Bvlgari Tokyo Review: Inside The Luxury House’s Newest Gem
As Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts unveils its newest outpost, Bazaar Arabia explores all the delights this luxe destination has to offer guests, more than 40 storeys high in the sky…
Up above the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo watches over the urban landscape; the new face on Tokyo’s horizon. She made her debut at the beginning of cherry-blossom season, seemingly challenging Mother Nature’s beauty with her understated elegance – she’s a true work of architectural art – and unmatched views of the city’s skyline, breathtaking sights that extend all the way to Mount Fuji. More than just a comfortable place to stay for weary travelers, honeymooners and business folk in need of a rest from the vibrant energy that Japan’s capital offers its visitors, this luxe space is one which few others can claim to rival.
Located in the penthouse levels of Tokyo’s new Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, more than 40 storeys high in the sky, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo calls one of the most central areas of town home: close enough to Ginza, one of Asia’s most famous shopping districts; a stone’s throw away from financial hubs Nihombashi and Marunouchi; and within walking distance from the red brick Tokyo Station.
Seamlessly fusing together local custom, culture and energy with the heritage of the luxury house (everywhere you look, Bvlgari’s notable motifs, mosaics and historical photographs decorate the space, inspired by some of the most celebrated jewellery collections in modern-day history), a stay at the hotel is an otherworldly experience, one where guests are truly enveloped in a sky-high haven crafted through the lens of the iconic Roman brand – but, of course, with a distinctively Tokyo twist.
Whilst you’ll be hard-pressed to entirely forget about the urban rush down below, it’s undeniable that a different sort of energy washes over guests the moment they enter the lobby on the 40th floor: a calm, contemporary tranquility, combined with the attention to detail of Italian craftsmanship and a distinctively Japanese touch. Bvlgari’s Mount Fuji brooch from 1970 is the official symbol of the hotel, a fitting mascot for such a luxe destination.
Designed by Milan-based architectural firm ACPV Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel – the masterminds behind each of one Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts’ “gems,” as the properties are referred to – guests can opt to stay in a room with views of the Imperial Garden or, if available, book into the Bvlgari suite. The spacious 416sqm apartment is one of the largest the city has to offer, boasting a living space with four different seating areas, a private office and gym, dining room (which can seat up to 10 people) and bedroom. Regardless of where you choose to stay, your experience will be plush; from bespoke Italian furnishings to bedding by Hosoo, an ancient kimono textile producer from Kyoto, the shared values of the two cultures can be felt in every corner.
After checking in, guests can make their way to The Bvlgari Bar, located within a Mediterranean garden on the 45th floor, for an aperitif during golden hour. This is truly when visitors can experience the Tokyo skyline coming to life at night, as the rays of the setting sun light up the snow-covered top of Mount Fuji in the distance. Dinner reservations at Il Ristorante Niko Romito will quell any cravings for Italian cuisine, the menu combining authentic dishes with contemporary flair – fresh pasta, including ricotta spinach tortellini in a sage butter sauce; risotto with saffron and Parmigiano Reggiano; and gnocchi with chard and Asiago, elevated takes on classic rustic dishes, are all must-tries.
For those seeking out local flavours, Bvlgari Hotel’s sushi restaurant is located on the 40th floor; Sushi Hōseki’s intimate atmosphere (the restaurant can only accommodate eight diners at a time) is the ideal place to try Omakase – its meaning roughly translating to “I’ll leave it to you” – a Japanese dining style where patrons put their trust in the chef, allowing them to create a bespoke culinary experience. Sweet-tooth satisfactions can be found at the Bvlgari Dolci where chocolates and pastries are sold.
Any stay at a Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts isn’t complete without spending time at the spa – and like her sister properties around the world, Tokyo’s full-length, 25-metre pool is not to be missed. Under the surface of the water, emerald-green mosaics glitter like lost jewels in a mermaid’s grotto, while the adjacent bubbling vitality pool mimics the healing benefits of ancient Roman baths. Bring a novel and spend some leisurely time relaxing on one of the wooden cabanas, stealing glances at the magnificent city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows in between chapters.
The men and women’s changing rooms also boast hot onsen baths and Japanese showers for a truly authentic experience. For those planning on passing through the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, spending a night or two before flying out, you’ll want to rethink your itinerary; a stay here warrants just as much time as any other destination Japan has to offer. Book in for an extra night (or two, or three) and thank us later.
For more information visit bulgarihotels.com
Images courtesy of Bvlgari. Photography: Erik Eastman at Unsplash
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s May 2023 issue.