#1 in Tokyo
Otemachi, Marunouchi · Ultra-luxury . ***** · from JPY 200,000/night
"Aman's 2014 Tokyo opening, floors 33-38 of the Otemachi Tower, the property that reset Tokyo's luxury ceiling."
9.8Room & Design
9.9Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Aman Tokyo opened in December 2014 across the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower - the brand's first urban hotel and the property that reset the ceiling of Tokyo luxury. 84 rooms only, all above the 33rd floor, with the Otemachi business district at the base and the Imperial Palace gardens across the avenue. The double-height lobby on floor 33 is one of the most-photographed urban hotel spaces globally. Restaurant: Arva (Italian, two-floor), Musashi by Aman (sushi counter by Hiroyuki Musashi), and the Cafe by Aman complete the F&B program. The Aman Spa at 2,500 sq m is the largest Aman Spa in any urban property, with a 30-meter swimming pool. The Aman Suite occupies the top of the building at 270 sq m. Forbes Five-Star recognition has been continuous since 2017. Best for anniversary, business stays where the Marunouchi corridor matters, and any first Tokyo trip where the property itself is part of the trip's principal purpose.
Best room: Aman Suite - 270 sq m, top floor, Imperial Palace view.
#2 in Tokyo
Toranomon, Azabudai Hills · Ultra-luxury . ***** · from JPY 220,000/night
"Aman's 2024 sister brand debut, Azabudai Hills, the most-anticipated Tokyo opening of the decade."
9.7Room & Design
9.7Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Janu Tokyo opened in March 2024 at Azabudai Hills in Toranomon - the inaugural property of Aman's new sister brand, positioned as a more social, more wellness-led counterpart to Aman's signature private register. The 122-room property occupies floors 1-13 of the Heatherwick Studio-designed residential tower at the heart of Azabudai Hills, Tokyo's newest mixed-use district. The opening was the most-anticipated Tokyo hotel opening since Aman Tokyo's 2014 debut. Restaurant: Janu Restaurant (Mediterranean), Hu Jing (Chinese), Sumi (sushi counter), Janu Mart (cafe), Janu Bakery, and the Bar at Janu Tokyo - the largest single-property F&B program in the city. The Janu Wellness Center across 4,000 sq m is the largest hotel wellness facility in Tokyo with four separate movement studios, a 25-meter pool, and a thermal bathing suite. The Garden Suite is the property's most-requested category. Best for wellness-led stays, family multi-room trips, and visitors who want the Aman service language in a more social, less-private format.
Best room: Janu Suite - 245 sq m, Tokyo Tower view, private terrace.
#3 in Tokyo
Yaesu, Tokyo Station · Ultra-luxury . ***** · from JPY 230,000/night
"Bulgari's 2023 Tokyo debut, floors 40-45 of the Yaesu Tower, the property facing the Imperial Palace gardens at scale."
9.7Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo opened in April 2023 at the top of the new Yaesu Tower adjacent to Tokyo Station - floors 40 through 45 of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu development, the brand's eighth hotel and largest urban property to date. 98 rooms and suites across six floors, designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The Imperial Palace gardens are visible from every west-facing room; Tokyo Bay is visible from south-facing categories. Restaurant: Bulgari Restaurant by Niko Romito - the three-Michelin-star Italian chef's Tokyo outpost - holds two Michelin stars. Sushi Hoseki, the eight-seat sushi counter, holds one Michelin star. The Bulgari Bar at the top of the building runs the cocktail program with city panorama. The Bulgari Spa across 3,000 sq m holds the highest indoor swimming pool in Tokyo. The Bulgari Suite at 400 sq m is the city's largest hotel suite. Best for anniversary, business stays where the Tokyo Station-Marunouchi corridor matters, and first Tokyo visits prioritizing the postcard view.
Best room: Bulgari Suite - 400 sq m, Imperial Palace and Tokyo Bay views.
