1 Hotel Tokyo makes its highly anticipated debut

1 Hotels has officially entered Japan with the opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo, bringing the brand’s nature-led hospitality model to one of the world’s most design-conscious cities. Set high within the Akasaka Trust Tower, the hotel overlooks the Imperial Palace Gardens, Tokyo Tower, and the surrounding skyline.

The project forms part of Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, a newly developed mixed-use district by Mori Trust designed to integrate offices, retail, and cultural programming within a pedestrian-oriented environment in central Tokyo. “Tokyo World Gate Akasaka was conceived as a district that brings together business, culture, and green space in a way that reflects Tokyo’s future,” said Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust. The development places guests within close reach of Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya, while maintaining proximity to landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Hie Shrine.

Occupying the upper levels of the tower, the hotel introduces 211 guestrooms, including 24 suites and three penthouses. Interiors were developed by global architecture and design studio CRÈME, which approached the project as a transition from the intensity of the city into a more grounded, nature-oriented environment. Guests arrive through a street-level green wall before ascending into a lobby defined by layered greenery, natural materials, and expansive views across the skyline.

“From the thoughtful use of reclaimed materials to the operational rigor that enabled us to achieve Japan’s highest environmental certification, this hotel demonstrates how design excellence and sustainability can elevate one another.”

That approach is reflected throughout the property, where plant-lined walls, textured surfaces, and ceilings inspired by the raked patterns of Zen gardens reinforce a consistent design language. A sculptural Oya stone installation references the material used around the Imperial Palace moat, grounding the interiors in a distinctly local context while maintaining the brand’s biophilic identity.

Dining is structured around three venues that shift throughout the day. NiNi, led by Chef Nikko Policarpio, draws on Mediterranean coastal cuisine interpreted through Japanese seasonality, with dishes prepared using a charcoal-fired Josper grill. Spotted Stone focuses on Japanese craft gin, offering nearly 100 varieties curated by botanical profile and distillation style, while Neighbors Café serves organic coffee, matcha from The Matcha Tokyo, and light bites sourced from local producers.

Wellness is centered on Bamford Wellness Spa, developed in partnership with Carole Bamford, with treatments incorporating shiatsu, acupressure, and bamboo massage alongside organic skincare. Additional facilities include the Field House fitness space, equipped with Technogym equipment and daily programming, as well as an indoor pool connected to an outdoor deck planted to support pollinators above the city.

Sustainability remains fundamental to the project, consistent with the brand’s broader approach. The hotel has achieved CASBEE S certification, Japan’s highest environmental rating, supported by water conservation systems, reduced single-use plastics, and the use of reclaimed and locally sourced materials throughout. Guests are also offered access to a fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron as part of the hotel’s mobility program.

With its integration into one of Tokyo’s newest districts, a design narrative rooted in both Japanese craft and biophilic principles, and a full program of dining and wellness, 1 Hotel Tokyo represents a significant step in the brand’s global expansion.