Many maintain the soul of Japan derives from bushido, the ancient code of honour and ethics developed by Japanese samurai. However, it’s not widely known that samurai training facilities still exist in Japan where adepts perfect their technique and ennoble the sprit. At the Samurai Training Hall in Nihonbashi, you’ll wear kimono and experience either an introductory two-hour or more extensive full-day lesson, each conducted by a samurai master. Wield a Japanese sword with skill to your master’s approval, and afterwards receive a certificate acknowledging course completion and your entry into the “way of the warrior”.

Offered for one person daily but subject to availability. Three-day advance notice required. From JPY27,500 per person including interpreter charge

Allow us to arrange a private room for you at either Kanetanaka or Shinkiraku, two of the capital’s most exclusive traditional restaurants, where first-time visitors require a formal introduction. Sumptuous, sophisticated kaiseki cuisine will delight both the eyes and palate, and authentic geisha will sing and perform traditional dances during an evening that promises to be an unforgettable journey into Japan’s aesthetic heart.

Limited to one party per day; available weekdays except public holidays; seven-day advance notice required; from JPY 150,000 for two

Known as the “Pantry of Japan”, Tsukiji Market is the world’s largest food hall, full of colour, action, and unforgettable scenes. Your guided tour of Tsukiji’s inner and outer markets begins with a brief film then proceeds with a walking tour of the halls, followed by introduction to a sushi chef who will teach you how to make the perfect sushi at home. After instruction, enjoy your sushi with refreshing green tea.

Minimum parties of four; daily except Sundays, Wednesdays and public holidays; five-day advance notice required; JPY 38,000 per person

Since the early 17th century the Sumida River has inspired poets and been Tokyo’s favourite playground. This enchanting experience allows you to see the city from a different point of view, beginning with  a traditional dinner at famed waterfront restaurant Kameseiro, established in 1855. Afterwards, board a chartered yakatabune, a roofed pleasure boat fashioned after those used by the Tokugawa shogun, right down to its red-lacquered hull and woven mats. On board, geisha will entertain with dance and shamisen playing, as in the days of old.

Limited to one party per day; daily except Sundays and public holidays; seven-day advance notice required; JPY 370,000 for two

Follow in the footsteps of Nobel Laureates, glitterati, artists, and Japan’s revered gourmands at Fukudaya, one of Tokyo’s most-awarded restaurants.  Here you will experience 2 Michelin star dining in the private Inakaya Room, which features timbers and a hearth from a 750-year-old house that once stood here. During your stay, you will relish lunch of refined kaiseki cuisine and a performance of shinnai, a highly ornamented style of singing to shamisen accompaniment that captures the wit and savoir fare of the prosperous urban merchant class in late 18th century Tokyo. On Saturdays, dinner may be booked instead of lunch.

Limited to one party per day; daily except Sundays and public holidays; seven-day advance notice required; JPY 240,000 for two

Guests of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo can take advantage of a special opportunity to visit historical hot-spring resorts, Gôra Kadan, the "Grande Dame" located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Hakone National Park, and Hoshinoya located in Karuizawa. Allow our Concierge to book your VIP stay at these traditional inns and former imperial and glitterati summer resorts, where the spacious gardens, hot thermal baths and surrounding lush mountain scenery will soothe you in any season.