From enchanting Christmas card-esque villages in winter to cherry blossom canopies in spring, the Japanese capital of Tokyo is gorgeous throughout the year. This unique and energetic metropolis has countless subcultures to explore and gorgeous sights to see. Throw in delectable cuisine, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular travel destination. What’s more, luxury is also in equal abundance in this Japanese capital, what with it being a hospitality-focused and beauty-obsessed culture. So, when it comes to Tokyo, most expensive hotels and high-end staying options are in droves. That said, not all luxury hotels are created equal.
So, while some have super-central locations with spectacular sky-high restaurants and bars, others are relaxation-focused with sprawling spas, infinity pools, and onsens, a huge part of Japanese culture. Clearly, the Big Mikan, as Tokyo is called, has something to suit everyone. From sky-high boutique gems to glamorous hotspots, here’s a detailed guide to luxurious living like modern-day royalty in the Japanese capital.
Are you on an extended Japanese sojourn in the fall? Check out the best places to visit in Japan during the fall to see fall foliage.
Table of contents
- Aman Tokyo
- Park Hyatt
- Grand Hyatt
- Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
- Shangri-La Tokyo
- The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
- The Peninsula Tokyo
- The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
- Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
- Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
- Where do celebrities stay in Tokyo?
- Where are most of Tokyo’s expensive hotels located?
- What is the most expensive hotel room in Tokyo?
Aman Tokyo
11
Peace and quiet in the heart of Tokyo? Impossible! Unless you’re at Aman Tokyo, that is. It’s managed by Aman, the most exclusive hotel brand in the world, and happens to be its first hotel with an urban concept. It occupies the top six floors of the swanky Otemachi Tower, making it a minimalist urban sanctuary in the sky. Moreover, this Aman outpost draws design inspiration from traditional Japanese residential structures. So, you’ll see a lot of classic Japanese materials such as stone, Washi paper, and timber blended with luxurious fabrics and modern technology. The hotel is big on nature, hence the inner garden in the fabulous lobby to the art and fabrics incorporated into the design.
Massive, sky-lofted R&R is standard in Tokyo’s luxe hotels, but no one does it better than Aman. It boasts a vaulted, stone-clad atrium on a 30-something floor. Soothing lights and oversized daybeds surround the pool area. What’s more, the hotel also has multiple dining options. Arva offers sustainably sourced Italian fare, while Musashi by Aman is all about Japanese fare. Another highlight is Aman-led excursions into the generations-old and traditional Nihonbashi, where you can engrave your own chopsticks/handmade fans and even order custom kimonos.
The hotel’s 84 rooms and suites, all with unique layouts, remain true to Japanese tradition while also embracing Tokyo’s cosmopolitan vibe. Stone, wood, and Washi paper feature prominently, and there’s a large furo bathtub in every room for indulgent soaks. While other rooms begin from USD 600/night (JPY 87,976), the pinnacle is the utterly gorgeous Aman Suite, which costs a cool USD 7,000/night (JPY 10,26,396).
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Park Hyatt
10
For fans of Sofia Coppola’s cult classic Lost In Translation, the Park Hyatt Tokyo needs no introduction, providing much of the film’s backdrop. Whether it was that memorable swimming pool scene or the gorgeous 52nd-floor New York bar where the protagonists first meet, every inch of this hotel is buzzing and spectacular – even after 20 years. Its fantastic Shibuya location aside, its location on the 39th-52nd floors of a glassy Shinjuku skyscraper, the elegant oasis boasts jaw-dropping 360 views of the city. In fact, views go all the way to Mount Fujiyama, one of the world’s biggest volcanoes.
The dining options here are sublime. While Girandole serves breakfast, while the more restrained Kozue is all about Japanese delicacies. The star is the 52nd-floor New York Bar and Grill, which has live jazz, modern artwork, and atmospheric views. Try the cherry blossom-infused L.I.T., inspired by the movie, of course. Afternoon teas and cocktails take place in the glass-roofed Peak Lounge with a lovely bamboo garden. Furthermore, the expansive Club on the Park is the best place for R&R in the city. It has a sleek 45th-floor urban spa and a 47th-floor aerobics studio, gym, and swimming pool, with very distracting views of the Tokyo skyline.
