The opening of The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon on Tuesday 20th October 2020 represents a delicate balancing act between the elegant and simple approach of Japan’s culture, style and traditions and EDITION’s sophistication and perpetual subversion of the status quo and desire to break rules to create something entirely new and that has never been seen before. Designed as a partnership between Ian Schrager Company and renowned architect Kengo Kuma–the architect of the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo–the hotel allows you to experience the essence and spirit of Tokyo without ever having to leave the premises, and embodies the best of both Eastern and Western traditions.
As a result of this unlikely combination, a new entity emerges out of these two disparate approaches whose sum is greater than its individual parts. This symbiosis is what makes the end result so magical. The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is a bespoke, custom-made hotel embodying the best of the East and the best of the West. It defies categorization and simply cannot be placed into a box. With its own unique and original identity, it’s an urban resort in the middle of a dynamic world-class, 24-hour, international gateway city filled with excitement and promise.
Tokyo EDITION brings Buddhist traditions to western hospitality
The hotel’s soaring public space was inspired by Buddhist temples and their structure, purpose and organization. The temples consisted of a central courtyard surrounded by various other structures, each with its own specific purpose. This central courtyard was used for ceremonies, gatherings, communal prayer and, in general, for people to come together and interact, congregate and create a community. It was a true communal space and experience.
In much the same way and to achieve the same goal, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon’s two-story lobby, over 450ft (140m) in the sky, is a centralized space that operates and functions not only as a new and modern gathering place, but is also meant to facilitate and encourage communal and social interaction in all of its forms. It is where the hotel comes to life with a palpable, high energy created by bringing a diverse group of people together from all over the world.
Several eating, drinking, entertainment and other experiences, each distinctly different in both look and feel, radiate from the Lobby in the same manner as the peripheral buildings do in a Buddhist temple. Each of these eating, drinking and entertainment areas has its own individual reality, yet still feels like part of the whole, and each can be enjoyed separately or together all in one night. As with all EDITION hotels, lines blur between work and play, eating and drinking, talking and thinking, solitude and socializing.
A central location for EDITION’s first venture into Japan
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is also a microcosm of all the best that the vibrant city of Tokyo has to offer, with something for everyone, both a respite from the fast pace of city life and a lively and dynamic destination both day and night.
Centrally located near the metro stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon and steps away from Tokyo’s best neighbourhoods and attractions, the hotel is housed within Tokyo World Gate, a new 591ft (180m), 38-story mixed-use skyscraper, where it occupies floors 31-36 and commands jaw-dropping unobstructed views of the Tokyo skyline and the absolute best view of the landmark Tokyo Tower from anywhere in the city. Guests feel as though they can reach out and touch the 1,000ft (305m) tower!
Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens spearheads the restaurants
The restaurants are spearheaded by world-renowned, award-winning Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens known for his ability to creatively execute a variety of different cuisines from around the world in an inventive and totally original way. EDITION is thrilled to introduce him to Tokyo, his first foray into Japan.
The BLUE ROOM, a glamorous and romantic space with its luminescent sapphire and topaz colored upholstery—reminiscent of a painting by Yves Klein—high ceiling and magnificent, jaw-dropping views of the city, hearkens back to the glamour of old Hollywood. In another delicate balancing act, it provides a retro-chic feel, yet at the same time, it is modern and innovative backdrop for guests to enjoy all day dining.
The JADE ROOM offers a totally original bespoke menu that is broad and diverse, giving a sense of the local flavors of Japan with that is bold, beautifully curated and well narrated. As is customary in Japan, both restaurants offer private dining rooms.
Outside on The JADE ROOM + GARDEN TERRACE, is a transformative and unexpected ‘Sky Garden’ floating over 450ft (140m) above street level where guests are transported from the frenzied and dynamic pace of city life to a beautifully serene oasis and respite right in the middle of the city. With over 500 plants, trees and shrubs comprised of 25 different exotic species including Asian Bamboo, Cherry Laurels and Birds of Paradise, this magical space might just be the largest skyscraper garden in all of Tokyo. The outdoor restaurant will serve a small menu of sharing dishes, while the bar will offer a selection of specially curated cocktails.
GOLD BAR AT EDITION–ironically all black with deft flourishes of white and gold inspired by the design of a rare fine piece of jewelry–features blackened wood finishes inspired by Japanese yakisugi, a traditional method of charring cedar in order to preserve the wood, gold accents, a fluted black marble bar and white barrel vaulted 16ft (5m) -high ceilings. The first-floor space with street access, transitions seamlessly from a relaxed lounge during the day, with an afternoon traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with a twist, and an all-day food menu, to a sophisticated cocktail bar in the evenings.
The LOBBY BAR at the heart of the hotel will be a place for visitors and those living in the city to work, network and play in an open, yet intimate environment, overlooking Tokyo Bay and the Tokyo Tower. Both bars will serve exotic, fun and original custom cocktails featuring flavors from around the globe, as well as an infinite variety of sake, enabling guests to enjoy a singular experience, or all distinct destinations, in one night.
Rooms and suites that evoke zen-like luxury
Apart from the vibrant social and workspaces, the purity and simplicity of the guest rooms at all EDITION hotels feels especially suited to The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. All 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces, offer unobstructed views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay with a neutral, ‘no color’ color palette of specially treated white oak and light grey, ivory and silver textiles that evoke quiet zen-like luxury and relaxation.
Adding to the urban resort atmosphere is the tranquil SPA offering healing and beauty treatments using products sourced and made in Japan; a 24-hour GYM powered by Technogym; and a white-tiled lap swimming pool and Jacuzzi, both bathed in natural light from an edge to edge clearstory skylight window above. For those who wish to mix pleasure with business, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon has four meeting studios with state-of-the-art technology and projection screens, natural light and urban views, divided by acoustically treated sliding partition walls which can be combined to create a large ballroom accommodating up to 250 guests.
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon officially opens on Tuesday, 20th October 2020. Find out more and book online.
Louise Walker is AGLAIA’s Editor in charge of all content creation and management. She splits her time between London and Miami, and can always be found at a swanky hotel bar sipping on a Negroni. Contact her for any questions or if you would like to become an AGLAIA Contributor: hello@aglaiamagazine.com
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