The Palace Hotel Tokyo knows it carries a heavy name. Situated directly across from the Imperial Palace in the affluent Marunouchi district, this luxury hotel literally lives in the shadow of a royal sibling.
This historic residence, home to the Emperor of Japan, is one of the city’s most popular attractions, hosting thousands of tourists every year. However, only the outdoor grounds are open to the public, meaning visitors will simply have to imagine what’s inside its majestic buildings.
That’s where The Palace Hotel Tokyo comes in. Since its 2012 reopening, the lavish property has been delivering the royal treatment to guests from all over the world, without the obligatory bloodline.
Today, The Palace Hotel Tokyo is one of just three properties in Japan to be a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It also boasts a number of accolades, including Michelin-starred restaurants, a whole host of design awards, and a five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide.
Earlier this year, it earned its Three Keys recognition by Michelin, joining the likes of Raffles London at The OWO, The Whitby New York and Four Seasons George V in Paris.
Factor in its sublime omotenashi (hospitality) and ritzy interiors, and it’s safe to say, The Palace Hotel Tokyo is the closest you’ll get in the Japanese capital to feeling like a monarch.
Rooms and suites
Tokyo has a reputation for having some of the world’s smallest hotel rooms; many are less than 100 sq ft, and few have bathtubs. The Palace is a major exception to this rule. All 284 guest rooms offer far more space than the average hotel room here, with its smallest starting at a generous 484 sq ft.
At the higher end are its 18 suites, the largest of which stretches to 2,755 sq ft; the equivalent of about three badminton courts. More than half of the rooms also include balconies, allowing guests to enjoy private outdoor space that’s hard to find in the bustling capital. Large bathrooms with separate tubs, another rarity for central Tokyo’s hotel scene, are also appreciated.
This feeling of space is amplified by the serene interiors, designed by award-winning architect Terry McGinnity. Muted colours and natural materials, like wood and marble, create a relaxing retreat from the city’s neon lights and loud billboards.
Luxury touches continue into the bathrooms, where guests will find toiletries by British brand Bamford, as well as Imabari towels, which are renowned in Japan for being fast-drying and high-quality. Other local touches include Jugetsudo teas with nambu-tekki cast iron teapots, matcha-flavoured KitKats, and nori seaweed crackers. Slip into your complimentary yukata – a loose, fitting traditional robe – for the ultimate Japanese sundowner.
Spa and wellness
The Palace is home to the only Evian spa in Japan, and one of just three outside of France. Nothing about the French wellness retreat’s identity has been lost in translation however.
Situated on the fifth floor, this serene space uses Japanese botanical brand Warew and Asian massage techniques, with signature treatments developed for pregnant guests and brides-to-be.
In the relaxation lounges, you’ll find heated baths, cold plunge pools and dry saunas, as well as a dual-bedded spa suite for couples. Notably, the ceilings of all five treatment rooms reflect the ripples of a pond, in a nod to Evian mineral water’s genesis in the Alps.
Fitness is no afterthought here; a 24/7 gym overlooks the Imperial Palace’s gardens, which is surrounded by a 5km running track that’s open for locals and tourists alike. Back inside, a 20-metre heated pool is nuzzled by an elevated jacuzzi - a perfect spot for admiring the cityscape after an intense swim. Swimwear and fitness garments are also available to rent, should anyone have packed a little too lightly.
Dining and bars
With 10 restaurants and bars, The Palace doesn’t hold back on the culinary front. For fine dining, head to the Michelin-star Esterre, where French haute cuisine is served in a contemporary setting.
If you’re looking for something more local, Wadakura should hit the spot. Home to four different Japanese restaurants, this elegant space offers options for all occasions and tastes.
At Sushi Kanesaka, renowned chef Shinji Kanesaka oversees a 20-seat sushi bar with a focus on konoshiro fish, while tempura is served at Tatsumi, an intimate six-seater alcove.
Teppanyaki takes centre stage at Go, while Wadakura’s main dining room serves kaiseki, a traditional Japanese dinner that typically consists of nine courses and small, artful portions.
Chinese food can be found at the Michelin-star Amber Palace, which specialises in Shanghainese and Cantonese cuisine under the watchful eye of executive chef Tang Kwok Fai. Menu highlights include crispy Peking duck, dim sum, crab meat and bird’s nest.
For Western eats, head to the Grand Kitchen on the ground floor. This bright, airy restaurant serves plenty of European delicacies, with escargot, pilaf and tiramisu just some of the familiar dishes on offer. There’s also a wide range of options popular with American guests, including salads, sandwiches, pasta and pizza, as well as a separate vegan menu with plant-based burgers and vegetable curries. Suggest bagging a seat on the heated terrace, which overlooks the Chidorigafuchi Moat, for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
How to book it
Rooms at The Palace Hotel Tokyo start from £515 for a Deluxe King (no balcony) including breakfast and based on two sharing (accommodation tax is extra).
