A new chapter in sustainable luxury hospitality has begun in Japan with the opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo, the first Japanese property from the mission-driven brand 1 Hotels.
Located high within the Akasaka Trust Tower in central Tokyo, the newly opened hotel introduces the brand’s nature-focused design philosophy to one of the world’s most vibrant urban hubs.
Developed in partnership with Japanese real estate developer Mori Trust, the hotel forms part of the larger Tokyo World Gate Akasaka complex, a mixed-use district designed to blend offices, retail and cultural spaces in a walkable environment. The location places visitors within easy reach of well-known Tokyo neighbourhoods including Ginza, Roppongi and Shibuya.
“In my travels to Japan over the decades, I’ve been struck by the extraordinary beauty of its gardens, the serenity of its parks, and the enduring respect for nature. Even amid the modern architecture and commotion, there’s a sense of peace,” said Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of Starwood Hotels.
“With the design of 1 Hotel Tokyo, our first property in this amazing city, we wanted to capture some of that harmonious tranquility.”
Set across the 38th to 43rd floors of the tower, the 211-room property offers sweeping views over landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and the gardens of the Imperial Palace. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from Japan’s long-standing cultural connection with nature, incorporating natural materials, abundant greenery and handcrafted details throughout.
The building’s interiors were created by global design studio CRÈME, which envisioned the arrival experience as a transition from the bustling streets below to a serene “canopy” in the sky. Natural textures, reclaimed materials and elements such as an Oya stone wall referencing the Imperial Palace moat help connect the hotel’s architecture to Tokyo’s surrounding landscape.
Dining is another focal point of the property. Three venues—NiNi, Spotted Stone and Neighbors Café—offer distinct experiences throughout the day. NiNi, led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, blends French Riviera influences with Japanese seasonality, while Spotted Stone specializes in Japanese craft gin with a collection of nearly 100 varieties.
“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 Hotels.
“From the thoughtful use of reclaimed materials to the operational rigor that enabled us to achieve Japan’s highest environmental certification, this hotel demonstrates how design excellence and sustainability can elevate one another at the highest level of luxury.”
Wellness facilities include the Bamford Wellness Spa, a fitness center and an indoor pool, while sustainability remains central to the hotel’s operations. The property has earned Japan’s highest environmental certification, CASBEE S, reflecting its emphasis on energy efficiency, water conservation and responsibly sourced materials.
AloJapan.com