The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: A Glamorous Hotel with the Best in Luxury

A Panorama That Will Take Your Breath Away

Perched at the top of a tower, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo dominates the city and its skyscrapers. As we arrived at the lobby on the 38th floor, we were blown away by the view of the Tokyo Skytree, which we took a moment to admire before check-in. Wherever we went, this panorama never left our side, from the restaurants to our hotel room. (Had the weather been clear, we could have seen Mount Fuji from our bedroom, but unfortunately for us it was cloudy!) Upon entering the establishment, I could tell that the hospitality would be top-of-the-range: the service was flawless, convivial, and ultra-professional, by far the best I’ve encountered in a Tokyo luxury establishment!

Nihonbashi: An Authentic Neighborhood

This five-star hotel is situated in the heart of the Nihonbashi neighborhood, a historic spot that’s perfect for discovering traditional Japan while remaining close to many of Tokyo’s major sites. I enjoyed staying in this district as it’s rather authentic and not very touristy ‒ we felt like we were truly part of everyday life.

A Beautiful Renovation in the 179 Rooms and Suites

The 179 rooms and suites offer a peaceful yet sophisticated ambiance. They were recently given a facelift under the direction of Ryu Kosaka, who built his design around the theme, “wood and water.” Symbols of nature and the different seasons are everywhere, including embroidered cherry blossoms on the beds and orange-colored accents reminiscent of autumn leaves. Despite these traditional influences, the rooms offer plenty of cutting-edge appliances for the guests’ comfort. Their interior design emphasizes different perspectives of the city, providing a majestic view from every side of the hotel.

We settled into a Mandarin Grand Room, which is the perfect example of quinessential Japanese design: this 60 m² space features a bamboo floor, objects from traditional artisans, and a bonsai tree, all of which made us feel like we were truly immersed in the local culture.

Head in the Clouds at the Spa on the 37th Floor

If there were a ranking of the best spas in town, the Mandarin Oriental would certainly be at the top! When I opened the door to one of the five spa suites perched up on the 37th floor to receive my treatment, I was blown away by the beauty and prestige of this urban spa. The morning after my arrival at the hotel, I continued to admire the view of the city from the glass sauna and bubble baths. The spa offers a wide range of traditional as well as signature treatments, all drawing from the four corners of the earth to restore the harmony between body and spirit. I opted for the 90-minute “Totally Tokyo” massage, featuring Japanese ingredients, to help with preoccupied minds (perfect for me!). I left the massage feeling relaxed and absolutely enchanted by the high-quality treatments.

The Perfect Spot for Gourmets

The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offers a dizzying number of restaurants and bars. It’s also the only Tokyo hotel to feature three Michelin-starred restaurants. Foodies are spoiled for choice!

Let’s begin with the restaurant Signature, awarded one Michelin star, which offers gourmet French cuisine. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also a feast for the eyes thanks to the superb presentation. Here, you can enjoy traditional and current recipes in the midst of Asian-inspired décor, not to mention the fabulous view of the city in the background. Next up is Sense, a starred restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine. This establishment features authentic dishes as well as a very successful dim sum menu on the weekend. As for the Michelin-starred Tapas Molecular Bar, it’s the place to go for lovers of atypical dining! Seated at a bar that can accommodate no more than eight, you can enjoy fusion cuisine with Japanese and Western influences for an inventive and interactive experience.

The restaurant K’shiki offers excellent Italian products at both lunch and dinnertime, while in the morning it serves as the meeting place for an exquisite breakfast. The buffet features an abundance of Japanese and Western foods, while the made-to-order dishes such as crab and avocado eggs benedict are simply to die for. In another part of the restaurant, an eatery with only eight seats named The Pizza Bar on the 38th is the perfect stop for lovers of Italian dishes.

The dining on offer wouldn’t be complete without the Ventaglio, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. In the afternoon, those with a sweet tooth can check out the Salon de thé Sense or the Oriental Lounge for an afternoon tea. As for the night scene, the Mandarin Bar is the perfect spot for indulging in jazz concerts and classy cocktails.

The Verdict

The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is an institution of Tokyo luxury hospitality. It features a glamorous and contemporary look while maintaining a profound connection with Japanese tradition, be it in the freshly renovated rooms and suites or in the incredibly luxurious urban spa. Other highlights include a plethora of dining options, from gourmet cuisine to more casual restaurants. This hot spot is one of the best hotels in the city and a safe bet for travelers who are used to high-flying facilities and top-notch service.

I loved:

I disliked:

Practical Information: