Exploring Janu Tokyo, the inaugural hotel from Aman's new brand

Aman is widely regarded as the epitome of luxury hospitality, boasting a legacy of exceptional resorts like Amangiri, a favorite among celebrities in Utah, and Aman Venice, a hotspot during the Venice Film Festival, alongside numerous other high-end destinations.

This year marked the launch of Janu, Aman's eagerly awaited sister brand, with its first property opening in Tokyo. Named after the Sanskrit word for "soul," Janu incorporates the luxury and cultural aspects of Aman while shifting the focus from secluded privacy to fostering connections and social interactions.

Having experienced the enigmatic ambiance of Aman New York, where whispers of influential figures fill shadowy corners, I was curious to see how the social-centric approach of Janu Tokyo would manifest. Right from the start, it became clear that while Aman New York is where executives might discreetly negotiate, Janu Tokyo is the go-to for socialites seeking stunning bay views and crafted cocktails, perfect for that Instagram shot.

Everything you need to know about your stay at Janu Tokyo, the inaugural hotel in this exciting new collection.

How to get there

Located in Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo sits amidst a collection of impressive buildings, including the towering Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, the tallest in Tokyo. For those familiar with the city, Azabudai Hills is conveniently near Roppongi's vibrant nightlife and Toranomon Hills, home to popular hotels like The Tokyo Toranomon Edition and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.

From Haneda Airport (HND), you can reach the hotel by car in under 30 minutes for around $60 to $90, depending on traffic. Alternatively, public transport is convenient, with the Keikyu Airport Line followed by a quick transfer to the Hibiya Line, getting you to Janu Tokyo in about 40 minutes for under $5.

From Narita International Airport (NRT), be prepared to spend over $200 for a taxi ride taking more than an hour, or about $25 for an express airport bus that will take over 1.5 hours and leave you around a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Reservation Information

While less expensive than Aman Tokyo, which is often hailed as one of the best hotels globally and is featured on our list of the top hotels in Tokyo, Janu Tokyo still leans toward the high end. Rates start at $916 per night but can easily exceed $1,000, especially during peak seasons in fall and spring.

Unfortunately, neither Aman nor Janu hotels are part of a loyalty program and do not participate in booking programs like Chase's The Edit or American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, which offer elite-like perks through their portals. However, many other Aman properties do take part in these programs, and it's likely that Janu Tokyo will join soon.

Notable Highlights

• Janu Tokyo is conveniently distanced from the lively streets of Tokyo, providing a tranquil retreat while still being close to the city's vibrant activities.
• Stunning views of the Tokyo Tower can be admired from various vantage points throughout the hotel.
• The omakase experience at Sumi's restaurant promises an unforgettable dining adventure.
• The wellness amenities, including an indoor pool, spa, saunas, baths, and gym, rank among the finest I've encountered.

Considerations

• The above-average pricing may deter many guests, and it's important to note that reservations cannot be made using points.
• Navigating Janu Tokyo can be a bit challenging, as it is part of a larger building complex.
• Like most luxury hotels, the costs for drinks and meals at the on-site restaurants are significantly high.

The Atmosphere

Upon exiting the elevators into the sky lobby of Janu Tokyo, guests are met with breathtaking views of the iconic Tokyo Tower, a symbol of the city since the 1950s. The striking red of the tower contrasts beautifully with the hotel's overall muted aesthetic, featuring earthy tones, rich woods, touches of gold and white, and elegant natural elements that feel luxurious yet inviting.

Connected to the main lobby, the Janu Lounge & Garden Terrace encapsulates the hotel's essence; stylish guests in high-end fashion enjoy colorful cocktails while admiring the tower, couples in sleek activewear sip tea, and well-off toddlers stroll through the space.

Overall, the design-centric hotel exudes a refined sense of luxury that feels understated rather than showy. Unlike many Aman properties, such as the one in New York that imposes hefty membership fees just for a drink at the bar, Janu Tokyo is inviting to all, even those simply looking to enjoy a casual beverage before heading out for the evening.

The Accommodations

Traveling with my mom, we were accommodated in a premier room spanning around 700 square feet, featuring two twin beds, a living space, a spacious bathroom, and a balcony. In Japan, it's typical for rooms with separate beds to be more compact than what you'd find in many U.S. hotels, which often offer larger double queens or kings.

