1 Hotel Tokyo, the New Urban Sanctuary of Responsible Luxury

An Elevated Address Between Embassies and Shrines

Ideally located in Akasaka, at the vibrant heart of Tokyo, 1 Hotel Tokyo occupies the 38th to 43rd floors of the Akasaka Trust Tower, rising as a true sanctuary in the sky above the city’s bustle. Directly connected to the subway, it offers remarkably seamless access to the iconic districts of Ginza, Roppongi, Shibuya and Marunouchi, as well as convenient connections to Haneda Airport. In this sophisticated business district dotted with embassies, contemporary towers, historic shrines and peaceful gardens, the hotel blends cosmopolitan energy with Japanese serenity. Just steps from Roppongi’s dining and nightlife scene, and with panoramic views of the Imperial Palace gardens, Tokyo Tower and the skyline, it is an exceptional base from which to discover Tokyo through its culture, business and art of living.

When Nature Redefines Luxury

At 1 Hotel Tokyo, the design embodies the spirit of a brand that has made responsible luxury its signature. Founded by Barry Sternlicht, 1 Hotels champions a lifestyle-led approach to hospitality shaped by well-being, environmental awareness and a more meaningful connection with nature. With 13 properties across Asia, Europe and, above all, North America, the group is making its Japanese debut here, in a country where its philosophy resonates particularly strongly: a culture in which craftsmanship, restraint and respect for resources have long shaped the art of living. From the ground floor, a living wall creates a soothing transition from the city’s energy, before the ascent to the 38th-floor lobby begins to feel like a journey into the canopy.

Designed by CRÈME and Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design, the interiors express the biophilic DNA of 1 Hotels through a subtly Japanese language: a contemporary interpretation of harmony between nature, materials and light. The palette is tactile, mineral and organic. Oya stone, reclaimed wood, FSC-certified timber, hand-blown glass, hemp-rope lighting, artisanal plasterwork and touches of washi create an atmosphere that feels both raw and cocooning. Local references emerge discreetly: a stone wall evokes the structures surrounding the Imperial Palace moat, ceiling beams recall the furrows of raked sand gardens, and certain finishes draw inspiration from sakan, an ancestral Japanese technique combining straw, sand, lime and clay. This sustainable approach extends to the use of local, reclaimed or responsibly sourced materials, alongside low-impact finishes that lend the décor its authenticity.

The greenery is not simply decorative, but a living presence that reflects the commitment of 1 Hotels to bringing nature into the heart of the hospitality experience. More than 1,200 plants inhabit the rooms, while another 300 soften the panoramic lobby through preserved moss, bonsai trees, native foliage and sculptural arrangements. In the lounges, expansive modular sofas, generous armchairs and bespoke modernist pieces face Tokyo Tower and the skyline, creating a striking contrast between natural refuge and metropolitan vertigo.

Spa-Like Rooms Overlooking the Skyline

The 211 rooms — including 24 suites and three penthouses — form a haven of rare serenity in the heart of the capital. Each accommodation embraces an organic, contemporary aesthetic true to the brand’s spirit, with FSC-certified wood, hand-finished plaster, woven textile panels, reclaimed-wood furniture and wall art incorporating natural moss. Together, these elements create an almost spa-like atmosphere, enveloped in earthy tones, raw materials and Japanese artisanal details, including woven bamboo pieces crafted by a local artisan.

Comfort is every inch worthy of a five-star hotel, yet always conceived with care and conscience: plush pillow-top mattresses, organic cotton bed linen, living plants, Nespresso machines, premium teas and minibars stocked with locally crafted products. The bathrooms invite guests to slow down, with rainfall showers, organic Bamford amenities and deep soaking tubs accompanied by geranium-scented bath salts. We stayed in a 45 m² Skyline Lounge King, a spacious and soothing room offering partial views of the Imperial Palace gardens. For the most spectacular panoramas, southeast-facing rooms reveal Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay, a reminder that this natural cocoon remains firmly rooted in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Golden Mornings at NiNi

Served at NiNi restaurant, breakfast centres on a buffet of morning essentials — golden pastries, cereals, fresh fruit juices and seasonal treats — complemented by a choice of one signature dish prepared to order. We chose the French toast, soft and delicately scented with roasted citrus, served with maple syrup and whipped cream, as well as the Jambon Cru Benedict, a refined composition of poached eggs, cured ham, ratatouille-style spinach and silky hollandaise sauce. The menu elegantly blends continental inspirations with Japanese touches, from a Comté omelette and kitsune udon to a complete Japanese breakfast with fish of the day, miso soup, rice and dried seaweed.

