokyo, visitors can encounter living history through a collection of sites that continue to shape the city's cultural landscape:

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum: Located in Koganei Park, this open-air museum (above) preserves historic buildings from the Edo through early Showa periods, allowing visitors to walk through traditional townhouses, shops, and public buildings.

Ryogoku Kokugikan: The heart of Japan's national sport, sumo. Ryogoku has been closely associated with sumo since the Edo period, when the sport developed as both ritual and popular entertainment.

Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza):  Tokyo's principal kabuki theatre, where visitors can experience a performing art that originated in Edo's lively entertainment districts and continues to captivate audiences today.

Nihonbashi Bridge: Once the starting point of the Five Highways of Edo Japan, Nihonbashi symbolised travel, trade, and connection, and remains a historic and commercial centre of Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden: A classic Edo-period strolling garden, Rikugien reflects traditional landscape design inspired by poetry, seasonal beauty, and refined aesthetics.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the official platform Journey through Edo's Legacy, featuring curated itineraries, historical insights, and travel inspiration focused on Edo culture.

Additional Edo-themed travel ideas and inspiration are also available on GoTokyo.org, Tokyo's official tourism website.

Japan working on the world's fastest train

Japanese engineers are working on would be the world’s fastest train.

Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is testing the L0 Series, a Japanese Maglev train, Euronews reports.

It says there is the potential for speeds of up to 603kmh, way ahead of the current record breaker: China’s Shanghai Maglev at 465kmh.

The new service would be on the Tokyo to Nagoya route, a route currently served by Shinkansen bullet trains but the L0 Series trains would half the current travel time.

The L0 Series Chuo-Shinkansen line is currently under construction to enable these speeds. It may also be extended to serve Osaka in the future.

The maglev technology uses magnetic levitation that lifts the train above the tracks, enabling much higher speeds.

The bad news: the project is still about eight years away from completion.

Usually, a train from Tokyo to Nagoya can take anywhere between one hour and 26 minutes to two and a half hours or more, depending on whether travellers take the faster bullet train (Shinkansen) services, or the slower Kodama or Hikari ones.

The L0 Series’ Chuo-Shinkansen is expected to cut this travel time down to only 40 minutes.

Once deemed commercially operational, the L0 Series train will be able to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in one hour, a journey which currently takes anywhere from 2hr 30 mins to four hours.

Asian travellers embrace solo journeys

Interest in solo travel is rising across Asia, digital travel platform Agoda reports. 

Agoda notes a 16% increase in solo accommodation searches compared to last year. 

This trend underscores a growing movement of travellers embracing the freedom and adventure of solo journeys, it says.

When planning their trips, solo travellers gravitate towards major cities in Asia. 

Tokyo (Japan) leads the pack, ahead of Bangkok (Thailand), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) rounding out the top five destinations. 

These urban hubs offer a wide range of attractions, from cultural landmarks to world-class dining and lively entertainment, perfect for those looking to explore at their own pace. 

At the forefront of this trend are travellers from Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan, who make up the top five solo travel groups in Asia, Agoda's data show. 

While Japanese travellers dominate in numbers, interest in solo travel has grown the fastest among Indonesians with a 72% increase in searches. 

Thai travellers follow close behind, with a 37% rise in solo travel interest. This growth highlights a transformative shift in how individuals across Asia are redefining their travel experiences and looking beyond traditional group trips.

"The rise in solo travel across Asia has become a defining trend in 2025 that reflects a growing desire for personal discovery and meaningful cultural immersion," says Jay Lee, regional director for North Asia at Agoda said. 

"Agoda is thrilled to support these journeys by offering a wide array of options tailored to solo travellers, ensuring they have everything they need to make their trips unforgettable."

See Agoda.com for more information.

Image: Terran Goodwin, Scop.io

Tokyo celebrates art across urban landscapes

Tokyo is one of the most fascinating destinations on the planet and if you are visiting over the next few months you can enjoy an international art festival running from October 17 to December 14. 

The Tokyo Biennale 2025 runs through what is is often celebrated as the “Autumn of Art” or “Autumn of Excursions” and invites visitors to discover the sprawling city's culture, history, and communities through art. 

