Tokyo, Japan’s sprawling metropolis, is a city of contrasts: neon-lit skyscrapers tower over historic temples, sleek Michelin-starred omakase restaurants are sandwiched by late-night ramen bars, and serene gardens are tucked away amid the urban sprawl.
It’s a city that pulses with energy, where luxury hotels clamour for attention on every corner, and deliver some of the world’s slickest service.
One of the latest openngs, Janu Tokyo, is the capital’s latest contender: located in the slick Azabudai Hills complex, this high-octane oasis is the debut property by Aman’s hotly anticipated sibling brand.
Home to one of the largest spas in Japan, this sleek showstopper hotel offers a sleepover that prioritises slowing down and switching off, while still being in the heart of the action.
Where?
Perched within ultra-modern urban complex Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo is cocooned by chic designer stores and glossy real estate. From here, it’s just a short hop to Tokyo Tower (in fact, views of the city’s most famous landmark are visible from all suites), a ten-minute ride to Shibuya Scramble, and a stone’s throw from Roppongi’s contemporary art museums. Haneda Airport is a breezy 25-minute drive away.
Style
Interiors embody traditional Japanese minimalism with a contemporary spin. Wide open spaces feature natural wood tones, soft lighting, and expansive windows that offer panoramic vistas over the glittering skyline.
Soaring ceilings, and light-flooded spaces are a given on every floor, with serene lounges featuring standout design details: think giant lampshades dangling from the ceiling in the Janu Lounge, and curated artworks framed around the spa’s sprawling indoor pool. In each space, expect the serene, muted palette that hotels under the Aman umbrella are best known for.
The rooms
All 122 of the hotel’s rooms and suites are outfitted with tactile furnishings (think soft linens, hand crafted ceramics, and washi-paper light fixtures) in a toned-down colour palette. Sliding shoji doors cleverly conceal bathrooms, or can be entirely rolled away so that suites feel open-plan. While floor-to-ceiling windows allow uninterrupted views over the city’s skyline and open up onto private terraces.
There’s all of the mod-cons you’d expect, and then some: complimentary minibars stocked with fresh juices and Japanese snacks, deep stone tubs for soaking, TVs that pop out at the touch of a button, and luxe Aman-branded body lotions.
For an unforgettable stay, opt for one of the Corner Suites, which soar above the skyline: you might just be lucky enough to spy elusive Fuji-san from your spacious sitting room.
Food & Drink
Going hungry here is quite simply impossible, with an impressive roster of restaurants under Janu’s roof. For Japanese fare, restaurants Sumi and Iigura both spotlight seasonal, local produce: feast on silky sashimi and freshly-rolled sushi at Iigura, or head to 13-seater Sumi for intimate omakase dinners.
There’s also Cantonese cooking at Hu Jing, prime cuts cooked on an open flame at Janu Grill, and all-day Italian dining at Mercato, where you can watch the chefs in action while feasting on handmade pasta, fresh charcuterie, and just-caught seafood.
Meanwhile, rub shoulders with the locals over afternoon tea in the Janu Lounge or exquisite pastries at the in-house patisserie. Mornings begin back at Janu Grill over delicate Japanese breakfasts and perfectly-whisked matcha lattes.
Facilities
The all-frills wellness centre puts other hotel spas to shame. Sprawling over three floors and across 4000 square metres, there’s everything from boxing rings and golf simulation to a shimmering 25-metre indoor pool (one of the largest in the city) offering unobstructed views of the skyline. Work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art gym, join in on pilates and spin classes, and sink into restorative treatments: Japanese therapies take centre stage, with bamboo massages, hinoki wood baths, and reiki sessions all on offer. For the ultimate wind-down, book one of the hotel’s intimate ‘spa houses’, each of which are kitted out with private hammams plus hot and cold plunge pools.
Extracurricular
Azabudai’s chic boutiques and Roppongi’s buzzy bar scene span out at your doorstep. Art lovers should make a beeline for the nearby Mori Art Museum or book in for an immersive experience at teamLab Borderless. But with endless thrills of the wellness and culinary variety available at home, it’s tempting to stay within Janu’s serene confines: begin the day by joining complimentary yoga sessions on the rooftop terrace, and browse the hotel’s in-house boutique for Janu-branded souvenirs, so you can take a piece of the hotel home with you.
Best for...
An uber-luxe city break for the modern traveller
Details
Nightly room rates start from £834. Book it here
Here’s three more hotels for a chic stay in Tokyo
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza
If proximity to the city’s retail thrills is high on your agenda, bed down at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. Situated slap bang in the city’s upscale shopping district, you’ll be just steps away from world-famous flagships and Tokyo’s glossiest malls. Inside, the hotel’s sleek bedrooms feature stylish, stripped-back interiors, and an all-white colour palette punctuated only by dark pops of wood. There’s a modern brasserie for Japanese dinners, and a clutch of seductive bars: most popular of all is the hotel’s rooftop hangout, where expertly crafted cocktails come with breathtaking city vistas.
Rooms from £624. Book it here
Aman Tokyo
Undoubtedly one of the city’s most legendary addresses, Aman Tokyo sets a hard-to-beat benchmark. This serene sanctuary soars above the business-slick Otemachi district: stepping into the hotel lobby is a wow moment in itself, with vast, floor-to-ceiling vistas and a super-sized skylight fashioned from delicate washi paper. Spacious suites are just as showstopping, featuring volcanic-rock bathtubs and minimalist Japanese design. To feel entirely renewed, kick back at the hotel spa - one of the largest in the city - which boasts a 30-metre indoor pool, reformer pilates studio, and splurge-worthy therapies guaranteed to unleash your inner zen. Wake up to traditional Japanese breakfasts served in-suite before heading out to explore the nearby Imperial Palace, and swish shopping district of Ginza.
Rooms from £1,666. Book it here
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
If you fancy a sky-high sleepover in the city’s financial district, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offers five-star service with all of the frills. Rooms and suites are kitted out in jewel-toned shades and hinoki wood accents, offering floor-to-ceiling views over the skyline and deep tubs for soaking. The hotel’s dining offering is unmatched, with a string of award-winning restaurants beckoning gourmands from across the globe: you’ll find everything from French fine dining to omakase dinners by one of Japan's most renowned sushi masters.
Rooms from £700. Book it here