From Morning Matcha to the Final Drink

On the 38th floor, dining unfolds as a living experience shaped by the light, the energy of the city and the passing hours. Rooted in seasonality and inspired by nature, the menus celebrate local ingredients while embracing influences from farther afield. Every thoughtfully prepared dish follows a sustainable ethos, inviting travellers and Tokyo residents alike to gather around flavours that are vibrant, elegant and deeply connected to the region.

Three venues make up this culinary world: NiNi, Spotted Stone and Neighbors Café. By day, Neighbors Café cultivates a neighbourhood spirit with its artisanal coffees, premium teas, sweet treats and wholesome snacks. In the evening, Spotted Stone reveals a more vibrant side: a lounge bar devoted to Japanese craft gin, with nearly 100 carefully selected labels, precisely crafted cocktails, refined bites such as Japanese charcuterie and Wagyu beef sandwiches, and an atmosphere driven by DJ sets spanning vinyl and deep house.

The culinary philosophy of 1 Hotel Tokyo rests on a discreet yet exacting commitment to respecting the seasons, zero-waste practices, rigorous composting and close relationships with local producers, growers and artisans. The wine list favours organic, biodynamic and responsibly managed estates, while the cocktails evolve with the seasons, incorporating local spirits, house-made preparations and ingredients reimagined rather than discarded. Here, luxury is savoured through precision, mindfulness and the rare ability to transform every moment — from morning coffee to the final drink — into a contemporary Tokyo ritual.

NiNi, the French Riviera to the Rhythm of Tokyo

The hotel’s main restaurant, NiNi unfolds across a vast open space facing floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline that become particularly spectacular at dusk. Its name, meaning “two, two,” perfectly encapsulates the venue’s identity: the meeting of two coastlines, two cultures and two rhythms, bringing together the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera and Japanese precision. At the helm, Canadian chef Nikko Policarpio creates Mediterranean cuisine shaped by olive oil, citrus fruits, Provençal herbs and seafood, reinterpreted through Japan’s seasons, produce and techniques. His approach allows each ingredient to express itself with clarity, while the natural-charcoal Josper oven brings a smoky depth to meats, fish and vegetables without ever masking their nuances. Evolving gracefully throughout the day, NiNi is bright and convivial at lunchtime, more rhythmic and sensual in the evening, and also offers a Riviera-inspired weekend brunch and seasonal afternoon tea presented in an elegant wooden box.

In this elevated setting, the Fantôme Frappé and Na Nashi form a cocktail duo as elegant as it is contrasting. The former, served in a refined coupe, reveals a dark espresso hue crowned with silky foam, combining the depth of coffee-infused vodka with the sweetness of crème de cacao and French vanilla, all lifted by a mysterious whisper of absinthe. The latter embraces alcohol-free sophistication, blending non-alcoholic whisky, ginger, pseudo lime, soda and pear.

Following this liquid overture, the maguro tartare arrives like a precious, luminous jewel, plated with minimalist elegance. Delicately pearlescent orange cubes of tuna have a melting texture, enlivened by the warm crunch of toasted hazelnuts, while finger lime adds bright, tart pearls with an almost crystalline quality. A red endive leaf on top introduces a refined bitterness and spectacular visual contrast, shifting between deep purple and golden highlights.

Continuing this theme of delicate precision, the Ricotta Cavatelli is both rustic and refined in appearance. Small, pillowy cavatelli coated in a green sauce with charcoal-roasted edamame offer a subtly smoky vegetal depth, sharpened by the elegant salinity of pecorino and the clean warmth of black pepper. Golden, crisp crumbs scattered across the surface provide an indulgent contrast to the tenderness of the pasta, while a few fresh shoots lighten the composition with a herbaceous note.

