Latest news with #PalaceHotelTokyo
South China Morning Post
15 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Why Palace Hotel Tokyo is still the ultimate go-to for traditional Japanese hospitality: from its location beside the Imperial Palace and Gardens to its informal yet flawless service
When Palace Hotel Tokyo first opened in 2012, Japan was a very different place. Although back then Tokyo and Japanese cities such as its ancient capital, Kyoto, were already popular destinations – especially among Asian travellers – the country was not the tourist magnet it is now. Thanks to a very favourable exchange rate and more tourist-friendly policies, Japan has become one of the most visited countries in the world over the last five years, leading to issues such as overtourism. As a former resident of Japan, I still remember travelling to formerly off-the-beaten-track spots such as Kanazawa and standing out as one of the few foreigners in a city that is now trending on social media as 'the alternative to Kyoto'. Fast forward almost two decades, and on a recent trip to another historic town, most of the staff at a five-star-hotel from an international chain couldn't even speak Japanese. Advertisement Palace Hotel Tokyo sits next to the city's Imperial Palace and Gardens. Photo: Handout There is obviously nothing wrong with Japan's embrace of international tourism, but it has also come at the expense of a quintessential Japanese quality that has always made the country stand out as a very unique destination. As one of the few luxury hotels in Tokyo not to be part of an international or Japanese chain, Palace Hotel Tokyo has still managed to adhere to that ineffable Japanese concept known as omotenashi, a no-strings-attached commitment to great service that is at the heart of Japanese hospitality. The property needs no introduction to frequent Tokyo visitors. Standing next to the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace and Gardens in the upscale Marunouchi district, the hotel is privately owned by the Yoshihara family, who built it from scratch after tearing down the former Palace Hotel, which first opened in 1961. A bedroom in a deluxe king room offers views of Tokyo's skyline. Photo: Handout All the suites and most of the guest rooms in the 23-storey structure come with balconies – a rarity in a dense city like Tokyo – providing sweeping views of the leafy surrounds. Fun fact: the reason not all the rooms have balconies is to protect the privacy and safety of the Japanese emperor and his family. The prime real estate and central location are reasons enough to make the hotel your base for any visit to Tokyo. Marunouchi is a retail haven, different from nearby Ginza, where you find historic department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya, and the luxury flagships of Western brands. Independent labels and perennial favourites such as Japanese multi-brand boutiques Beams and United Arrows dot the area, while casual and upscale dining options are always buzzing with stylish locals.
The Age
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
The place where tourist scams and rip-offs don't exist
The Palace Hotel Tokyo has all the facilities you would expect from a luxury, five-star hotel. There are eight very good restaurants on site; four bars, including Royal Bar, one of my favourite purveyors of fine cocktails in the city, if not the world. There's a high-end pastry shop. There are artisanal craft stores. There's a spa, a club lounge, and a restaurant beside the Imperial Palace moat that serves one of the world's great breakfasts. But then, there's also something you might not expect: a 7-Eleven. A humble old convenience store. Head to the basement level of one of the world's most prestigious hotels and you can pick up a can of Sapporo beer for about $2, and maybe a 'tamago-sando', or egg sandwich, for about the same again, and a perhaps a chestnut Mont Blanc to round out your bill at something like $6. Amazing. Though, maybe the most unusual thing is that this is not unusual in Tokyo, or throughout Japan, at all. The Keio Plaza, over in Shinjuku, also has a convenience store on site. Many luxury hotels do. It means no more getting stiffed $20 for a mini-bar drink if you don't feel like it. No more heart attacks over the bill for your dodgy room service if that's not the mood you're in. You can just press a button in the lift, go down to the basement, grab everything you need for a couple of bucks and then head back up to your room. If only the rest of the world was like that. Because this isn't even limited to the top end of hotels in Japan. Accommodation providers from all levels will often stock their hotels with vending machines selling cheap drinks and snacks. There's no culture here of taking advantage of the guests trapped in your confines with overpriced sales; instead, you serve them what they require: cheap beer and tasty snacks. Hotel mini-bars are an outrageous rip-off, everyone understands that. It's a thing you just have to put up with when you travel, a facility you only use in an emergency. But not in Japan.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
The place where tourist scams and rip-offs don't exist
The Palace Hotel Tokyo has all the facilities you would expect from a luxury, five-star hotel. There are eight very good restaurants on site; four bars, including Royal Bar, one of my favourite purveyors of fine cocktails in the city, if not the world. There's a high-end pastry shop. There are artisanal craft stores. There's a spa, a club lounge, and a restaurant beside the Imperial Palace moat that serves one of the world's great breakfasts. But then, there's also something you might not expect: a 7-Eleven. A humble old convenience store. Head to the basement level of one of the world's most prestigious hotels and you can pick up a can of Sapporo beer for about $2, and maybe a 'tamago-sando', or egg sandwich, for about the same again, and a perhaps a chestnut Mont Blanc to round out your bill at something like $6. Amazing. Though, maybe the most unusual thing is that this is not unusual in Tokyo, or throughout Japan, at all. The Keio Plaza, over in Shinjuku, also has a convenience store on site. Many luxury hotels do. It means no more getting stiffed $20 for a mini-bar drink if you don't feel like it. No more heart attacks over the bill for your dodgy room service if that's not the mood you're in. You can just press a button in the lift, go down to the basement, grab everything you need for a couple of bucks and then head back up to your room. If only the rest of the world was like that. Because this isn't even limited to the top end of hotels in Japan. Accommodation providers from all levels will often stock their hotels with vending machines selling cheap drinks and snacks. There's no culture here of taking advantage of the guests trapped in your confines with overpriced sales; instead, you serve them what they require: cheap beer and tasty snacks. Hotel mini-bars are an outrageous rip-off, everyone understands that. It's a thing you just have to put up with when you travel, a facility you only use in an emergency. But not in Japan.
