LOUNGE /
TRAVEL
September 6, 2021
Series Part 4: Tokyo High-Rise Staycation – Aman Tokyo | TRAVEL
A Sanctuary in the Heart of the City: Ensuring a Luxurious Escape (Part 2)
Ascend to Bliss at "Musashi by Aman," the Direct Sushi Restaurant Embodying Aman's Philosophy
For dinner, I enjoyed sushi at "Musashi by Aman," which opened on the 34th floor in October 2018. While many hotels offer sushi, most are operated by external companies. Although there are many delicious restaurants in such tenant spaces, "Musashi by Aman" not only offers exquisite flavors but also embodies Aman's philosophy. This is something unique to a directly managed establishment.
Chef Hiroyuki Musashi, with 34 years of experience, previously ran the Michelin-starred "Musashi" in Aoyama until September 2018. Aman Tokyo courted him for several years, leading to the eventual opening of "Musashi by Aman." The noren (shop curtain) from his Aoyama restaurant and the cypress counter, which has been extended and reused, are testaments to Chef Musashi's refined taste.
The menu, for both lunch and dinner, is omakase (chef's choice) only. I opted for a course with a generous selection of appetizers to pair with drinks. Oh, and they have a special Musashi original sake! Each pairing, like tuna with yuba and caviar, or sea bass with winter melon, was a delightful surprise and incredibly delicious. The 'anagyu' (conger eel and cucumber roll) was simply divine, leaving me speechless.
For the nigiri, the chef uses rice grown in his hometown of Yamanashi. It has a distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the toppings and sake. They use rice vinegar for the sushi rice. In recent years, red vinegar has become the norm in Tokyo, so enjoying sushi with rice vinegar was a refreshing experience. The clean acidity left a lasting impression.
From the rich squid and the sea bass with a hint of yuzu, to the John Dory – which Chef Musashi claims is "more delicious than fugu" – each dish made me eager for what was next. The atmosphere and service were impeccable. I found myself wishing I could bring my mother here before she passes away (don't worry, she's perfectly healthy! (laughs)).
Back in my room, I decided to take another bath. This time, I indulged in the cliché of floating champagne and strawberries in the water. Soaking in the lukewarm water, gazing out the window, and occasionally sipping champagne – it was a simple act, yet it became a highlight of my stay, a memory I cherish. Even now, recalling it fills me with a sense of bliss (laughs). The fluffy bathrobe was also "the best of the best." I have no memory of when or how I fell asleep that night.
Cherish every moment, yet embrace the luxury of doing nothing, or rather, savoring such time – Aman Tokyo flows with a peculiar sense of time. Indeed, Aman Tokyo is a sanctuary nestled in the concrete jungle, offering a luxurious, extraordinary experience within the "warm hospitality of a private home," Aman's core philosophy.
Currently, Aman Tokyo offers intriguing plans such as a 7-night, 8-day long-stay package (
https://www.aman.com/ja-jp/hotels/aman-tokyo/exclusives/aman-tokyo-connection) and a weekday escape plan limited to 5 rooms, allowing check-in from 9 AM and check-out at any time until 9 PM on the departure day (for weekday stays) (
https://www.aman.com/ja-jp/hotels/aman-tokyo/exclusives/weekday-escape). Enjoy your Aman Tokyo stay with a plan that suits you (there's surely one for you)!
Aman Tokyo
- Address | 1-5-6 Otemachi Tower, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Number of Rooms | 84
- Rates | From ¥113,850 (incl. tax and service charge)
- *7 nights 8 days at Aman Tokyo (per night) from ¥81,321, Weekday Escape from ¥94,875
