SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TOKYO OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE TOKYO’S CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON IN STYLE

Japan turns pink in early spring with cherry blossoms from south to north across the country, usually reaching Tokyo by the end of March.  Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo offers an opportunity to view this delight of spring with tours around the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi or surrounding Tokyo Tower, with complimentary use for two hours of one of the hotel’s chauffeured limousines.

The latest addition to Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo’s “Explore Tokyo in Style” series, the “Cherry Blossom Season in Style” option is available from 20 March until 15 April 2013.  Guests can view the cherry blossoms with a gourmet picnic hamper that includes rosé champagne, sakura scones and a selection of spring canapés.  Guests can also take advantage of the “Explore Tokyo in Style” benefits, which include breakfast at Piacere or in the Lobby Lounge, upgrade to the next room category, late check-out until 3 p.m., free Internet access, and complimentary access to the Health Club and swimming pool.

Reservations are now open for stays between 15 March and 20 April 2013.  A minimum stay of two nights is required, and accommodation in a 50-square-metre Deluxe Room costs ¥71,000 per night based on double occupancy.  The rate is subject to tax and service charge.  For more information and reservations, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo directly on (81 3) 6739 7878 or e-mail reservations.slty@shangri-la.com.

During the period, Nadaman, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, will serve specially prepared sakura liquor as an aperitif.  Also, an exclusive sakura treatment, a spring version of the seasonal Kisetsu Ritual with a Cherry Blossom Scrub, will be available at CHI, The Spa.

In addition, the hotel concierge can tailor “Spring Excursions” for guests wishing to see cherry blossoms in some of Japan’s outstanding resorts in locations of extraordinary natural beauty – especially in the spring.  Recommendations include Hoshinoya Kyoto, on the banks of the Hozu River in Arashiyama; Kai Hakone, with sightseeing to view Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms; Kai Matsumoto, in the shadow of the grand Matsumoto Castle; and Kai Tsugaru, where guests can enjoy the evening cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Castle.

Guests can also use the hotel’s complimentary “Meet and Greet” service.  A dedicated member of the hotel staff will meet the guest at the platform of the Shinkansen (bullet train) inside Tokyo Station and escort the guest personally to the hotel.  On departure, guests are escorted to the relevant departure platform of Tokyo Station.

Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo

The 200-room Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo opened on 2 March 2009 as Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts' first property in Japan.  The hotel occupies the top 11 floors of the 37-floor, mixed-use Marunouchi Trust Tower Main building, located adjacent and with direct access to Tokyo Station, which serves as the terminus of the Shinkansen bullet train network that extends nationwide as well as the city’s railway hub that connects local train and subway lines with regional services.  The hotel’s dining facilities include Piacere, a signature Italian restaurant; Nadaman, which serves authentic Japanese kaiseki cuisine; and The Lobby Lounge.  The hotel’s CHI features ancient Chinese healing therapies and is the first CHI spa to open in Japan.  CHI offers six treatment rooms that are the largest self-contained spa suites in Tokyo.

Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 78 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 32,000.  Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services.  Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, the Philippines, Singapore, the Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.  The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United Kingdom.  For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.