Although the room was on the smaller side, I had a great night's sleep on the cozy bed. I particularly appreciated the automatic light switches, do-not-disturb buttons, universal outlets, and in-headboard chargers conveniently located at the nightstands.

Across from the beds, the living area featured a cozy couch, a small table, and two low armchairs. To one side of the couch was an in-room bar, while the opposite side housed a compact desk equipped with standard hotel stationery and a useful iPad that controlled the room's functions and provided information about hotel activities.

The minibar featured a Nespresso machine along with an impressive selection of Japanese teas, sodas, juice, and water, all included in the nightly rate. Local beers, wines, and sakes were available for an additional charge.

Positioned centrally in the room, a large TV was concealed in a lift cabinet to maintain the stunning floor-to-ceiling view of the city visible from the balcony.

While my balcony didn't offer a clear view of the Tokyo Tower, it was still visible just a bit. Regardless, having an outdoor space in a bustling city hotel is a luxury, even if the August heat made it almost unbearable to enjoy.

Situated behind the beds, a spacious bathroom could be either opened up to the room or closed off with sliding shoji screen panels. The large soaking tub, visible to the room, could serve as a romantic feature for couples, but my mom and I quickly opted to close it off for privacy. A luxurious Toto automated toilet was located in one glass-enclosed area, alongside a rainfall shower in the adjacent space.

The double vanity sinks made morning routines a breeze, and we both appreciated the array of Aman-branded amenities like soaps and lotions that adorned the bathroom.

Finally, the room boasted ample closet space just off the entrance, perfect for hanging the outfits we needed for our two-night visit.

Dining and beverages

Janu Tokyo features eight dining and drinking venues, including two omakase-style restaurants, spots offering Italian and Chinese cuisine, a meat and seafood grill, and an enticing patisserie. While I couldn't try them all during my two-night stay, I enjoyed two exceptional dinners, some delightful cocktails, and breakfast each morning, all detailed below.

Sumi

Our first meal at Janu, and indeed our first in Japan, turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our eight-night journey. Sumi, a cozy 13-seat sumibiyaki restaurant, specializes in charcoal grilling and offers a 10-course omakase (chef's selection) experience. Every dish is prepared right before your eyes, from finely chopped greens to meats sizzling over open flames.

The omakase menu varies with the seasons but consistently includes delightful offerings such as soup, sashimi, grilled skewers, soba, and rice. Our particular selection featured tuna sashimi seared over raw straw, grilled corn rice, delectable grilled spiny lobster, and tender grilled ayu sweetfish. This sensory feast, starting at 29,000 yen ($203) per person without a sake pairing, captivated us with its vibrant cooking methods, enticing aromas, and an array of tastes and textures.

While some dishes pushed the boundaries of our Western tastes, each offering was distinct and a pleasure to experience.

I found it particularly charming that the incredibly gracious staff presented trays of teacups for each guest to select from during the tea service, rounding off the meal beautifully.

Janu Mercato

Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Janu Mercato is an Italian eatery that features standard seating with views of the Tokyo Tower, as well as unique bar seating in front of glass displays filled with fresh seafood and other delights.

During this meal, we savored a crisp romaine salad with green beans and anchovy dressing priced at 2,100 yen ($14.50); a delightful scallop carpaccio that perfectly satisfied my palate for 3,300 yen ($23); and a decadent cannelloni pasta that was rich and creamy for 2,900 yen ($20). Although I hadn't anticipated having Italian cuisine on my second night in Japan, the restaurant's convenience, stunning view, and delicious offerings made it just right after a long day of exploring in the heat.

Janu Bar

At Janu Bar, you'll find a diverse array of cocktails crafted by renowned Japanese mixologist Shuzo Nagumo. Each of Janu's signature cocktails is thoughtfully created to embody the essence of Tokyo's various districts through unique spirits and flavors, while a selection of classic cocktails offers a nod to traditional choices.

We sampled a variety of cocktails, including a slightly fruity version of an espresso martini for 3,200 yen ($22), a rich and sweet salsa margarita for 3,200 yen ($22), and the Mediterranean Collins, a refreshingly bitter option for 3,200 yen ($22).

