Inside Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Where the Ultimate Luxury Is Plenty of Privacy

Stay Here For

Service with a level of deference and discretion usually reserved for VIPs.

Tokyo is absolutely overflowing with fabulous hotels, but still, Bvlgari stands out.

Occupying the 40th to the 45th floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu super skyscraper, the Italian luxury fashion house dropped its jewel-encrusted flag in the heart of the city’s tony Yaesu neighborhood in the spring of 2023, atop one of the largest underground shopping malls in the country. Even if you’re in town for business meetings or standard souvenir shopping, when you’re staying here, it’s easy to pretend you’re a celebrity or pop sensation, and your Tokyo travel plans involve dodging adoring fans in the city’s narrow, cinematic alleys and stocking up on custom fine jewelry from Bvlgari, thanks in large part to the doting, high-touch service (though the hotel’s knockout design doesn’t hurt, either).

Suite guests receive personalized business cards with the hotel address that they can hand out to cab drivers, and the turndown service makes you excited to return to your room after a day exploring the city—think: a metabolism-boosting brew of ginger and lemon myrtle tea to promote a restful sleep and crisp, folded pajamas.

Was that the flash of a paparazzo or the glint of a diamond-laden Bvlgari brooch? No, just the sparkle of skyscraper glass all around—and the feeling that, for once, you don’t have to be a celebrity to be treated like one.

The Essentials

The Location

Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is tucked away in the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, in the heart of the business district and just a five-minute walk to Tokyo Station. It’s not just for suited-up travelers, though. Those here for vacation will find they’re only a 20-minute walk from the Imperial Palace and a quick ride on the Ginza Line to the famous Tsukiji fish market.

A kimono textile company from Kyoto, ​​HOSOO, made the throw blankets, while Bvlgari supplied many of the bathroom amenities and archival prints hanging on the walls. And then there are the details that scream “luxe” no matter where in the world you are. Think: hand-painted gold ceilings, Dyson hair dryers, Japanese granite–clad bathrooms and hardwood walls. Every room has a bathroom with a soaking tub, separate rainfall shower and high-tech TOTO toilet; a walk-in closet; a vanity; and floor-to-ceiling windows with city views improved only by the faultless soundproofing.

The Bars and Restaurants

One of the most special dining experiences at Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is afternoon tea in the lobby lounge, where everything from steamed sencha to herbal infusions of lemongrass with ginger is served in fine porcelain beneath soaring coffered ceilings.

And though Tokyo has no shortage of incredible places to eat, the hotel makes a case for staying on-site with its award-winning restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (a signature of the Bvlgari hotel brand), offering Italian classics made with Japanese ingredients. If you’ve been stuffing yourself with sushi, soba, ramen and katsu, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito offers something completely different that lures locals seeking a special night out. Beneath an elegant, curved wood ceiling evocative of Japan’s peaked temples, diners congregate for elevated breakfasts (set menus, thick tablecloths) and unhurried dinners that might include spaghetti with Japanese clams, or roasted ishidai (a Japanese white fish) with potatoes and parsley. Later, head to The Bvlgari Bar on the 45th floor, which features two wide terraces with views of the gleaming city. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as it can get absolutely packed on a nice weekend night. Order the signature Bvlgari Cocktail, made with gin, Aperol and a blend of orange, pineapple and lime juices—trust us.

But this is Tokyo, after all, so the hotel also has an intimate eight-seat omakase counter, Sushi Hōseki, helmed by chef Takuro Shimizu, who honed his sashimi knife skills at award-winning restaurants around the country. If you’re tempted to try it, be sure to plan ahead. The restaurant has only two dinner seatings each night and one lunch seating four days a week, and is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The Standout Feature

The glittering mosaic swimming pool feels like it belongs in a flashy beach resort, rather than one of the world’s busiest cities, thanks to the cozy loungers and cabanas around its perimeter.

The 82-foot swimming pool, clad in glittering emerald mosaics, and the adjacent vitality pool are completely dazzling, and only get better at dusk, when the lights of Tokyo flood in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Time to Go

There’s no bad time to bed down in the jewel box that is Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo. But for an extra-special trip, aim for spring (March to May), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Or opt for fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the humidity drops off. If you want to experience the hotel at a slight discount, try off-season travel during the winter or peak summer.

The Vibe

The eight-pointed star is a symbol in multiple cultures, making it a resonant anchor in the gleaming wood-and-stone lobby. In Japan, eight-pointed stars can represent many meanings, including protection, prosperity and harmony.

What to wear if you want to fit in: Your fine jewelry won’t feel out of place when you’re sitting beneath one of the black-and-white photos of models dripping in Bvlgari jewels that hang around the hotel.

The table to book: The hotel’s omakase counter, Sushi Hōseki, has more sake labels than seats—there are only eight guests at a time—and even has a private Zen garden.

What’s on the speakers? Classic Italian ballads that will transport you straight to Rome or Milan in the 1950s.

What you won’t stop thinking about: The almost prescient service, which feels more like having a personal assistant than a butler. Leave for 45 minutes to go to the pool, and fresh pastries and piles of fruits will appear in your room by the time you return.

Everything Else