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I get asked a lot about hotels in Tokyo. And having lived there for eight years you’d think I’d know a thing or two about the best beds in town. As a seasoned travel journalist and host of The Travel Show, I’ve had the privilege of immersing myself in Tokyo’s diverse culture, capturing its essence through the lens of my camera and, of course, finding sanctuary in some of its most exquisite hotels.
Selecting the perfect hotel is an art, and my choices are not just mere lodgings but gateways to the heart of Tokyo. The luxury hotels featured in this blog post have been carefully curated, each holding a special place in my travel repertoire. These are not just hotels I’ve stayed at, but also filmed in and work with on events. Here are the hotels that hold a special place in my heart and showcase how my Tokyo stories have unfolded over the years, now providing you with an immersive experience that goes beyond the typical traveller’s checklist.
Every hotel on this list has left an indelible mark on my Tokyo adventures. So here is a collection of my favourite hotels, where luxurious amenities, impeccable service, and an authentic connection to Tokyo’s spirit converge to create unforgettable memories. From the bustling streets of Shibuya to the serene landscapes of Nakameguro, each luxury hotel is a reflection of Tokyo’s multifaceted charm, offering a unique perspective on the city that never fails to captivate. Let’s dive into the world of Tokyo’s hospitality, where the blend of tradition and innovation sets the stage for an unparalleled travel experience.
MY FAVOURITE LUXURY HOTELS IN TOKYO :
Cerulean Towers, Shibuya:
This Shibuya stalwart is where we stayed when I first visited Tokyo in 2006 on a tv travel shoot for the BBC. I’d never been to Japan before and here we were checking into this wonderous tower with views stretching out across the city and just a stone’s throw from the famous Shibuya Scramble, in the thick of the capital’s pulsing nightlife. It terms of location, Cerulean Towers is ideal. It’s not uber luxurious, I’d say a solid 4 and a half stars, but it can’t be beat for location.
Book the Cerulean Towers Hotel
Park Hyatt, Shinjuku:
Also during our week long shoot in Tokyo in 2006, we checked into the Park Hyatt hotel for just one night. Although, this technically blew the BBC budget, we managed to cover the cost as a location fee. As you’ll no doubt remember, this was the main location for the hit movie ‘Lost In Translation’ starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. The Park Hyatt press office was extremely strict and would only allow us to film at this luxury hotel from the hours of 1am to 5am. Yes, you read that right! Despite the lack of sleep, this is one of Tokyo’s most luxurious stays. I remember my jaw dropping as the glass elevator doors opened on the 52nd floor of the New York Grill. Even if you can’t afford to stay here, it’s worth the cover charge to visit this bar and restaurant purely for the breath-taking views.
Grand Hyatt, Roppongi:
The Grand Hyatt in Roppongi is where we stayed when we came to do a look-see of Tokyo, scouting for schools and a place to live ahead of our move in 2014. Back then, the Grand Hyatt was the new kid on the block and part of the Roppongi Hills development, which houses 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, an art museum and an observatory. It’s a great centrally located hotel, close to the Roppongi train station, nightlife as well as a few inner-city parks. Seasonally, there’s a Christmas market on site at Roppongi Hills and during cherry blossom season, Mori Garden is just picturesque pink-hued walk away. There are wonderful dining options there too – French Kitchen is a great place for an upmarket brunch, The Oak Door for an evening drink and a good steak and Keyakizaka for a high-end teppanyaki.
Hotel Gajoen, Nakameguro:
In 2019, I helped organise the British School in Tokyo’s 30th Anniversary Gala Ball. Finding a space that could accommodate 500 (?) guests with only a year’s advance notice was harder than you might think. Despite being part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, the communal facilities at the Gajoen are vast and could accept our booking. A mix of understated, old-school Japanese luxury the hotel Gajoen is a wonderful option if you’re looking for a stay outside of the city centre. It’s a stone’s throw from the Meguro River, a must see location during cherry blossom season. But no matter when you visit, you’ll feel the local vibes when staying here. Situated almost next door to the Nakameguro train station, it’s still convenient to get about on the trains.
Tokyo Edition, Toranomon:
I remember walking around the block several times before I found the entrance to the Tokyo Edition hotel. But when I finally stepped inside, it was worth the trek. The views of Tokyo Tower are stunning from the Garden Bar and the rooms beneath. This is an area of Tokyo that’s seen a lot of change recently, the Toronomon and Azabudai Hills projects coming online to inject life into what was normally a stuffy business district.
Hilton Hotel, Shinjuku:
Although I’ve never stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Shinjuku, I’ve filmed there and helped organise many events in their function rooms, bars and restaurants over the eight years we lived in Tokyo. Ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (that eventually happened in 2021) the Hilton made headlines for extending their bed lengths to accommodate the USA basketball team, and the BBC Travel Show went behind the scenes to see how these beds were made. The Zatta Bar is a favourite and the themed buffets at the Marble Lounge are truly elaborate and insta-worthy. The Hilton is a convenient 2 minute walk from the Nishi-Shinjuku station on the Tokyo Metro line and is a prime location for any visitor.
Book the Hilton Hotel Shinjuku
Okura Hotel, Toranomon:
Poignantly, this was the last hotel we stayed in just before we left Tokyo to move back to the UK. We had moved out of our apartment and spent two days there before our return flight home. The Okura had recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and the beautifully appointed rooms have every mod con you can think of embodied in the perfectly understated Japanese aesthetic. The famous Nobu restaurant is also part of the property, you cannot fault a meal here, especially the black miso cod. The breakfast buffet at the Orchid restaurant on the ground floor was one of the best I’ve sampled with everything from traditional western dishes to meticulously prepared Japanese breakfast sets.
Enjoy your stay in Tokyo!