Staying here is an OTT experience, but the great kind. The rooms are spacious, and the bathrooms have the aroma of bergamot mint and rosemary leaf wafting in the air, thanks to Aesop products. The one-bedroom Presidential Suite is the scene-stealer, though. It costs USD 10,000/night (JPY 14,66,280) and boasts sweeping south-facing views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A personal bar, world-class museum-worthy arm, and a 24-hour butler, with a butler’s pantry, make it exclusive.
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Grand Hyatt
9
Grand is indeed the keyword when it comes to describing the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, which is a no-brainer when it comes to luxury living in the heart of expat and entertainment-central Roppongi Hills. The luxuriously elegant hotel blends Western and Japanese designs, featuring bold and minimal artwork, atmospheric lighting fixtures, and expanses of dark wood. What’s most unusual, especially for central Tokyo, is the sense of spaciousness throughout. Also, don’t miss the property’s Shinto shrine.
It’s hard to find peaceful and serene R&R in the middle of all the Tokyo mayhem, but the hotel’s fifth-floor Nagomi Spa competes with all the Roppongi entertainment, coming into its own. Besides that, there’s also the spacious fitness center, with the expansive blue swimming pool being a highlight. It’s even fitted out with a distinctive illuminated whirlpool bath. That said, it’s the drinking and dining where the property really shines, featuring the most robust assortment of bars and restaurants than any other high-end Tokyo hotel. Your sushi dreams are fulfilled at Roku Roku while Shunbou rustles up exquisitely presented seasonal and traditional kaiseki meals. The buffet breakfast at French Kitchen is legendary, as are the open-kitchen delights at Oak Door. Finally, the jazz lounge Maduro rounds up the F&B offerings here, offering fantastic cocktails and rare whiskeys.
While the rooms are excellent, the suites go a notch above, especially the Ryokan-inspired Ambassador Suite. It has a tatami mat room with Mount Fuji views and even a private Japanese garden. However, the most impressive is the USD 10,000/night (JPY 14,66,280) President’s Suite, which has countless artworks and a private rooftop swimming pool.
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Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
8
Heritage and modernity come together at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, whose location at the intersection of Tokyo’s past and future is apt. The dazzling hotel is a reflection of Tokyo’s culture and boasts stunning interiors that are a modern take on traditional Japanese spaces. Instead of a typical hotel lobby, there’s an inviting, open communal lounge. You’re greeted by hosts armed with high-tech mini-tablets, so you can practically check in from anywhere! What’s more, art covers the entire space, right from the cozy lounge to the elevators, epitomizing the beauty of Japanese culture.
The oh-so-airy 37th-floor AO Spa & Club is akin to a modern-day apothecary, with the Blend Bar, packed with oils, spices, fruits, and herbs, taking centerstage. P.S.: Don’t miss the delightful treatments, like the kombucha tea facial. The swimming pool offers breathtaking views of the city, as does the rooftop bar and Tokyo’s highest standalone wedding chapel. That said, the dining scene here is transcendental and ranges from ground-floor BeBu serving burgers and beers to the 51st-floor main restaurant and lounge that focuses on yukimoro, a Japanese culinary concept of snow-aging food. The zenith is the Rooftop Bar, which offers Japanese-inspired and tea-infused cocktails under a clear vaulted ceiling. Since it’s partly open-air, it offers a ton of interesting views.
The 164 rooms and suites are among the city’s most spacious, with every single one featuring sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline. Priced at USD 12,000/night (JPY 17,59,536), the Andaz Sky Suite is a smashing living experience above the clouds. The deep-soaking bathtub aside, you’ll love the complimentary stuffed minibar here, along with some of the best views in the city.
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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
7
Rising high above the historic Nihonbashi district of the Japanese capital, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is one of those rare hotels that even your soul will remember long after you’ve left. The special feeling begins the moment one enters the 38th-floor lobby, and it’s hard not to let your jaw drop when you check-in. That’s because the two-storeyed glass backdrop in the front frames Tokyo Skytree, while the one behind has Mount Fuji in the distance. Clearly, the hotel is designed to dazzle.
As for the rest, well, let’s just say that with 12 restaurants that serve everything from Michelin-star fare and sushi to authentic Italian pizza, the temptation to never leave is real. Moreover, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental is one of the world’s best sky-high spas, combined with a ton of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. For one, it’s Tokro’s only hotel to have three Michelin-starred restaurants, including the acclaimed Edo-mae-style sushi bar Sense. If you’re here, don’t miss the bar adjacent to Sense, where the lilting tunes of a soft waterfall precede the 8 pm jazz.
