Tokyo has legions of fans (including me) and it also has an incredible collection of places to stay. From cute boutiques to sleek and modern, here are my favorite spots in this extraordinary city…
I was a big fan of the trendy community-focused spot! I discovered that they partnered with local artisans to create the unique boutique-style interiors which mixed modern with traditional Japanese aesthetics as well as showcasing local art, natural materials, and subtle touches of cultural craftsmanship throughout the whole space. I really liked the vibe which was trendy but laid-back – and the staff were, too!
My guest room was a trendy zen-like cocoon and featured contemporary furnishings with minimalist Japanese design, with hard wooden floors, retro-style furniture, and sloping large glass windows which had superb city views. I also found comfortable bedding, and thoughtful touches such as locally crafted decor.
I found it was located in the heart of historic Asakusa district and I loved that it has a local neighborhood vibe to it. I could walk to the Senso-ji Temple, the Nakamise shopping street, and I was surrounded by restaurants. I was also near Asakusa train station for easy access to the rest of the city.
My other favorite highlights included its stylish café and bar which served modern Japanese cuisine, a theater space which hosted regular cultural performances including live music, and having the choice of a Western or Japanese-style breakfast.
I also really loved the personalized guest experiences that celebrated the local art and heritage of the area – these included curated tours of the nearby cultural landmarks (I went to see Senso-ji Temple), a very charming traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and a workshop where I learnt local crafts (calligraphy and pottery were on offer when I was there) from a skilled artisan!
My favorite highlights…
- Sitting on my guest room balcony in a quirky retro patio chair and sipping on a yuzu-flavored cocktail while taking in the breathtaking views of the beautifully illuminated Tokyo Skytree!
2. Henn na Hotel
I thought that this place summed up just what was weird and wonderful about this city! Otherwise known as simply ‘The Weird Hotel’ I was checked in at reception by talking robots – one receptionist was a scary-looking dinosaur and another was a female android with blinking lashes! I also loved that my luggage was robotically delivered to my room via an automated trolley!
I found out for myself that this place was an unusual mix of advanced robotics and cutting-edge technology, the vibe here was playful, innovative and futuristic but with a touch of traditional hospitality thrown in for good measure! The interiors had a sleek and very minimalist decor with modern furnishings, and futuristic lighting,
My guest room had lots of smart technology and gadgets galore as well as functional modern furniture, a flat-screen TV and high-tech climate control.
I found it was located in Urayasu, Chiba, which was near Tokyo Disneyland and the Tokyo Bay area. I could also walk to the Urayasu Station, as it was only a 10-minute walk away and from there it was easy to get to the Tokyo Metro and JR Keiyo Line.
I also found out from staff that there was also a Kyoto and Osaka version too!
My personal highlights…
- The tech – a multilingual robot dinosaur checked me in, there was facial recognition room entry, voice controlled lights, room temperature, and TV in my guest room and also the “Tappy” robot who was my very knowledge digital concierge!
3. Aoyama Grand
I thought this was such a stylish and funky gem! The inviting facade pulled me into thoughtfully designed spaces with clean lines that merged mid-century modern and Japanese styling. The vibe was sophisticated and trendy but not intimidating, and the staff were very attentive!
My luxurious room had elegant and stylish decor, floor-to-ceiling windows which had fine city views, a flat-screen TV, a well-stocked minibar. I really loved the plush custom-made Yukata robes and slippers and the pillow menu – I opted for the organic buckwheat pillow!
I found it was located in the upscale Aoyama district, and so I had access to Tokyo’s chic fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, art galleries, and the nearby Omotesando area as well as excellent restaurants and the Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art.
My other favorite highlights were the luxurious onsite spa, the fitness center, the onsite eateries which served up both Japanese, sushi and Italian cuisine, and the trendy rooftop bar which had stunning panoramic views of the capital!
My highlights…
- I loved the European-inspired “The Belcombe Lounge” where I was served a Hojicha Roasted Tea in an ornate tea set!
4. Trunk Hotel
This I thought this hotel was beautiful! I found this hotel housed in minimalist building in the trendy fashion district of Shibuya. I loved how modern it was, and how it emphasized sustainability and community, with a minimalist and eco-friendly design that used locally sourced materials. Although I saw quirky design features to keep things interesting! The vibe was hip but a strong emphasis on social consciousness, and I found the staff to be attentive but not intrusive!
