I recently got a chance to relax and enjoy what turned out to be an amazing view of Tokyo by night. I stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza premier, a hotel famous for its views located about a 5-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station. On the way to the hotel I stopped by Showa-dori, Ginza's main street, just a few minutes from the hotel and full of some of the best shopping to be found in Tokyo.

Immediately after stepping out of the elevator into the hotel's lobby on the 16th floor, I was greeted with a full view of the Tokyo Tower from outside the windows of the lobby lounge. The sofas in the lobby looked quite comfortable too.

Guest rooms are located on floors 17 through 25. According to the hotel staff, since the hotel is actually located just outside the Ginza area, it was able to avoid the strict height regulations that would have otherwise affected the modern high-rise. Thanks to its location, all guest rooms at the Mitsui Garden facing Ginza have great views of Japan's designer capital.

Single room
I stayed in a single facing the Shiodome side of the hotel, looking out over the Tsukiji fish market, and Hamarikyu Gardens.

Past the gardens, I could also catch a glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge stretching across Tokyo Bay.

I lounged around on the bed and sofa as night fell on the city outside. Despite all the rush below, it might have been one of the first times I've looked out at Tokyo and felt... relaxed.

Bathroom
Bathrooms in the single rooms feature some pretty high-tech glass: the windows actually use LCD crystals that can either give you privacy or a clear view at the push of a button. I wanted to try taking a shower while enjoying the night sky, but unfortunately the high-tech windows still fogged up nicely!

I think the bathroom did a good job of making the entire room feel more open and airy. When I woke up the next morning, the entire room was full of sunlight, giving me a good start to the day ahead.

Other rooms at the Mistui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier have a window next to the bathtub, letting you take in the night sky as you soak away the day's cares.

Breakfast
The next morning I went to the restaurant Sky on the 16th floor to try the breakfast buffet. The organic vegetables used in the salad were delicious, and I enjoyed designing my own pancakes with fresh fruit and whipped cream. I definitely recommend the buffet!

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