This hotel feels truly exciting: a pulsating heartbeat that feels spot on for the times, in a location that feels like the future. Located in the Azabudai Hills, a dynamic new neighbourhood in Tokyo, its futuristic, glossy vibe feels perfect for the direction of Janu. If Aman is private and zen, Janu is social and energetic. Created as the younger sibling to Aman, the price point and offering reflects that. The first of 12 Janu properties to come, this really feels like it’s occupying a new space that needed to be filled.
The Hotel
Set on the first 13 floors of Residence A Tower, the hotel has views of the surrounding area, including the iconic Tokyo Tower, which can be seen from many rooms and several of the restaurants and bars. The reception – a stunning black desk that looks like it’s been carved out of stone and would be comfortable in any contemporary art gallery – sets the tone for what’s to come. The design details here are incredible. Rope that’s been hung and is used to create depth on the ceiling; ornate tapestries; wood panels; statement, modern art pieces; the most perfect tone of lighting. This is one warm, uplifting space.
The Vibe
They say that Janu was created to evolve alongside the desires of today’s traveller, particularly the offspring of Aman loyalists – and it feels that way. Everything is chic, of course, but there’s more fun here.
Front Desk, Photo by Robert RiegerRestaurants/ Bars
There are eight different venues to wine and dine – which really highlights the focus here: being social. They are also, importantly, all open to the public, which means that even if you aren’t staying in one of the 122 suites, you can still visit the hotel. Restaurants include an open plan Mercato with high ceilings, three open kitchens, and displays showcasing Italian produce, much like in a market. There’s the Cantonese Hu Jing, with red lacquered walls and a kitchen that serves Chinese specialities like drunken prawns, wok-fried lobster, and the showstopper, Peking duck, which is fired in the restaurant’s own kiln. There are two Japanese counter-style restaurants, Sumi, which focuses on a charcoal grill serving a 12-course omakase, and IIgura, a more traditional sushi/sashimi option, which has a six-seater omakase counter and three tables for à la carte. There’s also a grill, which has incredible, almost-360 degree views and a menu that you could truly eat from every night; and for drinks, there’s a bar and lounge with a garden terrace. A surprising highlight (to us) was the pâtisserie, which showcases the hotel’s innovative design through décor – materials range from marble and ceramic to brick, wood, and paper-like panelling – and culinary creativity, with items like stylish, marbled pastel macarons, that could be part of any fashion collection.
Ligura, Photo by Robert Rieger
Pâtisserie, Photo by Robert Rieger
Pâtisserie, Photo by Robert Rieger
Hu Jing, Photo by Robert Rieger
Grill, Photo by Robert Rieger
Bar, Photo by Robert Rieger
Janu Mercato, Photo by Robert RiegerWellbeing
Like Aman, wellbeing is a focus here, but with a more contemporary edge. There’s boxing and spin, golf simulation, yoga, two pools, advanced equipment and classes, hydrotherapy and a thermal area, treatment rooms, and more. The spa area is spread over four floors, and they also have memberships available for locals. The lighting here – single yardstick-like tubes in a variety of different arrangements – adds a modern feel throughout. So often, when gyms try to be stylish, they lose their functionality; not here.
Wellness & Pool, Photo by Robert Rieger
Pool, Photo by Robert Rieger
Spa, Photo by Robert RiegerAnything Else
Rooms here start at around £700. Janu locations to come include Saudi, Montenegro, Dubai, Turks & Caicos, Portugal, South Korea, Maldives, Turkey, and Thailand.
Janu Suite, Photo by Robert Rieger
Corner Suite, Photo by Robert Rieger