My eco-friendly guest room was more like an apartment and featured floor-to-ceiling windows, artwork from local artists, lots of mod cons, and designer up-cycled furniture. I loved that my bar was made from wood reclaimed from old Japanese houses, the glasses were pressed from defunct light bulbs, and I even had complementary pyjamas which were made out of recycled cotton of course!
I found myself based in the funky Shibuya district so I had immediate access to some of the city’s most dynamic and unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options – I could walk to them all easily!
I also really enjoyed making use of their restaurant which had a focus on zero-waste dining and served up creative Japanese-Western fusion dishes, and a lifestyle store which sold Tokyo-made keepsakes – I bought some locally craft beer and their locally sourced honey.
- To book, check prices or availability for the Trunk Hotel
My favorite highlights…
- The trendy Trunk Kitchen which had a sleek, black decor – my dish of roasted lotus root with grilled eggplant sauce and Senkin Modern Muku sake were divine!
5. One@Tokyo
I thought this place was an Instagrammer’s dream! Outside, I found a very creative wooden façade and inside I found a very striking and unique architectural design designed by acclaimed cult architect Kengo Kuma. Inspired by a contemporary art gallery, it had a cutting-edge style with functional spaces with the decor consisting of clean lines, neutral tones, and modern art installations featuring lots of wood! I loved its creative and inspiring atmosphere too.
My industrial-chic guest room, featured acid-washed metal, reclaimed wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also had mod cons such as free WiFi, a Chromecast flat-screen TV, air con, a handy loaner Smartphone and a coffee machine.
I found the hotel was located in the Oshiage are which had a local neighborhood feel and was handily near the iconic Tokyo Skytree and Oshiage Subway Station so I could easily explore the rest of the city.
There was no on-site restaurant but there was a funky on-site bar and a coffee house which I made full use out of and a chic rooftop terrace where I sat and gazed at the Tokyo Skytree!
My personal highlights…
- The awesome tech features – I controlled the lights, curtains, and temperature in my guest room through a tablet, and I played my favorite music through Bluetooth-enabled speakers!
6. K5
I was a big fan of this trendy 4-star boutique! I found a historic building dating from 1924 which meticulously been reinvented with a mix of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design. The eclectic decor combined raw, natural materials with Scandi-chic aesthetics with exposed concrete, warm wood accents, and greenery. The vibe was hip but laid back and cozy, and the staff were very attentive to me!
My soundproofed guest room was spacious, well thought out and light-filled and featured custom furniture, soft earth tones with the odd splash of bold colors and a handy seating area. There were some great amenities too such as minibar, slippers and pyjamas, free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, complimentary organic toiletries, and – my favorite – a record player with a curated vinyl record collection!
I discovered it was nestled in the Nihonbashi area which was a hub for both business and culture where I was surrounded by historic shops and modern skyscrapers. It was also handily close to Nihombashi Station which connected me to the rest of the city.
My other favorite highlights included the trendy onsite restaurant where I saw waiters dressed as Caveman, a very hipster-friendly craft beer Brooklyn Brewery, the Switch coffee lounge, and the trendy Ao bar which hosted both local artists and musicians as well as serving up innovative mixology!
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel K5
My highlights…
- I loved that my guest room featured a unique “room within a room” layout, where my bed area was separated from the rest of the space by being enclosed in curtains – it felt like I was sleeping in a cozy cocoon!
7. Andaz
I thought this 5-star hotel was seriously stunning! I found a chic and sophisticated modern design haven, it was a large upscale hotel with a locally inspired design and custom-designed interiors infused with local art and craftsmanship! I found lots of natural materials, clean, modern lines and a luxurious but personal experience with exceptionally attentive staff.
I adored my spacious room which featured floor-to-ceiling windows which had beautiful city views, high-end bed linens and state-of-the-art technology, artisanal minibar items and room service. I also made use out of the indoor swimming pool, the trendy rooftop bar located on the 52nd floor which served up very creative cocktails alongside incredible views, the funky Technogym and the gorgeous onsite spa which also had a sauna.
I found myself in the very well-connected Toranomon district, which is part of the Minato Ward and was filled with business and culture and near historic landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Atago Shrine, Zojoji Temple, and Ginza subway station.
There were three onsite restaurants and I was very fond of all of them! I discovered the onsite Tavern – Grill & Lounge, the relaxed American comfort food at BeBu (and their incredible truffle fries!), the sushi counter, and even a cute onsite pastry shop.
My favorite highlights…
- Sipping on a Kiyohime Amazake cocktail which contained amazake, matcha tea and yuzu citrus fruit while gazing at the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from the rooftop bar!
