With a spectacular entrance within the towering Tokyo World Gate skyscraper, the new and first Tokyo outpost of the EDITION Hotel is an unassuming destination set on the top floors of the Kamiyacho Trust 38-floor building. The journey begins through a black vein marbled foyer with a Mariko Mori Little Birds luminescent artwork, set in front of a set of elevators that take you to the 31st floor lobby and reception. Shiro Kuramata’s iconic chair How High The Moon greets you upon arrival, with the famed mesh metal form setting the tone for the intelligent, design-led space. Modest, yet unashamedly considered. 

Open in October 2020, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, is a 206-room boutique hotel from the forefather of the concept itself, originating on the US East coast. Founded by Ian Schrager, most notably of Studio 54, the hotel is essentially an embodiment of his many successful years in the industry as one of the worlds most rule-defying visionaries and innovators.

Designed in partnership with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the interiors are a poetic reflection of subtraction, embodying the concept of East meets West. Although surrounded by the area’s high-risers, the interior in fact takes inspiration from shrines and temples nestled within the dense urban cityscape. It truly is a surprising recluse in the city’s business district, a repose with stunning views that overlooks the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Tower.

Entering through to the front reception area is akin to a rōji, a walkway commonly leading to a Japanese teahouse that would offer a moment of meditative cleanse. Yet here, the walkway is lined with palm-sized photographs from the glory days of Tokyo’s nightlife district Kabuki-cho, Golden Gai and Ni-chome by itinerant portrait photographer Katsumi Watanabe. Moving along, the hotel’s front lobby and main lounge area presents a surprising jungle of over 500 plants from 25 species. The abundance of greenery continues through to the ceiling’s timber fragmentation and floating eaves, a notable feature by Kuma that connects each space with ease. The design references temple courtyard forms, and takes heavy influence from the architects 2020 National Olympic Stadium design. 

Not only does the hotel reflect Schrager’s incomparable eye for design and elevating details, but his genuine connection with Japan — it is a cultural deep dive in itself. In 1977, Schrager held Japanese designer Issey Miyake’s first runway show outside of Japan at his legendary Studio 54. In 1985, Schrager offered architect Arata Isozaki his first project in the US, designing Palladium nightclub in NYC, converted from an old theatre and concert hall that perfectly matched the equally visionary architects own conceptual designs. Schrager noted; “I have always had a spiritual connection with the approach and aesthetics of Japan. Their rationality, their simplicity, and the restraint has been the foundation of everything I’ve done.” He recalls being captivated by the way the soft-spoken Isozaki could create such original and provocative spaces, and likens it to his experience working with Kengo Kuma.

Of the 206 guest rooms, 15 offer their own balcony areas — a generous space accommodating lounges perfect for entertaining with a spectacular view. Further along the reception area’s main corridor, find the gym and swimming pool entrances, the latter of which features a James Turrell-like blue illumination in the pool and accompanying jacuzzi. Further along, one of the hotel’s main gems is its private Spa Suite, exclusively using made-in-France all-natural skincare brand Absolution, and made-in-Japan revolutionary skincare and haircare brand Bioprogramming. Offering signature massages and treatments ranging from deep massages to body scrubs, facials and scalp therapies, appointments can also include a half-hour private booking in the SPA’s Steam and Dry Sauna.

With Edition’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, find bamboo toothbrushes and timber room card keys, and complimentary paper-made water bottles with sugarcane-derived bio-material lids. Guest room amenities include Le Labo with an original Tokyo-inspired formula, exclusive to the hotel.

The hotel’s chic restaurant The Blue Room and accompanying Lobby Bar with a striking white marble counter, are an undeniable stand-out. With a seasonality-driven and local producer-led exquisite menu led by Executive Chef Joergen Sodemann, the Blue Room’s light-filled interior ensures it equally suitable for a casual brunch to an intimate dinner across its plush royal blue booths. Stellar dishes include Ricotta and Shiokoji Cucumber (edamame, dill oil, Kiku flower), Pumpkin Bisque (Lobster Ravioli, Sautéed Green Asparagus), Seared Hokkaido Scallop (cauliflower, yuzu, capers, olive) to surprising side orders of Mac & Cheese and Triple-cooked Chips. The divine desserts to note also include the most delectable Pavlova (strawberry Amaou, Creme Chantilly, lime) to a Yuzu Creme Brûlée. Head Sommelier Masakatsu Yatabe has everything taken care of, where you can find Ohmine Junmai Daiginjo from Yamaguchi, to a memorable sparkling sake Shichiken from Hoshinokagayaki in Yamanashi Prefecture. In addition, the hotel’s speciality restaurant The Jade Room + Garden Terrace (which will be led by esteemed British chef Tom Aikens) and ground-floor Gold Bar at EDITION are set to open Spring, 2021.

One of Tokyo’s most exciting and impressive new hotel additions, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is the epitome of a perfect urban getaway. 

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
4-1-1 Toranomon
Minato City
Tokyo, Japan 105-0001