Breakfast at Janu Grill

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and the included breakfast at Janu, served at Janu Grill, was exceptional. The menu offered both set meals and a la carte selections, including sweet yet slightly bitter matcha pancakes, as shown above.

My favorite breakfast was the Janu Breakfast set, which featured yogurt and fruit, a bowl of vibrant steamed vegetables in tahini, grilled beef shabu-shabu (very thin slices of beef), and egg dinacharya—a twist on eggs Benedict with brioche, poached eggs, grilled bacon, and a bed of greens and olives.

Since Japan is renowned for its coffee culture, you can also order a refreshing iced coffee to complement your breakfast.

Overall, the food at Janu Tokyo was remarkable, and I know my mom and I will cherish our sumibiyaki experience at Sumi for years to come.

Amenities and service

Focusing strongly on wellness in all its forms, Janu Tokyo provides an array of amenities for guests to enjoy within its expansive 43,000-square-foot wellness center.

For me, the highlight was the stunning 82-foot swimming pool, framed by lounge chairs and expansive windows. During my visits, I observed guests either unwinding with a book in the chairs or swimming laps in the water.

Working out at the gym was a breeze, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows providing stunning city views from the Technogym equipment. In the gym's center stood one of the most sophisticated machines I've ever encountered, though I couldn’t quite tell you its purpose. Maybe I should have asked one of the personal trainers I noticed helping a guest with a private session.

In line with Janu's focus on wellness and community engagement, the hotel provides a variety of complimentary group classes, including spin sessions in a dedicated studio and other fitness classes held in the numerous workout spaces throughout the center.

There’s even a golf simulator and a boxing ring, elevating both fitness and fun in the realm of hotel amenities.

Although I regrettably didn’t have time for a spa treatment, guests can choose from a wide range of services and can even reserve one of two signature spa houses designed for four guests. Each house features a living area, a cold plunge, a hot bath, an outdoor terrace, and either a wood sauna or a hammam-style steam room.

I definitely made the most of the Japanese-style baths in the men's section of the wellness center, along with the steam room and the cold plunge.

Regarding the overall service at the world's first Janu, I found the staff to be incredibly friendly and always eager to assist. Whether it was helping me order taxis or coming to my aid when I got lost in the expansive wellness center, the team was consistently ready to help.

Exploring the Area

While Tokyo offers an endless array of activities, you don’t need to venture far from Janu Tokyo to enjoy many of them.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting a stunning interactive digital art exhibit named teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills, Tokyo. This captivating experience allows you to wander through numerous rooms filled with enchanting lights, digital artwork, and mind-bending illusions, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Conveniently, the exhibit is located in a mall linked to the hotel via an elevator and escalator. Be sure to visit the concierge to get your timed-entry tickets (starting at 4,000 yen or $28) as they tend to sell out fast.

Within the Azabudai Hills complex, you'll discover an abundance of luxury shopping, including one of Tokyo's branches of the high-end French brand Officine Universelle Buly, offering exquisite custom combs and luxurious fragrances. There's also % Arabica, a stylish coffee shop renowned for its expertly brewed coffee.

Accessibility Options

For guests requiring accessibility features, several premier rooms are designed with accessible elements like grab bars. I also noted thoughtful accessibility options throughout the hotel, such as urinals in the men's restroom that come equipped with grab bars, which I have never encountered before.

However, the Janu website lacks any information regarding accessibility, which is a significant oversight for guests with varying needs. As always, TPG advises reaching out to the hotel before making a reservation to ensure they can meet specific requirements.

Checkout Process

In my opinion, both Aman and Janu sometimes struggle to articulate their identities, but the actual experience at each hotel clearly differentiates them: Aman provides a dimly lit, luxurious escape for self-reflection, while Janu embodies a social experiment in luxury and wellness, emphasizing connection with others — or at least celebrating the presence of fellow guests in a lively atmosphere.

If Janu Tokyo is meant to set the benchmark for the upcoming nine properties planned from Dubai to Montenegro, they have raised the standard quite high. With unforgettable dining experiences that go beyond mere flavors and stunning views of a renowned city skyline, Janu Tokyo truly ticked all the right boxes for me.

At this point, one can only hope that the property becomes part of some programs that offer elite-like benefits to help mitigate the costs — then it could be just right.