Stay here: Aman Tokyo

Gracefully occupying the top six floors of the 38-storey Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo rises above one of the city's most prestigious commercial districts – a sanctuary in the sky. Its enviable location that places you within walking distance of the tranquil Imperial Palace Gardens and the chic Ginza shopping enclave, with Tokyo Station just a short stroll away.

Direct access to Otemachi Station – which connects to five major subway lines – ensures seamless travel for both sightseeing and retail therapy. Despite the hotel’s central location, its surrounding environment has been meticulously sculpted into an urban forest, foregrounding greenery and setting the tone of tranquillity from the start.

Seventh on the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 list (the highest Japanese hotel), the Aman hotel in Tokyo is an instant classic: elegant and refined, with the essence of a modern Japanese ryokan. The 33rd floor lobby features a soaring 30-metre-high ceiling embellished with white washi paper ceiling decorations, while the layout is inspired by traditional Japanese homes’ engawa (verandas) – visually striking with the comforting warmth of a home.

Why stay?

It’s an all-suite affair – 84 of them to be exact – each offering distinct characteristics and views. However, all rooms are exceptionally spacious: the Premier Suite we stayed in spans an impressive 1,500sq ft. Furnishings are minimalist and refined, decorated with wood, stone and washi paper, the perfect distillation of Japanese style and the signature Aman aesthetic. Each room features a substantial bathing pool; after a day of exploring this peerless city, a relaxing soak will dispel all fatigue. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer postcard views, allowing you to overlook Tokyo’s bustling beauty from elevation. Not only are regal landmarks such as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Tokyo Tower visible, but on clear days, you can also admire the distant Mount Fuji.

The facilities here are exceptionally comprehensive. The indoor heated swimming pool, which commands wide city views, is particularly beloved among guests. The Aman Spa, spanning an impressive 27,000sq ft ranks amongst Tokyo’s largest, featuring onsen and steam rooms, and offering signature detox treatments created in collaboration with tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Travel-weary? Enter here for full body-and-spirit rejuvenation.

Naturally, Aman Tokyo excels equally in dining experiences, and houses four restaurants as well as the first Aman patisserie. Italian restaurant Arva specialises in delicacies using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Dine here with a loved one at sunset, when the beautiful evening light creates a highly romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the intimate, eight-seat Japanese restaurant Aman Musashi offers chef’s special courses, where you’ll sample the many creations of eponymous head chef Musashi, who brews his own sake and cultivates his own rice.

Cathay editors say…

“The luxury hotel arranges an inspiring array of cultural experiences, including observing sumo wrestlers as they train, river cruises and rickshaw tours. This diverse selection is regularly updated – during my stay, I participated in a fascinating kintsugi (where broken pottery is repaired with golden lacquer) experience. Additionally, the hotel’s shop sells products from house brand Aman Essentials, with everything from clothing and fragrances to skincare and home accessories available. It’s a must for fans of the Aman brand.