Hotel of the week: Hotel Gajoen, Tokyo

Over 90 years old, but with very modern interiors, Hotel Gajoen opened in Tokyo in 1928 to much acclaim.

According to Small Luxury Hotels, of which it is a member, when it opened Hotel Gajoen promised cuisine, hospitality and surroundings so otherworldly it became known as the ‘Palace of the Dragon God’.

The moniker stuck, and nearly a century later the boutique hotel offers some of the finest omotenashi hospitality in Tokyo.

Where is it?

Situated between the Minato, Shinagawa and Meguro districts, Hotel Gajoen is a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle of busier districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku – but these districts are just 20 minutes away by train. Just a five minute walk from Meguro Station, it’s nestled at the bottom of a short but steep hill.

The steep embankment and irregular shuttle timetable from the hotel should be something to consider if your main form of transport in Tokyo is the subway and if you, or anyone you’re travelling with, has any walking difficulties.

Style

Part hotel, part art gallery, Hotel Gajoen is a sprawling haven for any culture seekers. The walls are plastered with a myriad of traditional Japanese art. Brilliant golds are offset by deep teals and lush, textured fabrics with art plastering the walls and ceilings throughout the lobby, meeting rooms and restaurants.

Beyond the maze of artworks, spot the ornately carved wooden panels and Japanese lacquer work or listen carefully to hear the trickle of the flowing water of the small indoor river past the tranquil gardens.

Upstairs, the rooms are the perfect calming antidote to opulent décor seen through the rest of the hotel, with beige palettes, large, comfy beds and nods to traditional Japanese ryokan décor. Bathrooms are spacious and bright, with all the modern amenities you can expect from a five-star hotel.

Food & drink

With five restaurants offering an array of different cuisines, there will always be something to satisfy your cravings here. Choose from Chinese, Japanese, Italian and American Grill or simply opt for the café and bar for pastries during the day and tapas at night.

Each cuisine comes with its own restaurant offering a unique style of décor – but if you had to pick one, opt for Tofutei, the Japanese restaurant surrounded by the hotel’s calming atrium garden.

Extra-curricular

The hotel offers a number of activities guests can take part in – including an art tour of the hotel, where you can discover even more of the original 20^th century artworks, a ‘matcha experience’ where guests can sample the famous green drink during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A temple walking tour of Meguro is also available for guests as is Morning Art Yoga – the latter at an extra cost – taking place in one of the art-centric rooms followed by a healthy breakfast.