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The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon – Hotel Review

Felicity Carter checks into The Tokyo EDITION

By Felicity Carter | 1 year ago

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Tokyo, a city awash with energy, culture, fashion statements, neon colours and striking architecture, is set against wonderfully serene parks, historic temples, shrines, and traditions. It’s only natural then, that luxury lifestyle brand, EDITION should be in town – and lucky for us, now it is. Located in Toranomon, downtown Tokyo, just a short walk from the famous Tokyo Tower, the five-star hotel serves up sophisticated, contemporary appeal for which it’s known, and showcases what EDITION does best: considered design, leading service, gastronomic offerings, and of course, a dash of fun.

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The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon – Hotel Review

As with all EDITION hotels, the locality is respected and embraced, and for the Tokyo Toranomon outpost they’ve partnered with renowned, and local architect, and designer Kengo Kuma, (his H.Q. is in the city) and here, the design balances authentic history with modernity. Set within Tokyo World Gate, a new 591ft, 38-story mixed-use skyscraper, the hotel occupies floors 31-36. When it comes to accommodation it features 206 guest rooms – some even feature step-out terraces, a first of its kind for this city along with 22 one-bedroom suites that don views of the Tokyo skyline in all its glory. There are also plenty of F&B offerings to suit the mood and occasion, from fine to casual dining, bars, and an impressive custom-designed spa complete with a pool and a state-of-the-art gym. For those on business, there’s also event space and meeting studios.

STAY

Ian Schrager’s vision has been interpreted and realized by the prominent architect, Kengo Kuma – whose projects include everything from award-winning galleries, museums, and theatres to the Japan National Stadium. As for The Tokyo EDITION, Tranomon the view takes centre stage as the 206 guest rooms and suites offer views of the city’s skyline and incorporate landmarks from the Tokyo Tower across to Tokyo Bay. And a first for the city, some rooms feature private terraces. Inside, there’s all the modern-day conveniences and amenities from flat screen, high-definition TVs through to Bang & Olufsen speakers, signature linens, custom Le Labo bathroom amenities, plush robes, and the original Yukata. And an EDITION wouldn’t be an EDITION without that signature scent, filling the hotel.

Room types include The Penthouse suite at 1,550sqft, that as well as the above, offers a striking dining area, complete with an open kitchen, chef’s pantry, and service pantry. There’s also a lock-out vestibule connection with the adjacent double room can convert it into a luxurious two-bedroom suite. Through to the bedroom there’s further design touches in the form of a wall-to-wall bookshelf with a curated selection of titles, a workspace that takes in the views, his and hers walk-in closets and a 5.6ft wet room with a free-standing Kaldewei bathtub and rain-shower.

Guest Rooms come in at 452sqft and in keeping with the suites, expect calming white stained oak, custom-made furniture, and lighting in the form of oxidized bronze fixtures, and a low platform bed complete with EDITION’s signature faux-fur throw. There’s also Japanese-style slatted oak screens that connect the sleeping and bathroom areas, and 15 of these guest rooms have private terraces averaging 280sqft; here there are natural ivy-covered slatted wood divider walls with clusters of potted plants for a hit of greenery. In continuation, the terrace furniture is also muted with white linen upholstered cushions, so guests can lounge in style (and privacy) while taking in the Tokyo views.

DO

Inside and out there is plenty to do, see and experience. For those who want to hit the gym, there’s a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym with multifunction Technogym equipment. This leads onto the 45ft lap swimming pool and jacuzzi, housed within a high-ceiling, conservatory-like space, that dons an abundance of space and light, softened thanks to the Japanese Shoji screens. As you’d expect from EDITION and its locale, wellness is at the heart of this spa with six treatment rooms and a whole host of healing and beauty treatments – cue custom massages, Soin Absolu facials, and skin brushing to name a few.

The hotel also has plenty of suggestions whether you’re wanting to visit traditional Japanese tea houses, sake bars, or in-demand sushi restaurants there’s a dedicated Culture Director, Mami who’s clued up on what the city has to offer.