#4 in Tokyo
Nihonbashi, Mitsui Tower · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 180,000/night
"The 2005 Mitsui Tower Mandarin, floors 30-38, three Michelin-starred restaurants, Forbes Five-Star."
9.6Room & Design
9.7Service
9.5Location
Why this rank, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo opened in December 2005 at the top of the Mitsui Tower in Nihonbashi - floors 30 through 38 of the 38-floor building, with the lobby on floor 38 (one of the highest hotel lobbies in central Tokyo). 179 rooms and suites, all above the 30th floor. The property has held Forbes Five-Star recognition since 2008 - the longest-tenured Forbes Five-Star in Tokyo. The Mitsui Fudosan-developed building places the hotel at the working heart of Nihonbashi business and financial district. The property holds three Michelin-starred restaurants under separate chefs: Signature (French, two stars), Sense (Cantonese, one star, the only Chinese restaurant in Tokyo with a star), and Tapas Molecular Bar (one star, the longest-running molecular gastronomy bar in Asia). The Mandarin Bar runs the cocktail program. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental across 3,000 sq m is one of the largest Tokyo hotel spas. The Presidential Suite at 250 sq m is the flagship. Best for anniversary, business in Nihonbashi-Marunouchi, and any first Tokyo trip prioritizing the high-floor view.
Best room: Presidential Suite - 250 sq m, Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji views.
#5 in Tokyo
Roppongi, Tokyo Midtown · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 160,000/night
"The 2007 Tokyo Midtown opening, floors 45-53, the highest hotel rooms in Tokyo, Forbes Five-Star."
9.6Room & Design
9.7Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo opened in March 2007 at Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi - floors 45 through 53 of the 54-floor Midtown Tower, the highest hotel rooms in central Tokyo. 245 rooms and suites, all above the 45th floor, with the Ritz-Carlton Club Level occupying floors 51-53. Forbes Five-Star recognition has been continuous since 2008. The Roppongi location places the property at the heart of Tokyo's contemporary art district (National Art Center two blocks south, Mori Art Museum five blocks east) and one stop from Marunouchi on the Hibiya Line. Restaurant: Hinokizaka (Japanese) holds one Michelin star, in continuous operation since 2007. Forty-Five (French) and Towers (international) round out the program. The Lobby Lounge afternoon tea is the most-photographed setting at the property. The Ritz-Carlton Spa across 2,000 sq m is the largest in central Tokyo. The Ritz-Carlton Suite at 307 sq m is the flagship. Best for anniversary, family multi-room stays (Club Level supports family logistics), and Roppongi business.
Best room: Ritz-Carlton Suite - 307 sq m, panoramic Tokyo Tower view.
#6 in Tokyo
Otemachi, Marunouchi · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 170,000/night
"Four Seasons' 2020 Tokyo expansion, floors 33-39 of the Otemachi One tower, the property next-door to Aman."
9.7Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi opened in September 2020 - Four Seasons' second Tokyo property after Marunouchi, positioned directly adjacent to Aman Tokyo in the Otemachi One tower. 193 rooms and suites across floors 33 through 39, with the lobby on floor 39 and direct sightlines to the Imperial Palace gardens and Mt. Fuji on clear days. The opening completed the Marunouchi-Otemachi corridor as the de-facto Tokyo luxury hotel district. Restaurant: est by Guillaume Bracaval - the French restaurant on floor 39 - holds two Michelin stars. Pigneto (Italian) runs the all-day program; the Maison Marunouchi cafe operates ground-floor. The 39 Bar with its sky-view is the property's working cocktail room. The Spa across two floors holds Tokyo's only ofuro-style traditional Japanese soaking baths at hotel-luxury specification. The Imperial Suite at 304 sq m has Imperial Palace direct view. Best for business stays in the Marunouchi-Otemachi corridor, anniversary trips, and Four Seasons elite-program loyalty travel.
