Before the arrival of springtime and waves of sakura-adoring fans, discover the magic of wintertime in Japan’s iconic capital with Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi.
Unknown to most tourists, winter brings its own floral wonders. Swathes of vivid plum blossoms festoon the city’s streets, parks and gardens, joined by early-blooming cherry blossoms. There is also wintertime wellness to be discovered. Few things can match the satisfaction of soaking in a Japanese bath or swimming in a heated pool while the mercury plummets outside.
Infused with fresh energy and boundless optimism, New Year celebrations in Japan continue to unfold through January as friends, family and colleagues come together to rejoice and reconnect. The sky-high venues at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi play the ideal host for memorable gatherings, offering unmatched views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and the Tokyo skyline.
With its clear skies and pristine air, winter is also the best time to enjoy views of Mount Fuji from THE LOUNGE and PIGNETO. Michelin-starred est, meanwhile, offers spectacular vistas of Tokyo’s after-dark glitter. From blossom-infused cocktails to strawberry afternoon tea, the Hotel’s seasonal offerings sparkle with wintertime delights.
Plum Blossoms and Winter Sakura
While Japanese cherry blossoms are world famous, their wintry counterparts remain a well-kept secret. Pink and white plum blossoms (ume) have been beloved for their visual splendour and sweet fragrance ever since the Nara period in the eighth century. Early-blooming cherry blossoms (kanhizakura, meaning “winter sakura”) are celebrated for their unassuming elegance.
February is the best month to enjoy these blossoms. Happily free of picnickers and revellers, the stunning sights can be appreciated in relaxed tranquillity. Stroll under blossom-laden branches, and compose beautiful photographs at leisure.
Dotted with historical reminders of the Edo period, the neighbourhood of Otemachi is ideal for winter blossom viewing. The Concierge recommends two excellent spots, located close to the Hotel:
- Imperial Palace East Garden. Formerly the main enclosure of the Edo Castle, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are home to a profusion of plum trees. Marvel at bright pink and white plum blossoms, along with a clutch of dark-pink winter sakura that attracts colourful birds.
- Kanda Myoji Shrine. With a history that goes back nearly 1300 years, this shrine is regularly visited by residents, including Four Seasons team members, who pay their respects to the guardian deities of Otemachi.Take a short train ride to participate in this cherished local ritual, surrounded by gorgeous plum blossoms.
Winter Wellness Playground
After a joyful day of blossom viewing in the crisp cold, return to Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi for warming rituals that inspire mind, body and spirit. Soaring above the clouds, the Hotel’s wellness facilities offer a zone of healing, rejuvenation and vitality. Explore the luxurious water and heat facilities, with each step of the journey providing distinct health benefits.
Day Pass. With visitor passes now available, guests are invited to experience the world of Zen at their convenience.
- Panoramic Swimming Pool. The 20-metre (66-foot) indoor heated pool is framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, bringing in energizing Tokyo views and an abundance of natural light. Underwater music gives every dip a new dimension. Swimming provides an excellent workout to promote circulation, improve blood flow and recover from jetlag. Even treading water offers multiple benefits, including calorie burn and cardiovascular stimulation.
- Mist Chairs. Take a seat and let the refreshing cool mist rapidly reduce muscle fatigue.
- Vitality Pool (whirlpool). Strong hot water jets improve blood circulation and relieve tight, tired muscles. Hydrotherapy at its best.
- Ofuro, Sauna and Steam Room. Ease away aches and pains in the ofuro (Japanese bath), and warm up both body and spirit at the sauna and steam room.
All wellness facilities above are complimentary for staying guests.
Day passes are available on weekdays: JPY 12,650 for 120 minutes. Prior reservation required.
Signature Wellbeing Ritual: Yakusugi Forest Renewal. This transcendent ritual is inspired by Yakusugi. Prized for their miraculous longevity, Yakusugi are Japanese cedars that have lived for a millennium or more, located on the island of Yakushima. The rich, meditative fragrance of Yakusugi oil wraps guests in nature’s healing embrace, taking them on a virtual forest journey.
- 120 minutes, JPY 53,200
Seasonal Gastronomy
Winter brings some of the most spectacular vistas: the skies are a brilliant blue, the Tokyo skyline glitters brighter than ever, and Mount Fuji rises majestically in the distance. With these striking backdrops, the sky-high gastronomy at Four Seasons is a treat for the gaze and palate alike.
New Year Afternoon Tea at THE LOUNGE. Executive Pastry Chef Yusuke Aoki presents enchanting Afternoon Tea menus, woven with luscious winter strawberries in January and delectable chocolate during Valentine’s season.
- January 7-31, 2023: Strawberry Afternoon Tea
- February, March 2023: Chocolate Afternoon Tea. Indulge in an limited-time collaboration between Executive Chef Yusuke Aoki and Valrhona
- JPY 8,800 on weekdays, JPY 9,800 on weekends
Blossom Cocktails at VIRTÙ. Inspired by plum and winter sakura blossoms, the winter cocktails at VIRTÙ evoke the magic of night-time flower viewing.
- Smoked Ume Fashioned. A blend of homemade Umeshu (plum brandy), Japanese whisky and Hinoki bitters, with plum blossoms (ume) as its key ingredient. For an added boost of flavour, cherry wood chips are smoked at the time of serving.
- Someiyoshino. Named after a variety of winter sakura, this refreshing cocktail is crafted with cherry blossom liqueur, sake and citrus. The famed sticky rice of Akita town forms the foundation of this drink, along with premium rice shochu.
JPY 3,200 per cocktail