Following last month’s Hot Hotel, and part of our same trip to Japan we visit Amanemu’s sister hotel in the country’s capital, AmanTokyo. The hotel opened back in 2014, but has now fully established itself as one of the most luxurious properties in Japan, let alone the world. It was recently applauded Best Design Hotel by Wallpaper magazine, and there’s good reason. We showcase the property and why we feel it truly deserves the title ‘Hot Hotel.’
Aman may be well known for its portfolio of laid-back five-star luxury resorts but the group’s first entrance into the urban hotel market is now proven as a success story and will act as the blueprint for future city hotel openings by the group. There were rumours there may even be an Aman city hotel opening in London.
The property is situated on the top six floors of the impressive and striking Otemachi tower in the heart of Tokyo. It is a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Station and the vibrant Nihonbashi district, making it an ideal base for any traveller spending time in the city.
The design is similar to the recently opened Amanemu sister property in Ise Shima, a few hours south of Tokyo. Aman favourites, Australian based architects Kerry Hill Architects, have brought their similar distinct signature style to both properties, and Aman Tokyo’s entrance features a large impressive stone clad foyer whose ceiling is six storeys high lined in traditional Japanese washi paper.
“The aesthetic is modern and the service personal and discrete, inspired by Japanese tradition, custom, culture, arts and cuisine.” State AmanTokyo on their property.
The hotel offers a calm, serene oasis away from the busy streets below, and the property offers a wide range of facilities.
The expansive foyer acts as a focal point to hotel, within is an Italian fine dining restaurant, complete with private dining rooms, leaving the wonderful array of Japanese cuisine to the restaurants nearby.
In the corner of the foyer is a long bar that serves all day afternoon teas with beautifully ornate chocolates with views out to Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) and the Imperial Palace Gardens.
The space evokes the romantic essence of the film ‘Lost In Translation’, with soft music and guests drinking until the late hours fighting off jet lag.
There is also a cigar lounge with built in humidor and library, which are a little more private and suit meetings as well as an informative and helpful concierge who sit behind a desk comprising the vast polished trunk of an impressive felled tree.
On the floor above is access to the Aman Spa, complete with 30meter pool with impressive skyline views, traditional male and female onsen hot pools and a wide range of spa treatments by the world famous spa attendants.
Above the main hotel facilities are the 84 rooms and suites each featuring panoramic views of the city.
Each of Aman Tokyo’s rooms and suites are spacious and modern, drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic. Each room and suite has a large furo, a deep soaking tub and a core part of the Japanese ritual of bathing.
Even the entry level rooms are spacious, at 71 square metres and the Suites range between 141 and 157 square metres. All rooms are equipped with a writing desk, free, and powerful wifi, numerous international plug sockets and connections to connect computer to the TV.
There are also large seating areas in each of the room, beside the expansive picture windows that offer unparalleled views of the city.
For those not staying at the hotel, there is also a chance to enjoy an updated Aman Café situated on the ground floor of the Otemachi Tower amongst the foliage of the manmade and peaceful Otemachi Forest that offers a seasonal Mediterranean focused menu.
There are still hints of the Aman signature resort service here such as being welcomed with a cold towel and drink during check-in, and the check-in is completed in the room, which acts as a warm welcome.
We were pleasantly surprised by our second visit to the property which still feels as polished, refined and elegant hotel that matches the design ethos of simplicity that we truly love.
www.aman.com/resorts/aman-tokyo