Opened in March 2026, 1 Hotel Tokyo is not only one of the newest hotels in the city but also one of the most distinctive at a destination with no shortage of luxury properties. This marks the brand's debut in Japan, following its expansion to 13 hotels in total since initially launching in New York City and Miami.

The hotel occupies the 38th to 43rd floors of Mori Trust’s Tokyo World Gate Akasaka. In a densely populated city estimated at 38 million people, it’s a welcome escape to ascend the high-speed elevators to the hotel’s 38th-floor reception area through the private street-level entrance.

Created and founded by legendary hotelier Barry Sternlicht (who founded both Starwood and W Hotels), this intimate, boutique property is perfectly scaled with 211 rooms, including 24 suites with 3 penthouses.

A Natural Aesthetic

The design of 1 Hotel Tokyo is deeply rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and nature. A collaboration between the Starwood in-house design team and Brooklyn-based firm CRÈME, this aesthetic seamlessly blends sustainable luxury with local heritage and tradition.

The arrival lobby establishes a sense of tranquility akin to entering a temple. As guests step out of the elevator, they are met by a focal wall of Oya stone. This volcanic stone, sourced from Tochigi Prefecture, is the same material Frank Lloyd Wright famously used for Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel. Subtle lighting highlights the stone’s texture, which is accented by living greenery.

“Designing 1 Hotel Tokyo was about finding harmony between our brand philosophy and Japan’s extraordinary culture of materiality and craft,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood, in a recent press release announcing the opening.

The Virtual Living Room

The 38th floor is a virtual living room and the heart of the hotel. The perimeter houses the hotel reception area, the Neighbors Cafe (offering takeaway artisanal coffees, teas, and small bites), and the entrance to restaurant NiNi.

At its center, under a dramatic, sculptural beamed ceiling, is a large open space with comfortable sofas flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows. Providing natural light, it offers sweeping views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower and the surrounding skyscrapers. This communal area with hand-stitched lanterns welcomes guests to unwind and connect.

The Spotted Stone, a spectacular, cloud-shaped cocktail bar, is a lively, fashionable after-hours destination for guests and locals alike. Its 100 varieties of Japanese craft gin and light bites are a major draw. Organized with precision by botanicals, distillation methods, and the philosophies behind each spirit, ordering craft gin is the start of an educational journey.

During our visit, the vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of a well-known Parisian DJ.

A Perfect Skyline Perch

An emphasis on Japanese simplicity and sustainability pervades every aspect of the guest experience, always enhancing rather than compromising comfort and elegance. The room decor is both modern and traditional at once.

Our guest room had live-edge plank headboards, natural wood floors, in-room greenery, and locally crafted art. The upholstered fabrics and walls were bathed in an eye-pleasing natural color palette. Live plants in the room reflected the colors of the Imperial Palace Gardens, visible through the windowed wall.

Guests can’t help but pause and think sustainably: Filtered-water faucets are installed in each room, available to fill and refill the glass bedside carafes.

Chiseled stone vanities in the bathrooms feature bottles of Bamford organic face and body care products. Plush towels and Dyson hair dryers add to the luxury. Small sand hourglasses are placed beside showers as a reminder that water is a precious resource not to be wasted.

Even the hangers in the closet come with a message that the rubber used to make them is responsibly sourced and certified.

True Farm-to-Table Dining at 1 Hotel Tokyo

NiNi, the dining room at 1 Hotel Tokyo, is led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio. Building upon the chef’s experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and with David Chang's Momofuku group in Toronto, his menu brings together two distinct cultures and coasts: southern Mediterranean and Japanese.

The restaurant's name, NiNi, means "two-two" in Japanese. The setting is relaxed; multilingual servers are both efficient and affable.

Japanese cuisine is known for its emphasis on high-quality, seasonal, local ingredients and NinNi doesn’t disappoint in this regard. All the dishes coming out of the kitchen are beautifully presented, including dinners and the spectacular Japanese Bento Breakfast Box.

The breakfast buffet offers a sumptuous choice of foods, including smoothies, fresh fruits and vegetables. A mini “farm stand” atop the bar holds complimentary fresh fruit to grab and fresh citrus water.

Health And Wellness

Bamford Wellness Spa, the in-house spa (also on the 38th floor), was created in partnership with Carol Bamford, a champion of organic, holistic wellness. Drawing on ancient traditions, facial and body treatments include shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, assisted stretching, and yogic breathing.

The 24-hour fitness center is outfitted with Technogym equipment and after a workout, guests can swim or sit beside the Zen-like indoor pool.

Focus On The Guest

Especially for a new property, the hotel's most impressive feature was the exceptionally smooth guest experience with virtually no issues encountered during our stay. The staff consistently delivered a high standard of service, with someone always available to anticipate the needs of international guests.

1 Tokyo Hotel showcases the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi—hospitality executed with grace, attentiveness and precision. It is sure to become a favorite of luxury travelers to the city.