8. Artist Hotel, BnA STUDIO
This quirky boutique really wowed me! When I went inside I felt like I was immersed in a living art exhibition – here Japanese artists had individually designed every room and I saw that they ranged from traditional Japanese to manga and amine themed, I loved that staying in the rooms meant that the artists were directly supported financially.
The vibe very laid back with limited staff-interaction so it did have the feel of serviced apartment more than a hotel. I stayed in the brightly decorated manga styled room which was spacious and even came complete with a crazy-looking oriental dragon adorning the ceiling. It also came with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, air con, air purifier and a very handy kitchenette.
It was located in the Sotokanda area of Chiyoda Ward so I found myself near a nice mix of cultural and modern attractions. I especially loved being near Akihabara, a district famous for anime, manga, and video games – I found electronics shops galore!
My personal highlights…
- Hanging out at the nearby Jules Verne Coffee where my vegan latte came with a face of a cute bunny in the milk froth and the cozy R-za Dokushokan Café which had vintage writing desks and over 1,500 books to choose from and read!
9. Roppongi Hotel S
This won a prestigious Good Design Award! I too was a big fan of the unique boutique, I thought the contemporary design which was mixed in with quintessentially Japanese style and clever use of space, was really wow-inducing! I saw modern and minimalist, with subtle Japanese features like shoji screens and natural wood accents.
I saw that there was a mix of hotel room accommodations and serviced apartments available but I opted to stay in a standard room which was stylish and came with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, air con and an ensuite bathrooms with a soaking tub.
Located in the heart of Roppongi, I was just minutes away from Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown and had was within walking distance of some of Tokyo’s best shopping, dining, and cultural institutions such as the Mori Art Museum and the National Art Center.
My other favorite highlights included the complimentary Asian style breakfast, the chic communal lounge, and the café that doubled as an art gallery.
My highlights…
- I loved that my room had traditional Japanese elements – there was a tatami mat flooring woven from rice straw, a cozy futon bed, and low dining tables with zabuton (floor cushions) where I enjoyed jasmine green tea.
10. all day place
After my stay in this hip place, I knew it had to make the list! I found funky industrial-chic interiors with a minimalist, modern design and quirky artwork everywhere. I loved that there was a trendy vibe but it didn’t feel pretentious at all, and the staff were the same!
My room was clean and bright and compact with a minimalist decor, with eco-friendly toiletries and an ensuite rain shower. I also found cozy pyjamas, slippers, air con, a fridge and a flat-screen TV.
It’s located in the bustling, creative Shibuya district, which was my favorite area, and I also loved that it was located near the famous Shibuya Crossing, Center-gai Shopping Street, the recently opened Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya station.
I also really enjoyed their on-site Pizza restaurant, which used locally sourced ingredients and homemade dough, the Danish craft brewery, the About Life Coffee Shop (I loved their handmade cakes!), and the full English breakfast with veggie options which was served each morning!
My highlights…
- The super-cute on-site bakery and cafe – I opted for the matcha-flavored cookies, the melon pan, which was a sweet, fluffy bread with a cookie-like crust, and hojicha, a roasted green tea which had an earthy and smoky flavor.
11. Candeo Hotel Roppongi
This was a such a chic and unique spot! Outside I found a stylish large high rise tower and inside I found modern and minimalist decor with clean lines, lots of subtle Japanese design elements and lashings of wood and glass. I really liked the vibe which felt sleek and sophisticated yet still welcoming – to me it felt like a refined urban retreat!
My guest room had a minimalist style came with a comfortable bed, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and great city views (although I couldn’t open my window), a sleek bathroom, and smart technology integration.
It was located in the lively Roppongi district, so I was very near buzzing nightlife, art galleries, and key landmarks such as the Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown.
I also liked liked their state-of-the-art fitness center, the awesome 24/7 luxurious public bath which was located on the top floor and provided a traditional onsen experience, the aptly named the Sky Spa which came complete with indoor and outdoor hot pools, a cold pool, and a sauna and the gourmet breakfast buffet where I could choose from both Japanese and Western options.
My favorite highlights…
- Soaking in their rooftop ‘onsen’ while gazing at the city views – I could see the Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji in the distance!
12. Andon Ryokan
I thought this was a fun and affordable gem! Outside I found it was illuminated so much I thought it resembled a traditional Japanese lantern and inside the award-winning genius take on the traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) mixed with modern design features really impressed me! It felt intimate, sociable and artistic but also very chilled at the same time!
