Japan travel is back, baby. The Australian travel favourite announced earlier this month they were lifting its restrictions and allowing back in fully-vaccinated, independent travellers as of October 11.
“We are a nation that has flourished through the free flow of people, goods and capital,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the New York Stock Exchange on September 22. “COVID-19, of course, interrupted all of these benefits, but from October 11, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel.”
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If you’re among the many now planning a trip there, you’ll be pleased to hear that while you’ve been away, the country — Tokyo, in particular — has been busy opening up heaps of new hotels. From a trendy 15-room spot in Shibuya, to a luxury boutique hotel in Shinjuku and a property outside Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden with its own aroma distillery, here are the best new hotels to open in Tokyo while we’ve been away.
Trunk Hotel Tokyo
It only seems right that the hip Trunk Hotel Tokyo would open in Shibuya, a neighbourhood known for its trendsetting culture and inclination for effortless style. The rooms, of which there are just 15, are all individually designed and vary from small quarters to loft-style suites. Some even have balconies, a rare feature in the metropolis.
YOTEL Tokyo
Slated to open in 2024, YOTEL Tokyo will be centrally located in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The 244-room hotel will showcase YOTEL’s signature robotic concierge YOBOT, motorised SmartBeds and touchless guest experience from reservation to check-out. The hotel is part of YOTEL’s wider expansion plans across Japan including Sapporo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe.
Mesm Tokyo
Mesm Tokyo is a new luxury hotel in Minato City, near the waterfront within the new WATERS Takeshiba Precinct. Cool design and authentic Japanese hospitality combine here. The hotel brings art into nearly every aspect, even going as far as to have a dedicated creative director involved in everything from uniforms to food and beverage.
Mustard Hotel
A minimalist, youthful hotel brand, Mustard Hotel opened its first property in Shibuya in 2018. Its second property, set in the cool neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa, is designed by architect Shin Ohori. Expect a clean, modern aesthetic with plenty of greenery and seating areas for guests to socialise.
Kimpton Shinjuku
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Kimpton Shinjuku is a sophisticated boutique hotel with city views. The buzzy vibe channels Manhattan style with a design inspired by New York’s art world. Bonus: its restaurant and bar District Brasserie is dog-friendly.
Four Seasons Otemachi
With expansive views of the Imperial Palace, a tranquility pool in the lounge, and Zen-influenced accents in the guest rooms, the Four Seasons Otemachi is an oasis of calm in the financial district. Its restaurant Est serves Michelin-starred French cuisine, while you can grab sophisticated cocktails at its bar Virtus.
Tokyo EDITION
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, features 206 guest rooms including 22 suites, all with views of the Tokyo skyline. The hotel includes three restaurants, with an outdoor terrace overlooking Tokyo Tower. Its glittering Gold Bar offers prime people-watching and a drinks list that pays homage to the pre-Prohibition golden age of tipples. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
FUFU Nikko
Although it’s within easy reach of Tokyo, Nikko feels like a different world. In addition to trekking or cycling, visitors can try their hand at rafting across Lake Chuzenji or canyoning through Urami Falls. The FUFU Nikko is within walking distance of the Nikko Toshogu shrine. All 24 individually designed guest suites at the hotel overlook the surrounding forests and come with their own private indoor or outdoor hot spring bath. The property also has a large communal bath guests can use, too.
Korinkyo
Though technically not in Tokyo, this hotel is within easy reach of it on a bullet train. Korinkyo is in fact located a few minutes’ stroll from Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden. Onsite, there’s an aroma distillery where guests can create essential oils to be used in-room, or while relaxing in the hotel’s rooftop sauna and bath. Its 18 guest rooms have simple wood and stone finishes and a neutral design palette, allowing the surrounding nature to take the spotlight.
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