Lost in Translation hotel Park Hyatt Tokyo unveils renovated rooms and new Alain Ducasse restaurant

Julietta Jameson

October 8, 2025 — 4:00am

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The legendary Park Hyatt Tokyo is finally set to reopen after being closed for more than a year.

Inhabiting the top 14 floors (39-52) of Shinjuku Park Tower and designed by influential Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, Park Hyatt Tokyo opened in 1994 as the first Park Hyatt in Asia. It had not had a renovation since.

Inside a park deluxe suite in the newly renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo.

But then, it was so loved in its original form, the need was arguably never there.

The Japanese capital is no stranger to great hotels, but this one had a special allure from the get-go. In the artsy Shinjuku area on the edge of central Tokyo, its location was, at the time of opening, unusual.

Its dreamy, calm aesthetic by interior design master John Morford provided a backdrop to some of the best views (some say the best) of the city, particularly from the top-floor restaurant and bar. It wasn’t just the city. The hotel’s orientation and elevation meant those spaces and many rooms gave views of Mount Fuji – if, of course, outside conditions permitted.

The late, adored American chef, author and TV presenter, Anthony Bourdain, cited it as one of his favourite hotels in the world. And of course, the 2003 film Lost in Translation amplified its charisma.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo sky bar featured in Lost in Translation.

Sofia Coppola’s film was inspired by her stay there while promoting an earlier movie. Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is the epicentre of the story in Lost in Translation.

The critically acclaimed classic put the hotel’s bar on the tourist map for movie lovers.

Alas, for well over a year, anyone heading to the hotel for “Suntory time” – as Murray’s character, Bob Harris, spruiked when promoting the whisky – would have been disappointed, as in May 2024, the Park Hyatt Tokyo closed to finally allow for a major renovation.

Looking from the bathroom in a deluxe room.

From December 9, “Suntory time” is back. That’s the opening date, but bookings can be made now.

Led by Parisian prestige design Studio Jouin Manku (famed for its projects including the Air France Lounge 2F at Paris Charles de Gaulle and the Montparnasse Metro station in Paris), which was inspired by the original Morford interiors, the Park Hyatt’s changes include new custom-designed furnishings and fresh layouts to embrace the needs of contemporary travellers.

The renovation reduces the number of rooms from 177 to 171, and introduces a new suite category.

The park suite lounge room.

The guestrooms and suites have undergone the most significant transformation, redesigned to feel more open and elegant. Bathrooms, inspired by traditional Japanese wet rooms, are wrapped in organic materials such as marble and wood and offer products from Australian luxury skin and haircare brand Aesop, Nespresso coffee machines, Dyson hairdryers, Japanese “yukata” sleepwear, big TVs and Bose smart ultra-soundbars in suites.