Blending a sense of space with contemporary luxury, the rooms and suites here beautifully capture the essence of Japanese style and design. The interiors might be distinctively Japanese, but the mod-cons are uber-luxurious; think Bottega Veneta bath products on one hand and traditional jinbei pajamas on the other. The exquisitely designed Presidential Suite is inspired by elements of nature. What’s more, it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and commands magnificent views of Tokyo. No wonder it’s priced at USD 17000 (JPY 24,92,676), and the hotel is one of Tokyo’s best hotels.
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Shangri-La Tokyo
6
Modern, opulent, and luxurious, the sparkly Shangri-La Tokyo sits atop the top 11 floors of the Marunouchi Trust Tower Main building. It’s the epitome of classic grandeur, with an impressive artwork selection, live music on the grand piano, and cascading crystal chandeliers – and lots of them. In fact, it has more than 50 custom-made chandeliers, of which the centerpiece is the cascading ‘waterfall’ light that spans three floors and has half a million crystal beads.
The offerings here are as exclusive as the hotel’s chandeliers, the standout being the Tibetan-inspired Chi Spa, which offers treatments inspired by Chinese medicine. You’re surrounded by a cocooning enclave of dim lights, rich velvet textures, diaphanous curtains, and warm woods, with East Asian-inspired treatments being the highlight here. What’s more, the hotel even has a fully equipped gym and a gorgeous heated indoor pool with panoramic views on Level 29. When it comes to drinks and dining, the signature Italian restaurant is the scene-stealer, which also offers an upmarket breakfast. Nadaman is all about Japanese fare, but our favorite is the opulent Lobby Lounge, perfect for afternoon tea and nightcaps. The ginkgo leaf motif chandelier is a bright spot where you can order the heady Shangri-La Martini.
Of the 200 rooms and suites, which are some of the most spacious in town, the Shangri-La Presidential Suite is a real treat. The crème de la crème of opulent Tokyo living offers sprawling living spaces and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the Imperial Gardens from the double-height open-plan living space.
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The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
5
It might lie in the Kamiyacho business district, but The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, couldn’t be less of a business hotel even if it tried. Widely regarded as ‘Tokyo’s sexiest hotel,’ the swanky hotel is the brainchild of Studio 54 legend Ian Schrager. So, it’s all about a laidback ambiance, a cool crowd, and party vibes, but with a layer of luxury. The tone is set right from the 31st-floor urban jungle-esque Buddhist temple-inspired lobby with lounge music.
The hotel departs from Tokyo’s more traditional luxury hotel concepts and is a decidedly modern affair. Think of handmade gold-leaf artwork and freestanding bathtubs in hyper-aesthetic minimalist rooms. The vibe is present in the communal spaces, especially at the signature restaurant, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, which is home to the Gold Bar. It offers open-air luxury for Tokyo’s skyscrapers and is perfect for drinking contemporary cocktails and Japanese tea in a serene, greenery-filled space. The Lobby Bar aside, we loved the Blue Room, which has Japanese-style decor and amazing city views and serves an expansive breakfast. Of course, there’s the mesmerizing Spa at Tokyo EDITION too, which is Japan’s first spa exclusively featuring treatments using signature products by French organic/natural skincare brand “Absolution.”
What makes the Tokyo Edition truly luxurious is that some of its best rooms include private terraces, which bring Tokyo’s phenomenal landscape and cool breeze right into your backyard. It’s best experienced at the Edition Terrace Suite, which boasts a gorgeous and huge outdoor terrace with lush greenery and full patio furniture – all for just USD 18,500/night (JPY 27,08,270).
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The Peninsula Tokyo
4
While many luxury hotels in Tokyo sit atop the uppermost floors of skyscrapers, the Peninsula Tokyo is a rare luxury as it sits alone in a striking 24-storeyed structure. The best bit? When it’s illuminated at night, it looks like a traditional Japanese lantern, and it sits right opposite the Imperial Palace. It’s this exact dedication to embodying Japanese culture that’s pervasive everywhere, whether it’s the interiors or the service. In fact, it all begins right in the lobby itself, which is home to one of Tokyo’s most iconic pieces of art – the “Lying Dragon Gate,” which resembles a giant wooden eye. You’ll see curious onlookers and passersby peeking in curiously, trying to sneak a glance.
