The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: An Architectural Gem by Kengo Kuma in Tokyo

Between Palace and Shrine: A Privileged Address

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is ideally situated in Tokyo's lively Akasaka district, offering privileged access to both the urban buzz and the serene tranquility of Hie Shrine, just steps away. Nestled between the Prime Minister's official residence, the Imperial Palace, and the government center of Nagatachō, the hotel sits at the very heart of the Japanese metropolis. Nearby, guests can explore renowned shopping and dining districts such as Ginza, Shibuya, and Omotesando. Well served by two metro stations, one of which connects directly to the property, it is easy to reach the city's many points of interest. The hotel's exclusive location, surrounded by lush greenery, also offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, while remaining close to the Roppongi nightlife district.

Kengo Kuma: The Alchemist of Minimalism and Tradition

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu embodies a harmonious fusion of traditional Japanese elegance and modern design, offering a unique luxury experience. Every element of the hotel, from its architecture to its artwork, tells a story rich in tradition and innovation. Designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the building stands out with its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic, reflecting the Japanese principle of "Fueki-Ryuko" — constancy and change. Inside, elegant wooden beams evoke the interiors of Japanese temples, while works of art by acclaimed artists such as Toko Shinoda and Sofu Teshigahara enrich the serene and refined atmosphere. Seasonal Ikebana floral arrangements, renewed with each season, add a touch of ephemeral beauty, underscoring the attention to detail and the Japanese art of living.

The service at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is distinguished by its traditional and refined Japanese hospitality, a true haven of tranquility away from the daily bustle. Since its opening in 1963, the hotel has evolved while preserving the very essence of Japanese welcome. The complete reconstruction of the hotel created a space where water, a symbol of growth and strength in Japanese culture, plays an essential role. Soothing fountains and aquatic motifs on the carpets add a sensory dimension to the guest experience. Upon entering the hotel through a bamboo grove, visitors discover a perfect balance between modernity and tradition — an elegant and comfortable cocoon that invites relaxation and contemplation.

Serenity Suspended Above Tokyo

Each of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's 251 rooms and suites presents a harmonious marriage of Japanese minimalist traditions and modern style. The shoji paper screens, iconic in Japanese design, allow guests to modulate the space to their liking, offering complete personalization of the rooms. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking views of Tokyo's urban landscapes, including the Imperial Palace, Hie Jinja Shrine, and magnificent Japanese gardens. The interiors are refined and soothing, adorned with natural woodwork and traditional artwork that impart a sense of serenity and understated luxury.

The hotel's rooms offer an unparalleled experience of comfort and sophistication. The bathrooms, a true highlight of the property, feature large soaking tubs and rain showers, providing a privileged retreat after a day exploring the city. The Club floor rooms, located on the hotel's top three levels, enjoy exclusive access to "The Capitol Lounge SaRyoh," where personalized service ensures every stay is unforgettable. We had the pleasure of staying in a 45 m² Club Deluxe King, a luxurious space that, thanks to its shoji paper screens, offers majestic views and promises a truly restorative sleep experience.

The Enchanting Culinary Rituals of the SaRyoh Lounge

The Capitol Lounge SaRyoh offers its guests a unique and welcoming experience, integrating traditional Japanese hospitality within an exclusive setting. To begin with, Club floor guests benefit from personalized check-in and check-out, directly at the 3rd floor reception desk or at the SaRyoh Lounge. Throughout the day, a refined culinary presentation is offered, with a selection of beverages and live culinary demonstrations by the chef during breakfast and cocktail hour. Tea time, cocktail hour, and the nightcap service allow guests to savor delicious fare throughout the day. The elegance extends to the choice of Japanese porcelain, which subtly enhances the quality dishes, ensuring exquisite and personalized service for a truly luxurious experience.

Suiren: An Intimate Setting for the Art of Japanese Cuisine

Suiren, the Capitol's signature restaurant, is a culinary sanctuary that promises a unique sensory escape, thanks to its idyllic location overlooking a peaceful water feature. This contemporary Japanese restaurant is renowned for its kaiseki menu, an elegant succession of small courses that evolves each month to offer renewed gustatory experiences with every visit. Seafood enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the sushi bar, where fish is selected daily from the famous Tsukiji fish market. Seasonal ingredients are beautifully showcased, whether prepared as tempura or grilled teppanyaki-style, offering a culinary spectacle as captivating as it is delicious.

Under the expert guidance of Chef Furuya, former chef of the Japanese Embassy in the United States and laureate of the prestigious Meilleurs Ouvriers de France award, Suiren has distinguished itself by being selected among the world's top 1,000 restaurants in 2018 and 2019. With 60 seats and four private dining rooms, this restaurant offers an intimate and refined atmosphere, ideal for discovering the subtleties of Japanese cuisine. During our lunch, we opted for the WAKAKUSA menu, a culinary experience that begins with a delicate amuse-bouche, followed by ten carefully selected pieces of sushi and a comforting miso soup, representing the quintessence of freshness and Japanese culinary artistry.

Additional Dining Experiences

At the heart of the hotel's gastronomic scene, Star Hill shines with its refined approach to classic Chinese cuisine. Under the direction of Chef Takayuki Yamahashi, each dish is a celebration of authentic flavors, elevated by luxury ingredients. The restaurant offers a sensational weekend buffet featuring 110 distinct dishes, all prepared to order, attracting a loyal and discerning clientele.

In a different yet equally enticing register, All Day Dining ORIGAMI stands out with its eclectic selection of international classics. Chef Naohito Nakamura has crafted a menu that crosses culinary borders, from the American burger to French bouillabaisse, while incorporating the signature specialties of the former Capitol Tokyu Hotel. This all-day restaurant is the perfect place to savor dishes with varied influences in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. To extend this sensory experience, The Capitol Bar invites you to unwind with an exquisite selection of whiskies and cigars while admiring views of the city and its serene gardens.

A Temple of Relaxation with Majestic Views

The Carju Rajah TIADO wellness center is a true haven of peace where luxury and serenity converge. Spanning two levels, it offers the ultimate relaxation experience with its 20-meter indoor pool and spacious jacuzzi, both providing stunning views of the Imperial Palace gardens. Guests can indulge in a detoxifying massage or a signature facial treatment at this refined spa, which offers an extensive range of wellness rituals and a spa health menu. For a complete experience, visit the fitness center on the 15th floor, where you can work out while admiring the breathtaking urban panorama.

My Review

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu embodies a perfect balance between modernity and tradition, offering its visitors an unparalleled luxury experience. Thanks to Kengo Kuma's elegant architecture and its privileged location, the hotel provides a unique immersion in the Japanese art of living. From its refined rooms to the culinary delights served in its restaurants, every element appears thoughtfully designed to awaken the senses and offer a moment of serenity. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu proves to be an essential destination for those seeking a memorable experience, harmoniously blending Japanese hospitality with contemporary refinement.

What I loved:

• The hotel's design, elegant and harmonious, beautifully blending modernity with Japanese inspirations.
• The unobstructed view from the room, offering a soothing and very pleasant setting.
• The lounge, of excellent quality, both for breakfast and throughout the various moments of the day.

What I wished were different:

• The lounge ambiance, slightly disrupted by refrigeration noise, which can make the experience somewhat less pleasant and discourage lingering.

Practical Information

• Club Deluxe King room at a rate of €860 in February 2026.