Aoyama is undoubtedly Tokyo’s most fashionable neighbourhood. Nestled between Harajuku, Shibuya and Daikanyama, the area is the city’s epicentre of cool. Home to independent boutiques, curated multi-brand stores and buzzy cafes, Aoyama attracts fashionable locals and in-the-know travellers.
The upscale area, however, has always lagged behind places such as Shinjuku and Ginza when it comes to luxury accommodation. This is set to change with the long-awaited arrival of Soho House Tokyo, at least for members of the famous private club who can now make the Tokyo outpost their base in the city.
Located on Aoyama Dori, a couple of blocks from Omotesando – the tree-lined avenue filled with landmark buildings housing the flagships of the world’s top luxury brands – Soho House Tokyo occupies part of the ground floor and four upper floors of Omotesando Grid Tower, a newly built high-rise.
The discreet entrance to Soho House Tokyo. Photo: Handout
Its discreet entrance just off Aoyama Dori is easy to miss, but once you step inside you’ll recognise all the unmistakable design elements of Soho House. The happening lobby is decorated with artworks from Japan-based artists and, like its Hong Kong counterpart, features a bookshop from luxury publisher Taschen. A vending machine offers items such as beach towels and other sundries in a cute homage to Japan’s obsession with the selling device.
Members of Soho House can work at communal tables. Photo: Handout
The warmth of the decor extends to the 42 rooms, located on the 11th and 12th floors of the building. Featuring lovely balconies overlooking Tokyo Tower and the city’s skyline, the bedrooms are cosy and welcoming, eschewing the minimalist atmosphere of most luxury hotels these days. Tatami-patterned floors, paper lamps, kimono fabrics and lacquer pieces are nods to Japan’s traditional crafts. They’re mixed in with touches like rotary phones, vintage furniture, Marshall speakers and potted plants that give the spaces a lived-in and retro feel.
Bedrooms come with balconies overlooking the city’s skyline. Photo: Handout
Unsurprisingly, the common areas are the true heart of the property. Soho House Tokyo only opened last month, but on a recent visit, the place was buzzing with members busy at their laptops or taking meetings. The House Brasserie, the main restaurant, specialises in hearty fare such as chicken pot pie with morels and Japanese-inspired Western dishes like Unzen pork sausage rolls with a black garlic HP sauce. Edomae-style sushi is available at a sushi counter in the club lounge on the 13th floor.
The rooftop pool is heated during Tokyo’s colder months. Photo: Handout
AloJapan.com