Tokyo's Modern Sanctuaries: A Guide to the City's Best Luxury Hotels
In the shadow of Mount Fuji, where centuries-old temples stand beside gleaming skyscrapers, Tokyo's luxury hospitality scene has evolved into an art form uniquely its own. The city's best luxury hotels are more than mere accommodations; they are odes to Japan's innate ability to harmonize the past with the present, the traditional with the contemporary.
Among these elevated properties, three stand as masterful examples of Japanese omotenashi - the art of selfless hospitality: the sophisticated Four Seasons Otemachi, rising above the Imperial Palace gardens; the architecturally stunning Capitol Hotel Tokyu, where modernist design pays homage to cultural heritage; and the revolutionary HOSHINOYA Tokyo, reimagining the traditional ryokan for the modern age. Each of these best luxury hotels Tokyo has to offer has a distinct interpretation of luxury, shaped by their surroundings and deep roots in Japanese culture and yet, all are unmistakably influenced by contemporary global sophistication.
To read The Conte Club's Part 1 Guide to the best luxury hotels in Tokyo, Japan, please follow this link.
1. Four Seasons Otemachi
Situated in the heart of Tokyo's financial district, the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi occupies the highest floors of the Otemachi One Tower, offering breathtaking views of the Imperial Palace, Mount Fuji, and the neverending Tokyo skyline. Opening its doors in 2020, this sophisticated urban sanctuary represents the brand's second property in Tokyo, complementing its sister location in Marunouchi. The hotel has also been well acknowledged as a leader in the Tokyo hospitality scene, having been awarded the number 2 ranking for hotels in Japan on “Condé Nast Traveller” UK’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards and the prestigious 3 Keys distinction by the Michelin Guide earlier this year as well.
Design & Aesthetics
The hotel's 190 guest rooms and suites showcase the signature aesthetics of designer Jean-Michel Gathy in collaboration with design studio Denniston, of which he is the principal. The design narrative beautifully weaves together contemporary aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements, featuring natural materials, earthy tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame Tokyo's urban landscape.
Taking the elevator to the lobby on the 39th floor will reveal this subtle 'east meets west' fusion, where a glass curtain wall forms the backdrop for a rock installation on a shallow pond, a clear reference to the tranquillity and skill of the traditional Japanese Zen gardens, sometimes referred to as dry gardens or rock gardens. Further upwards, the rooms, starting from 44 square meters, are among the most spacious in the city, with the crowning Chairman's Suite offering an impressive 160 square meters of refined luxury. A testament to Gathy's commitment to 'destination-led' design, the hotel is entirely That includes the large textile photographs, by photographer Namiko Kitaura, that take centre stage in the neutral, light-filled interiors of guest rooms.
Spa Treatments and Facilities
THE SPA at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi presents a sophisticated wellness sanctuary spanning the entire 39th floor. The facility includes seven treatment rooms, a traditional onsen-style bath as well as steam rooms and ofuro (traditional Japanese baths) in the locker rooms, and a 20-meter indoor pool that appears to float above the city. The spa menu combines Japanese-inspired treatments such as the Yakasugi massage alongside signature Four Seasons treatments and features exclusive collaborations with luxury skincare brands such as Swiss brand Valmont. Alongside the SPA treatments and facilities, the hotel also is home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre that operates 24/7, offering personalized training sessions and programmes covering all manners of wellness, from strength training to yoga and pilates.
Culinary Expertise
The hotel's dining collection includes four distinct venues, each offering unique culinary experiences. EST, the signature restaurant, presents innovative French cuisine with a Japanese twist under the guidance of Michelin-starred Chef Guillaume Bracaval. Earlier this year, EST was awarded a Michelin star, signifying its excellent quality and commitment to elevated dining. A refreshing break, PIGNETO offers refined, but still very much family-style Italian dining with open kitchens and a terrace with stunning views of the city's skyline.
There is also VIRTÙ, the hotel's striking cocktail bar, which takes inspiration from Japanese techniques and combines them with vintage French liqueurs, including rare cognacs and one of the most extensive Champagne menus in the city. The bar was awarded number 11 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List 2024, which is a true testament to its constant innovation and seductive atmosphere. To balance their four distinctive dining venues, the final option, The Lounge, offers all-day dining in a casual setting, alongside daily afternoon tea services and live music performances to relax after a day exploring the city of Tokyo.
2. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Located in the prestigious Akasaka district, known for its luxurious dining venues, entertainment options and upscale museums, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu stands as a masterpiece of Japanese modernist architecture, designed by the renowned Kengo Kuma. One might have known the Architect for his other works, including the Japan National Stadium, The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre, or The Exchange in Sydney, Australia. The hotel's location, adjacent to the historic Hie Shrine, creates a unique dialogue between contemporary luxury and traditional Japanese culture, and alongside its distinguished history and inimitable hospitality, it has earned itself the two keys distinction by the Michelin Guide, a notable award.
Design & Accommodation
Kengo Kuma's vision for the 251-room property emphasizes simplicity and modernity as guiding principles for its design, a sophisticated blend of traditional Japanese elements with contemporary design sensibilities. The rooms, starting from 45 square meters, all feature shoji paper screens, expansive windows, and carefully selected art pieces including traditional calligraphy and ikebana, the art of arranging cut leaves, stems and flowers, each reflecting a unique element of Japanese craftsmanship. The layout of the rooms draws inspiration from traditional Japanese residences, with separate areas for sleeping, bathing, and relaxation offering a deeper immersion into local traditions than more international brands might offer.
