Aman Tokyo, a Ryokan in the Clouds Above Otemachi

An urban sanctuary born of a bold vision

Rising from the 33rd to the 38th floor of the Otemachi Tower in the very heart of Tokyo, Aman Tokyo is where contemporary city life meets age-old Japanese serenity. Opened in 2014, it was the first Aman property to take root in a major city — a daring move for a brand long associated with remote nature retreats. In Tokyo, however, Aman has stayed true to its DNA: intimacy, refinement and a deep connection to its surroundings.

Set in the Otemachi business district, just moments from the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station, the hotel occupies the uppermost floors of a cutting-edge tower that stands in striking contrast to the calm it offers its guests. The balance is handled with real finesse: from the moment you enter the light-filled lobby, the grain of cypress wood, washi paper walls and dark stone evoke a historic ryokan more than a contemporary high-rise.

Aman Tokyo follows in the footsteps of landmark properties that successfully blend heritage and modernity. Much like L’Apogée Courchevel, built on a former Olympic ski jump and now a byword for alpine luxury, Aman Tokyo reimagines high-end hospitality in an unexpected setting. Its creation stems from a clear ambition: to give Tokyo a refuge in the clouds, where time seems to pause.

Panoramic suites with Japanese design and wide-open views

The 84 rooms and suites at Aman Tokyo offer an unusually generous sense of space for the Japanese capital, with some exceeding 200 m². Every one of them is positioned to frame expansive views of the city — from the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Skytree to Mount Fuji on clear days. Yet it is the way the space is organised that truly sets them apart.

Each suite pays tribute to traditional Japanese aesthetics, reinterpreted in a contemporary palette. Tatami flooring, hinoki-wood furo bathtubs, shoji screens and tokonoma alcoves sit alongside clean-lined architecture and natural, finely crafted materials. Bespoke furniture, minimalist yet practical, reinforces the feeling of calm. Sliding walls allow the space to be reconfigured at will, while soft lighting recreates the soothing atmosphere of a private sanctuary.

This meticulous attention to detail is complemented by discreet but comprehensive technology: in-room tablets, motorised blinds and high-end sound systems. Room service operates with impeccable precision, on a par with the standards of standout properties such as the Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como.

Staying in a suite at Aman Tokyo is to experience a quiet, understated form of luxury, where every element is designed to encourage contemplation and recentring. A cocoon suspended between sky and city.

A 2,500 m² sky-high spa where wellness brushes the clouds

On the 34th floor, Aman Tokyo’s spa ranks among the most impressive in Japan. With 2,500 m² devoted entirely to wellness, it exceeds standard expectations both in size and in the quality of its facilities. At its heart lies a 30-metre indoor pool, flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the city. Swimming here at sunrise or sunset becomes a sensory ritual.

The spa offers a full range of treatments inspired by Japanese traditions and Aman’s holistic philosophy. Rituals incorporate local ingredients such as black rice, matcha green tea and yuzu essential oils. Therapists, trained in both Eastern and Western techniques, tailor each session to the individual needs of every guest.

A relaxation area, yoga studio, state-of-the-art fitness room and onsen bath complete the line-up. True to the spirit of the hotel, the design favours natural materials and pure lines, creating an atmosphere conducive to complete relaxation.

Comparable in its vertical scale to The Standard Bangkok, which also rethinks urban luxury at height, Aman Tokyo is reshaping the very notion of a city spa. Here, wellness reaches new heights.

Exceptional dining between Japanese traditions and Mediterranean influences

Aman Tokyo is far more than a place to sleep or to enjoy a world-class spa. It also stands out for a bold culinary offering, spread across several distinct venues. The restaurant Arva, the flagship for Aman’s Mediterranean cuisine, serves dishes inspired by Italian traditions, with a particular focus on seasonal Japanese produce. Hokkaido burrata, yuzu-scented risotto and slow-cooked Kyushu lamb illustrate this dialogue between cultures on the plate.

For a deeper immersion into local cuisine, Muso — dedicated to kaiseki, the traditional multi-course meal — offers a remarkably authentic experience. The chef creates evolving menus guided by the seasons and the daily arrivals from Toyosu Market. Each dish is a miniature work of art, presented on carefully chosen artisanal tableware.

Set in the lobby, The Lounge by Aman invites guests to savour matcha tea with wagashi (Japanese sweets) while taking in Tokyo’s skyline. In the evening, it transforms into an elegant bar where signature cocktails and Japanese whiskies are served in a low-lit, intimate atmosphere.

Dining at Aman Tokyo is not simply an add-on; it is integral to the overall sensory journey, bringing together excellence, creativity and respect for tradition.

Architecture shaped by nature and the spirit of zen

Designed by architect Kerry Hill, Aman Tokyo is an architectural statement. Eschewing ostentation, it embodies a subtle vision of luxury rooted in the principles of Japanese design: asymmetry, negative space, light and natural materials. The lobby, with its 30-metre-high ceiling and indoor garden reminiscent of a bamboo grove, sets the tone on arrival.

The concept of “ma” — the space between things — lies at the heart of the design. Every volume is allowed to breathe; every perspective is composed to offer a moment of visual pause. Materials are chosen for their texture and their ability to age gracefully: basalt stone, cypress wood, washi paper and black lacquer. Indirect lighting enhances these elements, creating a hushed, almost spiritual world.

The hotel is organised around a central axis that draws the eye towards the horizon, heightening the sense of verticality. This strong architectural stance allows the monumental scale of the tower to coexist with the intimacy of the interiors. The indoor garden, inspired by zen temples, acts as a threshold between the intensity of the city and Aman’s suspended world.

This interplay between vertical perspective and introspection recalls the bold choices of properties such as The Standard Bangkok, which likewise explores what elevated design can achieve. Aman Tokyo, however, takes the idea to an almost philosophical level, where architecture becomes a form of meditation.