A nature-inspired urban sanctuary blending biophilic design, Japanese craftsmanship, and sustainable luxury
Tokyo has welcomed a new landmark in luxury hospitality with the official debut of 1 Hotel Tokyo, the first Japan property from the mission-driven lifestyle brand 1 Hotels. Created by hospitality visionary Barry Sternlicht, the hotel brings its signature philosophy of nature-led design and planet-first luxury to one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Now open inside the striking Akasaka Trust Tower, the property rises high above the skyline, offering sweeping views across the city—from the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace Gardens to the iconic silhouette of Tokyo Tower. With 211 rooms and suites, immersive nature-inspired interiors, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the hotel introduces a fresh perspective on urban luxury in Tokyo.
The project is the result of a collaboration between 1 Hotels and leading Japanese developer Mori Trust. It anchors the new Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a next-generation urban hub that blends offices, retail, culture, and green space in a walkable environment. Located in the vibrant Akasaka district, the hotel also offers convenient access to some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, including Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya.
Nature-Led Design in the Heart of the City
At 1 Hotel Tokyo, design is deeply inspired by Japan’s long-standing philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The hotel’s interiors were created by the global design studio CRÈME, which envisioned the property as a calming retreat rising above Tokyo’s bustling streets.
The journey begins at street level, where a wall of greenery marks a quiet transition away from the city’s fast pace. From there, guests ascend through the tower as if moving up the trunk of a tree before emerging into a lush canopy on the 38th-floor lobby.
Natural materials and organic forms define the interiors. Wood ceiling details evoke the texture of tree bark, while textured walls subtly reference the movement of air. A dramatic wall made from Oya stone—a material historically used in the stonework surrounding the Imperial Palace—creates a strong connection between the hotel’s design and Tokyo’s architectural heritage.
Greenery plays a central role throughout the property. Living walls, indoor plants, and open layouts that frame sweeping skyline views bring the outdoors inside, reinforcing the brand’s biophilic design philosophy. The hotel’s 211 guestrooms—including 24 suites and three penthouses—blend Japanese minimalism with modern comfort. Biophilic art made from preserved moss, recycled materials, and locally crafted décor add tactile depth, while select rooms offer stunning views over the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo skyline.
Dining That Evolves Throughout the Day
Food and beverage are also key elements of the guest experience. At 1 Hotel Tokyo, three distinct venues—NiNi, Spotted Stone, and Neighbors Café—create different moods from morning through late evening, welcoming both travelers and local residents.
NiNi is led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, whose background includes Michelin-starred kitchens in Tokyo and leadership roles within Momofuku. The restaurant’s concept blends two coasts and two culinary cultures, pairing the relaxed elegance of the French Riviera with Japanese refinement and seasonal ingredients.
The menu highlights Mediterranean flavors—olive oil, Provençal herbs, fresh seafood, and citrus—reimagined through Japanese precision and seasonality. A standout technique in the kitchen is the use of a Josper Grill Oven, still relatively rare in Japan. Using natural charcoal, the grill intensifies flavor while preserving the delicate character of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Signature dishes include Maguro Tartare inspired by classic French preparation, along with desserts that reinterpret southern French classics with Japanese elements, such as a baba infused with Japanese black tea syrup and orange liqueur.
The hotel’s bar, Spotted Stone, offers a distinctly Tokyo take on cocktail culture. Dedicated to Japanese craft gin, the bar showcases nearly 100 varieties—one of the city’s most diverse collections. Organized like a living library, the menu explores botanicals, distillation techniques, and regional philosophies behind each spirit, allowing guests to discover Japan’s gin landscape one glass at a time.
For a more casual option, Neighbors Café is designed as a community-driven grab-and-go café. Guests can enjoy artisan coffee, premium teas, and nourishing food throughout the day. The café also features drinks from The Matcha Tokyo, bringing high-quality organic matcha into the hotel’s everyday café experience.
Wellness Above the Skyline
Wellness sits at the heart of the experience at 1 Hotel Tokyo. The Bamford Wellness Spa was developed in partnership with Carole Bamford, a pioneer of organic and holistic wellbeing.
The spa’s treatments combine traditional practices with modern therapy, drawing on techniques such as shiatsu, reflexology, acupressure, assisted stretching, and yogic breathing. Signature experiences include a bespoke ritual combining a grounding foot ceremony, restorative massage, and personalized facial treatment using Bamford’s natural skincare products.
Other wellness features include The Field House, a 24-hour fitness space equipped with Technogym equipment, along with a light-filled indoor swimming pool. Guests can also relax on an outdoor deck designed with pollinator-friendly greenery, creating a small ecosystem within the dense urban environment.
A New Benchmark for Sustainable Luxury
Sustainability has shaped the hotel from the ground up. 1 Hotel Tokyo has achieved CASBEE S certification, Japan’s highest rating for environmental performance. Energy-efficient systems, water conservation strategies, refill stations that reduce single-use plastics, and extensive use of reclaimed or locally sourced materials all contribute to the hotel’s planet-first philosophy.
The property also offers guests a unique mobility experience through a partnership with Audi. Visitors can explore the city in the fully electric Audi Q6 e‑tron, supporting low-emission travel while discovering Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods.
With its thoughtful blend of nature, craft, and sustainability, 1 Hotel Tokyo introduces a new kind of luxury retreat in the Japanese capital—one where guests can move seamlessly from sunrise swims and restorative spa rituals to evening cocktails overlooking one of the world’s most iconic skylines.