The Peninsula Tokyo has launched its latest experiential initiative, “Keys to the City,” a program that provides hotel guests with exclusive and unique access to 10 of the best “only-in- Tokyo” experiences.
Now, not only does The Peninsula Tokyo’s room key open the doors to its elegant and spacious guest rooms, it also “opens doors” to unforgettable VIP access and experiences at some of the city’s most coveted spots.
The carefully curated programs are one-of-a-kind in culture-rich Tokyo, designed to provide guests with an insight into the capital city’s various cultures, arts and lifestyles. From an exclusive private tour of the Imperial Garden located opposite the hotel ro advance tickets to Nezu Museum, there’s plenty of fascinating experiences waiting to be tried.
1 Nightlife: Kento’s Bar
Kento’s, located a stone’s throw from The Peninsula Tokyo in Ginza, welcomes patrons to its popular club-restaurant with hits from the 70s and 80s as well as live music from local bands playing disco classics and more. The popular venue offers a variety of savory tapas and sweets from the food menu while the bar menu offers draft beers, wines, whiskey and mixed concoctions.
Keys to the City Access: When booking through the Concierge, Peninsula guests will receive a complimentary glass of Champagne with strawberries or an alternative beverage of choice prepared by Kento’s skilled bartenders. Chin chin!
2 Shopping: Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Designed like a glass vessel and inspired by the Japanese traditional craft of cut glass, Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a shopping mall of dreams. Consisting of 13 floors, the building houses a diverse selection of stores and restaurants, including its elevated public space Kiriko Lounge.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests will have access to an after-hours (9:00 pm onwards) shopping spree, providing private, leisurely shopping at one of nine selected stores.
3 Shopping: LOTTE Duty Free Store
As one of Tokyo’s largest duty-free stores, LOTTE Duty Free store in Ginza occupies the eighth and ninth floors of Tokyu Plaza Ginza, with 150 international brands covering a total of 4,400 sq m.
Keys to the City Access: The LOTTE Duty Free Gold Member card, a card issued to shoppers spending US$ 10,000 annually, will be specially gifted to Peninsula guests, offering 5% to 15% discount on selected products.
4 Shopping: Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of the largest drugstore chains in Japan, known for its bright yellow and blue signboards and offering medication and an impressive lineup of international, Japanese and original branded beauty products.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests will receive a special discount on selected products when shopping at one of five Matsumoto Kiyoshi stores: Yurakucho 2-chome, Yurakucho Itocia Plaza, Ginza 5th, BeautyU Ginza Chuo-dori and the Ginza 8-chome, with complimentary delivery to the hotel.
5 Shopping: Handmade Japanese Cooking Knives
Sukenari Knife Company, a small blacksmith based in Toyama Prefecture, has been producing knives for two generations. Widely known for their excellent knife production using high quality steel with impeccable grinds, they are one of many Japanese craftsmen who, throughout the ages, have been making the very best chisels, saws, swords and knives.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests may purchase an exclusive, pre-ordered handmade knife without the usual wait time of over a year. Purchase of knives is on a first-come first- served basis depending on availability. Knives may be shipped to certain countries only.
6 Culture: Nezu Museum
Located in Minami-Aoyama, a fashionable district in central Tokyo, Nezu Museum was built on the site of the former Nezu family residence. Re-opened in October of 2009 and designed by world renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the museum houses an impressive collection of more than 7,400 Japanese and East Asian art pieces.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests may purchase museum tickets in advance at the hotel Concierge desk.
7 Culture: Imperial Palace Garden Walk
As the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, the Imperial Palace is located in the center of Tokyo. Immersed in natural greenery, flowers and surrounded by a moat, the palace is built on what used to be the Edo Castle compound of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1867). Adjacent to the inner grounds of the palace is the Japanese-style Imperial Palace East Gardens, covering an area of approximately 210,000 sq m.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests may enjoy a fully guided, 60-minute excursion, either in English or Japanese, of the Imperial Palace East Garden by a hotel staff member.
8 Premium Products: Japanese Beef
Foodies, this one’s for you. Wagyu is one of the most popular types of beef enjoyed today, with its beautiful marble of fat and high proportion of monounsaturated fats, and high levels of omega 3 and 6, known to be “healthy fats”. The meat is rich with a distinct flavor and a buttery texture. The Peninsula Tokyo offers opulent A4- to A5-graded Wagyu in its unique restaurants.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests may purchase various premium-brand beef cuts of Kobe beef, Miyazaki beef, and Sendai beef via the hotel to take home. Cuts offered include sirloin and rib loin. Beef cannot be shipped outside of Japan.
9 Premium Products: Japanese Sake Tasting
Fukumitsuya Sake Brewery goes back to the Edo period founded in 1625 in Kanazawa, an area in Japan known for craftsmanship in kimono, gold beating, lacquer craft and ceramics. The town is surrounded by the sea and mountains and consequently enjoys a rich food culture. With the highest level of craftsmanship and a traditional family secret recipe, the brewery is known as one of the finest sake breweries in the area.
Keys to the City Access: Peninsula guests booked for a sake tasting program at Fukumitsuya Sake shop in Marunouchi will enjoy an additional complimentary glass of sake – with two distinct programs to choose from.
10 Lifestyle: RIMOWA Luggage Service
Established in 1898 in Germany, RIMOWA first created light-weight, sturdy leather and wooden travel luggage. In 1937, RIMOWA was the first to use aluminum for suitcases and in 1950, launched its iconic Topas series designed with grooves. Known as “The original luggage with the grooves”, the brand is loved by international jetsetters.
Keys to the City Access: In cooperation with RIMOWA, Peninsula guests are offered complimentary suitcase repairs (simple repairs for wheels, handles, key lock) during their stay, with free pick-up and delivery service to and from the hotel.