My hypoallergenic guest room was sparse – in a true Ryokan style – but it was a very interesting experience. It came with a futon bed (that needed to be unrolled), tatami (woven-straw) flooring, a small TV, free WiFi, air-con and a small built in wardrobe. I had to get used to sharing a bathroom though!
It was located in the quieter part of Taito ward so I found myself in a relaxed part of the city while still being conveniently close to attractions such as Asakusa, Ueno Park and public transportation too. It was located only a 5-minute walk from Minowa Subway Station.
My other favourite stand out features included the Western or Asian-style breakfasts, which were cooked to our preferences each morning and served in the common kitchen, the communal hot tub, loaner bikes and the awesome classes – I could choose from flower-arranging, cute tea ceremonies and interesting origami sessions!
a hot tub, bicycle rentals and Japanese-style rooms with free wired internet.
My personal highlights…
- The tasty homemade breakfast each morning – I especially loved the freshly made tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and the pickled vegetables!
13. Hotel Gracery
I thought the stay here was really enjoyable! Inside I found a mix of modern and sleek decor with subtle nods to the Godzilla theme, including movie memorabilia and themed artwork and outside I saw a huge Godzilla head towering above the hotel – it really was an Ingram-worthy moment!
I stayed on the Godzilla floor where I saw old Godzilla movie posters, a gigantic wall-sized claw hand. My guest room though, had a minimalist style but came with free WiFi, flat-screen TV, air purification, air-con, and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom.
It was located in the central lively area of Shinjuku, steps away from the Shinjuku train station (which connected me to the rest of the city), offering a unique theme experience right in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district,
is strategically located in the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, providing direct access to world-class shopping, entertainment, and dining options, as well as excellent transportation links to explore the rest of the city.
I also enjoyed the on-site restaurant which served up a tasty buffet breakfast in both Japanese and Western styles each morning and the awesome Godzilla-viewing terraces!
My highlights…
- I loved the attention to detail – there was even Godzilla roar sound effects in the corridor!
14. Kimpton Shinjuku
This was a chic 5-star boutique! I discovered a large design hotel with a “Manhattan meets Tokyo” style with a bold and creative design inspired by New York loft living but with lots of Japanese artisanal artistry thrown in! I saw lots of dark wood, custom-made furniture, bold colors, modern artwork – to me it felt like a chic urban oasis.
My well-designed room spacious guest room came with superb boutique styling with hard wood floors as well as a large plush bed, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, organic toiletries, a fridge, a designer coffee machine, a sofa, air con and great city views. I loved the little details though such as the traditional Japanese tea set which came with locally sourced green tea and hojicha (roasted green tea), and the handy yoga mat!
I really enjoyed the buzzy central Shinjuku district location as I near the most famous shopping such as the sprawling Isetan Department Store, entertainment and the famous Shinjuku Station and within a short walk from tranquil parks and Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardens.
My other favorite highlights included the calm, art-filled communal spaces, the chic terrace bar, the modern gym, the onsite meditation sessions which left me feeling wonderfully zen, the District Brasserie, which served me wine and creative cocktails (I loved the Strawberry Kiss cocktail!), the NYC-style lounge bar, which served coffee and craft beer with indie music and the wow-inducing rooftop bar – the city views were incredible!
My highlights…
- The evening social hour – I met other guests while sipping on complimentary wine, sake and lightly salted edamame!
15. Aloft Ginza
This funky retreat stole my heart! It stood out to me with its funky modern design inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture complete with bold and colorful decor, contemporary art installations, and retro-chic furniture – I loved the fun and youthful vibe it had too.
My bright and creatively designed room was actually spacious (well for this city, anyway!). As well as dark hardwood floor and lots of artistic touches there was also a good-sized comfy bed, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with Netflix streaming, a sofa, slippers and a fridge.
If found it centrally located in the exciting upscale shopping district of Ginza, and I was close to Ginza Station as well as excellent restaurants, department stores, boutiques and cultural attractions such as the Kabuki-za Theatre.
I also really liked the funky communal spaces, the 24/7 fitness centre (although it was small), the hip WXYZ bar which had regular live music and the WAREHOUSE restaurant which had a creative Asian inspired menu. My favorite hangout though, was the trendy Roof Dogs rooftop bar which had a lively vibe and incredible city views!
My personal highlights…
- The tech – I especially loved the awesome mobile key access where I used my smartphone to enter my room and control settings inside!
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