Just found that my previous un-conventional entry earned me some flak, and somehow a connection was made to dear ol’ Japan. (In low-pitched voice) “It’s okay ma…”
Anyway, coming to the topic I actually wanted to talk about –
Tokyo is a very densely-constructed place. Imagine the compactness of Shenton Way or Robinson Road, multiplied by 100. It seems to be the true place where you can witness the “apocalyptic” post-modern (let’s not get into a hair-splitting debate on the term) noir feeling of a futuristic city setting into decrepit rust. I say this because the infrastructure is admirable; the architecture is cutting-edge; but maintenance is somewhat lacking.
The hotel we’re staying in right now is a far cry from the multi-syllable and absurdly-named Okura Frontier Hotel Tsukuba Epochal. The Imperial Hotel is a world class hotel, boasting a royal history that started in 1890. Then, it was constructed with a neo-Renaissance façade by architect Yazuru Watanabe, to quell the demand from the increasing number of distinguished foreign visitors to Japan, who were accustomed to the lavish and posh hotels of Europe and America.
So the current Imperial, built in 1970, is an exercise in luxury and indulgence. I must say that the service is the best I’ve experienced so far than in any other hotel, and the facilities are first-rate. The room is spacious, and breakfast can be a confusing time as there are 4 restaurants to choose from.
Unfortunately, I’ve not had the time to visit the Imperial Palace which is a stone’s throw from the hotel, and many other spots. But I’ve managed to sample Japan, its people’s warmth and its food quite a fair bit. The next trip, Insha Allah, will include wife and Zayed, both of whom I’ll meet soon :)
The other issue is that the weekend after I touchdown, I have to attend three wedding receptions (two for the same dude) and a tajweed class. I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but let’s hope everything goes smoothly. And I have that trip report to write… which I might start in the flight…
Anyway, coming to the topic I actually wanted to talk about –
Tokyo is a very densely-constructed place. Imagine the compactness of Shenton Way or Robinson Road, multiplied by 100. It seems to be the true place where you can witness the “apocalyptic” post-modern (let’s not get into a hair-splitting debate on the term) noir feeling of a futuristic city setting into decrepit rust. I say this because the infrastructure is admirable; the architecture is cutting-edge; but maintenance is somewhat lacking.
The hotel we’re staying in right now is a far cry from the multi-syllable and absurdly-named Okura Frontier Hotel Tsukuba Epochal. The Imperial Hotel is a world class hotel, boasting a royal history that started in 1890. Then, it was constructed with a neo-Renaissance façade by architect Yazuru Watanabe, to quell the demand from the increasing number of distinguished foreign visitors to Japan, who were accustomed to the lavish and posh hotels of Europe and America.
So the current Imperial, built in 1970, is an exercise in luxury and indulgence. I must say that the service is the best I’ve experienced so far than in any other hotel, and the facilities are first-rate. The room is spacious, and breakfast can be a confusing time as there are 4 restaurants to choose from.
Unfortunately, I’ve not had the time to visit the Imperial Palace which is a stone’s throw from the hotel, and many other spots. But I’ve managed to sample Japan, its people’s warmth and its food quite a fair bit. The next trip, Insha Allah, will include wife and Zayed, both of whom I’ll meet soon :)
The other issue is that the weekend after I touchdown, I have to attend three wedding receptions (two for the same dude) and a tajweed class. I don’t know how it’s going to work out, but let’s hope everything goes smoothly. And I have that trip report to write… which I might start in the flight…
1 comment:
Hey there, has Ustaz Saif-ur-Rahman when overseas for his study? Anway how's friday class? Hope to meet up some day to learn about the othet 2 Khalifa.
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