In a city that has so many five-star hotels, it’s hard to stand out, but with a diverse selection of excellent dining options, a spa on the 37th floor, large light-filled rooms with innovative features like a valet door, a very dialed-in concierge team, and incredible views from nearly everywhere, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo definitely does.
The Hotel
Located in the commercial heart of the city, in the top seven floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, this is an extremely central location. You’re close to the chic Marunouchi area, which has over 900 shops and restaurants, including a Comme des Garçons with Rose Bakery; and Ginza and the Tokyo Train Station are close too. Opened in 2005, this was the brand’s first hotel in Japan.
Lobby, East WindowThe Vibe
Sleek, contemporary, and sophisticated, this is a modern take on Japanese design, with seamless service.
The Rooms
There are 157 rooms and 22 suites spread over seven floors. Rooms are spacious and serene, with varied textures (patterned carpets, silk pillows, thick curtains) and features including art on the walls and plants that make it feel more like a home than a room. A highlight is the valet closet where you can leave your drycleaning; it can be accessed from an outside door, meaning you’re not disturbed for collection or delivery. Smart!
Deluxe Premier RoomRestaurants/ Bars
Where to start… the restaurant offering alone is reason enough to stay here. Highlights include The Pizza Bar on 38th, an eight-seater omakase pizza bar on the 38th floor, which has won numerous awards including #1 in 50 Top Pizzas Asia Pacific for two consecutive years, and #3 at The 100 Best Pizzerias in the World. The Tapas Molecular Bar serves another omakase menu, this time in the form of a ‘14-course art gallery’ with global influences. There’s also Sushi Shin by Miyakawa, Tokyo’s first branch of Hokkaido’s three Michelin star Sushi Miyakawa. And probably the standout venue is SENSE, the Cantonese restaurant with exceptional floor-to-ceiling views; go for dinner to take in the lights (and Disney fireworks in the background), or Saturday or Sunday lunch for their much-loved dim sum, with over 20 different varieties served. For a private lunch or dinner, there’s also a hidden ‘cellar’ room in the hotel, with a handpicked selection of over 6,000 fine and rare bottles. There are 11 restaurants and bars in total.
Sushi Shin by Miyakawa
The Cellar
The Pizza Bar on 38F
SENSEWellbeing
Their spa in the sky here is on the 37th floor, and every area within – treatment rooms and vitality pool, sauna and gym – shows off these views.
Highlights
The restaurants, the views, and the concierge’s recommendations. So often you feel like you’re being sent somewhere for a kick back, even in the best hotels; not here. We gave a very specific brief, and the concierge came back with very timely, insider, detailed recommendations. And as we’ve said before, tips make trips! Also, the staff really seemed to be extremely aware – i.e. supplying a cold towel and water bottle to guests returning from a run: now that’s luxe!
