Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

BACKGROUND Four Seasons opened its second hotel in Tokyo in September 2020. Located in the business district of Otemachi, it is larger than its sister property and has 170 rooms and 20 suites, four F&B venues, a spa and events space.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel occupies the top six floors of the 39-storey Otemachi One Tower. It is close to various multinational companies and adjacent to Otemachi station, with direct access from exits C4 and C5. The Imperial Palace lies opposite.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel has a more conspicuous arrival area than its sister property in Marunouchi, with a red-orange timber entrance designed to pay homage to Japanese torii gates. The real experience begins on the 39th floor. As the lift doors open, it feels like you have entered a sky-high oasis. Shallow pools of water, which resemble those within a Japanese zen garden, distance you from the floor-to-ceiling windows but don’t obstruct the view. The reflections instead multiply the cityscape and envelop you in tranquillity. Interiors have been designed by Jean-Michel Gathy and Denniston, with Design Studio Spin responsible for dining venues Pigneto, Virtu and Est.

The reception is at the heart of the space, with the reception facing a large centrepiece with an arrangement of seasonal flowers. The hotel o ers wooden keys or digital key via the Four Seasons app.

ROOMS Lifts on level 39 are used to access rooms on levels 34-38. Rooms range from Superior (49 sqm) to Deluxe (50-54 sqm) and Studio (61 sqm), with the option between city or Imperial Garden views. Suites span 67 to 283 sqm.

Blinds open automatically as you enter the room, showing o the mesmerising cityscape views. I could have easily spent the day reclined on the chaise longue watching the sun rise and set behind the skyscrapers and mountains in the distance.

The contemporary design features natural textiles and neutral colour schemes, with a serene wave-like artwork by Namiko Kitaura displayed above the sumptuous bed – a tribute to Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. A round table in the corner has USB and plug sockets embedded into the base of a desk lamp behind. Floating bedside tables have USB and plug sockets and buttons to adjust the lighting, curtains and roller blinds.

FOOD AND DRINK One Michelin Star restaurant Est is led by chef Guillaume Bracaval and pastry chef Michele Abbatemarco. Tasting menus focus on French cuisine, but 95 per cent of produce is sourced in Japan and the kitchen reduces waste by transforming trimmings into stocks and so on. Plant-based products have been used to great success – the tofu resembles creamy burrata in the peau de soja dish. Italian restaurant Pigneto o ers à la carte menus, the lounge o ers high tea, and bar Virtu celebrates French and Japanese spirits.

There are ‘do not disturb’ and housekeeping switches by the door. There is also a large closet area as you enter and a pantry with a Nespresso machine, teapot and eco-friendly aluminium water bottles. The modern and spacious bathrooms include a separate cubicle with a Toto toilet, miniature Frederic Malle toiletries, a freestanding tub where you can bathe with views of Tokyo (and frost the window to preserve your modesty) along with a handheld shower and soothing rain shower.

Amenities include Bose speakers, an ultra HD Smart TV, twice-daily housekeeping, comfy Four Seasons-branded pyjamas, a safe, umbrella, iron and ironing board.

MEETINGS The hotel has 1,370 sqm of function space.

LEISURE The 39th floor has a 24-hour fitness centre and spa, with a dedicated elevator on each guest room floor.

VERDICT Four Seasons continues to impress with its second hotel in Tokyo, whose grandeur will attract a flurry of international visitors now that Japan’s borders have reopened. Hannah Brandler

BEST FOR Impressive views of Tokyo’s lights and exceptional service

DON’T MISS

Seasonal cocktails at Virtu followed by inventive cuisine at Est, and a midnight soak in the freestanding bathtub

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April start from £1,513 for a Superior Room with a city view CONTACT

1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-0004; +81 3 6810 0600; fourseasons.com