The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon Is an Urban Oasis Amid the Bustling City

Edition Hotels may be relatively new on the hospitality scene, but that hasn’t stopped the brand from opening 16 hotels since its launch in 2013, with plans to double its properties over the next four years. One of the brand’s newest additions, the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon is a welcome urban oasis amid a busy business district.

With comforting wood details and an abundance of greenery, the property feels like a reprieve from the sleek sky-high skyscrapers that surround it. It’s appealing in just about every way imaginable, from its 206 guestrooms (including 22 suites with terraces—a first for the city) to its unparalleled views over the bright red-and-white of the Tokyo Tower. In fact, the hotel feels so cozy that guests (myself included) don’t even notice it’s sprawled over the top six floors of one of the busiest buildings in the city.

View of Tokyo Tower / Photo: Courtesy of Nikolas Koenig

Designed by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma (best known for the Japan National Stadium built for the Tokyo Olympics), it takes minimalistic design inspiration from Japanese culture. I was instantly drawn to the main, public spaces, which draw influence from the structure and organization of Buddhist temples. However, the space still manages to retain the glitzy glamour the Edition brand is known for, thanks to its 360-degree views over the city.

Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, room / Photo: Courtesy of Nikolas Koenig

The rooms evoke the same sense of calmness echoed throughout the hotel. Decorated with soothing neutrals, cedarwood details, and a minimalistic design, it’s reminiscent of something between a luxe cabin and a city escape bundled into one. With just the click of a button upon entering, the curtains moved swiftly aside, revealing an assortment of cream, beige, and wood touches throughout the room. Some of my favorite room highlights included customized Le Labo Edition amenities, plush bedding, spectacular Tokyo views, an oversized bathtub, and lavish robes.

Before dinner, I opted to head downstairs to the spa for a massage to help reduce swelling from the long flight. Each of the treatment rooms is decorated with clean white walls and cedar panels, summoning instant feelings of relaxation. I also took a quick peek into the pool, with its gray concrete tiles and moody lighting.

The Jade Room / Photo: Courtesy of Nikolas Koenig

For dinner, I went to the hotel’s flagship restaurant, The Jade Room. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, the menu blends seasonal local produce with a fusion of traditional British cooking techniques. During the meal, I tasted items like an onion custard with bread miso, grains, and Hokkaido cheese; and a wood-roasted celeriac carpaccio with custard.

Each dish was innovative and used local ingredients for every component. If this is what every Edition hotel brings to the table, I’ll certainly be staying at other properties.