6 One-of-a-Kind Hotels You Won’t Want to Miss in Tokyo
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Tokyo marches to the beat of its own drum. While rooted in tradition, this is a city that constantly reinvents itself, whether through quirky karaoke joints or vending machines that turn out high-quality ramen and dumplings. The hotel scene is no different. Sure, Tokyo has plenty of luxury brands, but it’s also home to some more offbeat—yet absolutely worthwhile—stays. Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza, for example, is the world’s first hotel staffed partly by robots, and The Millennials in Shibuya offers a luxe take on the classic capsule hotel, with reclining beds and rentable projector screens. Looking for an unforgettable stay in Tokyo? Your search ends here.
Toggle Hotel Suidobashi
Suidobashi
If ever there was a hotel made for social media, this is it. Toggle offers a simple concept with staggering results: Every room at this hotel is decorated in just two bold colors, like pink and gray, or green and beige. Lofted layouts with sleeping areas directly over built-in seating make the best use of the intimate spaces. Some rooms are connectable, which is great for groups, and the Premier rooms have (somewhat) more space. Check out the ninth-floor café, where sandwiches, soups and drinks are served in a playful green and white space.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Otemachi
Step off the business district streets of Otemachi and into HOSHINOYA Tokyo, and you’ll be transported to a serene oasis modeled after traditional ryokans. As opposed to so many hotels around the world that welcome locals into their public spaces, HOSHINOYA benefits from being mostly guests-only, and everyone staying here is given comfy pajamas and kimono-style robes to wear in-house. With only six rooms and one central tea lounge per floor, you’ll really feel like you have this place to yourself. The best part? The hotel draws subterranean mineral water to fill its very own rooftop onsen.
The Millennials Shibuya
Shibuya
It wouldn’t be a trip to Tokyo without staying in a capsule hotel, and this design-driven, high-tech option is a cut above the rest. Expect a hostel-like environment, with coworking spaces, a kitchen and a free nightly happy hour. As for the pods themselves? They’re comfy but not claustrophobic, with several punched-up touches: reclining beds that can function as sofas, adjustable lighting and rentable projectors that turn your partition into a television screen. But with a location this central (just a few blocks from Shibuya Station), how much time do you plan on sleeping anyway?
(Photo courtesy of The Millennials)
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza
Ginza
The future is now at Henn na, the world’s first hotel staffed (almost) entirely by robots. The experience begins at check-in, where two humanoids direct you to a kiosk that efficiently prints out your room key. Upstairs, the rooms are simple yet comfortable, and come with LG Styler cabinets that steam clean and refresh your clothes. There’s a lounge area with complimentary breakfast in the morning, tea during the day and cocktails in the evening—you’ll need a refueling after exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Ginza. And checking out is as simple as inserting your key card back into the lobby kiosk.
ONE@Tokyo
Sumida City
This design-centric hotel from legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma makes a lasting impression even before you enter. Outside, you’re greeted by an imposing concrete façade artistically strewn with wooden planks. That concept carries into the small yet stylish rooms, where concrete floors, unfinished wooden walls, metal sinks and glass-walled showers create a decidedly industrial vibe. Each one even comes with a data-enabled smartphone you’re welcome to use during your stay. Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace, where Kuma’s dramatic wooden plank concept frames an unforgettable view (and great photo op) of the Tokyo Skytree.
BnA_WALL
Nihonbashi
This 26-room boutique stay takes the “art hotel” concept to a whole new level: Each of the Art Rooms is designed by a different artist, who earns a percentage of your nightly rate. That means a unique revenue stream to support Japanese artists, and a one-of-a-kind stay for you. The Float room, for instance, is done entirely in white, with mood lights that flood the space with various colors. Fortunately, you can head down to the hotel’s speakeasy bar to meet your fellow guests and debate who has the more impressive room.
(Float. Artist YOSHIROTTEN. Photographer Tomooki Kengaku, courtesy of BnA_WALL)
Booking With Chase Travel
Chase Travel is the first stop for your next adventure. At chasetravel.com and via the Chase Mobile® app, eligible cardmembers can earn and redeem points for hotels, flights, activities, rental cars and more.
Select cardmembers receive accelerated points earning or cash back when booking through Chase Travel, and Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers will earn 8 points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases, including hotel stays booked through The Edit by Chase Travel℠. Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book through The Edit will also receive special benefits including daily breakfast for two and a $100 property credit, along with early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade, when available.
Looking for inspiration? Eligible Chase cardmembers can explore hotel reviews and editor-curated guides at chasetravel.com.
Lead photo courtesy of The Millennials.
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