Japan’s unrivalled culture of hospitality and meticulous attention to detail, combined with a healthy respect for quality and expertise, make the city particularly well-suited to the luxury hotel sector.
Here are some of the city’s most prestigious MICHELIN hotels—each with its own distinctive style but all dedicated to delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Janu Tokyo
One of the newest additions to Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene, the Janu Tokyo is part of Azabudai Hills, a multipurpose complex in Roppongi set amongst lush greenery. The location’s proximity to Tokyo Tower adds to the ambience, and every room has a private balcony offering superb views of the iconic landmark. As the sister brand of the Aman hotel chain, Janu Tokyo delivers superb service, but with a more youthful vibe. The chic Asian design aesthetic is accented with touches of European style, and the eight dining options are also an appealing mix of Eastern and Western tastes. Try Tokyo’s most decadent parfaits at the patisserie and then work off your indulgence in the city’s largest gym or the indoor swimming pool. TeamLab Borderless, the immersive digital art experience, has opened in Azabudai Hills, offering yet another reason to choose the Janu for your Tokyo base.
Aman Tokyo
Sitting atop the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is refined luxury in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Drawing on the brand’s signature concept of coexistence with nature, the Aman Tokyo employs natural Japanese materials such as wood and washi paper to create light-filled spaces with a minimalist feel. The guestrooms—surprisingly spacious for Tokyo—are akin to a contemporary spin on a Japanese inn, with sunken baths and floor-to-ceiling windows tucked discreetly behind traditional paper screens. The hotel’s unwavering dedication to their guests is exemplified by thoughtful touches like the complimentary wellness classes in the comprehensive Aman Spa, or the array of bespoke tours and experiences curated to showcase the best of Tokyo’s traditional arts and culture. Among the varied dining options is the Café by Aman, which sits on the first floor amidst the Otemachi Forest—a small green oasis that further enhances the feeling of being at one with nature.
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo’s enduring affair with Italian culture continues to inspire the luxury brand market, and the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo represents the epitome of style and opulence. The hotel is situated on the top five floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu building near Tokyo Station. The décor hits the sweet spot between Italian flair and Japanese artistry, inviting guests to live the dolce vita the Bulgari way. As you would expect from one the world’s most esteemed jewelers, every design element has been meticulously planned. Guestrooms feature golden bed throws from the Kyoto fabric maker Hosoo, Venetian glass lamps and vintage Bulgari prints on the walls. The gorgeous spa area is a visual treat, with a glittering emerald-green swimming pool and panoramic city views from the ceiling-to-floor windows. The 45th floor features a rooftop bar and a grassy terrace lined with Japanese yuzu trees on one side and Italian lemon trees on the other.
The Peninsula Hotel
Unlike many of the luxury brands, which typically occupy the upper floors in mixed-use towers, the Peninsula stands alone--and this metaphor can be extended to every aspect of your stay. When only something truly exceptional will do, the Peninsula delivers a level of understated elegance that is second-to-none. Among the dining options is Peter, a sophisticated grill on the 24th floor which offers panoramic views of the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park, while the seasonal afternoon teas are among the city’s very finest. The bespoke range of cultural experiences and classes for guests are the stuff that vacation fantasies are made of. For off-site experiences, you’ll travel in style in one of the luxury vehicles from the fleet provided specially for guest use, while the inhouse masterclasses offer a chance to learn culinary arts firsthand from some of the most talented people in the industry.
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
If you like your luxury laced with an edgy vibe, you’ll love the Manhattan-meets-Tokyo feel of the Kimpton Shinjuku. The interiors draw on the eclectic New York fashion and art scene for inspiration, while also reflecting the kinetic energy of its central Shinjuku location. Eye-catching works of art are showcased throughout the hotel, and the guestrooms feature a minimalist style accented with playful pops of color. The Kimpton encourages social connections, with a nightly social hour offering guests the opportunity to mingle over complimentary drinks and nibbles. If you’re feeling active, take advantage of the well-equipped gym or hop aboard one of the bicycles available for guest use to explore the nearby Yoyogi Park. And anyone who enjoys traveling with their pet will be delighted to know that a warm welcome awaits their furry friend at the Kimpton (one pet per two people).
Top Image: The Peninsula Hotel