Now in its third edition, the festival will feature works by 38 artist groups from seven countries, presented across 14 venues under the theme “Wander for Wonder.” 

Unlike traditional art festivals confined to galleries, the Tokyo Biennale is connected to the neighbourhoods where it takes place - and some of the exhibits are very quirky. 

Artists collaborate with local communities, creating site-specific works that reveal new perspectives on Tokyo's urban landscape.

The festival spans six areas in central-northeast Tokyo, including Ueno, Nihonbashi, Yaesu/Kyobashi, and Marunouchi. Each district offers a different way to engage with the city's culture and history. 

Most exhibitions are free to enter, while two main venues, the Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple and the Etoile Kaito Living Building, require payment for admission.

Projects are designed to be experienced on foot, so visitors can stroll through Tokyo's neighbourhoods, encountering artworks while uncovering hidden corners of the city. 

The festival encourages participants to “wander” through the layers of history, architecture, and daily life that define one of the world's most walkable capitals. Bring comfortable shoes. 

Full details, including participating artists and program updates, are available on the official Tokyo Biennale website LINK

For visitors looking to continue their artistic journey beyond the Biennale, Tokyo offers countless opportunities to explore galleries, museums, and cultural sites throughout the city. More information can be found on the official Go Tokyo website www.gotokyo.org

The chaos and order of the world's busiest station

There are railways stations, and there are railway stations.

Trying to navigate your way around Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and its satellites is like traversing a small underground city.

Shinjuku is the world's busiest train station with over 3.6 million passengers daily and 36 platforms on several levels.

I'll admit that we got well and truly lost trying to find a hotel that was just metres from one of the station's many exits.

Shinjuku holds a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most passengers a day - understandable given rail is the main mode of transportation in Tokyo.

The Japanese capital boasts what is widely regarded as the best urban railway network in the world.

Shinjuku, opened in 1885, now has over 200 exits to help ease congestion, along with several shopping malls.

It is served by no fewer than five different railway systems: JR East, Keio Corporation, Odakyu, Electric Railway, Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro.

Throw in restaurants, those shopping centres and department stores, a tourist information centre, lost and found offices, currency exchanges, ATMs, police boxes and luggage storage and you have a destination on its own merits.

Beware: at rush hour it can be chaotic. But most of the time it is a model of public transport efficiency. If you can find the right exit. 

Where is hip and happening for Asian travellers?

Couples around Asia have Tokyo as their prime travel destination right now. 

Digital travel platform Agoda had unveiled the top destinations couples are looking to visit this month, based on accommodation searches made on Agoda.

The ranking highlights a strong preference for city destinations over beach resorts with Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok leading the list.

Other popular cities include Osaka, Taipei, and Hong Kong, indicating a trend towards vibrant cityscapes and cultural hubs.

The full list is: Tokyo,  Seoul, Bangkok, Osaka, Taipei, Bali, Hong Kong, Fukuoka, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore. 

When analyzed at a market level, the data reveals that Bangkok is the favorite for couples from Malaysia and Vietnam, while Tokyo is the top choice for those from Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Andrew Smith, senior vice-president for supply at Agoda, said: “One might associate romantic getaways with a retreat in Maldives, Santorini, or Bali, but it's clear from Agoda's insights that city trips are a favorite among modern couples. 

“These destinations offer something different each time and cater to shorter getaways. Great for couples unable to take long vacations but still looking to spend some quality time together away from home. At Agoda, we're excited to assist couples in discovering the perfect destination to celebrate their love."

For more info visit agoda.com 

Celebrate the flavours of Tokyo

Tokyo will host two major foodie events during October that will celebrate the city's culinary heritage and innovative flavours.

The Taste of Tokyo 2024 runs from October 25-27 and the Ramen Festa 2024 from October 24-November 4.

Taste of Tokyo 2024 events will be held in Marunouchi, Hibiya, Yurakucho, and Toyosu with free admission.

This event features a diverse array of stalls offering dishes crafted from locally sourced Tokyo produce. Visitors can indulge in gourmet treats, explore local markets showcasing fresh ingredients, and enjoy special menu items from nearby restaurants.

