As

As
justifiably acclaimed Aman’s first city hotel, spanning the
top six floors of 38-storey Otemachi Tower in Marubouchi, Aman Tokyo is certainly designed to impress; and with
its ultra-stylish interiors and far-reaching views across the Tokyo
skyline, it could barely fail to. But what really makes Aman Tokyo
stand out is the thoughtful reflection of Japanese tradition that’s
been incorporated into every aspect of the experience, from the
authentic Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi, to the Japanese design
philosophy.

The high-ceilinged interiors illustrate this design approach
succinctly, representing the elements within a traditional Japanese
home: light – not only from the floor-to-ceiling windows, but also
from the washi lanterns – and (just so much) space. The third
element, Engawa, is the space between the interior and outdoors for
contemplating nature and the seasons. Staying close to nature – the
Aman philosophy – natural materials such as wood, bamboo and stone
prevail, and are the theme behind the contemporary artworks seen
throughout the hotel; look out for the paper sculptures by Issey
Miyake.

And the lasting impression Aman Tokyo leaves? In such a tranquil
setting, a stay here feels like being in a bubble high above the
city, from the moment you step in until you leave.

Rooms

Sprawled across 71 square metres, the standard rooms here are
reportedly the biggest in Tokyo,
with shoji (sliding doors) to open the space up even more. The
Engawa design philosophy is incorporated into the layout of the
rooms, with clean lines, neutral tones and a stone-clad bathroom
with heated floors and a traditional Japanese bath (with a view, no
less). But however beautiful the design of these rooms, it’s hard
to tear your eyes away from that captivating panorama of the
Imperial Palace Gardens with the rest of the city stretching out
before you.

What’s for breakfast?

As expected, breakfast comes with a view in The Restaurant by
Aman. And the food is worthy of such a setting. Both western and
traditional Japanese sets are on offer, alongside brunch classics
and the more virtuous healthy eating options. I recommend opting
for the Japanese set, in which crispy-skinned baked fish, sticky
rice and miso, and mouth-sized marinated seasonal vegetables, all
come served kaiseki-style.

What about lunch and dinner?

Lunch and dinner are served in the buzzy Restaurant by Aman,
too, with both tasting menus and a la carte proving the chef’s
culinary flare. Head Chef Masakazu Hiraki hails from Japan, but he
draws on his extensive experience of Italy’s culinary riches to
create Italian-inspired dishes with Japanese sensibilities,
showcasing the best of Japan’s seasonal produce, from mountain
vegetables and fish from the coast, to the country’s premium
meat.

Alternatively, guests can head down to the ground floor for
European-style lunch and dinner sets in The Café by Aman, which
sits amidst the urban Otemachi Forest of evergreen trees and
Japanese maples. The Lounge, meanwhile, attracts Tokyoites as well
as hotel guests for its unique Black Afternoon Tea, for which the
Chef de Patissier Yoshihisa Miyagawa crafts western cakes
incorporating Japanese flavours, with a particular focus on his
greatest passion, chocolate.

Is there a bar?

The Bar and The Lounge are essentially one, defined only by the
time of day. While afternoon tea and brunch cocktails are the order
of the day, by nightfall the vibe picks up with a buzzy atmosphere,
upbeat music and the sound of cocktail shakers making their next
martini. Signature tipples here are based on the classics but come
with the addition of distinctly Japanese ingredients like matcha
and yuzu. Mixologist Toshio Imai takes pride in creating seasonal
drinks like the perfectly autumnal Japanese pear cocktail.

Amenities

To stay at Aman Tokyo and not explore the spa
would be to miss a fundamental part of the hotel experience.
Covering 2,500 square metres, this wellbeing space is the biggest
in all of Tokyo, encompassing treatment rooms, yoga
and pilates studios, Japanese onsen and relaxation areas. The
wellbeing approach here focuses on maintaining health through
nature and balance, and is another aspect of the hotel that’s based
on Japanese tradition.

Of course the real showstopper though is the panoramic
pool, which fitting in with the aesthetics of the rest of the
hotel is a sight to behold as the light changes throughout the day
and into the night.

Things you should know

No matter how beguiling a hotel like Aman Tokyo may be, it’s
still the destination that remains the star. And what a star Tokyo
is. In addition to venturing out independently, guests can sign up
for an Aman Tokyo Journey, which gives them an immersion into the
local culture. Think: Iaido-Mugai-ryu Japanese sword manoeuvring
with a revered master of the art, a tour of Miyasaka Sake Brewery,
or a Japanese tea workshop at Ippodo Tea Co.

Within a short walk you can find …

Having looked out across the Imperial Palace Gardens from your
room, it would be a shame not to explore the grounds further. Then,
after a little cultural exploration, head to the shops. From here,
both Marunouchi’s tree-lined avenue Naka-Dori, and high-end
shopping district Ginza are within easy reach.