Hotel review: The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon finally makes its debut

Opening at the tail end of 2020 would have been unfortunate timing for any hotel. When the hotel in question is the latest in the global collection of EDITION hotels – renowned for attracting globetrotters and cultural tastemakers – it might have been particularly bad luck. Fortunately, times have moved on and this, EDITION’s first property in Japan (a second opens later this year in Ginza), is finally open for business.

Timing is a lot better this time around, with the world now rushing back to Japan, which was closed off for almost three years. And the buzz is most definitely back: on our stay the lush, 31st-floor lobby area (filled with more than 500 plants and a towering latticework ceiling) was full day and night, with guests from the Blue Room all day-dining restaurant mingling with lounge partiers and new hotel arrivals.

Since its inception, the EDITION brand has sought to separate itself from the pack by making its properties as appealing to local residents as out-of-towners. A collaboration between Marriott and esteemed hotelier (and former Studio 54 guru) Ian Schrager, the brand describes itself as “hotels that feel different because they make you feel something”. There are now more than a dozen worldwide, with others opening in Singapore, Rome and elsewhere this year.

The arrival

Almost hidden away at the foot of a corporate tower, the dark, marble-clad tunnel leading to the lift is the first clue something special is in store. And as you emerge from the elevators on the 31st floor into a two-story lobby hung with more than 500 plants, you feel like you’ve entered another world. Apparently Schrager himself arranged the greenery via Zoom during the pandemic, and as you explore amid the foliage you’ll enjoy incredible views out over Tokyo.

The rooms

Across 206 rooms, modern design and natural aesthetics (courtesy of acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma) come together to create spacious, airy environments (lots of high windows), including private terraces in 15 of the 22 suites. It’s calm and elegant throughout, with plush bedding and neutral colours and the subtle scent of the hotel’s signature Le Labo fragrance.

Eating and drinking

As well as the Blue Room, there’s signature restaurant The Jade Room, which opened in October and is helmed by acclaimed UK chef Tom Aikens, who here seeks to blend Western and Japanese influences. Your best bet is to sample one of the 4- or 6-course tasting menus, which change with the seasons. Expect combos like squid consommé with yuzu, chicken, and confit lemon, and fire roasted charred celeriac carpaccio with truffle.

Beside the restaurant is the Garden Terrace, which offers unbeatable views of the Tokyo Tower.

Most fun of all though is the Gold Bar at ground level, a speakeasy styled spot channelling the best of the pre-Prohibition era in the form of classic and reimagined cocktails. Bangkok nightlife aficionados will remember Director of Bars Hideyuki Saito from his time at Vogue Lounge. Here he’s concocting drinks like the Nippon Pale Ale – chardonnay from Nagano mixed with pisco, grappa, pineapple, IPA and nutmeg – in a dimly-lit, gorgeously decorated space that also plays home to live music.

The spa

Exclusive experiences are the name of the game here and as you sit back on one of the six massage beds you’re in both good hands and good brands, with products from both Japanese line Bioprogramming and French organic skincare purveyors Absolution. There’s a fantastic pool, too, draped in natural light.

The neighborhood

Toranomon isn’t the first place to come to mind when thinking about Tokyo hotspots, but that’s beginning to change. Look in any direction and you’ll see building sites, towers being topped out and cranes in action. So the fact that EDITION has landed here makes perfect sense. There’s a real feeling of being one step ahead of the crowd – and it’s still very convenient for visiting the likes of the Imperial Palace and other hotspots.

The verdict

Chalk this one up as another win for EDITION. The only question is whether the Ginza outpost can top it.

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