Palace Hotel Tokyo: A Serene Bastion of Japanese Hospitality
Standing in prestigious 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Palace Hotel Tokyo is a masterpiece of understated luxury that redefines the high-end stay in Japan’s capital. As of 2025, it holds the distinction of being the first wholly Japanese-owned hotel to maintain a Forbes Five-Star rating for ten consecutive years and remains the only Japanese brand to simultaneously hold Three MICHELIN Keys. Overlooking the ancient moats and verdant gardens of the Imperial Palace, it offers a tranquil retreat that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary sophistication.
An Incomparable Moat-Side Setting
The hotel’s location is arguably the most exclusive in the city. Situated in the heart of the Marunouchi business district, it is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and is less than an eight-minute walk from the Shinkansen platforms at Tokyo Station. This central positioning provides effortless access to the high-end boutiques of Ginza and the cultural landmarks of Nihonbashi, all while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the city’s neon-lit bustle.
Accommodations: A Rarity in the Sky
Palace Hotel Tokyo features 284 guestrooms and suites, each designed with a refined « spring kimono » palette of leafy motifs and earthy tones. A standout forest park hotel feature—and a true rarity for Tokyo’s luxury skyscrapers—is that more than half of the rooms include private balconies. These outdoor spaces offer guests an immersive view of the Imperial Palace gardens, particularly striking during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.
Inside, the rooms are « palatial » in size, starting at 45 square meters (485 square feet). Modern luxuries include 55-inch 4K HDR TVs, Bamford bath amenities, and traditional Japanese touches like nambu-tekki cast iron teapots and Imabari linens. For those seeking elevated exclusivity, the Club Lounge on the 19th floor provides personalized concierge service and five daily culinary presentations.
World-Class Dining and Wellness
The hotel is a premier culinary destination, housing ten restaurants and bars. Notable highlights include:
- Esterre by Alain Ducasse: A one-Michelin-starred outpost serving contemporary French haute cuisine.
- Wadakura: The signature Japanese restaurant offering kaiseki, teppanyaki, and tempura.
- Sushi Kanesaka: An intimate sushi bar operated by the legendary Michelin-starred chef Shinji Kanesaka.
For wellness, the evian SPA TOKYO—the only one of its kind in Japan—provides Alpine-inspired therapies alongside panoramic palace views. The facility includes a 20-meter indoor pool, a marble sauna, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Impeccable Service and Global Support
The hallmark of the stay is the staff’s commitment to omotenashi, or selfless Japanese hospitality. The team is renowned for its English-friendly support, with professional concierges who are highly skilled at securing coveted reservations and navigating the complexities of the city for international travelers. Whether you are a business traveler seeking efficiency or a leisure guest pursuing serene opulence, Palace Hotel Tokyo remains the definitive « homegrown » luxury experience in 2025.