Best room: Imperial Suite - 304 sq m, direct Imperial Palace and Mt. Fuji view.
#7 in Tokyo
Marunouchi, Yurakucho · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 145,000/night
"Peninsula's 2007 Tokyo opening, Hibiya Park-facing, the working Marunouchi business address, the Peter Marino interiors."
9.5Room & Design
9.7Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, The Peninsula Tokyo opened in September 2007 at the corner of Yurakucho and Hibiya Park - the Peninsula brand's seventh hotel and one of two Asia-Pacific openings (alongside Shanghai) that decade. 314 rooms and suites across a 24-floor building designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates with interior architecture by Peter Marino. The Marunouchi location places the property at the western edge of the Imperial Palace gardens with Ginza six blocks east and Tokyo Station three blocks north. Restaurant: Peter (the rooftop bar with city panorama), Hei Fung Terrace (Cantonese), Tsuruya (kaiseki, by reservation), and Peninsula Boutique & Cafe complete the F&B program. The afternoon tea at The Lobby remains one of the most-recognized in Tokyo - the booking window runs three to four weeks. The Peninsula Spa across 1,500 sq m operates an indoor swimming pool with views over the Imperial Palace. The Peninsula Suite at 318 sq m is the flagship. Best for business stays where the Marunouchi corridor matters, afternoon tea-led visits, and anniversary trips.
Best room: Peninsula Suite - 318 sq m, Imperial Palace view.
#8 in Tokyo
Shinjuku, Park Tower · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 130,000/night
"The 1994 Kenzo Tange-designed property, floors 41-52 of the Shinjuku Park Tower, the Lost in Translation hotel, the New York Bar."
9.5Room & Design
9.5Service
9.3Location
Why this rank, Park Hyatt Tokyo opened in July 1994 at the top of the Kenzo Tange-designed Shinjuku Park Tower - the brand's first Asian property and the property whose cultural moment was captured in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. 177 rooms across floors 41-52 of the 52-floor tower; the lobby sits on floor 41. The property closed for a multi-year renovation in 2024 and reopened in 2025 with refreshed rooms preserving the original Tange architecture. Restaurant: Kozue (Japanese), Girandole (international), and the New York Grill on floor 52 (the rooftop steakhouse) anchor the F&B program. The New York Bar on floor 52 - the location of the Bill Murray-Scarlett Johansson scenes in Lost in Translation - remains one of Tokyo's most-recognized hotel cocktail rooms. The Club on the Park spa with its indoor pool and city panorama is the property's working wellness anchor. The Tokyo Suite is the flagship. Best for anniversary, returning visitors with the Lost in Translation association, and Shinjuku business.
Best room: Tokyo Suite - 250 sq m, panoramic skyline view.
#9 in Tokyo
Otemachi, Marunouchi · Five-Star ryokan . ***** · from JPY 140,000/night
"Hoshino Resorts' 2016 urban ryokan, 84 rooms, the rooftop onsen, the Tokyo ryokan experience in central Marunouchi."
9.5Room & Design
9.7Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Hoshinoya Tokyo opened in July 2016 in Otemachi - Hoshino Resorts' first urban-format ryokan, designed by Rie Azuma to translate the traditional Japanese ryokan experience to a central-Tokyo high-rise building. 84 rooms across 17 floors, with all rooms in tatami-floor configuration, futon bedding, and traditional ryokan service protocols (slippers at entrance, kimono-clad staff, kaiseki dinner program). The Otemachi location places the property in the Marunouchi luxury district at the building Aman Tokyo would later expand into. Restaurant: Hoshinoya Tokyo Kitchen (kaiseki tasting menu, by reservation for residents and limited non-residents). Onsen on the top floor draws natural hot-spring water from 1,500 meters below central Tokyo - the only natural onsen at a central-Tokyo luxury hotel. Tea service in the lobby is part of the daily ryokan rhythm. The Sakura Tower Room and the Premium Otemon Suite are the property's most-photographed accommodations. Best for travelers seeking the ryokan experience in central Tokyo, repeat Tokyo visitors wanting a distinct format, and stays where the onsen matters.
