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House of Coco writer, Sally Seaton, took a trip to one of Tokyo’s newest hotel openings, centred around wellness, sustainability and nature, allowing guests to experience both purpose and pleasure.
Nestled in Tokyo’s calm district of Akasaka, 1 Hotel Tokyo offers a rare sanctuary of serenity amid the city’s endless motion. From the moment I stepped into the lobby, a soothing palette of natural woods, stone textures, and lush greenery transported me into a modern wabi-sabi world. Every intricate detail holds a story, whether it’s from Japan’s past or the modern world of sustainability. Thoughtful, environmentally responsible design is everywhere, from water-saving fixtures to recycled materials, proving that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist seamlessly. In this urban retreat, the city fades away, replaced by an atmosphere of mindful comfort and understated elegance.
A Modern Wabi-Sabi Sanctuary
Spanning the 38th through 43rd floors of the Akasaka Trust Tower, 1 Hotel Tokyo embodies a modern wabi-sabi philosophy, where minimalism, natural materials, and thoughtful imperfections create a serene urban oasis. From the moment I entered, the design told a story, walls textured like flowing air, ceilings echoing the grain of wood, and a signature Oya stone wall that nods to the historic stonework around the Imperial Palace moat.
Moving past a wall of lush greenery that signals a gentle transition from city bustle to sanctuary, I entered the 38th-floor lobby that opens like a canopy above Tokyo. Views of the skyline and the Imperial Palace Gardens are framed by thoughtful layouts, bringing the outdoors in and reinforcing the hotel’s biophilic ethos.
Minimalist Comfort
My suite, the Panoramic Tower Studio, felt like a true Japandi sanctuary. At 560 square feet, the space was defined by muted neutrals, natural textures, and biophilic touches, including locally crafted décor, preserved moss art, and curated greenery that softly lifted the mood. Every intricate detail enhanced the suite, featuring rattan lamps casting a warm glow, sheer curtains diffusing morning light, delicate glassware made from recycled wine bottles, and even an in-room water dispenser reflecting the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
The bathroom became my sanctuary, with a deep soaking tub, double basins, and a rainfall shower framed in glass, inviting me to indulge in tranquillity. Whether curled up on the cocooning sofa, working at the desk, or gazing out over Tokyo Tower as the city transforms into a stream of lights, every element of the interior reflects a balance between luxury, mindfulness, and environmental integrity.
Dining Above The City
At 1 Hotel Tokyo, dining is an extension of the hotel’s nature-led, wabi-sabi philosophy. Perched high above the city, the hotel’s restaurants and bar offer sweeping city views, thoughtfully framed by greenery and biophilic design.
NiNi, the hotel’s culinary jewel, is where French flair meets Japanese refinement. Helmed by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, whose experience spans Michelin-starred Tokyo kitchens and David Chang’s Momofuku group in Toronto, NiNi’s menu celebrates “two worlds coming together.” Signature dishes, like Maguro Tartare and Keisangyu sirloin, highlight the careful balance of flavours, while desserts such as the French baba with Japanese black tea syrup reflect a seamless cultural fusion.
I dined by the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching Tokyo stretch endlessly below, a glittering tapestry of lights by night. Breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea each shift the restaurant’s energy – tranquil and sunlit in the morning, intimate and lively by night. Even the music is curated to complement the moment: laid-back and serene by day, rhythmic and sensual after dark.
Next door, Spotted Stone elevates cocktail culture with one of Tokyo’s largest collections of gins, featuring over 100 varieties from Japan and beyond. The bar’s sculptural cloud-shaped backlit shelves and hanging rattan lights reflect the hotel’s organic design, while views of the skyline anchor the experience. By day, it’s a relaxed lounge; by night, a stage for Japanese craft gin, carefully curated cocktails, and vibrant conversation, enhanced by resident DJs and occasional international takeovers.
Serene Spaces
Wellness is at the heart of 1 Hotel Tokyo, where every detail is designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. The spa, rendered in soft, muted tones with dim lighting and organic décor, instantly put me at ease.
Signature therapies include the Japanese Bamboo Massage, inspired by local wellness rituals, which uses smooth Kyoto bamboo tools and green tea-infused oils to encourage circulation, ease muscular tension, and support lymphatic flow. The Green Tea Healing Facial combines pressure-point techniques with premium organic Japanese skincare, releasing tension and restoring radiance. For a deeply immersive experience, the 1 Hotel Tokyo Experience blends a grounding foot ritual, restorative massage, and a personalised facial.
The spa also features a Hammam room, where warmth and steam envelop the body, hydrating skin and easing the mind into a quiet rhythm. Beyond the treatment rooms, an indoor pool overlooks Tokyo, complemented by lush daybeds and an outdoor terrace where greenery fosters a micro-ecosystem, blending wellness with environmental mindfulness.
For active guests, The Field House offers a 24-hour fitness space with Technogym equipment and guided classes, encouraging movement as an integral part of well-being.
Exploring Tokyo
Although 1 Hotel Tokyo sits at the centre of Akasaka, it feels worlds away after a day of exploring the city. Recently opened, the hotel is the first 1 Hotels property in Japan and marks a collaboration between 1 Hotels and Mori Trust. High above the city in the Akasaka Trust Tower, it offers sweeping views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower, and the skyline beyond.
The 211-room hotel embodies 1 Hotels’ mission-driven ethos, blending luxury with sustainability, wellness, and biophilic design. Curated greenery, tactile natural materials, and Japanese craftsmanship create a serene retreat that harmonises with Tokyo’s rhythm while providing a calm escape. Guests can enjoy a wellness spa, state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool, and hammam, all designed to reflect Japan’s deep-rooted focus on well-being.
Akasaka is a quiet yet strategically located district, making it the perfect base for exploring Tokyo. From here, iconic neighbourhoods like Shibuya, Ginza, and Roppongi are easily accessible, while nearby parks, embassies, and shrines offer a touch of local culture. I wandered to Hie Shrine, just a ten-minute walk from the hotel. Passing through vibrant red gates reminiscent of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha, I wrote a wish on a wooden plaque and hung it as a blessing, a quiet moment of reflection amid the city’s energy.
The Imperial Palace Gardens are also nearby, a short stroll from the hotel, offering an ideal setting for a leisurely walk or picnic. During sakura season, the cherry blossoms paint the grounds in delicate pink, framing the tranquil river that winds through the gardens. On rainy days, cultural attractions like teamLab Borderless are within walking distance. Stepping into a room shimmering with crystals and colored lights felt like entering a dream, a perfect complement to Tokyo’s vibrant, dynamic energy.
In every corner of 1 Hotel Tokyo, from its sky-high suites to its lush wellness spaces and nature-infused design, the property embodies a rare balance of luxury, mindfulness, and environmental consciousness. It’s a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with the city, without ever sacrificing comfort or style. Whether gazing at the Tokyo Tower from the comfort of your suite, indulging in a Japanese Bamboo Massage, or sipping a carefully crafted cocktail above the skyline, every experience feels thoughtfully curated.
1 Hotel Tokyo proves that in a city as vibrant and fast-paced as Tokyo, it’s possible to find stillness, purpose, and beauty. It has launched Mission Membership, a purpose-driven loyalty program that lets guests enjoy personalised perks, exclusive experiences, and curated travel benefits while making a tangible positive impact on the planet through donations to environmental causes and tree-planting initiatives.
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