When it opened in 1962, The Okura Tokyo was the grand dame of the city’s luxury hotels. But it wasn’t just a hotel, either: The Okura Tokyo was widely lauded as an architectural masterpiece ahead of its time. Its modern Japanese design with Western style influences was iconic, so much so that the hotel had established itself as an important heritage of Tokyo. Understandably, there was some public outcry when the hotel decided to demolish and rebuild in 2015.
Fast forward to September 2019 when the hotel reopened: much to the delight of fans and architecture enthusiasts, The Okura Tokyo had recreated the beloved lobby of the original building designed by highly respected Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi. Better yet, many fixtures of the faithfully recreated lobby are restored originals, including the five-tiered lanterns inspired by ancient ornamental beads from the Kofun era and the lacquered tables and chairs arranged to resemble plum blossoms.
The work of Taniguchi’s son Yoshio Taniguchi, the reincarnated lobby is still a showcase of Japanese art and craftsmanship, and this design direction is evident throughout the renewed Okura Tokyo, which now consists of two buildings. The Okura Heritage Wing, for instance, features a stunning 12.5m-long wisteria flower-shaped chandelier designed by French architect Lina Ghotmeh.
The 17-storey building offers bigger rooms from 53 sqm, in elegant set-ups that pay homage to classic Japanese aesthetics but modernised for today’s travellers. Some rooms come with balconies while others have bathtubs with a view, but all of them are equipped with ensuite steam saunas. Here you’ll also find the hotel’s French restaurant Nouvelle Epoque, Japanese restaurant Yamazato, and traditional Japanese tea house Chosho-an.
The Okura Prestige Wing, on the other hand, houses 368 rooms. They are spacious (at least 48 sqm) and contemporary in design, fitted with the latest mod-cons. This gleaming glass building is where you’ll also find the hotel spa, fitness centre and pool, plus six restaurants and bars. The latter include teppanyaki restaurant Sazanka and Starlight bar and lounge, both perched on the 41st floor offering breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline.
Despite being in the centre of the city’s Toranomon district, The Okura Tokyo feels like a calming oasis shielded from the hustle and bustle. This tranquil atmosphere is largely thanks to the expansive Okura Garden, which occupies half of the hotel grounds.
The Okura Tokyo is also home to Japan’s first private art museum. Established in 1917 by Kihachiro Okura, the father of Hotel Okura Tokyo founder Kishichiro Okura, the Okura Museum of Art has a 2,500 piece-strong collection of Japanese and Asian antique art as well as modern paintings. The museum is free for staying guests; otherwise, adult tickets are ¥1,000 for the general public.