A stone’s throw from Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon metro stations, landmarks and attractions are easily accessible from the hotel (tip: buy a metro card or pay by coins – cards and ApplePay are not accepted on the metro). Within a 10-minute drive you can reach the Imperial Palace, Ginza, Mori Art Museum, National Art Center; the designer shopping district of Omotesando and the Meiji Jingu Shrine is a 15-minute car journey; while Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower is a 10-15 minutes’ walk away.

EAT

The wow factor awaits in all respects here. First up, located within the lush green lobby sits the lobby bar with its white marble, custom green velvet, and walnut barstools – it’s a central place to mingle, gather, do a little work, enjoy a cocktail, or take afternoon tea (currently there’s a collaboration afternoon tea running with Diptyque). Accommodating up to 120 people across the bar, communal tables, and couches, here, there’s a backdrop of Tokyo Bay and the Tokyo Tower.

Flowing on from this is The Blue Room, an 82-seat restaurant that’s sophisticated and casual, ideal for a leisurely breakfast, lunch, or dinner. International dishes are served here, from plant-based and light protein options to locally sourced fish dishes, meats, and platters to share. And yes, you’ve guessed it, the furniture is upholstered in rich blue velvet and that’s set against light stained oak with Japanese Yamato Bari detailing. There is also a connecting 10-person private dining area that plays home to the ever-so-slick black Saint Laurent marble table.

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is also home to the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Jade Room & Garden Terrace, and in line with Ian Schrager’s ethos of showcasing the very best of dining, they present Michelin-starred chef, Tom Aikens. Regarded as one of the most prominent chefs today, Aikens offers diners a creative (and delicious) dining experience, and the backdrop couldn’t be any better. As with Aitkens’ dishes, expect locality, delicacy, and authenticity; dishes showcase fresh, seasonal produce and come together in a thoughtful curation of flavours that you won’t want to end. Think a four course lunch, or choose from a four or six course dinner consisting of fire roasted celeriac carpaccio with truffle, flounder and hamaguri clams, beef cheek, maitake and yaki imo with pear.

Seating up to 104 inside and 74 guests on the terrace, the contemporary design welcomes a playful-meets-elegant atmosphere, and in the evening especially the allure kicks in with the lights of the Tokyo skyline one side, and the theatre kitchen the other. As for design aesthetics, The Jade Room draws influence from a wooden jewel-like box, so there’s rich bejewelled tones donned by the furniture and objet d’art, contrasted against warm walnut panels on the walls and ceiling.

The Garden Terrace, a.k.a. ‘A Garden in the Sky’ is a first for Tokyo (EDITION like to rule break). A unique space has been designed to float 460ft above ground level, and continuing the outdoor/indoor theme, there’s large bamboo oak trees and plants to create an oasis away from the hustle of the city (together with the lobby there are over 500 exotic and local plants). A unique space, especially for this city, Tom has created a small and perfectly formed menu of sharing dishes from The Jade Room’s kitchen. Plus, there’s curated cocktails that EDITION does so well, all served under a canopy of greenery among the soft glow of lanterns.

If you’ve developed the taste of cocktails there, head down to the Gold Bar at ground level.

In the day it’s a relaxed lounge serving up a selection of Modern Japanese tea created by a local ‘Tea Master as well as small plates, and by night it transforms into a darkly lit, alluring cocktail bar. Blackened wood (inspired by the Japanese Yakisugi charred wood) and a black marble bar is contrasted with gold touches, from bespoke lighting to artwork. Then there’s the drama in the form of the lit shelving at the back of the room, forming a focal point courtesy of the light refraction through the bottles and the crystal decanters.

FINAL WORD

Ian Schrager’s done it again – he set his sights on a new market, and he’s conquered. EDITION’s debut Asia outpost is where one-of-a-kind design and first-class service meets culinary delights and culture aplenty. Afterall, a powerhouse of carefully curated forces is behind this establishment: Marriott International’s Arne Sorenson, Miwako Date of Mori Trust, Kengo Kuma and Michelin-starred chef, Tom Aikens. The result? Style, refinement, and an elevated hospitality experience synonymous with the EDITION brand, tailored to its Tokyo landscape, showcasing the best of the East and the West.