GBP
Hoshinoya
PRICE: Worth maxing out for
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, near the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, the hotel stands as a sleek, 17-story building that merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elements.
Its design, overseen by the renowned architect Rie Azuma, mimics the balance of Tokyo’s modern edge and its cultural roots. The concept behind Hoshinoya is rooted in the Japanese tradition of ryokan, a centuries-old inn designed to provide a retreat from the pace of daily life. Here, however, the experience is reimagined through the lens of luxury and innovation. Upon entering, you are greeted by a striking lobby where soft wood paneling, tatami mats, and dim lighting set a tranquil tone. The scent of cedar lingers in the air, a nod to Japan’s reverence for nature and craftsmanship. The space is meticulously designed, with every element—from the delicate paper screens to the quiet water features—designed to evoke a sense of peace and calmness.
The rooms themselves, many of which are designed as spacious suites, maintain this careful interplay between tradition and modernity. Large windows offer views of the city’s ever-present hum, yet the interiors, with their warm wood accents, low lighting, and plush furnishings, create a cocoon of solitude. The bathrooms, outfitted with soaking tubs and polished stone, are perfectly designed for rejuvenation and personal care.
Culinary offerings at the Hoshinoya Tokyo are just as refined, with a focus on seasonal Japanese ingredients prepared with both precision and creativity. The hotel’s dining spaces, too, echo its broader design philosophy. Guests are invited to experience meals that are as much about the art of presentation as they are about flavor—an homage to Japan’s well-established food culture, where aesthetics and taste are expertly combined.
But perhaps the most striking feature of Hoshinoya is its ability to offer a haven of calm in one of the busiest cities in the world. The hotel’s public spaces, with their expansive lounge areas and private gardens, provide a place to pause and recharge, an oasis amidst the bustling Tokyo skyline.
Hoshinoya: The Gallery
