Why book?
Because it feels a bit different by playfully rewriting Tokyo’s luxury rules, from its buzzy plant-packed lobby to its relaxed modern food.
Set the scene
It spans the upper levels of a shiny new skyscraper in the upmarket Kamiyacho business district, but immediately transports visitors to a more fun contemporary world (from the black-veined-marble wall plus glowing acrylic bird installation on the ground floor to the floating urban jungle on the 31st floor).
The backstory
It’s the first Japanese venture for Schrager, the New Yorker behind legendary nightclub Studio 54 and widely regarded as the godfather of the modern boutique hotel. It’s not easy to penetrate Tokyo’s gilded world of high luxury and impeccable omotenashi hospitality, but Schrager plays by his own rules, combining contemporary design and attention to detail to create a space that brings to mind a classic Edition 'scene' and has already become popular among Japan’s fashion crowd and creatives. A second Tokyo Edition will open in Ginza later in 2021.
The rooms
The 206 Kuma-designed rooms, spanning the 31st to 36th levels, offer a simple, serene antidote to the colourful layers of the lobby, with swathes of white-oak panels, slated partitions and soft furnishings (plus freestanding oval Kaldewei bathtubs in the suites). Not to forget the views: scene-stealing skyline panoramas of one of the world’s most densely packed cities. A highlight? The 15 rooms with – the ultimate luxury – private terraces and plant-covered walls, plus white linen and teak furniture.
Food and drink
The Blue Room – which fans off the main lobby – offers a relaxed menu of tasty modern comfort dishes with a hint of Japan (from miso-garlic butter served with bread to amberjack tartare with yuzu sesame dressing). The Jade Room and Garden Terrace are opening later this year, with menus by British chef Tom Aikens (his first Japan venture). The Lobby Bar provides a modern party touch: a white marble bar with emerald stools, Japanese-inspired cocktails, a classic British afternoon tea and light meals.
The spa
Small but packing a serene punch, the Spa has six light, minimal treatment rooms and a deeply restorative menu fusing hi-tech beauty technology with bespoke seasonal Japanese oils (tip: the Gracious Edition treatment is not only insanely relaxing, it results in very glossy hair).
The neighbourhood
Its sedate location – among the skyscrapers of Kamiyacho – is handy for accessing countless spots by taxi or metro, from Roppongi’s galleries, bars and shops to Shibakoen’s parks and temples.
The service
Young staff (looking the part in Freddie Leiba-designed black-and-white uniforms) tread a fine line between being friendly and relaxed, while still channelling Japan’s famously meticulous omotenashi – many greeting visitors by name throughout their stay.
For families
A good option for young families there may be a grown-up party atmosphere after dark, but staff are child-friendly and kids will love exploring the jungle lobby.
Eco effort
There are full size Le Labo toiletries to eliminate single use plastics as much as possible, while tooth- and hair-brushes are made from renewable bamboo and packaged in sustainable stone paper. Water is bottled in Tetra Top cartons made mainly out of renewable resources with a cap made from sugar cane.
Accessibility for those with mobility impairments
The hotel has five accessible rooms.
Anything left to mention?
Take a party pause and stop by the tiny centuries-old Fukushiro Inari Shrine – on the grounds of the skyscraper – which has been recently restored, with a stone torii gate.
Hotel address: The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Website: editionhotels.com/tokyo
Phone number: +81 3 5422 1600
Price: from about £370
Book your stay
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