In the reverberating heart of Tokyo, where skyscrapers meet historic charm, the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi exudes refined boutique-style luxury and impeccable service. This urban gem, nestled within the prestigious Pacific Century Place in Tokyo’s business district and Imperial Palace surrounds, offers a captivating blend of modern elegance, warm hospitality and a distinctive, contemporary sense of place.
Arriving early into Tokyo, we emerged from our immaculate suite to watch the sunrise (in the land of the rising sun), over Tokyo station from our wrap-around, window-side table at the top-floor restaurant of the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi. We went all trainspotter for an hour, watching the infamous porpoise-head Shinkansen bullet trains pull out on tracks like arteries, spreading out to the far reaches of this old, storied city and beyond.
In front of us was a work of art, one of Tokyo’s most discussed Japanese breakfasts – a fine collage of porcelain and pottery, set to perfect precision in a beautiful, lacquer tray. On them, perfectly cooked fish, pickles, rice and egg – modern twists on a traditional theme. It was a truly refined way to start an exciting day of exploring.
This big-name brand executes perfectly into a boutique hotel format in Tokyo’s financial district. At only 57 rooms, it is among the smallest properties by way of keys of the global luxury Four Seasons chain, but it is big on heart. The ambience is informal and relaxing, with no stone unturned – giving the feel of a private member’s club over that of a hotel.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | NRT/HND | GMT +9 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Tokyo will be all around you at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi, but those who want to get deeper into Japanese culture and cuisine should take the hotel up on their private tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market. Exploring the outer market with a local chef, you’ll get to touch, feel and purchase fish and seafood, before returning to his restaurant for a lesson on how to prepare and consume fresh sushi. |
Our Four Seasons Junior Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi was spacious and drenched in natural light. It is designed with a contemporary zen-inducing aesthetic (think beech-wood panelling and plush carpets), with a modern marble bathroom and half-egg-shaped bathtub butting up to floor-to-ceiling windows which let us soak in the view… which was particularly impressive, looking right into the Imperial Palace gardens. Otherwise, Japanese touches are applied sparingly. Perhaps it was the jet-lag talking, but we loved our bed, which cocooned us into blissful slumber each night.
We will say that the suite felt somewhat predictable though, this sort of layout and design has become a ‘Four Seasons standard’, particularly in the brand’s Asia-Pacific hotels, but also globally. By no means did it fall short when it came to luxury or comfort mind, but we felt that it lacked some character.
Dining at the hotel is a culinary journey through Japan’s diverse flavours and traditions, although its acclaimed restaurant, Motif, unexpectedly delighted our senses with innovative French cuisine infused with seasonal Japanese ingredients. The chef’s table experience is a must for OutThere gastronomes.
For wellness enthusiasts, the spa at Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi offers a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. Here, we indulged in bespoke treatments inspired by ancient Japanese rituals.
What stood out best? We think it’s the level of personalisation and genuine warmth afforded to us by the team here. It was them that truly elevated the experience and exceeded the expectations of our stay from the moment we arrived, til the moment we departed… all in a way that’s international and familiar, yet with the consummate politeness that comes as part and parcel of Japanese hospitality. We think they were still in a deep bow even after the elevator doors closed. ‘Otsukaresama deshita’ to them all!
Photography courtesy of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
