Checking In: The Okura Tokyo

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This reimagined mid-century landmark combines cutting-edge amenities with intentional design.

Step into one of The Okura Tokyo’s two sleek glass towers – the Prestige Tower and the Heritage Wing – and you’ll immediately notice an aesthetic that blends the past and present. Architect Yoshio Taniguchi designed each space with a nod to his father, Yoshiro Taniguchi, who originally designed the 1962 hotel. The 41-story Prestige Tower features a faithful recreation of the iconic original lobby, capturing a timeless sense of place with mid-century lounge chairs, sculptural hanging luminaires, wood-beamed ceilings and intricate kumiko woodwork screens. The adjacent Heritage Wing offers a more intimate experience, with its serene lobby anchored by a 41-foot wisteria chandelier and abstract wall art that gleams with subtle elegance.

A king room at The Okura Tokyo

The Okura’s guest rooms are warm and thoughtfully appointed, blending neutral woods and textiles for a tranquil retreat from Tokyo’s bustling energy. Many offer sweeping views of the city’s skyline, including the iconic Tokyo Tower, while others face the hotel’s manicured gardens – a rare oasis in this urban setting.

Exquisite skylines from the Prestige room bathrooms at The Okura Tokyo
The Yamazato Kappo counter at The Okura Tokyo
The rooftop garden at The Okura Tokyo
Yamazato (left)    
Yamazato (left)    

The hotel’s staff and concierges embody Japan’s renowned hospitality, always ready to assist with outings and reservations, but there’s plenty to discover within the property itself. Begin with the Okura Museum of Art, Japan’s oldest private art museum, which showcases a curated collection of Japanese and East Asian antiques in a striking building inspired by classical Chinese architecture. For a more immersive experience, book a private tea ceremony in the Tea ceremony room. Dining at The Okura is equally intentional: Yamazato serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine, while the dimly lit, lounge-style Orchid Bar charms with its retro ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails.

The Orchid Bar at The Okura Tokyo
Orchid Bar    
The five-lane heated indoor pool at The Okura Tokyo
  • Number of rooms: 508
  • Room perks: Save time to relax with thoughtful amenities like yukata robes, furo tubs, and artisanal teas.
  • If you only have one night: Savour a bespoke multi-course kaiseki dinner at Yamazato, then wind down at the Orchid Bar with a Yuzu Old Fashioned.
  • Splurge on: A custom suit from Ginza Eikokuya or handmade sake cups from Seikado, both located in the hotel’s on-site Shopping Arcade.
  • Bonus: Stay active at the state-of-the-art gym, which features a 25-meter, five-lane heated indoor pool, a sauna, and a carbonated spring hot tub offering stunning views of the city.