NZ Herald
11-05-2025
- NZ Herald
9 etiquette mistakes travellers in Japan often make
'Instead, what's considered most important is to convey feelings of gratitude with polite language. For example, before a meal, say 'itadakimasu'. It's an expression of gratitude towards the person who prepared the food, as well as to the producers. And afterwards, say 'gochisousama deshita', another expression of gratitude.' Ignoring onsen etiquette Going naked isn't just optional in Japanese onsens – it's almost always required, due to the belief that swimming gear can contaminate the water with sweat and dirt. Got tattoos? You'll typically need to cover these – most onsen owners will have a roll of body tape for this exact purpose, because of the connections between irezumi (tattoos) and organised crime syndicates such as the yakuza. It's equally important to shower before entering the onsen, and long hair should be tied back. 'Public baths [onsens] have these rules to ensure the cleanliness of the water for others,' explains Masanori Ikegami. Touching fresh food in supermarkets Let's face it. For most people, the typical grocery shop is a hands-on experience and involves grabbing and squeezing various fruits and vegetables to verify their ripeness. Which, to be very, very clear, isn't something you should ever consider doing in Japanese supermarkets. This isn't just down to a belief that doing so risks contaminating food items or disturbing these stores' beautifully arranged displays of fresh produce – it stems from Japanese spirituality, too. 'In Japan, it is important to treat everything with care as Japanese people believe that gods reside in all things, so rough handling risks causing these things pain,' says Michiko Sato, a national government licensed guide and interpreter and collaborative partner of Palace Hotel Tokyo. Littering Littering is never okay, but it's one of the biggest social faux pas you can commit in Japan. 'From their time in elementary school, Japanese children are taught to clean up after themselves and to clean their own classrooms, and they adopt this mindset from a very young age,' says Sato. 'If you generate litter while out and about, put it in your pockets or a bag until you come across a rubbish bin (most convenience stores will have one) or hold onto it until you get back to your accommodation. This is precisely the reason Japanese people keep small rubbish bags to hand.' Talking too loudly on the train Newsflash: it's not always good to talk, especially when on Japanese trains (eating and drinking is also strongly discouraged). Take a ride on any Japanese train – whether a bullet train or metro – and you'll be struck by the resounding silence. Keep idle chatter to a minimum and if you're listening to music, ensure there's no 'noise leak' from the headphones. If you need to make a telephone call, step outside the carriage. Using your chopsticks like a fork Chopstick etiquette is taken incredibly seriously in Japan, so much so that there's even a term to describe the ultimate no-no: neburi-bashi. This refers to the act of licking chopsticks, while 'mogi-bashi' refers to the taboo of using your mouth to remove chunks of food, such as stubborn grains of rice, stuck to them. Other rules to bear in mind? Don't pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another (this resembles the way cremated remains are transferred to an urn), don't use them to point at someone and never use them to spear your food (this particular culinary crime is known as sashi-bashi). Wearing shoes indoors First things first. Book a room at a Hilton hotel in Tokyo and you won't be asked to remove your footwear before approaching the check-in desk. However, there are many situations where you'll be asked to remove your shoes in Japan. These include temples, historical buildings, onsens and traditional ryokan-style hotels. Typically, these buildings will have areas known as genkans just beyond the front door. Designed as spaces where visitors can remove outdoor shoes (usually swapping them for slippers), these areas separate exterior spaces from interior ones, which will often have delicate tatami flooring. Blowing your nose in public Nobody will be offended if you come down with an unexpected case of the sniffles. But blowing your nose in public is a different scenario entirely and is regarded as highly impolite. 'In public spaces, there's a strong desire among Japanese people to ensure that the environment is comfortable for everyone, not just for oneself,' says Ikegami. The best approach? Stifle those sniffles with a tissue (never a handkerchief, which should only be used to wipe away sweat) and if the situation requires a full-on nose blow, find a quiet corner or public toilet to do so. Carrying no cash Nothing is worse than finishing a meal and having to beg the restaurant owner to wait while you make a frantic dash to the nearest cashpoint. So, while yes, the Japanese love tech, and yes, you can buy everything from fresh underpants to hot coffee from vending machines with a quick swipe of a credit card, cash is still king in many situations. 'It's always better to have some cash to hand just in case,' says Sato. 'When buying tickets for travel on the local metro system, cash is necessary because not all ticket machines accept credit cards, and in many smaller restaurants, such as ramen and noodle bars, you can only pay with cash.'