Best room: Premium Otemon Suite - top-floor tatami suite with city view.
#10 in Tokyo
Marunouchi, Tokyo Station · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 140,000/night
"Four Seasons' original Tokyo property (2002), 57 rooms only, the most-intimate Tokyo Five-Star, Pacific Century Place."
9.4Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi opened in October 2002 at the Pacific Century Place tower above Tokyo Station - 57 rooms only, the smallest Tokyo Five-Star and one of the smallest Four Seasons globally. The property occupies floors 3-7 with a staff-to-guest ratio approaching 3:1 at full occupancy - the structural backbone of the property's service depth. The Marunouchi location puts the Imperial Palace gardens five minutes by foot and Ginza six minutes by Metro. Restaurant: Motif (international all-day) and Maru (sushi counter) are the property's compact F&B program. The Marunouchi Lounge runs the bar program. The Spa at Four Seasons Marunouchi across two floors operates the smallest pool of any major Tokyo luxury hotel but compensates with treatment-room depth. The Imperial Suite at 132 sq m commands the corner of the building. The intimate scale and the Tokyo Station adjacency are the property's defining differentiators. Best for business travel where Tokyo Station-Shinkansen access matters, smaller-scale luxury preference, and Four Seasons loyalty.
Best room: Imperial Suite - 132 sq m, Tokyo Station-Marunouchi corner.
#11 in Tokyo
Marunouchi, Imperial Palace moat · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 110,000/night
"The 2012 reopening adjacent to the Imperial Palace moat, Mitsubishi Estate ownership, Wadakura restaurant at one Michelin star."
9.5Room & Design
9.6Service
9.7Location
Why this rank, Palace Hotel Tokyo reopened in May 2012 after a four-year, JPY 100 billion full rebuild of the 1961 original on the same Imperial Palace moat site. The Mitsubishi Estate-owned property is the only Tokyo Five-Star with direct moat frontage - 290 rooms and 28 suites, with Palace-facing rooms commanding direct views across the Wadakura Moat. The Marunouchi location places the property at Tokyo's central business district heart. Restaurant: Wadakura (Japanese) holds one Michelin star and runs the kaiseki program; Crown (French rooftop) and Grand Kitchen (international) complete the F&B program. The Royal Bar on the lobby level is the historic cocktail room - the bar program continues from the original 1961 Palace Hotel. evian SPA TOKYO (the brand's only standalone urban location) across 1,500 sq m operates the property's wellness program. The Imperial Suite at 234 sq m is the flagship. Best for business in Marunouchi, family multi-room stays, and visitors who want the Imperial Palace as the central daily reference.
Best room: Imperial Suite - 234 sq m, direct Imperial Palace moat view.
#12 in Tokyo
Toranomon, Tokyo Tower district · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 95,000/night
"Marriott-Schrager's 2020 Tokyo debut, the converted Toranomon Hills tower, Kengo Kuma interiors, the property facing Tokyo Tower."
9.4Room & Design
9.3Service
9.4Location
Why this rank, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon opened in October 2020 at the Toranomon Hills development - the Marriott-Ian Schrager EDITION brand's Tokyo debut, the second Asian EDITION after Sanya. 206 rooms across floors 31-36 of the Toranomon Hills Business Tower, designed by Kengo Kuma with interior architecture by Schrager. The Toranomon location at the southern edge of central Tokyo places Tokyo Tower directly visible from south-facing rooms, with Shimbashi and Ginza two stops east on the Metro. Restaurant: The Blue Room (international), Sophie (lobby bar), Jade Room (Cantonese on the rooftop with Tokyo Tower view) anchor the dining program. The Garden Terrace on floor 31 operates as the property's outdoor lounge. The Spa Edition across two floors holds the city's only Schrager-design-language wellness setup. The Penthouse Suite occupies the top floor with private outdoor terrace. The brand's design-led contemporary register reads differently from Tokyo's heritage Five-Star hotels and serves the creative-industry traveler. Best for design-led stays, Tokyo Tower view priorities, and creative-industry business.