Tokyo Ramen Festa 2024 is hosted at Komazawa Olympic Park.

Formerly known as the Tokyo Ramen Show, the Ramen Festa invites enthusiasts to immerse themselves in Japan's iconic noodle dish.

There will vendors in total ranging from newcomers to established favourites.

Discover Tokyo's new tourism hot spot

Tourists visiting Tokyo tend to hang in hip neighbourhoods like Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Toyosu is not yet on their radar, but locals are flocking there.

This Tokyo Bay suburb is the location of the wholesale Toyosu Market, which took on the role of the old Tsukiji fish market.

Opened earlier this year, new hotel Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club and the adjacent Senkyaku Banrai culinary precinct are pulling in curious locals.

Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club is a hot spring/hotel property that offers day visits or overnight stays. It has an imposing waterfront location and is just a 17-minute train ride from Ginza's secondary Itchome station.

The new Senkyaku Banrai complex next to the giant markets is designed to look like an old Edo town marketplace.

The name is an approximation of "thousands of people coming and going".

It is home to 65 restaurants and casual eateries overlooking Tokyo Bay.

Built on an island of reclaimed land, Toyosu was once purely an industrial area but is now busy and buzzy.

Many of the restaurants offer food direct from the neighbouring market (closed on Sundays). 

It's fun strolling around the outlets trying to work out what speciality is on offer. There is minimal English signage. 

Eel, sushi, and many other seafood dishes are on offer, but prices are pretty steep.

The Senkyaku Banrai foot bath garden on the eighth floor offers panoramic views of Toyosu, and is open to all visitors free of charge.

See https://www.toyosu-senkyakubanrai.jp/  

For more information about Tokyo visit the official Tokyo travel guide: www.gotokyo.org/en

Qantas penny pinching becoming more obvious

We just took two Qantas flights: from Melbourne to Tokyo Narita return. They were very much a mixed bag, as you expect from the airline nowadays. 

First the positives. 

Both Airbus A330 flights were on time, boarding was well organised (no silly groups) and the cabin crew were smart and efficient despite both 10-hour-plus flights being pretty full. 

With Qantas being a full-service airline, you get a pillow, a blanket and headphones in your seat. And a bottle of water is delivered soon after take off.

So far so good, But unfortunately, there are several other elements that reflect the Australian national carrier's relentless commitment to cost cutting. 

That bottle of water is all you get. If you want it re-filled, you can head to the back of the plane and use a tap. 

The wine selection, in 187ml plastic mini bottles, contains several options that are not only not very good, but barely fit for purpose. 

Budget is clearly the defining factor here, not quality. Sad when Australia has so much good wine sitting in tanks. [A very good Seppeltsfield Vermentino was an exception].   

The food ex Melbourne was tasty and warm, with three choices (including one vegetarian option). 

Decent enough, but on the return flight the food, again three choices but two that sounded decidedly unappealing) was less than average (and I'm being kind). 

It is clear Qantas consultant chef Neil Perry has zero say in what is served in the economy cabin. And that's a fail. 

The seats are cramped and uncomfortable, but that is almost a given nowadays. Amenity kits: forget it.  

Then there is the entertainment. Qantas has once again placed the almighty dollar ahead of customer comfort. Whatever you want to watch you'll need to sit through some turgid advertising first. It's like Channel 9 on steroids. 

There has also been a lack of attention to the compilations. Not even a moron in a hurry could think that Cold Chisel should be listed under "Country Music". But they've probably made whoever did that job redundant. 

Even though we paid for our own fares, I wanted to list a factbox with the stories I wrote, giving details of all Qantas flights to Japan, prices and timings etc. 

I emailed the Qantas media team three times asking for those details, but did not even get the courtesy of a reply. Maybe they are too busy addressing complaints, or just don't give a damn. 

Strange when there so many competitors on the route. 

But so much about Qantas is strange nowadays. 

Factbox: Qantas failed to supply details of its flights to Japan despite repeated requests. But the Qantas website tells me return flights from Melbourne to Narita start from $1,202 return until June 2025 and operate four times a week. I hope that info is still current. Maybe Qantas will let know. 

