Hotel Overview
Perched on the edge of the grounds of the Imperial Palace, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi may not look extraordinary from the outside. It is surrounded by a striking jigsaw puzzle of glass and steel, towering over one of Tokyo’s premier finance districts. Guests arrive through a subtle driveway, where the blood-orange motif evokes the feeling of passing under a traditional torii gate. However, upon entering, the experience is anything but understated.
Luxury Accommodations
The drama builds as you ascend to the 39th-floor lobby. The elevator doors open to reveal awe-inspiring views of Tokyo through floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel, which opened amidst global lockdowns in September 2020, occupies the top six floors of its tower, creating a feeling of an urban refuge in the clouds. Each of the 190 guest rooms is designed with postcard-perfect views, whether you’re eating, sleeping, bathing, exercising, or simply enjoying a cup of tea.
If possible, choose a west-facing room that overlooks the Imperial Palace Gardens. The views are enchanting; rooms facing east feature vistas that include the Tokyo Skytree—notably spectacular but somewhat less exclusive than gazing upon the palace grounds. The magic extends even to the bathrooms, where oversized freestanding tubs are positioned by the windows, providing a chance to spot Mount Fuji on clear days, particularly in the winter months when visibility is enhanced.
Culinary Highlights
The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is also a culinary destination. Tokyo is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting gastronomic cities, and the hotel features four incredible dining venues. World-class cocktails are available at Virtu, known for seasonal limited-edition recipes such as those featuring fresh winter strawberries. The Lounge offers a luxurious afternoon tea service, perfect for enjoying amid the lively atmosphere of the lobby.
If comfort food is on your mind, indulge in Italian classics at Pigneto. Try the off-menu meat-loaded pizza, a special creation of general manager Andrew De Brito. The culinary centerpiece of the hotel is undeniably Est, a Michelin-starred French restaurant led by chef Guillaume Bracaval, offering a unique dining experience that emphasizes innovation while celebrating local flavors.
Wellness and Relaxation
Relaxation at the hotel extends beyond cuisine. The spa features five treatment rooms, providing cutting-edge services that include trendy sleep therapies, luxurious facials with Valmont products, and rejuvenating massages using sustainably harvested Yakusugi oil, which promotes tranquility and relaxation. The wellness and fitness area on the 39th floor includes a 67-foot long pool, designed for both leisure and laps, with breathtaking night views of the city skyline.
With its prime location and luxurious offerings, watching the sunset from the hotel becomes a one-of-a-kind experience. Interestingly, a unique recommendation would be to enjoy it from the gym while working out, transforming the sky’s hues as the sun descends.