The Independent
30-04-2025
- The Independent
The Palace Hotel, Tokyo review
This luxury five-star hotel is famed across Japan and beyond. Elegant and steeped in history, it is the preferred Tokyo hotel of Donald Trump and celebrity Sumo wrestlers alike and is set overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens Location It would be difficult to find a location more prestigious than the one occupied by Palace Hotel Tokyo. A stone's throw away from the moat of the Imperial Palace, this elegant hotel has a prime position in the Marunouchi financial district, and is a short walk away from Tokyo Station, making trips further afield on the Shinkansen all too easy to organise. The hotel overlooks the historic green pocket of the city and offers a rare sense of space in an otherwise crowded city. It is perfect for connections to the airports and other regions of Japan, but without the hustle and bustle many will associate with Tokyo. Some travellers may even find the location too low-key at night — Ginza's glitz or Shibuya's energy are a short train ride away, but not on the doorstep. Vibe This hotel leans heavily on traditional Japanese design. The interior is understated, with Japanese craftsmanship, natural woods, and curated ceramics. The hotel has won various awards over the past few years and has a great reputation across Japan. The clientele is a mix of local businesspeople, discerning international travellers and visiting dignitaries. This is not a hotel for backpackers, as the price would suggest, but it is an oasis of calm and luxury in a frenetic city. The facilities are frequently used for high-level government, business, and international events. It is easy to see why. Service The service is what you would expect from a hotel that caters to presidents and celebrities. As soon as you enter the grand lobby, staff offer the sort of attention that feels telepathic. Japanese service and hospitality, or omotenashi, is in full force here. Staff are unfailingly polite and will do everything they can to make the process of checking in and out feel seamless. Bed and Bath There are 290+ luxury rooms and suites across the hotel, many with balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens — a rare feature in Tokyo. The rooms are generous by Tokyo standards and vary from deluxe rooms — with floor-to-ceiling windows, a workspace and an open-style bathroom with separate soaking tub and shower — to the club grand deluxe rooms located on floors higher up. These provide enhanced views, walk-in wardrobes, separate living areas and all the luxury you would expect from a five-star offering. All rooms are a blend of comfort and elegance, many offering a private balcony or two. Expect soft lighting, tech (even a TV in the bathroom), rainfall showers and granite baths. Bathroom amenities are by British brand Bamford, and local touches include bath linens made in Japan and premium Japanese tea by Jugetsudo by Maruyama Nori. There is also a total of seven suites within the hotel. The largest is the 210-250-metre square Palace Suite on the 18th floor. The suite sleeps four, has a dining room for 12 and its own service kitchen. Past guests included Donald Trump, who stayed during a state visit in 2019. Another notable guest, according to the staff, was a Japanese Sumo champion who was given the suite because it was the only one with a bath he could fit into. Johnny Depp, Paul McCartney, Victoria Beckham and Taylor Swift have all also reportedly stayed at the hotel. Guests staying in club rooms and suites have access to the Club Lounge, which includes complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Food and Drink Palace Hotel Tokyo has no fewer than 10 restaurants and bars. All are high-end and highly polished, and the menu prices reflect this. Crowned by the Michelin-starred Sushi Kanesaka, the dining lineup spans French haute cuisine at Est, classic Japanese at Wadakura, and artisanal pastries at Sweets & Deli. The Lounge Bar Privé is a stylish spot for tea or an evening drink with a view. The Royal bar on the ground floor is a standout. The dark-wood, deep-leather room still has the original bar from when it first opened in 1961. A lot of high-end Japanese whisky has been enjoyed in this room. The venues can feel slightly formal, and guests seeking more relaxed, local dining may wish to venture off-site. A huge selection of Western and Japanese options is on offer for breakfast on the ground floor or in the lounge for members. Facilities The facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, a beauty salon and a private club lounge for those in club-level rooms. There are also meeting spaces and shops which stock mainly Japanese brands. The Evian Spa Tokyo has an incredible indoor pool overlooking the city skyline. Treatments focus on mineral enrichment, rejuvenation and renewing vitality, and there are early yoga morning sessions available on request. Disability access The hotel has five accessible rooms and all floors of the hotel are accessible via elevators. There are specific wheelchair-accessible parking spaces outside. Read more: Pet policy A no-pet policy. Only assistance dogs are allowed on the premises. Check in/check out? Check-in at Palace Hotel Tokyo is from 15pm, and check-out is until 12pm. However, staff will do all they can to accommodate you if you arrive early or late. Family-friendly? Yes, but this is a hotel that adults will enjoy more than kids. At a glance Best thing: The large rooms and sweeping views are stunning and a rarity in Tokyo. You would be hard-pressed to find a better panorama in the city. Perfect for: Those who want a bit of luxury — and can afford it. Not right for: Anyone who looks at a hotel as just a place to stash their bags and head out into the city to explore. The hotel is there to enjoy; you could easily spend a weekend inside the building. Instagram from: Any of the 10 restaurants or bars. The sushi restaurant and Royal Bar are standouts will look good on your socials. The views over the royal gardens are also a sight to anyone at home jealous.