Fast tracking your way around Japan

Forget driving. Catching the bus? No chance. 

If you have to travel long distances in Japan then there is only one way to go: on a bullet train, also known as Shinkansen. 

The fast train network covers most of Japan - and we used rail passes to travel from Tokyo to visit the regional town of Kanazawa and surrounds. 

There are range of Japan rail passes to choose from and you only need to make one or two journeys to cover your costs. 

We used a Hokuriku Arch Pass, which cost around $300 for eight days of travel, including in the Metro Tokyo area. 

The trains are clean, fast and comfortable. And reliable. There is plenty of free luggage storage space, announcements in English and free wifi on board.  

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connecting Tokyo with Tsuruga in the Hokuriku region. 

It is a joint venture between JR East and JR West. 

Stops include Nagano, the host city for the 1998 Winter Olympics and Japan's dinosaur capital of Fukui.

The pass can be used from Kansai Airport, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport, and also includes the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa.

It is also possible to use the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo, as well as the Limited Express Haruka between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka, and between Kansai Airport and Kyoto.

Tokyo to Kanazawa takes under 2 1/2 hours on the fast train - covering a distance of 450km. It would take over six hours - and a whole lot of stress - to drive between the two destinations, and you will have to pay toll fees for at least five different expressways.

But the system can be a complex one. Do your homework before you get to the station. Be aware that the majority of trains require a (free) seat reservation. And be prepared for massive crowds in stations if you travel at peak times.   

The route of the final Hokuriku section to Shin-Osaka was expected to be completed by the late 2020s - but then financial issues struck, Nikkei Asia reported. 

Concerns are emerging that the project may fail to pass a cost-benefit test that is one condition for starting construction.

Extending the line to Osaka is now expected to cost as much as 5.3 trillion yen ($36 billion), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism recently told lawmakers - more than double the initial estimate.

Pass holders can actually use their passes between Tsuruga and Osaka - but on slower regional trains.

The sharp increase owes to higher labour and materials costs. The ministry also said construction could now take up to 28 years, up from its previous estimate of 15, owing partly to labour reforms.

The ministry plans to provide information as early as 2025 on whether the project still meets the necessary conditions to go ahead, including on its benefit-to-cost ratio and funding.

Authorities are weighing three options to extend the line from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka station, with plans to begin construction by the end of fiscal 2025.

All three options under consideration involve building an underground section through Kyoto.

Depending on your destination, a rail pass might be worth considering if you plan to travel in Japan. https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/hokurikuarch.html 

# The writer paid his own way

Asian destinations hot for summer travel

Bangkok and other Asian destinations have been summer favourites for travellers booking summer trips on digital travel platform Agoda.

Agoda has just unveiled the top five international flight destinations based on booking data on the platform between June and August 2024.

This year's rankings show a mix of familiar favorites and some shifts in traveller preferences compared to last year.

The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travelers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the warmer months.

Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. 

Seoul overtook Singapore to take the second spot. Kuala Lumpur also sees an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

"The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia Pacific travel,” says Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda,

“Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travelers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.

“The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its cutting-edge technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. 

“Singapore's futuristic skyline and Tokyo's eclectic neighborhoods also continue to draw travelers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.”

The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

A shopping centre with an arty difference

Ginza Six is a shopping centre in one of the chicest quarters of downtown Tokyo.

It is home to hundred of stores, including luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Jimmy Choo as well as a range of food and drink outlets.  

But its rooftop garden is also a delightful haven from the heat on a hot Tokyo day.

Take the elevator up to level 13 and walk around the rooftop for spectacular views of Tokyo from every angle.

There are also shady gardens in which to take a leafy moment from the mayhem below, and a paddling pool which is loved by locals and their kids.

The good news is that access is absolutely free from 7am to 11pm at night.

Also free to enjoy to anyone entering the complex is an eye-catching selection of artworks and installations.

The current installation is the quirky Big Cat Bang, by artist Kenji Yanobe.

Here are some images of both the artworks and the rooftop garden and views. 