The meal then gains in richness with the Michinoku half confit chicken, generously presented with deeply roasted, almost lacquered skin that speaks of slow, controlled cooking. The chicken jus promises enveloping richness, while the cherry sauce contributes a refined fruitiness that perfectly balances the intensity of the poultry. Alongside, the smashed fried potatoes offer an irresistible golden crunch, lifted by a tangy, indulgent gribiche. The grilled romaine lettuce provides an elegant, gently smoky vegetal note, dressed with parsley yogurt sauce and scattered with pistachios to create a vivid contrast with the richness of the chicken.

Finally, the NiNi Chocolate Bar and pineapple tarte tatin create a finale that is as visually striking as it is indulgent. Sculpted like a precious chocolate tablet, the house signature bar reveals a velvety texture and is accompanied by coffee ice cream, creamy quenelles and crisp caramelised shards that add contrast and intensity. For the tart, roasted pineapple gleaming with amber caramel rests on a crisp crumble-style base, crowned with a fresh and delicately creamy Tokyo milk sorbet. The composition plays elegantly with temperatures, the sweetness of chocolate, the exotic acidity of pineapple and the crunch of its garnishes, creating a tasting experience that is refined, urban and resolutely contemporary.

Bamford Wellness Spa, Blending Japanese Techniques With an International Brand

The Bamford Wellness Spa is designed to restore harmony between body, mind and soul. True to Carole Bamford’s holistic approach, it celebrates well-being deeply rooted in nature through facials, body rituals and exclusive massages performed with natural and organic products. The exceptionally serene atmosphere combines soft lighting, organic textures, installations crafted from local paper and bespoke washi wall coverings made in Japan.

I experienced the Japanese Bamboo Massage, a 60-minute ritual inspired by Japanese traditions and ideal after a long flight or a day spent exploring Tokyo. Using smooth Kyoto bamboo and green tea-infused oil, the therapist alternates flowing movements, deep pressure and draining techniques to release tension, stimulate circulation and lighten the body. Both cocooning and precise, the massage brings an immediate sense of release, as though fatigue were gradually dissolving beneath the rhythm of the bamboo. You emerge feeling lighter, with a clearer mind and subtly toned skin, accompanied by the precious sense that the treatment’s benefits continue to unfold long after leaving the massage table. Before or after a treatment, the Lavender Salon invites guests to slow down over a soothing tea, while the steam room and relaxation areas extend this restorative interlude.

An 18-Metre Pool to Complete the Experience

On the 38th floor, the 18-metre indoor pool forms a retreat suspended above Tokyo, where natural materials, subdued lighting and panoramic city views create an atmosphere of absolute calm. It offers an intimate interlude, extended by a generous planted outdoor terrace designed as a soothing micro-ecosystem within the urban landscape. After a few laps, guests can head to The Field House, a fitness space equipped by Technogym. Complimentary group classes offered each week complete this approach to well-being, encouraging guests to weave movement, relaxation and contemplation into the rhythm of their stay.

My Review

1 Hotel Tokyo leaves the rare impression of a hotel perfectly attuned to its time. From the vertiginous views and soothing rooms conceived as verdant cocoons to NiNi’s sun-drenched cuisine, the rituals of the Bamford Wellness Spa and the pool suspended above the city, every detail contributes to a deeply coherent experience in which Tokyo is felt as much as it is observed. In an already remarkably rich hotel market, this opening introduces a genuinely distinctive proposition — more organic, more sensory — and thoughtfully complements the current offering by meeting the expectations of travellers seeking contemporary luxury, a sense of place and responsible well-being.

What I liked:

• The particularly original design, quite unique in Tokyo, blending natural materials, wood and neutral tones. The atmosphere is warm and soothing, with meticulous attention paid to every detail.
• The bamboo treatment offered at the spa, a distinctive and authentic experience deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
• NiNi restaurant, which stands out for the quality and originality of its offerings at both lunch and dinner.

What could be improved:

• Breakfast could be improved: the buffet lacks a little variety, and the quality of the products offered deserves greater attention. Furthermore, the package includes only one à la carte dish, with any additional order charged separately.

Practical Information

• Skyline Lounge King room priced at €650 in June 2026.