A jazzy way to kick off the new year

For those who want to jazz up the new year in style, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is offering a chic one-night accommodation plan with a jazz live program that will definitely make the customary New Year's hatsumode first shrine visit and fukubukuro lucky-bag hunts go unmissed.

Highlighting the luxurious New Year's Day stay for two at the soaring skyscraper hotel in Shibuya will be a live performance by the jazz-fusion group Aliake at the hotel's nightclub JZ Brat Sound of Tokyo. Led by Japanese traditional shakuhachi master Akihisa Kominato, the band that includes violin, guitar, shakuhachi and taiko Japanese drums, promises a magical night of spectacular fusion music.

A relaxing and spacious room on the 25th to 32nd Sky View floors with an amazing city view awaits to help guests rejuvenate their body and mind, before they wake up to a tasty breakfast at one of its three fine restaurants: French restaurant Coucagno, contemporary Japanese restaurant Kanetanaka-so, or Western eatery Caramelo.

The plan is available from ¥33,000 (tax and service charge included) per person. Doors for the show open at 5 p.m., with performances starting from 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Each show lasts about 30 minutes.

The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is five minutes from the West Exit of Shibuya Station. For more information or reservations, call 03-3476-3000, or visit www.ceruleantower-hotel.com/event/newyear2016.

Enjoying lunch in chic, relaxing space

The Champagne Bar at the ANA InterContinental Tokyo, in the heart of the business district in Minato Ward, is a perfect setting for a sophisticated night out, with its cool and modern decor, low lighting and soft, smooth live background music providing a spectacular atmosphere.

From Dec. 1, the venue has become the go-to spot for busy office workers looking to satisfy their cravings with a decent and tasty lunch while enjoying a brief break from the hustle and bustle of a busy workday.

Between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays, the bar serves a well-rounded, seasonal lunch that includes an appetizer, soup, salad, bread and either a meat or fish main for ¥1,500 per person (tax and service charge excluded).

Those going for an occasional long lunch can pay an additional ¥900 (tax and service charge excluded) for an all-you-can-eat cake buffet with tea or coffee, offering luxurious confections from renowned French chef Pierre Gagnaire's namesake bakery, Pierre Gagnaire Pains et Gateaux.

The restaurant is smoke-free and the menu changes weekly.

The ANA InterContinental Tokyo is five minutes from Tameike-Sanno Station (Ginza and Nanboku lines). For more information or reservations, call 03-3505-1185, or visit www.anaintercontinental-tokyo.jp.

Taking tea in luxurious atmosphere

On Jan. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo guests can enjoy a one-day only traditional afternoon tea accompanied by a classical piano quartet at the Shangri-La Ballroom on the hotel's 27th floor.

At ¥5,500 per person (excluding tax and a 15 percent service charge), travel back in time to an ambience reminiscent of a noble baronial mansion, with resplendent chandeliers and artwork to match, while overlooking the city far below.

In addition to mouth-watering scones, unique savories such as croque monsieurs, fresh cream tartlet with black tea and mango, and passion fruit eclairs with pistachio glaze are presented in the hotel's famous traditional tea salon. Guests can also enjoy 20 varieties of tea to their heart's content.

Furthermore, a galette des rois (king cake), a classic French pastry eaten by family and friends during certain celebrations, will be served. Three lucky persons who discover the feve (charm) hidden in their slice of pastry will become kings for the day, and win fabulous prizes such as a spa treatment at Shangri-La's CHI spa, dinner for two persons at Piacere and a Nicolai Bergmann flower box.

The Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo is two minutes from the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station (various lines). For more information and reservations, call 03-6739-7888, or visit www.shangri-la.com/jp/tokyo/shangrila.