On the inside, six exciting dining options await guests, along with an expansive spa spanning two floors. Foodie lovers will love digging into everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to a bevy of international ones here. Peninsula’s crown dining jewel, however, is the futuristic and extremely Instagrammable Peter, which also boasts excellent food and great views to boot.
Even entry-level rooms come with all the tech possibly imaginable, traditional onsen-inspired bathrooms and separate dressing areas. So, you can imagine just how wondrous the top-level suites are. We’re talking about the magnificent Peninsula Suite, which is the very pinnacle of privilege. Styled in contemporary Japanese minimalism, this place has understated opulence – think floor-to-ceiling windows, a grand piano, and a sun-kissed private balcony with spectacular views. Guests here can even enjoy the ultimate Japanese experience with a private Tea Ceremony conducted just for them. No wonder it costs USD 23,000/night to stay here (JPY 33,66,717).
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The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
3
The Ritz-Carlton is the unopposed grande dame of Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene. It sits across the top 8 floors of the soaring Midtown Tower, which was Tokyo’s tallest building until late 2014. It might have been pipped from that, but the views from the magnificent 45th-floor lobby are as unbeatable as ever. In fact, the hotel’s unbeatable location in the heart of Tokyo’s business Roppongi district means that it has a sizable upscale Japanese clientele – expect to see a lot of designer logos and brands. At the same time, locals love the hotel too, especially since its Midtown position makes it the best place in the city during the winter holidays.
Amenities
Just because the Ritz lies in the business district, in no way should it be considered a ‘business hotel.’ This is evident from the fact that its amenities are at par with the other expensive hotels in the city. Firstly, the Ritz has an entire floor dedicated to health and wellbeing facilities. After all, who wouldn’t want to swim with unobstructed views of the sky and Tokyo? In fact, the pool area is gorgeously lit up at night, as are the saunas, whirlpools, and treatment rooms at the spa.
What’s more, you’re just as spoilt for choice on the food and drink front too, with seven eating and drinking outlets on the premises. The Michelin-starred Azure 45 is easily the most popular and in-demand one, serving fine French cuisine with a Japanese touch. Moreover, the Hinokizakura restaurant, which has a private dining room that’s a 200-year-old wooden house from the Gifu Prefecture, is the zenith of Japanese fine dining.
As is the case with all Ritz-Carlton outposts, the dedication to superb service is unwavering, making a stay here an absolute delight.
Rooms
All 245 rooms and suites boast stunning skyline views of Tokyo, but they’re equally impressive on the inside. Not only are the beds dressed in Frette linens, but also the bathrooms, with a deep tub and rain showers, are big enough to play swingball in. While the two Modern Japanese suites are stunning, the piece de resistance is the Presidential Suite. Costing USD 25,000/night (JPY 36,59,475), the stunning 53rd-floor suite has an elegant East-meets-West aesthetic and offers sweeping views of the city.
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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
2
The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi might have opened back in 2020, but every surface – and service – gleams as if it opened its doors just yesterday. This luxurious Four Seasons outpost soars above Tokyo atop the six floors of a financial district skyscraper. As you step onto the 39th floor of this sky-high retreat, it’s hard not to let your jaw drop at the scene; a rock and reflective water installation sits in front of a wall of windows, with the city views in the background. In fact, views are scene-stealers across the hotel, especially since the Imperial Palace and its lush grounds sit right beside the hotel.
Amenities
True to its upscale pedigree, the hotel welcomes guests at check-in with a special bag containing paper facemasks and hand cleaner. However, all the action takes place on the 39th floor, which is home to not one but two restaurants. The first is the Lounge, which is the setting for Japanese-hinted afternoon tea with reflective water features and diaphanous curtains. The second is the buzzy all-day Pigneto, which, despite hovering 39 stories above the ground, boasts an outdoor terrace, an unusual feature for a Tokyo skyscraper. It’s also where a mean breakfast is served. The signature restaurant Est, newly sporting a Michelin star, is the star with its contemporary French cuisine. Rounding up the F&B offerings is the glitzy mirrored bar, Virtù, which boasts a lavish Art Deco team.
“Four Seasons has always been synonymous with luxury, and the larger brand outpost in Tokyo is no different.”
