PALACE HOTEL TOKYO: A MODERN CLASSIC BY THE IMPERIAL GARDENS (Japan)
In the heart of Tokyo’s Otemachi district, overlooking the tranquil moat and gardens of the Imperial Palace, stands the Palace Hotel Tokyo — a property where contemporary elegance meets deep-rooted Japanese tradition.
First opened in 1961 and completely rebuilt in 2012, this Leading Hotels of the World member has become a sanctuary for discerning travellers seeking both the vibrancy of the city and the calm of nature. With its private balconies, award-winning spa, and a concierge team renowned for opening doors to hidden cultural experiences, the Palace Hotel Tokyo embodies understated luxury at its finest.
The heart of the Palace Hotel: Service with a personal touch
At the heart of the Palace Hotel Tokyo experience is its renowned service, led by one of Asia’s most respected concierges. Mayako Sumiyoshi, the hotel’s Chief Concierge, is not only a Les Clefs d’Or member but also the current Zone Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, as well as the former president of the Les Clefs d’Or Japan chapter. Her extensive network and deep cultural knowledge open doors to experiences few visitors could access on their own.
Guests arriving through the main lobby may feel the hotel's vibrant energy, but those staying in-house are welcomed into a dedicated lobby that offers a calmer, more intimate atmosphere. This seamless balance between discreet luxury and world-class amenities makes the Palace Hotel’s service a true benchmark in Tokyo.
Rooms with a view
One of the surprising luxuries at Palace Hotel Tokyo is the simple act of stepping outside. More than sixty per cent of the hotel’s 284 rooms come with a private balcony, a rarity in Tokyo, where guests can linger over breakfast while looking over at the Imperial Palace gardens framed by the city skyline. It’s this interplay of green space and glass towers that gives the hotel its character.
The most popular choice among travellers is the Deluxe with Balcony, a 45-square-meter room that opens out to views stretching from the palace moat to the distant Tokyo Tower. Inside, the palette is muted and calming, inspired by nature, while outside the city quietly hums. For families or executives, many of these rooms interconnect, creating private enclaves that function like small residences.
Suites elevate the experience further. The Executive Suites balance elegance with practicality, offering a separate living and sleeping area. The newest Premier Suites, renovated during the pandemic, feel brighter and more residential. Designed for leisure guests, they feature dining tables, expansive terraces, and a sense of home-like ease. At 90 square meters, they are generous by Tokyo standards yet never feel ostentatious, more like a second home in Japan than a hotel room. At the very top, the hotel’s flagship suites, such as the Terrace and Palace Suites, serve as sophisticated retreats.
Whether you book a standard balcony room or the crown jewel of the suite collection, the promise is the same: a view worth waking up to, and a space that feels both distinctly Japanese and unmistakably international.
An alpine spirit in the heart of Tokyo
Stepping into the Evian Spa Tokyo feels like leaving the bustle of the city behind and entering a sanctuary of calm. The first of its kind in Asia, and recently named Best Spa in Asia by Travel + Leisure, it is also the only spa in Japan to hold a prestigious Forbes 5-Star rating.
The atmosphere is serene and bright, inspired by the French Alps where Evian’s springs flow. Soft stone, flowing water, and natural light create a space that feels both restorative and refreshing. Guests can move between six treatment rooms, a 20-meter indoor pool, and thermal facilities, including a sauna and steam room.
The philosophy here is about balance - pairing French alpine wellness traditions with Japanese rituals of purification. Treatments are designed not just to pamper but to reset body and mind. And for those who prefer activity over stillness, the 24-hour fitness centre ensures that, whether you’re combating jet lag or simply staying on track, wellness is always within reach.
Where tradition meets taste
Dining at Palace Hotel Tokyo is as much about storytelling as it is about flavour. The property is home to a collection of restaurants, each reflecting a different facet of Japan’s culinary culture while welcoming international influences.
There are dedicated counters for sushi and tempura, where meals unfold like performances, each dish guided by seasonality and tradition. For those seeking a broader journey, the hotel also offers refined kaiseki-style dining, celebrating the art of multiple courses in perfect harmony.
French cuisine also finds its place, Ésterre is a contemporary restaurant developed in collaboration with Alain Ducasse, it presents French haute cuisine through the lens of Japanese terroir, with local produce elevated by Ducasse’s signature elegance.
Not all experiences are indoors. Just outside the restaurants, guests are often charmed by the unexpected sight of a swan gliding gracefully across the waters of the moat, a reminder that dining here is tied intimately to its surroundings.
Unlocking hidden Japan
What sets the Palace Hotel Tokyo apart is not only its location or design, but the doors it can open to experiences rarely accessible to visitors. Much of this is thanks to the expertise and network of Chief Concierge Mayako Sumiyoshi, whose Les Clefs d’Or connections span the globe.
One of the experiences is a private viewing of sumo training, a privilege extended only to a handful of outsiders. Watching wrestlers practice is different from the spectacle of a tournament - it is raw, intimate, and deeply cultural. For those with creative leanings, the concierge can arrange workshops: learning the delicate folds of origami, or discovering the centuries-old craft of manipulating wire into intricate designs using techniques passed down through generations.
Even within the hotel, opportunities for enrichment abound. The Palace Hotel holds a collection of over 700 works of art, and private tours can be arranged to explore these pieces: a museum-quality experience without ever leaving the property.
Palace Hotel Tokyo is a reflection of the city itself: a seamless blend of modern sophistication and timeless tradition. From the privilege of private balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens to the intimacy of the Evian Spa and the culinary artistry shaped by both Japanese masters and Alain Ducasse, every element feels carefully considered, never ostentatious.
What truly distinguishes the hotel, however, is its ability to open doors. Through the expertise of its celebrated concierge team, guests are guided through Japanese culture.
Asia, a recent University of Birmingham graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Marketing, was introduced to the world of luxury hospitality through her parents' careers as seasoned journalists. Growing up, she learned the ins and outs of the industry by observing their work and experiences. This unique perspective fueled her passion for writing and her appreciation for upscale accommodations. With her academic background and rich upbringing, Asia is poised to craft vivid narratives that capture the elegance and allure of luxury hospitality.
