View From the Top: Aman Tokyo
The concept of an urban retreat is not necessarily new. There are, however, a handful of hotels that do it well — and really well. Among them is Aman Tokyo, a minimalist dream, discreetly tucked inside the Otemachi Tower in the city’s busy financial district. After a short elevator ride up to the tower’s 33rd floor, guests are quickly immersed in an environment that feels distinctly quiet — and not because the hotel is short of patrons and visitors.
As far as first impressions go, design is an integral part of the hospitality business. Thankfully for Aman Resorts, they work with the very best. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects — a firm responsible for nine Aman properties to date — Aman Tokyo sets the tone with its architecture and welcoming interiors, tastefully informed by traditional Japanese art and design.
Aman Tokyo’s lobby is arguably its most striking feature. Framed and expertly lit by a traditional Japanese paper ceiling — otherwise known as washi, it’s accented by stone walls and floors, and wood furnishings, inviting guests to enjoy an afternoon tea in the lounge or take a contemplative pause to plan the day ahead. And depending on the timing of your stay, the lobby’s centrepiece may vary, with a custom cherry blossom display in the spring or a Christmas tree for the holiday season.
Located between the 35th and 38th floors of the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo’s 84 spacious suites further showcase the hotel’s mindful approach to interiors. Designed in the style of ryokan, the suites feature sliding washi doors, Japanese stone furo baths, and spacious dining and common areas. Whether you’re in town for 48 hours on an extended layover (like I was) or a longer stay to explore Tokyo’s surrounding attractions, start your day with traditional Japanese breakfast, and take in the remarkable views, ranging from the imperial gardens to Mount Fuji.
Another standout feature of the hotel, similar to its head-turning lobby, is its world-renowned spa. Signature treatments include full-body scrubs and lymphatic massage techniques to boost circulation and relaxation. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to their treatments to make most of the Misogi experience, a traditional purification ritual, with an hour-long water circuit featuring Japanese-style hot baths, showers, and steam rooms. For those looking to maintain their workout regimen while travelling abroad, the fitness centre and Pilates and yoga studio include premium equipment and weekly classes, making it easy to stay on top of fitness goals. The spa also features a 30-metre heated indoor pool, ideal for morning, afternoon, or evening laps, or simply lounging poolside with your healthy beverage of choice.
Delivering another layer of indulgence, the hotel’s restaurants showcase four diverse culinary experiences. After 17 years in Italy, chef Masakazu Hiraki opened Arva with Aman Tokyo eight years ago. With a focus on local ingredients from neighbouring farmers, Hiraki’s dishes celebrate the shared refinement of Italian and Japanese cuisines. For guests seeking authentic omakase dining, an entirely different experience is available at Aman Tokyo’s eight-seat Musashi. To satisfy sweet cravings, head over to La Pâtisserie — Aman Resorts’ first patisserie — or enjoy seasonal exclusives at The Café, like the Sakura Forêt Dessert to celebrate the cherry blossom season.
A decade after its debut, Aman Tokyo continues to stand as living proof that understated luxury ages well. Its embrace of traditional Japanese design practices mixed with modern-day minimalism is executed with intention and a lot of grace. There is something particularly special about experiencing a quiet retreat in a city as densely populated as Tokyo. By providing guests with a place to reset, Aman Tokyo has created a rare opportunity to view one of the world’s busiest cities from a unique and quiet vantage point and experience its four seasons completely uninterrupted.
Photos courtesy of Aman Tokyo.
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