Tuesday, 2 November 2021

"Edo Meister" - Personal planner for a unique local experience at HOSHINOYA Tokyo

The “Edo Meister” of HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a Japanese ryokan in Otemachi, Tokyo, will inform guests with their knowledge on long-established stores in Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho, where the spirit of Edo remains. Based on each guests’ requests, the Edo Meister, who knows the nearby scenic sites and well-established stores, will propose a one-of-a-kind way of enjoying Tokyo by recommending and arranging meals, shopping and sights. Not only can guests enjoy eating and shopping during their tour, but they can also browse, and purchase products made by long-established stores within the premise of HOSHINOYA Tokyo. Tokyo is a place where cutting-edge and state-of-the-art items from all over the country gather, and by experiencing the fine items loved by people throughout the years, guests can learn about the traditions and history unique to Tokyo and discover new charms that have yet to be discovered.

Background
At HOSHINOYA Tokyo, the focus was on three areas, Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho, which have a long history from the Edo period to the present and where the spirit of Edo remains. This program was developed in the hopes that guests can experience the charms of the city while visiting scenic sites and well-established stores in the area. As a Japanese ryokan in Otemachi, we will work with the local community to contribute to the promotion of the city’s attractions, amid the impact of coronavirus on the local economy.

Characteristics of “Edo Meister” Service
1)Proposal of one-of-a-kind way of enjoying Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho
Our Edo Meister, who knows the scenic sites and well-established stores in Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Ningyocho, will introduce the history and details of recommended places and stores to propose a stay plan that meets each guest’s needs. Since we support everything from making a schedule to arranging reservations, including before and after the stay, guests can enjoy this service depending on their purpose and mood, from enjoying one area thoroughly to comparing the differences between the three areas. Useful items such as maps, a mini hand sanitizer, and Tenugui towel will be provided.

2)Discovery of fine items of long-established stores
From a unique point of view, the Edo Meister will carefully select and recommend places to visit, such as Edo-style tempura and sushi restaurants, well-established soba restaurants, and Japanese dessert shops. In addition to eating and shopping in the store, participants can also pick up some of the products within HOSHINOYA Tokyo, which is a limited experience for participants of this service.

[Eat] “Jyanoichi Honten” Sushi Restaurant in Nihonbashi, “Kanda Matsuya” Soba Restaurant in Kanda, etc.
Jyanoichi Honten opened in 1889 as a sushi stand at a fish market near the river port of Nihonbashi. The restaurant has not changed its recipe since its establishment, where its “Edomae sushi,” usually characteristic of using red vinegared rice with no sugar, such as nigiri of boiled conger can be enjoyed at the restaurant. Limited to the users of this service, some items can be packed for takeaway, such as barachirashi (similar to that of sushi cake). At Kanda Matsuya, which was established in 1884, participants can enjoy handmade soba, made by soba masters, in the restaurant with a historical atmosphere.

[Shop] “Yamamotoyama” Tea and seaweed Store in Nihonbashi, “Ubukeya” Tool Store in Ningyocho, etc.

Yamamotoyama in Nihonbashi was found in 1690 and popularized green tea in the city of Edo. At Yamamotoyama’s tea salon “Fujie Sabo,” limited to the users of this service, guests will be welcomed with tea sparkling for a refreshing start to a tea break. In addition, daily essentials such as scissors, tweezers, and knives can be purchased from the long-established Ubukeya. Each product is made with care by craftsmen so it can be used for a lifetime and can be bought at the store as well as at HOSHINOYA Tokyo.

[See] “Kanda Myojin” Shrine in Kanda, “Nihonbashi Mistukoshi Honten” Department Store in Nihonbashi, etc.
An exclusive private tour of Kanda Myojin, a favorite shrine of the people of Edo, and Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honten, which was first established as a kimono store in 1673, can be enjoyed. Learn about the history and visit the behind-the-scenes of famous sites still loved by people today.

3)Touring the city on a rickshaw
As an option, guests can ride a rickshaw from the entrance of HOSHINOYA Tokyo and enjoy the views of the city from a different point of view. The rickshaws are thoroughly disinfected and sterilized, and have open seats, so that guests can go around the city without having to worry about crowds.
*Price varies depending on the duration of use. (Starts from 20,000 JPY for 30 minutes)

Example of Edo Meister Service
Example Request from Guests

Popular sights, restaurants, and stores as well as stores in trend can be found in guidebooks but because I am staying in HOSHINOYA Tokyo, I want to go and experience something special. I want to spend some laid-back time inside as well as some busy time outside.

Example of Itinerary by the Edo Meiste
r
In the case of a night’s stay, an itinerary to fully enjoy the 3 areas will be planned for. On the first day, fine items of long-established stores of Nihonbashi and Kanda as well as meals can be enjoyed within the premise. On the second day, a private tour of Kanda Myojin Shrine and a stroll around Ningyocho to savor Japanese desserts can be scheduled. Recommendations specific to the guest’s needs will be proposed.

<Day 1>
3:00 pm Check-in & enjoy anmitsu dessert from “Fukuo Shoten” with green tea.
4:00 pm Buying souvenirs through online customer service by “Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honten”
5:00 pm Making Japanese crafts using Ozu Washi paper
6:00 pm Sushi from “Jyanoichi Honten” for dinner
8:00 pm Receive items bought in the early afternoon from your room

<Day 2>

9:00 am Head to “Kanda Myojin” Shrine from HOSHINOYA Tokyo by rickshaw
10:00 am Private Tour of Kanda Myojin to learn about its history and manners at shrines
11:15 am Japanese dessert hopping at “Hikokurou” and “Shigemori Eishindo” of Ningyocho
11:45 am Return to HOSHINOYA Tokyo by Taxi
12:00 pm Check-out

<Schedule up to the day of check-in>

Make a reservation from the official website (https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/)
Edo Meister will contact guests via email or phone in advance.
After check-in, a tentative itinerary based on the guests’ requests will be proposed by Edo Meister.

Details of “Edo Meister” – Personal planner for a unique local experience

Open: All year
Price: Free of charge *Separate charge required at stores for shopping and eating
Reservation: Required 3 days prior through official website (https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/)
Others: Open to guests staying at HOSHINOYA Tokyo

About HOSHINOYA Tokyo

Address: 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 104-0004
Number of Rooms: 84
Check-in: 3:00 pm/Check-out: 12:00 pm
Price: Starting from 102,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Directions: Approximately 10 minutes by walk from Tokyo Station, 2 minutes by walk from Otemachi Station
Website: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/

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