Best room: Penthouse Suite - top-floor with private outdoor terrace, Tokyo Tower view.
#13 in Tokyo
Ginza · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 90,000/night
"The 2023 EDITION Ginza opening, Tokyo's second EDITION, the Ginza-fashion-district address, the rooftop with Tokyo Tower view."
9.4Room & Design
9.3Service
9.5Location
Why this rank, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza opened in October 2023 - the second Tokyo EDITION after Toranomon, the brand's bet on a fashion-and-shopping-led Ginza visitor profile distinct from the Toranomon business-traveler register. 86 rooms only across floors 5-13 of the Ginza Sony Park development, designed by Schrager with smaller-scale intimacy. The Ginza location places the property between Tokyo Station (six blocks north), Shimbashi (four blocks south), and the working Ginza fashion-house corridor (Chanel, Dior, Cartier all within four blocks). Restaurant: The Ginza Edition restaurant program is calibrated to the Ginza dining scene - the property does not maintain a full destination restaurant, instead drawing guests to the Ginza-resident Michelin establishments two-to-eight blocks away. The Ginza Edition Bar runs the cocktail program; the rooftop bar with Tokyo Tower view is the property's most-photographed setting. The Penthouse Suite occupies the top floor with private rooftop access. Best for shopping-led Tokyo trips, fashion-industry stays, and Ginza-base visits where the daily Ginza walk is the trip's principal rhythm.
Best room: Penthouse Suite - top-floor with rooftop access, Tokyo Tower view.
#14 in Tokyo
Toranomon, Kamiyacho · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 85,000/night
"The 2019 rebuild of Hotel Okura (1962), the Yoshimura-designed lobby restored, Tokyo's modernist masterpiece reopened."
9.4Room & Design
9.6Service
9.4Location
Why this rank, The Okura Tokyo reopened in September 2019 after a four-year, JPY 100 billion rebuild of the original Hotel Okura that opened in 1962. The Yoshiro Taniguchi-designed 1962 main building was demolished in 2015; the rebuild by Yoshio Taniguchi (the son of the original architect) preserved and recreated the heritage lobby spaces while building two new towers on the site. 508 rooms across the Heritage Wing and the Prestige Tower, with the original Junzo Yoshimura-designed lobby restored as a working public space. Restaurant: La Belle Epoque (French) holds one Michelin star, in continuous operation since 1962. Yamazato (kaiseki), Toh-Ka-Lin (Cantonese), and Sazanka (teppanyaki) anchor the Japanese-and-Asian dining program. The Orchid Bar continues the heritage cocktail program. The Okura Spa across two floors operates the property's wellness anchor. The Imperial Suite is the flagship. The property's heritage register - the modernist 1962 design language - is unique among Tokyo's luxury hotels. Best for visitors prioritizing Japanese modernist architecture, anniversary trips, and Toranomon business.
Best room: Imperial Suite - heritage suite with restored Yoshimura design.
#15 in Tokyo
Shiodome, Hamamatsucho · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 75,000/night
"Hilton's 2005 Tokyo flagship, floors 28-37 of the Tokyo Shiodome Building, Hamarikyu Gardens-facing."
