The opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo marks the Japanese debut of the sustainable luxury brand 1 Hotels. Located in Akasaka’s Akasaka Trust Tower, the 211-room hotel brings nature-led design, wellness programming, and sustainability-focused hospitality to one of Asia’s most dynamic urban destinations.
Key Takeaways
- 1 Hotel Tokyo becomes the brand’s first property in Japan, expanding its global footprint in Asia.
- The 211-room hotel occupies floors 38–43 of Akasaka Trust Tower, offering views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Tokyo skyline.
- Developed in partnership with Mori Trust, the property anchors the Tokyo World Gate Akasaka district.
- Nature-led design, sustainable materials, and wellness programming define the guest experience.
- The hotel has achieved CASBEE S certification, Japan’s highest environmental performance rating.
Nature-Led Luxury Arrives in Tokyo
The opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a milestone for the sustainable luxury brand founded by hospitality entrepreneur Barry Sternlicht.
Located within Akasaka Trust Tower, the hotel sits high above the city skyline, overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower, and surrounding districts.
The property was developed through a collaboration between 1 Hotels and Mori Trust, forming part of the wider Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project.
Akasaka’s central location places guests within easy reach of major Tokyo neighbourhoods including Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya.
Biophilic Design Inspired by Japanese Craft
Spanning floors 38 through 43, the hotel features 211 guestrooms, including 24 suites and three penthouses.
The interiors were created by global architecture studio CRÈME, blending the brand’s biophilic design philosophy with Japanese craftsmanship.
Design highlights include:
- Extensive use of reclaimed wood and natural materials
- A sculptural Oya stone wall referencing traditional Japanese stonework
- Moss-inspired art installations and preserved botanical elements
- Lush greenery integrated throughout public spaces
The arrival experience reinforces the nature-led narrative. Guests enter through a street-level green wall before ascending to the 38th-floor lobby, designed to evoke the feeling of emerging into a forest canopy.
Dining Concepts Blending Global and Local Influences
Food and beverage programming plays a central role at the hotel, with three distinct venues designed to appeal to both travellers and local residents.
NiNi
NiNi is the hotel’s signature restaurant led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, whose background includes Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo and leadership roles with the Momofuku group.
The restaurant combines French Riviera flavours with Japanese culinary precision, featuring dishes such as:
- Maguro tartare inspired by classic French preparations
- Josper charcoal-grilled seafood and meats
- Seasonal Riviera-inspired seafood platters for weekend brunch
Spotted Stone
Spotted Stone is a cocktail bar dedicated to Japanese craft gin.
With nearly 100 varieties, the bar is designed as a curated “library” of gin, organised by botanicals, distillation methods, and regional origins.
Neighbors Café
A casual grab-and-go venue, Neighbors Café focuses on artisan coffee, premium teas, and wholesome snacks. The café also features products from The Matcha Tokyo, alongside items sourced from nearby small businesses.
Wellness Sanctuary Above the City
Wellness is another key pillar of the hotel’s concept.
The Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with Carole Bamford, offers a range of holistic treatments rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions.
Signature treatments include:
- The 1 Hotel Tokyo Experience, combining massage, facial treatments, and grounding rituals
- Japanese Bamboo Massage using Kyoto bamboo tools
- Green Tea Healing Facial featuring organic Japanese skincare
Additional wellness facilities include:
- The Field House fitness studio equipped with Technogym equipment
- A light-filled indoor pool with skyline views
- An outdoor deck designed to support pollinators and urban biodiversity
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability remains central to the brand’s operating philosophy.
1 Hotel Tokyo has achieved CASBEE S certification, the highest environmental performance rating under Japan’s building sustainability system.
Key initiatives include:
- Smart energy and water conservation systems
- Refillable water stations to reduce single-use plastics
- Extensive use of reclaimed and locally sourced materials
- Environmental reporting through the brand’s Certified Sustainable Gatherings programme
Guests can also explore the city through the hotel’s Audi Electric Vehicle Experience, which offers access to the fully electric Audi Q6 e‑tron.
Why It Matters
The launch of 1 Hotel Tokyo signals the continued expansion of sustainability-focused luxury hospitality in Asia.
Tokyo remains one of the world’s most competitive hotel markets, with international brands increasingly introducing wellness-driven and environmentally conscious concepts.
By combining biophilic design, local cultural influences, and advanced sustainability standards, the hotel reflects a broader shift in the luxury travel sector toward experience-led and purpose-driven hospitality.
The project also strengthens the positioning of Tokyo World Gate Akasaka as a next-generation urban district integrating business, culture, hospitality, and green space.
At a Glance
- Hotel: 1 Hotel Tokyo
- Location: Akasaka Trust Tower
- Rooms: 211 guestrooms including 24 suites and 3 penthouses
- Developer: Mori Trust
- Dining: NiNi, Spotted Stone, Neighbors Café
- Wellness: Bamford Wellness Spa, indoor pool, Technogym-equipped fitness studio
- Certification: CASBEE S (Japan’s highest environmental rating)
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