A Hong Kong tradition marked the opening of The Peninsula Tokyo on September 1st. A lion dance reflected the Hong Kong origins of the hotel, which is the eighth to bear the name of the original icon. The dance is intended to bring good fortune to the new enterprise.

The hotel is the first freestanding luxury hotel in Tokyo in more than ten years, as other luxury properties have been incorporated into office or mixed use complexes. The 24-story building, with 267 guest rooms plus 47 suites, is located opposite the Imperial Palace at the entrance of the Ginza and Maruonuchi districts, giving the rooms views of the Imperial Palace, Hibiya, and the city. The design reflects the architect’s view of the hotel as a traditional Japanese lantern. Earth tones, marble, wood, lacquer, and stone continue the Japanese theme. [Read more…]