9.3Room & Design
9.4Service
9.3Location
Why this rank, Conrad Tokyo opened in July 2005 at the Tokyo Shiodome Building - Hilton's top-tier brand Tokyo flagship and one of the highest-rated Conrad properties globally. 290 rooms and suites across floors 28-37 of the 38-floor building, with the Hamarikyu Gardens (the 17th-century Edo-era shogunal garden) directly visible from south-facing rooms and Tokyo Bay beyond. The Shiodome location places the property between Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho - the working business corridor of central Tokyo. Restaurant: China Blue (Cantonese), Cerise by Gordon Ramsay (French; chef has cycled), Kazahana (kaiseki), and the 28 (rooftop bar) anchor the F&B program. The Mizuki Spa across 2,300 sq m operates a 25-meter swimming pool with Hamarikyu Gardens views. The Executive Lounge on floor 37 is one of Tokyo's better hotel executive lounges. The Suite Style at 100 sq m is the most-requested category. Hilton Honors Diamond elite members receive substantial recognition. Best for Hilton Honors elite members, Shiodome-Shimbashi business, and visitors prioritizing the garden-and-bay view.
Best room: Suite Style - 100 sq m, Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay view.
#16 in Tokyo
Toranomon, Toranomon Hills · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 70,000/night
"Hyatt's 2014 Tokyo Andaz, the Toranomon Hills tower's top six floors, the Tony Chi interiors, the rooftop bar."
9.4Room & Design
9.2Service
9.4Location
Why this rank, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills opened in June 2014 at the top of the new Toranomon Hills mixed-use tower - the Hyatt brand's first Andaz property in Japan and one of the early flagships of the Toranomon Hills development. 164 rooms across floors 47-52 of the 52-floor tower, with the lobby on floor 51 and the rooftop bar on floor 52. The high-floor concentration and the Andaz brand's distinctive informal-luxury register make the property the contemporary alternative to Tokyo's heritage Five-Stars. Restaurant: BeBu (American), The Tavern (international), Sushi (counter), and the Rooftop Bar on floor 52 anchor the dining program. The rooftop bar - one of the highest hotel bars in Tokyo - is the property's most-photographed setting. The AO Spa & Club across two floors operates the property's wellness anchor with city views from the gym. The Andaz Sky View Suite is the flagship. World of Hyatt Globalist elite members benefit from the brand's suite-upgrade policies. Best for contemporary-luxury preference over heritage, Hyatt loyalty, and Toranomon business.
Best room: Andaz Sky View Suite - corner suite with panoramic Tokyo view.
#17 in Tokyo
Hibiya, Imperial Palace adjacent · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 70,000/night
"Tokyo's heritage flagship, 1923 Frank Lloyd Wright original building, scheduled for 2030 rebuild, the working heritage hotel."
9.3Room & Design
9.5Service
9.5Location
Why this rank, Imperial Hotel Tokyo has held the Hibiya address since 1890 - the original Imperial Hotel was a heritage Western-style hotel built to host visiting dignitaries during the Meiji era. The 1923 Frank Lloyd Wright-designed second iteration was demolished in 1968 (a portion preserved at the Meiji Mura museum); the current main building dates to 1970. A complete rebuild is scheduled for 2030, which makes 2026 one of the last opportunities to stay in the current building. 562 rooms and 169 suites across the Main Building and the Imperial Tower. Restaurant: Les Saisons (French) holds one Michelin star. Old Imperial Bar - the cocktail room preserving Wright-era architectural elements - remains one of Tokyo's most-historically-significant hotel bars. Nadaman (kaiseki), Tokyo Kaikan (banquet), and Eureka (international) round out the dining program. The Imperial Floor (concierge) operates as the property's executive level. The Imperial Suite is the most-historically-significant accommodation. Best for visitors prioritizing Tokyo hotel heritage, anniversary trips before the 2030 rebuild, and Hibiya-Marunouchi corridor stays.
Best room: Imperial Suite - historic Frank Lloyd Wright-era association, Hibiya-facing.
#18 in Tokyo
Marunouchi, Marunouchi Trust Tower · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 80,000/night
"Shangri-La's 2009 Tokyo opening, floors 27-37 of the Marunouchi Trust Tower, the property directly above Tokyo Station."
