Luxury lifestyle brand 1 Hotels has officially opened 1 Hotel Tokyo, marking the brand’s debut in Japan. Located high above the city inside the Akasaka Trust Tower, the new property brings the brand’s signature nature-driven design, sustainability ethos and wellness-focused hospitality to the Japanese capital.
Founded by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, the brand is known globally for blending luxury with environmental responsibility. The Tokyo opening represents a major milestone for the company’s expansion across Asia.
Perched above the city with sweeping views of the Imperial Palace gardens, Tokyo Tower, and the surrounding skyline, the hotel positions itself as a calming retreat amid one of the world’s most dynamic urban landscapes.
The hotel was developed through a partnership between 1 Hotels and Mori Trust, one of Japan’s leading real estate developers. It anchors the mixed-use district Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a next-generation development integrating offices, retail, culture and green space within a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Located in the vibrant Akasaka district, the property offers convenient access to many of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods including Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya. The area also features nearby parks, shrines and embassies, giving the district a distinctive mix of international presence and local character.
“Japan has long embraced a philosophy of living in harmony with nature,” said Barry Sternlicht. “With the design of 1 Hotel Tokyo, we wanted to capture that sense of tranquility even in the heart of a modern city.”
Occupying floors 38 through 43 of the Akasaka Trust Tower, the hotel features 211 guestrooms, including 24 suites and three penthouses. The interiors were designed by global architecture and design studio CRÈME.
The design concept blends Japanese minimalism with the biophilic philosophy that defines the 1 Hotels brand. From the moment guests arrive, nature is integrated into the experience — beginning with a lush green façade at street level that signals a transition from the city’s energy to a tranquil refuge above.
Inside, organic elements shape the aesthetic. Wood ceilings evoke tree bark, textured walls mimic airflow patterns, and a prominent Oya stone installation references the historic stonework surrounding the Imperial Palace moat. Throughout the hotel, curated greenery, plant-lined walls and expansive windows create an immersive connection to nature.
Guestrooms incorporate locally crafted décor, preserved moss art made from recycled pallets and natural materials, while many rooms frame sweeping views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo skyline.
Dining Concepts that Shift from Day to Night
Dining plays a central role at 1 Hotel Tokyo, with three venues designed to attract both hotel guests and locals.
NiNi – The hotel’s signature restaurant NiNi is led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, whose career includes Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo and senior roles with the Momofuku group in Toronto. The restaurant blends the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera with Japanese culinary precision. Seasonal ingredients, Provençal herbs, olive oil, seafood and citrus flavors are paired with Japanese techniques and ingredients. A highlight of the kitchen is the Josper Grill Oven, still rare in Japan, which uses natural charcoal to enhance the character of meats, seafood and vegetables.
Signature dishes include Maguro Tartare with subtle Japanese aromatics, while desserts reinterpret southern French classics such as a baba infused with Japanese black tea syrup and orange liqueur.
NiNi also transforms throughout the day, offering brunch on weekends with Riviera-inspired seafood platters and a seasonal afternoon tea created by Executive Pastry Chef Fumitake Goji.
Spotted Stone – The cocktail bar Spotted Stone celebrates Japanese craft gin with a curated selection of nearly 100 varieties, making it one of the most extensive collections in Tokyo. The menu is organized by botanical profiles, distillation techniques and regional philosophies, inviting guests to explore Japan’s evolving gin culture.
By night, the space transforms into a lively cocktail destination with DJ programming and vinyl sessions, set against a sculptural cloud-shaped back bar.
Neighbors Café – Designed as a neighborhood gathering spot, Neighbors Café offers artisan coffee, premium teas, wholesome snacks and sweets. The café also features products from The Matcha Tokyo, alongside selections from nearby small businesses.
Event Spaces with Panoramic Tokyo Views
The hotel offers more than 460 square meters (over 5,000 square feet) of event space, including the Sakura and Camellia rooms and three private dining areas on the 38th floor.
Natural light, expansive windows and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower frame the venues. Through the brand’s Certified Sustainable Gatherings program, meetings and celebrations can incorporate zero-waste planning, locally sourced ingredients and environmental impact reporting.
A Wellness Sanctuary Above the City
Wellness is another cornerstone of the guest experience at 1 Hotel Tokyo. The Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, focuses on organic, holistic treatments combining ancient practices and modern techniques. Therapies incorporate modalities such as shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, assisted stretching and yogic breathing.
Signature experiences include: 1 Hotel Tokyo Experience – a bespoke ritual combining foot therapy, massage and facial treatment, Japanese Bamboo Massage – using Kyoto bamboo tools and green tea-infused oils, Green Tea Healing Facial – featuring organic Japanese skincare and lymphatic massage techniques
Additional facilities include The Field House, a 24-hour fitness space equipped with Technogym machines, along with a light-filled indoor pool and outdoor terrace designed to support pollinators and urban biodiversity.
Environmental performance guided the development of 1 Hotel Tokyo from the ground up. The property has achieved CASBEE S certification, Japan’s highest environmental rating for buildings.
Operational initiatives include energy-efficient systems, water conservation technologies, refill stations to reduce single-use plastics and extensive use of reclaimed or responsibly sourced materials.
The hotel also introduces the Audi Electric Vehicle Experience, allowing guests to explore Tokyo in a fully electric Audi Q6 e‑tron with zero emissions.