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Luxury travel inspiration from the Asia-Pacific region

DestinAsian

<h2><strong>Why stay? </strong></h2>
<p>The inaugural Janu hotel in Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills is probably one of the most anticipated openings since the pandemic. Aman’s sibling brand has a similar emphasis on flawless design, a comprehensive wellness program, and sterling service. What stands out though is the convivial, communal energy at Janu Tokyo. This is expected as it has a total of eight restaurants and bars and 122 rooms—more than any Aman hotel. The overarching difference is that Janu encourages making connections, while Aman is a sanctuary. Janu Tokyo is for the sybarite who treasures calm and serenity but likes to socialize too.</p>
<h3><strong>The neighborhood</strong></h3>
<p>The hotel occupies 13 floors of one of three towers in Azabudai Hills. Stretching over 81,000 square meters, the mixed-use development also houses offices, high-end shops that include the newest flagship Hermès in Tokyo, residences, green spaces, dining outlets, and even art galleries. Guests who still want to venture out of the self-sufficient “village” will find the Kamiyacho and Roppongi Itchome Metro stations nearby, while Haneda International Airport is 30 minutes away by car.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-141296" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Janu-Tokyo-Front-Desk.jpg" alt="The front desk in the lobby of Janu Tokyo." width="1200" height="800" /></p>
<h4><strong>The feel </strong></h4>
<p>The exclusivity factor that Aman does so well is established at Janu Tokyo upon arrival. From the moment guests step out of the car into the private drop-off area, they experience polished efficiency. Upstairs in the fifth-floor lobby, floor-to-ceiling windows frame a view of the iconic red-and-white Tokyo Tower—reminding you exactly where you are. The interiors (by Denniston Associates’ Jean-Michel Gathy, who has designed several Aman hotels) are in a palette of creams and grays, giving an international feel. These are complemented by Japanese inflections like an arrival lobby ceiling embellished with lattice woodwork and woven rope arches: a modern interpretation of <em>shimenawa</em> (Shinto straw rope). Somehow, the high-octane energy in common areas is balanced by a sense of tranquility felt in other sun-drenched spots that feature soaring ceilings.</p>
<h5><strong>Guest quarters </strong></h5>
<p>The understated decor gives the mental space to unwind and relax. Here, the sense of place is more obvious from the traditional <em>sakan</em> plasterwork artwork hanging above the bed to sliding doors inspired by shoji screens. The jewel in the crown is the 284-square-meter Janu Suite, featuring two sprawling balconies, a kitchen and bar, and a dining table that seats six. All rooms and most of the suites open to one or more private balconies with a view of Azabudai Hills’ green spaces and the surrounding cityscape.</p>
<h6><strong>Food and drink</strong></h6>
<p>Eight dining options mean plenty of variety for guests. Families gravitate to the bustling Italian venue Janu Mercato or the elegant Hu Jing, a Cantonese restaurant. Under the watch of head chef Yusuke Yamaguchi, Hu Jing’s kitchen turns out a beautiful Peking duck that is as sought after as its delicately folded dim sum. Couples will enjoy the omakase menu at the 13-seater Sumi, where head chef Hisaki Otsuka cooks perfectly charred morsels of premium seasonal ingredients over <em>binchotan</em>. (Opt for a sake pairing to elevate the experience.) Janu Bar is not to be missed for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap: the signature cocktails have been created to evoke memories of specific Tokyo neighborhoods. As a nod to the numerous sukiyaki restaurants in the Ningyocho district, its Old Fashioned is made with beef fat–washed bourbon.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-141300 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/Janu-Tokyo-Sumi-and-Spa-House.jpg" alt="A dish at Japanese omakase restaurant Sumi; inside a Spa House at Janu Tokyo." width="1200" height="800" /></p>
<h6><strong>Wellness factor</strong></h6>
<p>The enormous 25-meter pool is almost lost in the spa and fitness center that measures over 4,000 square meters. Besides well-appointed hydrotherapy areas that include <em>ofuro</em> pools, separate Spa Houses offer either a hammam or <em>banya</em> steam bath. The Janu Signature Massage is a 90-minute treatment that starts with sound healing and ends with a scalp massage. Gym bunnies will have a field day here; among the up-to-date equipment, there’s an Outrace frame that allows for 1,000 ways of training with one platform, not to mention a golf simulator, boxing ring, and a spinning studio.</p>
<h6><strong>Family matters</strong></h6>
<p>Twenty-four out of the 122 rooms and suites can be connected, allowing larger families to stay together. Janu Tokyo is fast establishing a name for being family-friendly. There is no nanny service, but the concierge team can arrange for a babysitter.</p>
<h6><strong>Sustainability cred</strong></h6>
<p>Beyond biodegradable in-room amenities, the hotel’s built-in systems aim to reduce energy consumption by as much as 40 percent, while up to half of all wastewater is recycled to irrigate the landscaping and serve other uses. Within Azabudai Hills, Janu guests are surrounded by 24,000 square meters of greenery, including an orchard and a farm, featuring 320 species of plants.</p>
<h6><strong>What else?</strong></h6>
<p>Digital art enthusiasts will have an additional reason to stay here. The nearby Mori Building Digital Art Museum houses  , which has relocated from Odaiba and features never-seen-before artworks.</p>
<p>Reviewed by <strong>Mavis Teo</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.janu.com/janu-tokyo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">janu.com</a><br />
+81 3 6731 2333<br />
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnf6D4VDN5RYvb2x6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Azabudai Hills Residence A, 1 Chome-2-2 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan</a></p>


Janu Tokyo

Tokyo Hotels