GINZA SIX, 6 Chome-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City

traveling traveling cat that brings good fortune, by leading contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Kenji 
Yanobe is known for his mechanical sculptures and gigantic sculptures that combine social messages with uniqueness. 
The large atrium space in the center of GINZA SIX is treated as a galaxy including the Earth, with countless space cats flying in the sky and floating spaceships paying homage to the Tower of the Sun. Kenji Yanobe, who inherited the creative genes of Taro Okamoto, will weave the dynamism of the universe from the Big Bang to the present as a story of new life.cat that brings good fortune, by leading contemporary artist Kenji Yanobe. Kenji 
Yanobe is known for his mechanical sculptures and gigantic sculptures that combine social messages with uniqueness. 
The large atrium space in the center of GINZA SIX is treated as a galaxy including the Earth, with countless space cats flying in the sky and floating spaceships paying homage to the Tower of the Sun. Kenji Yanobe, who inherited the creative genes of Taro Okamoto, will weave the dynamism of the universe from the Big Bang to the present as a story of new life.

A super fresh sushi experience

If I lived in Ginza then Sushi Marui would probably be my local. 

Recommended by the front desk at the Mercure Hotel Ginza Tokyo, it is a classic sushi joint offering a choice between sitting at a counter overlooking the chefs at work, or seated dining upstairs. 

Two veteran chefs are manning the sharp knives, cutting up various types of fresh seafood; from three types of tuna to sea urchin and eel.  

Think some whelks, shawanmushi, miso soup, freshly prepared sushi platter and dessert. All tasty and delicious. 

Dinner for two costs around $125 including drinks. And this being Japan you don’t need to worry about tipping - which must be discombobulating for American tourists. 

I have no doubt there are better/cheaper places to be found in Tokyo. But the food here was good and they made us non-Japanese speakers very welcome. 

Sushi Marui, 3 Chome 8-15, Ginza, Chuo City. Http://ginza-maruisushi.com/index.html 

Market time in Tsukiji

It may no longer be the venue for Yokyo’s famous fish auctions but Tsukiji remains a vibrant food market just a short stroll from the glitzy Ginza strip.

If you are keen to try some conger eel, buy a handcrafted knife, or just try some matcha ice cream then you’ve come to the right place.

OK. A single peach might cost you $12 - but there are also lots of bargain nibbles to sample.

The oysters come with “no peculiar taste” and there are a mixture of wholesale and retail shops, along with numerous restaurants that line the streets of the Outer Market.

Here’s a few shots from this morning. 

Raffles to open luxury hotel in Tokyo

The Raffles Hotels & Resorts business started with one venerable property in Singapore.

Nowadays it is a global brand with news this week of a new Raffles to open in Tokyo.

Scheduled to open in in 2028, Raffles Tokyo will feature panoramic views, parent company Accor announced.

It will be located in the World Trade Center Building in the Hamamatsuchō district.

“We are delighted to grow the Raffles global family with Raffles Tokyo, which will feature the brand's world-renowned hallmarks including personalised Butler Service and an inspiring environment," said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

"World Trade Center Building Inc. and Tokyo Tatemono Co. are likeminded partners that share our vision for delivering luxury hospitality at the highest level, and we look forward to unveiling a new urban icon in one of the world's most vibrant and culturally significant cities.”

Set to occupy the top 46 floors of the WTC building, a landmark in Tokyo since its completion in 1970, Raffles Tokyo will be in close proximity to some of city's most notable landmarks including Tokyo Tower, the Roppongi Museum, and Rainbow Bridge, in addition to having direct access to Hamamatsuchō station.

The hotel is expected to feature 130 guest rooms, including 27 suites, and will have six food and beverage outlets, as well as a fitness studio, swimming pool, and spa and bathhouse.

“We are very pleased to welcome Accor Group, which operates a number of world-class hotel brands, as our partner, and to be working together toward to the opening of first Raffles hotel, one of Accor Group's premier brands, in Japan," said Hitoshi Nomura, President and CEO, Tokyo Tatemono Co.

"Together with Accor Group and the World Trade Center Building, we hope to create a new landmark in Tokyo and contribute to the creation of an even livelier international city and the enhancement of Tokyo's international competitiveness.” 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts traces its roots to 1887 with the opening of the original Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It now operates luxury hotels around the globe.