Issue #8
Tokyo mini guide, the revival of Starwood hotels, and Michelin gets the boot in the French Alps.
Happy Sunday friends! It’s been an eventful start to the year, and we are dreaming of that next vacay more than ever. In this issue, we have the Tokyo mini guide from our epic visit there last February along with top industry headlines.
Mini Guide: Tokyo, Japan
Perfect for: Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, tech/gaming fans, and adventurous travelers.
Full disclosure: Tokyo is probably our favorite place on the planet, so just want to call out the bias from the jump here. Part of its charm and what makes it so unique is the contrast of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation blended together throughout the city. From one block to the next there can be historic temples and tranquil gardens, followed by neon-lit streets and cutting-edge technology. There is also a culture of thoughtfulness and extreme attention to detail in everything they do. Some people dedicate their lives to perfecting one single thing, so the quality is unmatched when it comes to certain trades and industries.
For anyone who is up for the long-haul flight to get there, it’s a rewarding journey. While the city is very family-friendly, it could be a more complicated trip to do with little ones and probably best for adult travelers - whether solo, couples, friends, or families.
It’s definitely ideal to have 10 to 14 days for this kind of a trip, but don’t let that discourage you. We actually managed to do it successfully in 8 nights / 9 days (plus you gain a day when you travel back in time to come home).
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) are the most popular.
Peak season is spring for sakura season (when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom) from March to May. They transform the city into a dreamy pink paradise, which makes this an expensive and busy time to visit. We went late February and managed to see some early blossoms while finding better rates.
In fall, the amber and red foliage adds stunning colors to parks and temples with perfect weather. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters are crisp but often sunny.
Budget Meter: $$$ = fairly affordable with options for high/low.
Tokyo caters to every budget. Affordable ramen shops and sushi conveyor belts offer incredible meals for under $10, while Michelin-starred restaurants provide unforgettable splurges. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to luxury five-star stays.
Similar to 2024, so far this year the US Dollar continues to be strong compared to the Japanese Yen. This means a trip to Tokyo is much more affordable now than it was a few years ago!
Sustainability Meter: Green
Tokyo is making strides in sustainability, with eco-friendly hotels, advanced recycling systems, and public transit that’s efficient and widespread. Walking or using the subway is the most eco-conscious way to get around, and many restaurants emphasize locally sourced ingredients. That said, smoking cigarettes is still popular and feels a bit stuck in the ‘90s.
Getting There:
Tokyo has two major airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is closer to the city center (~30 minute drive) and very easy to get to, while Narita is a bit farther (~1 hour+) but offers great rail connections like the Narita Express.
Haneda Tip: While not as massive as Narita, the Haneda Airport is just as impressive to fly in/out of. The food options are next level, so don’t worry about “airport food” when you’re departing. Leave plenty of time for a proper farewell meal and shopping. There’s an entire floor with souvenir shops, Sanrio goodies, a photo booth and an observation deck. This is where we loaded up on snacks to bring home.
Narita Tip: If you're arriving at Narita, consider getting a prepaid Suica card for seamless access to trains, buses, and convenience stores. Be sure to reserve seats for the Narita Express during peak travel times.
With a robust rail network, Tokyo is also an ideal starting point for day trips to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or Nikko.
If this sounds like your next vacay, stay tuned for our Full Guide to Tokyo that will be brimming with all our favorite places!
Making Headlines:
Barry Sternlicht Brings Back Starwood Brand (Skift): The man who built the OG Starwood and grew its successful brands like W Hotels and Westin is reviving it nearly 10 years after the Marriott acquisition by rebranding his current company SH Hotels & Resorts, which includes Baccarat, 1 Hotels, and Treehouse.
Top French Chef Bans Michelin Guide From His New Restaurant (CNN): Award-winning French chef Marc Veyrat’s newly opened Le Restaurant Marc Veyrat is located in the French Alps village of Megève. Six years after his lawsuit with the Michelin Guide for demoting his other restaurant from three stars to two, he’s refusing to play the game with their inspectors, saying “I’m turning 75 this year. I don’t want to be taking exams and getting ranked.” We hear that.
A Modern, 7,500-Square-Foot Bathhouse is Coming to Wynwood (MNT): Opening later this year in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, Grotto Social Baths was recently announced. The space will offer healthy socializing while enjoying recovery modalities like sauna, steam, cold plunge, thermal pools and various programming.
Mexico Is Facing a Surplus of Tequila as Sales Decline (Robb Report): The tequila industry is bracing for a challenging year. With over 500 million liters in inventory, Mexico has a surplus of the agave-based spirit that nearly matches its annual production. This is due to a decline in tequila demand over the past 18 months, following a decade of rapid growth driven by the spirit's popularity in the U.S. (likely due to all the new celebrity brands).
The Circle of Ice: The Hotel That Melts Every Year (Michelin Guide): Sweden’s ICEHOTEL is literally sculpted out of ice every year for the past 35 years before it melts again in the summer. The design is phenomenal and perfect for those who like their rooms at polar bear temps to sleep at night. Bucket list material for sure.
On Our Radar
Speaking of travel bucket lists… Here are some places we’re filing under ‘want to go’:
Copenhagen, Denmark: Manon Les Suites in Copenhagen brings the outdoors in for its pool and courtyard area, making it ideal for after a busy day of sightseeing in the Danish capital.
Red Sea, Saudi Arabia: The Middle East is really stepping up its game to attract visitors at surreal locations like the newly opened Desert Rock Hotel, where the hotel was built into the surrounding cliffs for stunning views and unique architectural beauty.
Until next time, stay curious.
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