Why Stay?

The crown jewel of the 45-story Yaesu Central Tower, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo delivers a spellbinding blend of Italian design and Japanese craftsmanship. It’s a natural draw for devotees of the venerated jeweler (evident from the sinuous bracelets and Serpenti sunglasses worn by guests). The decor weaves in references to contemporary designs like the Diva range, while vintage advertisements and portraits of silver screen stars such as Elizabeth Taylor (an avid Bulgari collector) adorn the walls. Another highlight? The spectacular views from the rooms, restaurants, and other guest facilities. On a clear day, Mount Fuji is visible in the west, while east-facing windows frame vistas across Tokyo Bay from sunrise to sunset, when the cityscape turns into a canvas of twinkling lights.

The Neighborhood

Directly opposite the Yaesu exit of Tokyo Station, the glassy skyscraper housing the property forms part of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu mixed-use development. (There’s also a swanky underground bus terminal for cross-country journeys.) Bulgari Hotel Tokyo puts guests on the doorstep of Nihonbashi, a historic financial quarter now brimming with renewed vitality, and the Ginza shopping district is just one stop away on the Tokyo Metro. The place may be surrounded by skyscrapers, but it is just a stone’s throw away from the Imperial Palace, whose moated green gardens offer guests a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.

A view of Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, the signature Italian restaurant at Bulgari Hotel Tokyo.

The Feel

Think Rome meets Tokyo; Milanese studio ACPV Architects has struck a fine balance between Italian panache and Japanese minimalism. At street level, guests arrive via a long, dimly lit corridor paved with green-veined Italian marble, while local textile patterns flank the hallway leading to the 40th-floor main lobby. The hotel reception is anchored by two large Carrara marble tables by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, with seasonal blooms in gold-hued statement vases on top. This vast space opens up to an Italian sweet shop, a tea lounge, a bijou sushi venue, an Italian restaurant, and an impressive spa that spans 1,800 square meters.

Guest Quarters

The exceptional quality of the furnishings extends to the private spaces: think Maxalto desks and Flexform chairs, and headboards upholstered in silk fabric designed by Japanese artist Shoko Okumura for the House of Hosoo, a textile manufacturer founded in Kyoto in 1688. In the Premium rooms, a Murano glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso hangs over the bed. Accommodations are bright and Zen from a healthy dose of sunlight and a light palette from the elm-wood floors and panels, while the bathroom exudes sexy Italian vibes through dark granite tiles and the Roman travertine countertop.

Food and Drink

As at six other Bulgari hotels worldwide, long-time collaborator and celebrated chef Niko Romito oversees the one-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant in the Tokyo outpost. Taking up a double-height space with a curved wooden ceiling inspired by Japanese temples, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito serves guests simply plated Italian classics that are big on flavors. For instance, al dente spaghetti is drenched with just the right amount of signature tomato sauce for an explosion of tart, sweet, and rich flavors. At eight-seater Sushi Hoseki, head chef Takuro Shimizu turns out exquisite morsels of vinegared rice topped with the best seasonal catch; this is paired with a beautiful selection of sake. Chef Shimizu’s clout in the industry means diners get the first bites of highly prized melt-in-the-mouth bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori as soon as the season starts in fall. Make time for drinks at the 45th-floor Bulgari Bar. Styled like an Italian living room, it boasts an outdoor terrace featuring Japanese yuzu and Italian lemon trees. Even if you are a teetotaller, the bar’s dazzling mosaic wall depicting birds in a garden is well worth a look.

A relaxation pool with a view in the spa at Bulgari Hotel Tokyo.

Wellness Factor

The sprawling high-ceilinged spa is flooded with natural light. It’s a pleasure to get your laps in the glimmering 25-meter pool as the sunlight bounces off the emerald green and gold mosaic tiles. Book an Augustinus Bader facial or body treatments, as this spa has the exclusive use of the German skincare brand’s products in Japan. The Bulgari Gymnasium features the latest Technogym equipment for customized workouts.

Family Matters

For all its chic glamour, the hotel is surprisingly child-friendly. There are coloring books and color pencils, special cutlery and breakfast options for toddlers, and even little Bulgari puzzles.

Sustainability Cred

An energy-saving sensor system cuts off power and lowers the blinds when it senses there is no one in the room. The property has made the switch from single-use plastics to glass bottles and paper cartons. Rooms and suites come stocked with organic, pesticide-free green tea from Kitano Chaen in Kyushu’s Saga Prefecture.

What Else?

Sybarites with deep pockets may want to book the beautifully furnished Bulgari Suite. Spanning 416 square meters with the option to expand even further by connecting with an adjoining suite, it’s one of the largest suites in Tokyo, and arguably has the best views.

Reviewed by Mavis Teo

bulgarihotels.com
+81 3 6262 3333
2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo: Glittering Treasure

Tokyo Hotels

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