As the elevator glides to a halt on the 33rd floor of Tokyo’s Otemachi Tower, time seems to slow. A soaring reception area unfolds before you, its cavernous space defined by traditional washi paper walls that filter the afternoon light, creating what feels like a floating sanctuary above the world’s largest metropolis. This is Aman Tokyo, where ancient Japanese architectural principles meet contemporary luxury in perfect harmony.
For Thailand’s jet-setting crowd and international expatriates, Tokyo has become something of a second home, with many making frequent pilgrimages to indulge in the city’s sophisticated pleasures. This gravitational pull toward Japan’s capital speaks to both its accessibility – thanks to increased flight routes and a favorable exchange rate – and its inexhaustible capacity to surprise even the most frequent visitors.
As a testament to Thailand’s pioneering luxury hospitality, it seems only natural that Aman, born on Phuket’s pristine shores, selected vibrant Tokyo to debut its first city retreat.. “We wanted to create a space that feels like a traditional ryokan, but reimagined for modern urban life,” explains Akiko Sato, the hotel’s cultural ambassador, gesturing toward the 30-meter-high ceiling, where light filters through a gigantic shoji screen lantern. This dramatic architectural statement sets the tone for what may be Tokyo’s most sophisticated urban retreat.
A Room with a View (and Then Some)
Forget everything you know about Tokyo hotel rooms. Starting at an astonishing 71 square meters, even the entry-level Deluxe Rooms at Aman Tokyo feel like private apartments. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Imperial Palace Gardens or the Tokyo skyline, while traditional elements like washi paper screens and furo soaking tubs ground you in Japanese culture.
For the ultimate splurge, the 157-square-meter Aman Suites offer what might be the city’s most impressive accommodations. Here, minimalist furniture and handcrafted textile art pieces complement panoramic views that stretch from the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Skytree. On clear mornings, Mount Fuji’s iconic silhouette appears on the horizon—a sight best appreciated from your deep-soak furo while sipping green tea.
Dining: A Vertical Village of Flavors
The Restaurant by Aman defies easy categorization. While officially Italian, Chef Masakazu Hiraki’s menu tells a more complex story. “We source 90% of our ingredients from Japanese producers,” he explains, “but prepare them with Italian techniques and sensibilities.” The result? Dishes like handmade tagliolini with Hokkaido uni (sea urchin) or wagyu beef carpaccio with local wasabi that seamlessly bridge cultures. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Tokyo skyline, creating an ethereal backdrop for the culinary artistry on display. The carefully curated wine list reads like a love letter to both Italian vineyards and Japanese wine regions, with rare vintages that will delight even the most discerning oenophiles.
Thirty-three floors below, nestled among a serene forest of ginkgo trees, The Café by Aman offers an entirely different but equally compelling dining experience. Here, the bustle of Tokyo’s financial district feels worlds away as you sink into a comfortable banquette surrounded by dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. Executive Chef Jean-Philippe Dupuis brings his French finesse to seasonal ingredients, creating what he calls “casual luxury” on a plate. Morning might find you savoring perfectly flaky croissants and house-made preserves, while lunch could mean a delicate quiche paired with a crisp Provence rosé. “We want guests to feel as though they’ve discovered a secret garden in the heart of Tokyo,” Dupuis says, and indeed, the café’s tranquil atmosphere achieves exactly that.
As day transitions to evening, The Lounge by Aman on the 33rd floor becomes the city’s most sophisticated living room. During afternoon tea, three-tiered stands showcase an artistic fusion of Japanese and European patisserie – think matcha opera cakes and sakura macarons alongside traditional wagashi sweets. The tea selection itself deserves special mention, featuring rare Japanese teas alongside carefully sourced international varieties. Each is served in handcrafted pottery that transforms the simple act of drinking tea into a meditative experience.
Adjacent to The Lounge, The Bar at Aman Tokyo elevates the art of the cocktail to new heights. Here, head mixologist Kentaro Wada has created what might be the city’s most interesting drinks program. “We’re telling stories through cocktails,” he explains, leading me through a tasting of his signature creation, the “Mount Fuji View” – a complex blend of Japanese gin, yukari (red shiso) cordial, and local citrus, garnished with a delicate shiso leaf. The bar’s intimate atmosphere, with its dark wood panels and subtle lighting, creates the perfect setting for sampling rare Japanese whiskies or exploring the extensive sake collection, each bottle personally sourced from small regional breweries.
For those seeking the ultimate in private dining, Aman Tokyo offers several exclusive experiences that showcase the property’s culinary prowess. A favorite among returning guests is the private kaiseki experience, where a master chef prepares an intricate multi-course meal in the privacy of your suite, each dish timed to the setting sun over the Tokyo skyline. Similarly, the hotel’s sushi omakase, limited to just six guests per evening, offers an intimate counter experience with one of Tokyo’s rising sushi masters.
The Spa: Urban Wellness Redefined
The 2,500-square-meter Aman Spa deserves special mention. Traditional Japanese bathing rituals meet contemporary wellness treatments in a space that feels more like a serene mountain retreat than a city spa. The 30-meter pool, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers swimmers Tokyo skyline views that are particularly spectacular at sunset.
Consider booking the signature Misogi Experience, a two-hour treatment that begins with a purification ritual and includes a body scrub using local ingredients, followed by a soak in a private onsen and a massage using specially crafted oils.
Beyond the Hotel
While it might be tempting never to leave this urban sanctuary, Aman Tokyo’s location in the prestigious Otemachi district puts you steps away from some of the city’s most compelling attractions. The Imperial Palace Gardens are a 10-minute walk away, while the upscale boutiques of Ginza lie just beyond. The concierge team excels at arranging unique experiences, from private meditation sessions at nearby temples to after-hours art gallery visits.
Essential Information
For those planning a stay at this urban sanctuary, timing can enhance the experience considerably. The hotel shows its finest faces during cherry blossom season (March to May) and when autumn colors paint the city (October to November). Reaching this oasis of calm is straightforward: a 45-minute drive from Haneda Airport or a 10-minute walk from the bustling Tokyo Station. Those fortunate enough to secure a west-facing room on the higher floors will be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
The Aman Experience
The property’s commitment to exceptional experiences manifests in every detail. The seasonal afternoon tea service in The Lounge has become a sought-after tradition among Tokyo’s sophisticates, while early risers swear by the meditative quality of a sunrise swim in the stunning pool. The traditional Japanese breakfast, served with sweeping city views, offers an authentic start to the day, while evenings are best concluded with the master mixologist’s signature sake cocktails at The Bar.
Planning Your Stay
Advance planning is key to fully experiencing Aman Tokyo’s offerings. The popular spa treatments often book up weeks in advance, and securing a table at the restaurant, particularly for dinner, requires forward thinking. While the hotel welcomes families with special amenities for children, the atmosphere remains decidedly sophisticated, with smart casual dress expected in public areas.
A note about the name Aman: derived from the Sanskrit word for “peace,” it perfectly encapsulates what this urban sanctuary provides—a peaceful respite above Tokyo’s endless energy. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle below, you might find yourself wondering if there’s a better luxury hotel in Tokyo. The answer, likely, is no.
Aman Tokyo
The Otemachi Tower,
1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
+81 3-5224-3333