A spoon gliding through soft egg yolk, a ray of light shining through a window or the tinkling of a glass in the evening: sometimes it’s not the loud sounds but the quiet moments that linger in the memory. The design hotel K5, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, is located in a historic bank building in the heart of Tokyo’s financial district. In addition to rooms, an entrance area and a pop-up space, it also houses three culinary spots that are not just about eating waffles and drinking sake, but about discovering moments that sparkle without being loud.
Dance the day away
It smells of coffee. We take a seat at one of the light-coloured wooden tables on a red armchair – surrounded by greenery. How many plants are here? We take a deep breath and watch the hustle and bustle in front of the large window pane. An espresso with a view of the Tokyo Stock Exchange – what a feeling. And a portion of homemade waffles please, they are particularly good here. Incidentally, CAFE DANCE attracts not only hotel guests, but also neighbours, professionals from the financial district and young people at the weekend. As the day progresses, the light softens. Instead of hot waffles and coffee, soups and salads are served, followed by tapas and natural wine.
In the Flow of Togetherness
What actually happens when strangers come together to spend time in the same room? At best, a harmonious coexistence. Just like at MARUYAMA, an izakaya by chef Chihiro Maruyama of the same name. What is an izakaya? A small Japanese catering establishment with a sake and food menu in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s easy to feel at home here. Especially at MARUYAMA. Here, the traditional izakaya is cleverly reinterpreted. With a Scandi-Japanese interior that echoes the design language of the K5 Hotel. With a fine selection of sake and shoshu. With culinary creations made from Japanese ingredients and French flair. With a homage to the clear and pure water in Japan, a powerful symbol – a unifying element.
Between the Real and the Dreamed
And then there’s the bright red AKAI BAR, which specialises in Japanese whiskey and gin. It belongs to Akai-san, a collector who has travelled the world. Shh, he doesn’t really exist. And yet his presence is palpable. His objects have been lovingly placed in the bar. I wonder what stories they tell. Let’s find out – over a sip of the red signature cocktail with Aka-KID sake, shiso and mugwort. In the dark warmth of the night…
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Fotos: K5