WOW Travel
On the same floor, you’ll find the decadent Zen-inspired, moodily-lit Spa, which boasts a stunning 3D installation, a fantastic menu of Japanese-inspired rituals, and a 20-meter swimming pool with stunning city views. P.S.: You can see Tokyo SkyTree from the women’s corner bath and, on clear days, a distant Mount Fuji).
Rooms
The immaculately spacious digs here capture the serenity of the Imperial Palace Gardens next door, complete with deep soaking bathtubs sitting right next to panoramic windows. So, it’s only fitting that the best digs in the house be named the Imperial Suite. This 38th-floor, ultra-luxurious suite has views of not only the Tokyo skyline but also the palace. It has a private treatment room, a study, and an eight-seater dining table lit by ultra-modern chandeliers at night, all for USD 26,000/night (JPY 38,05,864).
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Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
1
Japanese rigor meets high-octane Italian glamour at the recently unveiled Bulgari Hotel, which is the cloud-brushing apex of the 45-storeyed Yaesu tower in Midtown. The hotel is Japanese craftsmanship blended with contemporary Italian design – and a healthy glam sprinkle of the Bulgari heritage. Think intricate mosaics, Venetian glass, gleaming Carrara marble, and sumptuous handcrafted Kyoto silks. But what could be more Bulgari than swathes of signature black Bulgari granite peppered with pops of jewel-bright colors, like sapphire blues, emerald greens, and orange saffron? The crowning glory? They’re interspersed with vintage photographs of celebs like Liz Taylor and Audrey Hepburn and heritage drawings of Bulgari jewels.
The hotel’s origins are interesting and very important, considering Japan is a very important market for Bulgari. There’s a distinctive image of Mount Fuji in the ground floor lifts, with a red pine tree in the foreground. It depicts a bespoke brooch that Bulgari designed for its first Japanese client in the 1970s, marking its first foray into Japan. You’ll see this motif throughout the hotel, from the design on the back of the in-room cotton yukata gowns and its gold-branded paper bags to the original gold and mother-of-pearl brooch displayed on the 40th-floor lobby.
Amenities
The hotel is all about bringing the Italian art of living to Japan, and this philosophy is reflected in the amenities as well. In terms of dining options, the hyper-elegant Il Ristorante takes centerstage, serving interesting takes on Italian classics. Our favorite is the adjacent Lounge, which overlooks a large terrace and serves crafted sweets and organic teas. You’ll also love the sparkling, jewelry box-like Bulgari Dolci next door, showcasing pastries and chocolates by Niko Romito. But that’s not all. Sitting behind a dyed indigo curtain, the eight-seater Hōseki pays homage to a traditional omakase, with views of a lovely Zen-inspired Japanese garden with a red pine tree and centuries-old stone lantern. Moreover, the glittering and sprawling rooftop Bulgari Bar has a signature oval bar and two verdure-filled open-air terraces with epic Tokyo skyline views.
What’s more, the hotel is also home to the striking 41st-floor Bulgari Spa, another jewel in the hotel’s crown. The wet area, with a Japanese-style bath, steam room, and sauna, is where you can indulge in some much-needed unwinding and R&R. Finally, it’s hard not to feel like a diva at the shimmering swimming pool. Indulging in some Bulgari-style lounging at the white cabanas and a drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace with sweeping city views is a must-do here.
Rooms
Every room and suite here is a piece of art, with gold-flecked throws, light fixtures inspired by Bulgari candleholders, framed vintage Bulgari ads, matte gold ceilings, and woven bamboo and warm elm wood everywhere.
Hence, the zenith is the USD 30,000/night (JPY 44,51,250) Bulgari Suite, which is one of the largest suites in all of Tokyo. Offering state-of-the-art technology and peerless luxury, the modern Italian aesthetic features traditional Japanese touches and boasts some of the best views in the city.
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Where do celebrities stay in Tokyo?
The Park Hyatt is a favorite with celebrities in Tokyo, partly due to its overarching role as a setting in the cult classic Lost in Translation.
Where are most of Tokyo’s expensive hotels located?
That would be the Otemachi and Nihonbashi areas, right next to the Imperial Palace and gardens.
What is the most expensive hotel room in Tokyo?
That would be the Bulgari Suite, which costs USD 30,000/night to stay. The Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton suites come a close second, costing USD 26,000/night and USD 25,000/night, respectively.
