By Daniel de Bomford
In a city defined by motion, Keio Plaza Hotel offers travelers something enduring in Tokyo’s ever-changing cityscape: a sense of orientation. Rising above Nishi-Shinjuku since 1971, when it opened as Japan’s first skyscraper hotel, the property sits at the crossroads of Tokyo’s energy, culture and connectivity.
“Shinjuku is an important hub not only for Tokyo, but for Japan as a whole,” President and CEO Katsuyoshi Wakabayashi said. From here, guests can reach districts such as Ginza, Shibuya and Nihonbashi with ease, and travel beyond the city to destinations like Hakone, Takayama and Mount Fuji. Whether for business or leisure, for international visitors navigating Japan for the first time, that access alone is a decisive reason to choose the hotel.
Yet Keio Plaza’s appeal extends well beyond logistics. Shinjuku itself is a city of contrasts: neon-lit entertainment streets, quiet temple neighborhoods, major department stores and green spaces such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden all coexist within walking distance. “All these elements, old and new, modern and traditional, coexist in one place,” Wakabayashi said. “That mixture is what makes Shinjuku unique.”
The guest experience is similarly balanced. For more than five decades, Keio Plaza has positioned itself as a cultural ambassador, introducing international travelers to regional Japanese traditions through rotating exhibitions, cuisine and hands-on workshops. Tea ceremonies, seasonal festivals and artisan collaborations allow guests to experience Japan’s heritage from their home base. “Inside the hotel, for more than 50 years, we have showcased Japanese culture,” Wakabayashi said.
Keio Plaza Hotel isn’t just for leisure; it can also accommodate a wide range of business and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities.
Service, however, remains the hotel’s defining feature. While technology supports efficiency behind the scenes, human connection is central. “Omotenashi is inherently human,” Wakabayashi said. “It relies on sensing guests’ feelings and responding with empathy.” With most guests arriving from overseas, staff are trained to engage proactively, ensuring that comfort, clarity and warmth transcend language barriers.
For travelers seeking a Tokyo base that combines access, authenticity and attentive hospitality, Keio Plaza Hotel continues to stand apart—anchored in Shinjuku, and open to the world.
AloJapan.com