US-based 1 Hotels’ debut in Japan has come in with a bang. Their first property, located in Tokyo, is centrally positioned high atop the 38th-43rd floors of an Akasaka skyscraper overlooking the entire cityscape — it’s an impressive new entry in the vibrant capital already abundant with plentiful openings.

Continuing the hotel group’s ethos, 1 Hotel Tokyo centres around a biophilic design, that throughout the entire property, sees 1500 potted living plants immerse guests in greenery alongside an interior dominated by timber. The warm and welcoming atmosphere creates a familiar sense of home, with a clever layout of communal facilities all located on one main floor. 

As the main hotel reception is located on the 38th floor, guests first enter through a ground floor private entrance where staff efficiently identify booking reservations and swiftly handle luggage — promptly forwarding them directly to guest rooms for check-in and ensuring reception staff are aware of guest arrivals. The ground floor entrance lobby sets the tone for natural materials with a textured Oya stone desk and walls — the striking porous rock is quarried from Tochigi prefecture and was notably a key design material for architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s projects in Japan.

Heading up to the 38th floor, the level encompasses all communal spaces — main reception desk, lounge, coffee kiosk, bar, restaurant, function rooms, swimming pool, gym, spa and wet sauna hammam. The remaining upper 39th to 43rd floors comprise guest rooms and suites that receive spectacular views of the city. Here an extraordinary 360 degree view of Tokyo is captured through floor-to-ceiling windows, seen from any corner of the hotel. It’s truly remarkable, overlooking either the vast expanse of the Imperial Palace or the awe-inspiring Tokyo Tower.

Design studio CRÈME has interwoven spaces to feel accessible and fluid, cleverly devising a layout allowing for both privacy and interconnectedness. Utilising reclaimed timbers and soft furnishings: think hand-crafted washi paper lighting to cotton sails draping, the wood-dominated interior envelopes the beauty of nature.

Following the hotel’s mission for sustainability efforts, details revolve around efforts of reducing plastic waste and implementing recycling initiatives. The hotel’s own initiative, “1 Less Thing”, a program implemented across all 1 Hotels, allows guests to donate unwanted clothing or items they no longer need (often things they can’t fit back into their suitcase) — by leaving any unwanted garments in their room after check-out to be collected and repurposed by Second Life, a local non-profit organisation— facilitating a more circular and mindful approach to travel.

Across 211 guest rooms and 24 suites (including three executive penthouses), eco-consciousness is the real fore-thought. Find in-room artworks repurposed from construction materials, skincare amenities in durable aluminium bottles, a discreet sand timer in the shower, mini bar snacks in glass jars, and notably, water glasses and carafes (repurposed from wine bottles) to use for the in-room water filter, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles. 1 Hotel Tokyo’s General Manager Masato Kominami detailed that through this notion, the hotel illuminates tonnes of plastic that would be generated each year by a single guest.

A stand-out facility is the Bamford Wellness Spa, presenting the UK-based skincare company’s natural and organic product range with on-site luxury spa treatments — covering massages, body services and facials formulated to restore essential nourishment for the body. In nurturing the mind, body and spirit, their holistic approach is detailed and thoughtful, led by truly talented therapists. Bamford Wellness Spa’s signature treatment is truly one of the city’s best spa treatments, providing you with optimal rejuvenation and relaxation, accessible to both hotel guests and outside visitors.

1 Hotel Tokyo’s dining facilities include coffee kiosk Neighbors Cafe, to gin-focussed bar Spotted Stone (offering over 100 gins, the largest curated collection of Japanese gin in the city), to signature restaurant NiNi, hosting breakfast (currently for hotel guests only), to Afternoon Tea and à la carte or seasonal course dining. Helmed by Executive Chef Nikko Policarpio hailing from Canada, his extensive culinary career spans over 15 years across Canada, Italy, and Japan (formerly at Kabi and Sazenka in Tokyo, as well as Momofuku Shoto and Mineral in Toronto), and he brings an excellent, produce-driven and sustainability-focused dining offering to the restaurant harnessing Southern French and Japanese culinary culture. At NiNi, there’s truly something for everyone. Key producer partners include Tokyo-based NEO-FARMERS!, a coalition of new, innovative farmers, focusing on sustainable, organic and locally produced vegetables, to LA-based Tea Grace, supplying premium Japanese teas. 

1 Hotel Tokyo hits a number of key wins. It presents a bridge between East and West in its service, with friendly and welcoming English-speaking staff ensuring a comfortable experience, even for first timers to Japan. For those travelling with an awareness of the impact the environment in mind, the in-room filtered water sets a sustainability precedent for the city, directly intending to ‘inspire’ others to follow suit. 1 Hotel Tokyo’s Bamford Wellness Spa is one of the most competitive spa treatments in Tokyo. Finally, for guests looking to witness one of the best views of the city, look no further than on the hotel’s 38th floor.

1 HOTEL TOKYO
2‑17‑22 Akasaka
Minato‑ku
Tokyo, Japan

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Text: Joanna Kawecki
Images: As credited

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