Inside the exterior appearance of an ultra-modern skyscraper, the hotel stands as a living gallery, showcasing masterpieces from Japan's most celebrated 20th-century artists. Among these treasures are ink-wash paintings by Toko Shinoda, whose bold yet delicate brushwork captured the essence of abstract expressionism through traditional Japanese techniques. The collection is further enriched by the sculptural works of Sofu Teshigahara, founder of the Sogetsu School of ikebana, whose avant-garde pieces blur the line between floral art and sculpture. A favourite of both distinguished public figures in Japan and international VIPs, the hotel stands as an iconic symbol of Japanese hospitality and design.
Wellness & Spa
The hotel's wellness facilities include the CARJU Rajah spa, offering traditional Asian healing treatments alongside modern therapeutic techniques against a 'Japonisme' inspired background. Be sure to try the Vital Spa, which offers a salt bath and low-temperature mist sauna, alongside the roster of private treatments available. There is also a private barber room and makeup room, offering an elevated adjustment to those experiences usually considered within the sphere of the everyday.
The fitness centre features a 20-meter indoor pool, state-of-the-art equipment, and a dedicated studio for yoga and pilates. The hotel's location near the Hie Shrine creates opportunities for unique wellness experiences, including morning meditation sessions and traditional Japanese garden walks, which can be organised through the hotel's ever helpful concierge.
Dining Excellence
With three established dining options, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's dining celebrates both Japanese and international cuisines. Passing through the Watari-den in the lobby you will find Suiren, the signature Japanese restaurant, offering kaiseki, teppanyaki, and sushi in distinct dining areas. The food here is seasonal, and the feeling is emphasized by the surrounding greenery of the garden. "ORIGAMI", the all-day dining restaurant, presents international cuisine with seasonal Japanese ingredients, while their restaurant Star Hill presents an elevated menu of Chinese dishes, and particularly of note is the "Special Treats" made-to-order buffet held on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
The Capitol Bar provides an intimate setting for craft cocktails and rare Japanese whiskies and has an extensive menu of international spirits, liqueurs and wines ready to be enjoyed. Low-lit, and with only 46 seats, it is a notably different atmosphere to that of the boutique pastries offered at the in-house bakery, "ORIGAMI", which is run by head pastry chef Tetsuya Yasuzato. If a fan of pastries, Conte would recommend following us on a bespoke food experience - a confectionary tour of Tokyo, which has many delightful street food and refined options to explore.
3. HOSHINOYA, Tokyo
HOSHINOYA Tokyo represents a groundbreaking concept in urban hospitality - a luxury ryokan in the heart of Tokyo's financial district, Otemachi. This 17-story tower, wrapped in a metal lattice pattern inspired by traditional kimono motifs, offers a fusion of ryokan hospitality and modern luxury and delves deeply, as with most HOSHINOYA properties, into Japanese ideology and culture.
Heritage & Design
The 84 rooms in the property designed by Azuma Architects, are done so in a contemporary Japanese style and feature traditional elements such as tatami floors, shoji screens, and custom-made futons while incorporating modern comforts.
Here, intimacy is the defining element of the experience, with each floor hosting just six rooms arranged around a central ochanoma (communal living room). This innovative design reimagines the traditional ryokan concept for an urban setting, where every floor functions as its self-contained inn. The heart of each level is a tranquil tatami-lined lounge, where guests can gather throughout the day to enjoy seasonal wagashi sweets, premium teas, and light refreshments - fostering the same sense of intimate hospitality that has characterized Japanese ryokans for centuries.
Wellness & Culture
The crown jewel of HOSHINOYA Tokyo's wellness offerings is its rooftop onsen, fed by natural hot springs discovered 1,500 meters below the city. The gender-separated baths feature indoor and outdoor pools with retractable roofs, allowing guests to bathe under the open sky while surrounded by the city's skyscrapers. In private treatment rooms, the spa offers traditional Japanese treatments, including shiatsu massage and seasonal wellness rituals.
Alongside the Spa, the choice of in-house cultural activities is truly exceptional - although it should be noted that by in-house we are referring to those organised by the concierge and curated by the hospitality team behind the brand. Activities such as Sky-high Morning Kenjutsu Practice, or the Edo River Cruise give a sense of a behind-the-scenes cultural immersion, facilitating the exploration of centuries-old traditions within the comfort of the hotel, with a bespoke, service-led design.
Culinary Excellence
The dining experience at HOSHINOYA Tokyo centres around innovative kaiseki cuisine that reinterprets traditional Japanese dishes through a contemporary lens. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada, serves "Nippon Cuisine" - a creative fusion of French technique with Japanese ingredients and aesthetics. Each meal is carefully crafted to reflect the seasons and showcase the finest ingredients from across Japan and is a beautiful way to dine in an exploratory manner, close to home.
For those craving comfort, the hotel offers both Japanese and Western breakfasts, as well as a 24-hour menu for those jet-lagged nights, delivered directly to your room. Unique dining experiences are also to hand, such as the seasonal tea ceremonies offered in the ochanoma lounges, and the opportunity to organise a bespoke private event catered for by the hotel, perhaps best saved for an anniversary, birthday, or celebratory get-together.