Tokyo, a city teeming with life and pulsating with energy, offers a diverse range of accommodation options for discerning travelers. Whether you crave a luxurious retreat amidst the city’s bustling heart or a peaceful sanctuary in a quieter corner, Tokyo’s hotels cater to every preference. From iconic film locations to traditional ryokans, let’s embark on a journey to discover some of the best hotels in Tokyo.
Iconic Views and Luxurious Comfort: Park Hyatt Tokyo & Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo, immortalised in the film “Lost in Translation”, holds a special allure for film buffs and luxury travelers alike. My multiple stays at this iconic hotel have reinforced its position as one of Tokyo’s finest. The sweeping city views, exquisite restaurants, and plush beds make a stay here truly worthwhile. Rooms exude a subtle Japanese ambiance with bed frames adorned with paper lanterns. The hotel’s lobby bar, known as the New York Grill, is instantly recognizable from the film and remains as impressive as it was over two decades ago. Even if you’re not staying here, a nightcap in this iconic movie setting is a must.
In contrast to the bustling energy of central Tokyo, the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo offers a tranquil escape in the quieter Roppongi area. Located steps away from Hinokicho Park, this hotel is a perfect choice for those seeking a more residential setting. The Ritz-Carlton delivers the impeccable service and beautiful rooms expected from a top hotel while also providing access to charming local shops and cafes, a treasure trove often hard to find in a sprawling city like Tokyo. Rooms offer breathtaking views of both the Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji on clear days, especially from the higher club-level floors. And let’s not forget the daily breakfast, particularly the delectable made-to-order waffles – a culinary dream!
Stylish Stays with Unforgettable Views: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo & Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, perched between the 30th and 38th floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, provides a luxurious stay close to some of Tokyo’s best shopping and dining destinations. With a Tokyo Metro station directly below the hotel, exploring the city is a breeze. The breathtaking views are instantly apparent upon check-in, with the reception desk set against a two-story window showcasing the Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji in all its glory. Each of the hotel’s 179 rooms offers equally spectacular vistas, adorned with natural wood, a bonsai tree with its own biography, cherry blossom motifs, and luxurious Bottega Veneta toiletries, creating a truly indulgent experience.
Landing in Tokyo on a rainy evening, the Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho became my temporary home, and I couldn’t have been happier. As part of Marriott’s stylish Moxy brand, it perfectly encapsulated the city’s go-go-go attitude while embracing warm Japanese hospitality. The friendly and efficient staff are always eager to assist with local information. The hotel’s bar doubles as the check-in desk, and the rooms, while efficient and compact, are perfectly suited for a city like Tokyo. For late-night cravings, a well-stocked pantry is conveniently located downstairs, while the surrounding streets offer a plethora of small izakayas and convenience stores, known for their delicious food. Just a short distance from the bustling Kinshicho metro station, the Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho makes sightseeing a breeze.
Tranquility and Tradition: Aman Tokyo & Hoshinoya Tokyo
For luxury lovers, the Aman Tokyo is a unique experience unlike any other. Yes, it comes with a hefty price tag, but a night or two here will quickly reveal why travelers flock to Aman properties worldwide. Nestled within a Tokyo skyscraper, rooms feature distinctly Japanese touches, such as washi-paper door panels and stone bathrooms with magnificent ofuro-style soaking tubs.
The culinary experience at the Aman is exceptional. At Musashi by Aman, indulge in traditional omakase-style dinners featuring the finest locally sourced ingredients. On a rainy day, unwind in the Aman’s tranquil spa, offering sky-high views from over 30 floors above the city. It’s no wonder this hotel consistently receives top ratings – it’s truly a personal favorite.
Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo’s busy Otemachi neighborhood, visiting Hoshinoya Tokyo feels like stepping into a remote part of the island. The traditional ryokan-style welcome begins upon arrival, with guests instructed to remove their shoes and slip into traditional slippers before being escorted to the upper lobby floor. This hotel, one of Tokyo’s finest, emphasizes tradition, highlighted by the rooftop onsen, available 24/7. While many hotels offer relaxing spa experiences, the feeling of a natural hot spring pumped from 1,500 meters below the property to the top of this skyscraper hotel is unmatched. Dine in your room or at the hotel’s omakase restaurant downstairs, where chef Ryosuke Oka creates multi-course meals inspired by Japanese and French culinary traditions.
Japanese Hospitality at its Finest: Hotel Gajoen & Trunk (Hotel)
Hotel Gajoen, a departure from the more Western-style hotels on this list, offers a genuinely Japanese hospitality experience. Originally a sprawling wedding venue constructed in the 1920s, it now houses a spacious boutique hotel in the Meguro neighborhood. Modern Japanese rooms feature intricate lacquer work, ornately carved wood, and the epitome of Japanese omotenashi hospitality – an array of in-room amenities ranging from hair gel and shaving cream to shoe horns. Stroll through the hotel’s grounds and you’ll understand why generations of Japanese families have chosen Hotel Gajoen for their special occasions. Don’t miss dinner at Tofutei, the hotel’s traditional Japanese restaurant.
If you seek a stay in one of Tokyo’s coolest neighborhoods, Trunk (Hotel) is the perfect choice. Located between Shibuya and Harajuku, it exudes a more residential feel than the glass-filled towers common to Tokyo’s luxury hotels. Spread across two buildings, Trunk boasts just 15 rooms, yet it fosters a strong sense of community. An open lobby cafe and adjacent bar serve lattes all day and provide ample workspace, making it an ideal choice for digital nomads. If possible, book the Lofty Suite, accommodating up to four guests and equipped with a record player and ceiling projector for DIY movie nights.
Minimalist Luxury: Muji Hotel Ginza & Conrad Tokyo
Anyone familiar with the Muji brand knows it’s synonymous with hip, stylish, and efficient products. This renowned minimalist Japanese store also has a hotel, perched above its Ginza store, known for its design-conscious aesthetic. The hotel’s lobby serves as the store’s top floor, offering a lovely communal area. Rooms are sparsely decorated yet undeniably chic. With Muji’s presence below, any forgotten items, from toothbrushes to organic cotton pajamas, can be easily procured. With just 79 rooms, Muji Hotel Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most unique boutique hotels. The Ginza setting is perfect for first-time visitors, as the neighborhood boasts some of the city’s best shops and restaurants.
Located in the Shiodome area, Conrad Tokyo stands tall in a modern tower overlooking the Hamarikyu Gardens. The Conrad Tokyo earns its place on this list of Tokyo’s finest hotels due, in part, to its exceptional views. A King Bay View room offers a breathtaking vista of the bay and the adjacent gardens. The sleek and contemporary furnishings, true to the Conrad brand, are complemented by thoughtful Japanese touches such as hand-painted cherry blossoms and lanterns. While the bathrooms are separated by glass walls with blinds, it’s a consideration for those seeking complete privacy. Further from the heart of the city than some of the other hotels, the Conrad Tokyo is ideal for a more peaceful stay.
Tokyo’s hotels are a testament to the city’s blend of modern and traditional, luxury and simplicity. Whether you seek a luxurious escape with stunning city views, a tranquil retreat in a quiet neighborhood, or a traditional Japanese experience, Tokyo has a hotel that perfectly caters to your desires.