9.4Room & Design
9.5Service
9.6Location
Why this rank, Shangri-La Tokyo opened in March 2009 at the top of the Marunouchi Trust Tower - Shangri-La's first Japan property, directly connected to Tokyo Station via underground passage. 200 rooms across floors 27-37, with the lobby on floor 28 and the spa on floor 29. The Marunouchi Trust Tower position places the property between Tokyo Station (two minutes underground) and the Imperial Palace gardens. Restaurant: Piacere (Italian, two Michelin stars), Nadaman (kaiseki), Lobby Lounge, and the Horizon Club Lounge anchor the F&B program. The CHI Spa across 2,200 sq m holds the property's wellness anchor with an indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms named for Asian cities. The Horizon Club Lounge on floor 37 is one of Tokyo's better executive lounges. The Shangri-La Suite at 207 sq m is the flagship - directly above Tokyo Station with views of the Imperial Palace and Mt. Fuji. Best for business travel with Shinkansen access, anniversary stays, and visitors prioritizing the Tokyo Station-Marunouchi corridor.
Best room: Shangri-La Suite - 207 sq m, above Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace view.
#19 in Tokyo
Nagatacho, Akasaka · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 65,000/night
"The 2010 reopening of the historic Akasaka Capitol, Kengo Kuma design, the political-district hotel, the bamboo lobby."
9.3Room & Design
9.4Service
9.4Location
Why this rank, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu reopened in October 2010 after the rebuild of the original 1963 Hilton Tokyo (later the Capitol Tokyo Hotel) on the same Nagatacho site. The Kengo Kuma-designed rebuild produced a 251-room property at the heart of Tokyo's political district - the National Diet Building two blocks west, the Prime Minister's Residence three blocks south. The Kuma design language (bamboo, layered wood, traditional Japanese spatial proportions) is the property's aesthetic statement. Restaurant: ORIGAMI (all-day), Suiren (kaiseki), Star Hill (Cantonese on the upper floors), and the Capitol Bar anchor the F&B program. The Capitol Spa across two floors operates the property's wellness anchor with a swimming pool. The Capitol Suite at 173 sq m is the flagship. The political-district location makes the property a working base for visiting dignitaries, NHK and Diet business, and visits where the Kuma architecture is the principal draw. Best for visitors who value Japanese contemporary architecture, business in the political district, and a quieter alternative to the Marunouchi-Roppongi corridor.
Best room: Capitol Suite - 173 sq m, Kengo Kuma interiors.
#20 in Tokyo
Mejirodai, Bunkyo-ku · Five-Star . ***** · from JPY 60,000/night
"The 1992 garden hotel, 7-hectare historic garden, the only luxury hotel in Tokyo with grounds-scale outdoor space."
9.2Room & Design
9.4Service
8.9Location
Why this rank, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo opened in 1992 at the historic Chinzan-so garden in Mejirodai - the only Tokyo luxury hotel that includes a full historic Japanese garden as part of the property. The 7-hectare grounds include a 17th-century three-story pagoda (relocated from Hiroshima after World War II), a 600-year-old shrine, sacred trees, waterfall, koi ponds, and the famous Mejirodai 'sea of clouds' garden mist effect. 260 rooms and suites across the main building, with the garden-facing categories looking onto the working historic gardens. Restaurant: Il Teatro (Italian), Miyuki (kaiseki, by reservation), and the Chinzanso Sky Lounge anchor the dining program. The Yu, The Spa across 1,200 sq m operates the property's wellness anchor with an indoor swimming pool. The Garden Penthouse suite has private terrace access to the garden walking trails. The Mejirodai location places the property in a residential Bunkyo-ku neighborhood quieter than central Tokyo - a 15-minute taxi from Shinjuku, 20 minutes from Marunouchi. Best for honeymoon, anniversary, and visitors specifically wanting Tokyo's only garden-scale luxury hotel experience.
Best room: Garden Penthouse - private terrace overlooking the 7-hectare garden.