Hotel review: Hoshinoya Tokyo
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese style inn where guests can relax in a tatami-floored room, soak in hot spring baths and indulge in seasonal cuisine.
Ordinarily found in Japan’s more rural regions where the seasons are celebrated, a ryokan in the heart of the city is uncommon at best. So, how did Hoshinoya Tokyo come to be?
“Instead of focusing on what we could offer our guests, I began to think about what we could offer Tokyo,” said Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts.
“There are many elements of traditional Japanese culture that are slowly disappearing from Tokyo, Hoshinoya is built on the theme of ‘an alternative Japan’ we envisioned a country that had kept all of its best elements, seeking to modernise them instead of dismissing them as obsolete.”
And in this vein, Hoshinoya Tokyo represents the imagining of ryokan culture as if it had evolved alongside other modern aspects of the city, a beautiful idea indeed.
Shoes off, please
Each hotel under Hoshino’s unique ‘Hoshinoya’ title has been designed to take the guest into another world.
This begins with the symbolism of the entry itself. In Tokyo, you step inside the unassuming foyer and a giant wooden wall splits in two before your eyes revealing the secret interior.
Once inside, shoes must be removed in a ritual that mirrors the shedding of the stresses and norms of the outside world.
The minimally decorated entrance has high ceilings with a wall of latticed bamboo shoeboxes and one decorative art piece that changes to reflect the seasons of Japan – an integral ethos of ryokan culture.
Kiku: The Grand Poobah of rooms
Japan is a city renowned for small spaces. One need only look to the pocket-sized bars of Golden Gai in Shinjuku or the pod style hostels to experience it. Most travellers visiting Japan prepare themselves for this reality, but most travellers haven’t been to Hoshinoya Tokyo.
As with other properties under the Hoshinoya title, the word ‘room’ is found lacking to describe the Kiku suite, the largest on offer at the property, coming in at a whopping 83 square metres. In reality, it is more like the chic penthouse of a Japanese socialite with impeccable taste.
The soft tatami matted floor continues inside all Hoshinoya guest rooms, as does the blending of traditional Japanese elements and luxurious modernity. The cloud-like futon bed is on a slightly raised mezzanine and the large two-person tub creates your own personal onsen.
The walk-in wardrobe is not only the size of your typical hotel room in Japan, but comes equipped with pyjamas and a traditional kimono to wear around the hotel.
24hr onsen and rotating snacks
Well, almost 24-hour. The famed ‘tower ryokan’ of Hoshinoya Tokyo is open exclusively to guests from the hours of 3pm until 11am the next day.
So, whether your clients would rather soak by daylight or moonlight with the stars twinkling overhead, the choice is theirs.
On the 17th and highest floor of the building, the curative water is pumped from 1,500 meters below ground and salted to create the restorative properties of the traditional Japanese onsen.
Recently voted ‘Tokyo’s Best Ryokan’ by users of Tripadvisor, you can bet this onsen experience is something pretty special.
Every floor has a common lounge exclusive to the guests staying on that level. If your clients opt out of the in-room breakfast (foolish), the Ochanoma lounge has got them covered with a selection of snacks throughout the day.
For an alternative breakfast, they can pick up a seaweed wrapped rice ball with miso soup and pickles. Freshly brewed and hand dripped coffee is available from 8am until midday, and for a late-night snack, guests can prepare a tasty mug of ramen.
The fridge is also stocked with local beers, soda and ice cream. The best part – everything in the Ochanoma lounge is included in your room price.
Tea, sake and a man with a spinning umbrella
For 8,000 yen, guests can experience a traditional tea workshop, learning about the art of ceremony and tasting matcha tea of an incredible quality sourced exclusively from Kyoto.
This experience provides a lovely counterpoint to the bright lights and shopping lanes of popular neighbourhoods in Tokyo.
Interestingly, as little as 20 per cent of Japan’s modern population has the skills to perform the tea ceremony in its traditional form.
After World War 2, the curriculum was updated to reflect more modern ideals and with it was lost the mandatory learning of the ancient skills like calligraphy and tea ceremony.
Next up was the traditional Japanese performer. Mouths were agape throughout this performance as balls, boxes and teacups were spun on top of an umbrella and an entire tea set balanced two meters in the air on this man’s chin, teeth, forehead and finger.
Dining, Nippon-style
Located in the basement floor, with walls artfully designed to represent the rocky sediment from which this grotto-like restaurant was carved, the setting evokes the peaceful serenity that one encounters in a traditional ryokan.
There are six private tatami-matted dining rooms, sparsely decorated to allow Chef Hamada’s elaborate creations to take centre stage.
Chef Hamada travels around Japan visiting local farmers to find the best ingredients that have been thoughtfully produced or grown in natural environments.
Every one of the 10 dishes served, as part of the ‘Nippon’ menu was a work of art in itself, but the most unforgettable would be the ‘five flavours of delight’ – five meticulously designed pieces representing the five flavours (sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami) placed on stones individually heated to suit each bite-sized portion.
Favourites included a tiny portion of pea soup, a green bubble complete with garnish, only half the size of a ping-pong ball bursting with flavour. Equally delicious was a miniature croquet of chrysanthemum greens with whelk and escargot butter.
Hoshinoya Tokyo merges the concepts of home and formal dining beautifully with a private dining room for guests. It reinforces the idea of the entire ryokan being yours for the length of your stay.
Verdict: 10/10
You may have already surmised, but the overall rating I’m giving Hoshinoya Tokyo is a resounding 10/10. The luxury of space and relaxation in the heart of one very frenetic city makes this hotel a destination in and of itself.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Hoshinoya Tokyo Hotel Review ryokan tokyoLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!