Review: Aman Tokyo

Set the scene

The legendary Aman name hovers like a halo above its competitors for the uncanny way in which the hospitality company can bed down in any locale and elevate the destination. Here, Aman spins its point of view on Tokyo, with unobstructed views of the imperial garden from high within its hotel tower. It’s a realm of immeasurable calm in a city of frenetic lights, where the resident architect—the now-deceased Kerry Hill—played with the tenets of the Japanese house, and its delineation of indoor and outdoor space in the lobby, using a bevy of natural materials. After one night here—or even just an afternoon tea—and you’ll understand why legions of luxury seekers have dubbed themselves “Aman junkies”.

The backstory

The canary in the coal mine for the entire Aman portfolio, Aman Tokyo was the first urban essay by the brand—bringing nature into the city. And, needless to say, it was a smashing success, ushering in the development of several more urban properties, namely the recently opened Aman New York.

Rooms

Oversized rooms follow Hill’s meditation on the Japanese home, with decor that’s uncompromisingly local—pared back with an attention to fine materials—in an attempt to fully seduce the senses. Slide the washi-covered door panels to reveal a stone-laid bathroom within, complete with a furo bathtub overlooking the city.

Food and drink

The theme of intentionality continues in Aman Tokyo’s food and beverage offerings, especially at the keystone restaurant, Musashi by Aman, where the eponymous chef serves omakase-style sushi and sashimi to delighted diners from across the sweeping hinoki wood bar. Everything has been masterminded by Musashi himself, reaching far beyond the fish purchased at the market earlier that morning: on his days off he retreats to the mountains beyond Tokyo where his farms fresh wasabi and rice that not only make their respective appearances on the plate, but the rice is also used to ferment into the restaurant’s signature sparkling sake. The language barrier can be somewhat of a hurdle at times for those who don’t speak Japanese, but the incredible flavors and stunning dish presentation need no translation. Even if you’re not staying at Aman Tokyo, it’s well worth booking a table here.

The spa

Massive, sky-lofted swimming pools are par for the course in Tokyo’s luxe hotel scene, but Aman does it best, in a vaulted, stone-clad atrium some 30-plus floors above the street. The perfect escape during a rainy day, the spa feels like a spaceship navigating the gray, smoggy clouds as passengers recline on oversized daybeds under soothing lights emitted from a switchboard-like wall.

The service

Wish fulfillment is the name of the game at Aman, where any request will be heartily fulfilled; sometimes the eager anticipation of your needs can mean being asked what exact time you want your breakfast the next day even before you’ve completed your check-in, but it’s all in the spirit of proffering seamless service.

The neighborhood

In the quiet of the pandemic, the Aman Tokyo team began expanding their “Tokyo by Aman” ethos beyond their bricks and mortar, handcrafting bespoke touring opportunities in the neighboring area of Nihonbashi, home to generations-old businesses dedicated to traditional crafts. On an Aman-led excursion, guests can order custom kimono, engrave their own chopsticks, and decorate handmade fans, to name a few of the experiences.

Anything left to mention?

We can’t wait to check out the opening of Janu Tokyo, the newest Aman endeavor; a brand that puts a dedicated wellness spin on the company’s core values. The gleaming luxury property is set to open at the end of 2023 in the middle of 2024 in the Toranomon neighborhood, only a few miles from Aman Tokyo.