Tokyo, a city known for its frenetic energy, often leaves travelers yearning for a moment of tranquility. While traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) with relaxing hot springs were once exclusive to Kyoto or the countryside, Hoshinoya Tokyo has brought this experience right to the city’s core.
A Traditional Inn in a Modern Setting
Hoshinoya Tokyo, a masterpiece by Azuma Architect & Associates, stands tall in the Otemachi district, Tokyo’s financial hub. Nestled between the Imperial Palace and towering skyscrapers, this hotel offers a welcome escape from the urban clamor. Despite its location amidst the city’s bustling heart, Hoshinoya Tokyo stands apart. Its smaller, 18-story structure, set back from the street, creates a sense of calm and seclusion. The hotel’s façade, adorned with aluminum latticework, evokes a sense of traditional Japanese design, while soft spotlights cast a warm glow on the exterior. Even the subtle signage of a soba noodle shop on the ground floor hints at the special experience that awaits within.
A Sanctuary of Tradition and Comfort
Stepping inside Hoshinoya Tokyo, you’re immediately transported to a different world. Traditional Japanese hospitality welcomes you, with a doorman in a traditional garb. Like a true ryokan, guests are invited to remove their shoes, placing them in thoughtfully crafted chestnut cubbies with woven bamboo doors. The tatami matting, a centuries-old Japanese tradition, fills the air with a distinct, calming fragrance. As you ascend to your room, you’re enveloped by the tranquility of hand-plastered walls and sliding shoji screens, creating a hushed, serene atmosphere.
Balancing Tradition with Modern Amenities
Hoshinoya Tokyo is a testament to Azuma Architect & Associates’ commitment to blending tradition with contemporary comfort. Architect Rie Azuma sought to create a truly authentic ryokan experience in the heart of Tokyo. “We wondered why Tokyo didn’t have a top one when Kyoto has several,” she explains. The hotel’s design reflects this intention, incorporating traditional Japanese elements while ensuring a comfortable and modern experience for contemporary travelers.
Each of the 84 guest rooms showcases a unique fusion of old and new. Shoji screens, a staple of traditional Japanese homes, replace curtains, while bathrooms are enclosed by clear glass that can be transformed into frosted glass with the flick of a switch. Low beds, reminiscent of traditional futons, are crafted with Western comfort in mind. Even the seating and tables have been carefully designed to ensure weight distribution and prevent damage to the tatami matting.
A Culinary and Wellness Haven
Hoshinoya Tokyo offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Each floor features a lounge where you can indulge in Japanese sweets, enjoy freshly brewed green tea, or sample sake and plum wine. But the true jewel in the crown is the penthouse spa. Here, guests can relax in a hot spring, sourced from a spring discovered beneath the hotel. The spa’s local granite pool and cypress-panelled walls create a tranquil ambiance. A light well angled toward the sky provides a glimpse of the outdoors, reminiscent of the classic Japanese outdoor bath.
A Collaborative Masterpiece
Creating Hoshinoya Tokyo was a collaborative effort, bringing together a team of specialists. An award-winning lighting consultant recreated the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional ryokan. A leading woodworking studio meticulously installed chestnut floorboards throughout the hotel, including in the restaurant. This restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, serving French cuisine with Japanese influences. Even the vestibule’s Japanese granite feature wall was installed by the same company that supplied the renowned artist Isamu Noguchi.
Azuma’s passion for using natural materials is evident throughout the hotel. “I like the randomness of nature, the different sizes and surfaces,” she explains. “If properly looked after, natural materials only get more beautiful with age.”
A Retreat for Body and Soul
Hoshinoya Tokyo is more than just a hotel; it’s a retreat for both body and soul. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the tranquility of traditional Japan in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of tea in the library, where tea ceremonies are held daily and musicians perform ancient court music, or simply relaxing in your room, Hoshinoya Tokyo invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the serenity of a bygone era.
