Aman Tokyo
The Otemachi Tower, Tokyo, Tokyo-to, 100-0004, Japan
Why We Like It
Imagine if the samurai TV series Shōgun were set in the 21st century. That’s the mood of Aman Tokyo: with 84 rooms on the topmost floors of Otemachi Tower, this serene hotel is a masterwork of stark, geometric architecture. Slip into the pool or soaking tub with sweeping horizon views, and it becomes clear why “Aman junkies” call this urban property one of their favorites.
Fodor's Expert Review
With clean lines, Japanese minimalist aesthetics, and picture windows with miles-long views, Aman Tokyo has the aura of a sanctuary in the sky. Considered one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, Aman Tokyo lives up to the brand’s reputation for jaw-dropping modern design and faultless service. Case in point: the dramatic lobby feels as if you’re looking up from inside a paper lantern, while the swimming pool and bathtubs let you take in meditative views of the Imperial Palace and skyscrapers at sunset. A traditional healing spa, chic bar and restaurants, and gym equipped with Pilates reformers round out the five star experience.
PROS
- Phenomenal pool, spa, and gym with Pilates reformers
- Breathtaking design and sky-high views throughout
- Large Zen-modern rooms with soaking bathtubs next to windows
CONS
- One of the most expensive hotels in Tokyo
- Not located in a major city district
- Dining options are pricy, such as 7629 yen for a breakfast set
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Room
Aman Tokyo’s generously sized, open plan rooms take after Japanese tradition with paper sliding shoji doors and tatami rolls on wood floors. The interior design is peaceful and pared down: black and white calligraphy hangs from the walls, while carefully arranged plants or ikebana flowers add a touch of nature. At one end of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows let you gaze at Mount Fuji in the distance. A separate living area provides plenty of space to lounge and work—or chill in front of the hidden television. Every day, Aman Tokyo’s staff leaves small cultural gifts such as perfectly shaped fruits or chopsticks personalized with your name.
Bathroom
If there were a “world’s best hotel bathroom” award, then Aman Tokyo would be a surefire contender. Slide open shoji doors to reveal a large room that leads the eye to a deep, dark grey soaking tub. The rectangular “ofuro” is pressed right up against two tall panes of glass so that you can bathe while looking out at the city below. Futuristic curving silver faucets, a double vanity, and an open shower round out a space that seems made for ritualistic cleansing.
Lobby
Many a visitor will find themselves speechless upon arriving at the 33rd floor of Otemachi Tower. Aman Tokyo’s lobby rises 100 feet, with the top floors enveloped in Japanese translucent paper that casts a dreamy diffuse light over the basalt stone and wood finishings below. A still pool of water, two Zen rock gardens, and a massive central plant or flower arrangement add to the architectural drama. Rest in one of the low lounge seats and peer out the tall windows that reflect patterns of sun and shadow across the lobby.
Tip Aman Tokyo releases a daily schedule of free activities for guests. These include morning yoga and meditation sessions, sake tastings, and runs through the Imperial Palace.
Pool
Aman Tokyo is perhaps best known for its 33rd floor swimming pool, set in a high-ceilinged room framed by lofty grey pillars. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide panoramic views of the metropolis and cast sharp panes of light over the water. The 98-foot-long heated pool is tiled with black volcanic rock and subtly illuminated by cove lights to reduce reflection in the glass. Do a few laps, then settle onto the large day beds; a team member will immediately bring you water and a menu. Make time at sunrise and sunset to visit the pool for the most Instagrammable cityscapes.
You Should Know The pool opens at 6:30am and closes at 10pm. Come first thing in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and have the space to yourself.
Spa
Aman Tokyo’s spa follows the philosophies of Japanese and Chinese traditional healing. Take part in a traditional Shinto water purification ritual, and then engage in Kampo healing therapies like an intuitive Shiatsu massage, moxibustion, or acupuncture. After, spend time in the steam room and hot onsen baths, and enjoy hot tea and sweets while looking out the 34th floor windows.
Gym
Aman Tokyo’s fitness center is a large, light-filled space that is open 24 hours. Work out on a variety of cardio and weight-training machines, or take a private lesson with an instructor. The gym has a separate yoga and Pilates studio equipped with Allegro reformers and other specialized equipment—a rarity, in even the finest hotels.
Dining
Aman Tokyo’s four restaurants offer an abundance of dining options at all hours. Room service includes 24-hour breakfast so that you can nibble on a special set—like the Chinese New Year one with poached dumplings and e fu noodles—at any time of day. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, pop down to La Pâtisserie for French chocolates and homemade pastries. At night, choose between hearty Japanese-meets-Italian dishes at Arva and refined Edomae sushi at Musashi.
Drinking
The lobby’s ceiling turns into a softly lit lantern at night, creating a poetic atmosphere for a nightcap at The Lounge by Aman. Take in the night views as you decide between seven martinis infused with Japanese ingredients, or a G&T from the well-curated craft gin collection. The Lounge also has a cigar lounge called Fumoir for pairing liquors with cigars from around the world, including about 50 varieties from Cuba.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Aman Tokyo is a block away from the Imperial Palace (8-min walk). Stroll or jog through the East National Gardens, which are dotted with lush ponds and historic moats. If you’re feeling lucky, go to Fukutoku Shrine (17-min walk), which is guarded by fox statues and bestows good fortune on those playing the lottery. Fans of Japanese monsters can walk 22 minutes to see a 10-foot-tall statue of Godzilla, with his black tail curved and mouth open in a vicious roar.
Restaurants
Visit tempura restaurant Kaneko Hannosuke Nihonbashi (18-min walk) on an empty stomach to fully enjoy the heaping portions of breaded and fried shrimp and scallops. Try Japanese savory pancakes at Okonomiyaki Carp (16-min walk); you’ll receive a steaming tower of batter, eggs, vegetables, proteins, and sauces on a griddle. For something lighter, look for the hidden entrance to Soba Nemurian (20-min walk), a cozy restaurant that serves authentic buckwheat noodles on a woven bamboo tray.
Bars
If you prefer mocktails or less alcoholic drinks that won’t leave you with a hangover, then head to Low-Non-Bar (22-min walk). This innovative bar creates beautiful and tasty drinks that contain no or little alcohol. Take one of the high chairs at the classy counter and groove to the jazz soundtrack as you sip on a wasabi cocktail or matcha old fashioned. Ask for a custom mocktail made with Ginnie, a non-alcoholic gin from Tokyo.
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