Trunk Hotel Cat Street is not just another hotel; it’s a stylish haven in Tokyo’s vibrant Cat Street neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be enveloped in a world of cutting-edge design, sustainable practices, and unique cultural experiences.
An Edgy Oasis in a Fashionable District
Imagine walking past a group of students straight out of a fashion magazine, and then arriving at a hotel that seems to have sprung from the pages of an architectural digest. That’s Trunk Hotel Cat Street for you. Its angular structure with terraces adorned with lush greenery is a captivating sight. The hotel, a creation of Mount Fuji Architects Studio, embodies the vision of “a tree planted upon an irregularly layered plate.” It’s a statement of bold design and artistic vision that sets the stage for an unforgettable stay.
A Hub of Creativity and Community
Located a short walk from the bustling Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku metro station, Trunk Hotel Cat Street thrives on the energy and excitement of its surroundings. Cat Street itself is a pedestrianized haven of alternative fashion with tattoo parlors, coffee shops, and vintage boutiques. Even the hotel staff exudes cool and trendy vibes with their individual style.
The hotel’s atmosphere is welcoming but organized, creating a sense of exclusivity without being pretentious. Guests sip cold-brew coffee and enjoy delicious loaded fries in the lobby, while ambient lofi funk sets the mood for informal meetings and creative brainstorming. The check-in desk feels intentionally discreet, allowing the focus to remain on the dynamic social interactions that unfold throughout the space.
Social Sustainability: More Than Just a Trend
Trunk Hotel Cat Street is not just about style; it’s about social sustainability. The hotel’s “socializing” concept, defined as “the ability for individuals to realistically and easily make substantial social contributions through their daily lives”, is woven into every aspect of the experience.
“Environment,” “local first,” “diversity,” “health,” and “culture” are the five core values that drive this concept. Trunk Hotel Cat Street appeals to millennials and those who want their luxury travel to align with their values. They want to make a positive impact without compromising on comfort and style.
A Design That Speaks to the Soul
The interior design, created by Jamo Associates, perfectly embodies Trunk’s “socializing” ethos. Upcycled materials are used for the custom-made furniture, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The art gallery aesthetic is achieved with white neon strip lights, neutral wood chip walls, and concrete floors with spot lighting.
The central glass-walled exhibition space hosts rotating pop-up displays, showcasing unique artwork and designs. The artwork changes seasonally, ensuring that every visit brings a new visual experience. Whether it’s a giant wooden geometric elephant head or a shoal of wooden fish dangling from the ceiling, the playful and natural elements add a touch of whimsy to the hotel’s personality.
A Hotel That Goes Beyond the Ordinary
Trunk Hotel Cat Street offers more than just a place to stay; it offers an experience. The hotel features four banquet rooms, a lounge, and even a sleek, glass and wood rooftop wedding chapel. Their wedding package concept goes beyond the traditional, focusing on creating a “roadmap for the future” with seminars and workshops to help couples envision their ideal marriage. This unique approach exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to social sustainability and meaningful experiences.
The hotel’s 11 guest rooms are comfortably sized, and the four suites each have a unique layout. The Terrace Suite, the largest at 140 square meters, boasts a long dining table and a 70 square meter rooftop terrace perfect for hosting parties.
The Living Suite offers a 10 square meter “loft” lounge area with a spindly metal ladder, adding an element of fun and whimsy. Guests can project music videos onto the wall, listen to music on the vinyl record player, and enjoy the laid-back glamour of the suite.
A Hotel That Makes You Feel at Home
Trunk Hotel Cat Street is a place where you can truly relax and unwind. The in-room bar is perfect for an intimate gathering, while the comfortable sofas in the lounge are ideal for enjoying a cup of tea and watching music videos.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the design and concept. Repurposed bicycles from the city police are available for guests to use, and candles from wedding ceremonies are reused throughout the hotel. The Trunk store on the ground floor sells covetable and quirky souvenirs, such as wallets made from discarded leather and glassware made from broken fluorescent lights.
A Culinary Experience That Delights
Trunk Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant, serves delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a convivial setting with warm, sand-colored walls and European touches. Guests can enjoy hearty yet healthy breakfast plates, Californian-style lunch options, and elegantly presented dinner dishes, such as grilled swordfish with dried tomato sauce.
Kushi restaurant, named after the skewered meat kushiyaki cuisine it celebrates, offers hotel guests a free drink. It’s known for its amazing potato salad.
A Hotel That Stays With You
Trunk Hotel Cat Street is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience that stays with you. The hotel’s personality, storytelling, design choices, and excellent service create a unique and memorable experience. It’s a fashion-forward hotel that feels down-to-earth and caters to your true desires.
Despite its location near many attractions, the richness of the hotel’s experience makes you want to linger longer. It’s a meaningful hotel stay that you won’t soon forget.
Rooms at Trunk Hotel Cat Street start at US$350 in February, and you can add breakfast for US$20. You can book your room and flights through the Trunk website.
