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The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon

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The Tokyo Edition Toranomon

Tokyo

A fresh take on skyscraper luxury, from jungly lobby to cloud-brushing terraces

What's the story? Forget stiff five-star service. The Tokyo Edition Toranomon has playfully rewritten the rules of luxury hospitality in the Japanese capital since opening its doors in 2020. Spanning the upper echelons of a cloud-grazing tower in the Toranomon business district, the hotel stands out with its contemporary design (courtesy of cult architect Kengo Kuma), classic Tokyo views, quality cuisine and nonchalantly edgy fashion crowds – all threaded together by a refreshingly laid-back sense of luxury, as imagined by Edition founder Ian Schrager. It's the first of two Edition hotels in Tokyo; its intimate sister hotel opened in Ginza last year.

Describe the scene? A smooth sense of drama underpins the journey from the start. Picture swathes of black-veined marble and a glowing bird installation at the ground floor entrance, before ear-popping elevators open onto the heartbeat of the hotel: its plant-packed lobby. Here, an open-plan space (inspired by a temple, according to Kuma) flows into various spaces hidden among foliage – including the Lobby Bar, with its block of white marble and emerald chairs; plus window-side sofas with diaphanous white curtains filtering sprawling city views as hip Tokyoites tuck into afternoon tea.

What about the rooms? The perfect antidote to the colourful buzz of lobby, the 205 guest rooms, spanning 31st to 36th floor, are serenely minimalist sanctuaries, balancing modern comforts with hints of Japan. Shades of signature Edition white (fur throw on the bed included) are harmonised with clean-lined wood slats and gold leaf artworks. Bathrooms are no less peaceful, with signature Le Labo toiletries and in suites – a highlight – freestanding oval Kaldewei bathtubs. As is often the case in Tokyo, the scene-stealer is the view: hypnotic sweeps of the city captured through walls of glass, glistening in sunlight by day, sparkling after dark. On the other hand, not so common for Tokyo's skyscraper hotels are 15 guest rooms with expansive outdoor terraces.

What's on the menu? The Blue Room is a buzzy restaurant with cobalt velvet seating, cinematic Tokyo Tower views and around-the-clock menus of contemporary comfort food with a playful edge – from shoyu ramen to roasted Niigata mochi pork loin with white beans, piment d'Espelette and sherry sauce. The culinary crowning glory, however, is The Jade Room (British chef Tom Aikens' first venture in Japan) – an intimate enclave serving modern takes on seasonal flavours and traditional techniques, as reflected in the dish of tomato, white peach and lemon verbena; or beef short rib, cavolo nero and black garlic. The adjacent Garden Terrace is a plant-packed haven for al fresco drinks and light meals; while crafted cocktails and a modern Japanese tea service are order the day at the drama-infused Gold Bar at ground level.

And how about urban wellness? A calming sea-blue swimming pool sits alongside a 24-hour Technogym; while the calming light-filled spa is home to five treatment rooms and a mesh of treatments, balancing deliciously relaxing bespoke Japanese essential oils with cutting-edge beauty innovations (including regenerative M/EDICAL PROOF facials).

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