Fodor's Expert Review Trunk Hotel

Found: The coolest boutique hotel in Tokyo. On a quiet street in Shibuya, Trunk is a lifestyle hotel that gives its guests myriad options for socializing. The hotel is modern, chic, sleek, and fun and truly bucks the trend of the quiet and hospitably typical Japanese hotel. Trunk attracts a crowd of young, smart, and creative types who want to work, play, and stay in a spot that matches their vibe – and they will find it all here.

Ask the hotel about their activities programs. Trunk provides exclusives like visiting sumo practices, architecture tours, or even special access to the fish market.

room

Rooms and prices vary from small and (kinda) less expensive to expansive and pricey. The sleek spaces are bathed in minimalist styles with white walls and light wood floors. All rooms come with free coffee, tea, and water and guests are given their own slippers and T-shirts to take home as well.

There are only 15 rooms and they fill up fast so book well ahead of time.

bathroom

Bathrooms are outfitted with white subway tiles, raised sinks, large sunken tubs, and automated washlet toilets. All bath products are organic and made locally.

lobby

The best part of the hotel, the lobby area is the perfect place to socialize, work, or just relax during the day. There are numerous couches, chairs, and communal tables to hole up with your laptop or a cocktail from the bar in the back. Off to one side, you’ll find a gallery space with rotating pop-up exhibits.

gym

There’s no gym but the hotel does have free bike rentals. Guests will marvel at the bikes made from 100% recycled parts.

dining

There are a couple of great dining outlets here. Trunk (Kitchen) is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a variety of health-conscious Japanese and western style options. Trunk (Kushi), meanwhile, is the hotel’s yakitori spot where every part of the chicken is served on skewers.

Trunk is one of the rare spots in Tokyo where you’ll find vegan and gluten free options on the menu. There’s also a convenience store with snacks, sandwiches, sake, and souvenirs.

drinking

At the back of the lounge/lobby is the bar that is known for some of the best cocktails in town. The hotel often hosts guest bartenders from around the world (usually the world’s greatest), so you never know what concoctions might be on deck. There’s a happy hour here from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. which is usually buzzing with guests and locals and there are regular DJ events which enhance the already-cool vibe of the place.

Make sure you try their coffee here. It’s heaven in a cup.