A New Era of Luxury Awaits: Tokyo's Most Anticipated Hotel Has Launched

The Dinogo Perspective

Nestled in the bustling business districts of Marunouchi, Yaesu, and Otemachi, near Tokyo Station, some of the city’s finest hotels—like Aman Tokyo, the latest Four Seasons Otemachi, Hoshinoya Tokyo, and the Palace Hotel—set the stage. Amidst this elite competition, the 98-room Bulgari Hotel, which opened in April 2023 on the upper floors of the striking 45-story Midtown Yaesu Tower, presents a vibrant new take on hospitality and design in Tokyo, blending Japanese minimalism with the essence of la dolce vita. Rich emerald-veined Italian marble pairs elegantly with ishi-doro (stone lanterns), while 1960s Italian musica leggera (light music) fills the sleek black slate corridors. Simplistic ikebana floral displays contrast beautifully with black-and-white portraits of Bulgari-clad Hollywood legends.

Though this is contemporary Tokyo and not the Japan of yesteryears, thoughtful design details from Milan's Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, who crafted the other seven Bulgari hotels, infuse just the right amount of traditional elements. Hallway wallpaper featuring Seigaiha-mon patterns evokes the tranquil waves of Zen gardens, while the lobby’s arches recall the kato mado firelight windows typical of Zen temples. The lounge boasts coffered wooden ceilings that pay homage to Shinto shrines, all harmonizing with glass showcases displaying vintage Bulgari jewelry, including a piece shaped like Mount Fuji.

Exquisite upper-floor outdoor spaces, a rare find in Tokyo, are adorned with lemon and yuzu trees, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower—visible from the fireplace lounge, spa, pool, and dining venues. The rooftop bar features a striking mosaic wall depicting a tree alive with birds and fruits, evoking an atmosphere reminiscent of an Eden-inspired paradise.

Who is it for?

Design enthusiasts, fans of Japan and Italy, and travelers seeking serenity who desire easy access to Tokyo Station while enjoying a peaceful retreat in a bustling area.

The setting

For those visiting Tokyo for the first time, this area may seem polished and filled with the hustle of professionals at work. However, a closer look reveals a captivating blend of shops and dining options that cater to a diverse crowd. The hotel towers over the Shinkansen tracks at Tokyo Station, situated within the sleek Midtown Yaesu Tower, which features multiple floors of yokocho—narrow passageways filled with boutiques, eateries, izakaya pubs, art galleries, bakeries, marketplaces, and food stalls. Additionally, it connects to an intricate network of shops and restaurants branching off from Tokyo Station, including the multi-story department stores Daimaru and Takashimaya, along with popular brands like Uniqlo, Gu, and Muji. The historic Tokyo Imperial Palace, home to Japan's imperial family since 1888, is just a 10-minute stroll away, while the vibrant shopping district of Ginza is a short walk in the opposite direction.

The accommodations

Peaceful wood-floored corridors guide you to 98 guest rooms. These generous spaces start at 500 square feet, featuring elegant brushed elm wood floors, soft beige walls, and spacious beds adorned with tangerine-and-white fabric headboards. Automatic blackout shades cover the expansive windows, complemented by saffron-hued loveseats and chairs by the windows, contemporary desks from Maxalto fitted with charging ports, and stylish gooseneck kettles. Luxurious textiles and materials are sourced from renowned Italian and Japanese manufacturers, such as ceramic espresso cups from Richard Ginori in Italy, embroidered silk headboards from Hosoo in Kyoto, and dark wood tables from Ritzwell in Fukuoka. The bathrooms, separated by sliding doors, are particularly spacious, showcasing large showers and deep soaking tubs crafted from matte black Japanese granite.

Culinary offerings

The hotel features two exceptional restaurants, a rooftop bar, a chocolate boutique, and a cozy fireplace lounge, all worth a visit for non-guests as well. My top pick is the intimate eight-seat omakase sushi counter, Hoseki, aptly named jewel in Japanese. This stunning venue leads to a serene internal garden featuring a twisted red pine tree, and the counter is fashioned from a single exquisite piece of blond hinoki wood. With its popularity, Hoseki often books up quickly, especially given it’s helmed by chef Kenji Gyoten, a three-Michelin-star veteran from Sushi Gyoten in Fukuoka. Diners can watch as the chef prepares 50-pound cuts of beautifully marbled tuna right in front of them, along with seasonal delights like firefly squid, sea urchin, and a selection of flawless nigiri such as engawa (flounder fin) and horse mackerel, complemented by rare aged sakes served in handcrafted cups.

The spacious lobby lounge is a beloved destination for locals seeking afternoon tea and light sandwiches. The hotel's Italian dining venue, Il Ristorante, where breakfast is also available, is overseen by chef Niko Romito, celebrated for his Michelin three-star establishment, Reale, in Abruzzo. Romito curates the culinary experiences across this and five other Bulgari hotels, offering refined Italian classics like vitello tonnato, a vegetable broth with champagne and olive oil droplets, tortelli, linguine, polpette, and tiramisu. The bar maintains a calm atmosphere throughout the day but becomes lively around 6 p.m., attracting a well-dressed crowd eager for pinot grigio, unique Italian aperitifs, and cocktails crafted with house-made bitters.

The charming little chocolate shop, Bulgari Dolci, offers pastries and coin-shaped cacao “gems” made from seasonal Italian and Japanese ingredients, including Kyoto sake, Japanese chestnuts, bergamot, and aged balsamic vinegar.

Service and staff

The service is attentive yet unobtrusive. The friendly and energetic staff were dedicated to ensuring my needs were met in a genuine manner, steering clear of any forced interactions. The knowledgeable concierge offered fantastic izakaya suggestions that went well beyond the typical entries in English-language dining guides.

Accessibility features

Two specially designed rooms cater to travelers with disabilities, featuring handrails, bedside emergency buttons, and a step-free layout.

A wellness retreat

Bathed in natural light, the two-story spa showcases exquisite Burmese teak furnishings and gold-leaf ceilings, housing nine treatment rooms, including a spacious spa suite and two couples' treatment rooms. The extensive wet areas feature a thermal bath adorned with gold mosaics, soaking tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and a generous 15,000-square-foot lap pool. Surrounding the pool are cabanas draped in white gauze and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, one of which opens to a large outdoor terrace furnished with sun loungers. Treatments and products are curated by Dr. Augustinus Bader, a German expert in regenerative tissue.