After an eight-year search to find the perfect Tokyo location, the latest gem in the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Collection has finally emerged. And the wait was worth it.
Perched between the top six floors of Tokyo’s newest Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, Bulgari Tokyo stands out as the epitome of glamour and sophistication. This exquisitely-designed masterpiece effortlessly harmonises the magnetism of Italian luxury and heritage with the meticulous artistry of Japanese craftsmanship, bestowing upon the neon-lit city its very own serene sanctuary in the sky. Let’s take a look.
The Vibe
It’s glamorous. It’s intimate. And it’s already attracting the city’s coolest elite.
So new is the Bulgari Tokyo (opened in April 2023) that it still holds an aura of delightful secrecy and freshness. Checking in, one feels instantly embraced by an air of exclusivity, yet this is a hotel where genuine warmth and hospitality supersede any notion of pretentiousness. Here, you’re welcomed as a cherished guest – with a buongiorno and a courteous bow – to enjoy la dolce vita, Japanese style. The cultural collaboration we never knew we needed.
The Rooms
The Bulgari Tokyo has 98 rooms and suites, all of which feature seriously jaw-dropping views and stunning interiors that conspire to delight the very lucky guests who cross their thresholds. A quick tap of the key card to enter and the blinds begin to gently rise, revealing a captivating panorama of Tokyo’s sprawling cityscape. And it never gets old. With such breathtaking vistas at your disposal, the allure of indulging in leisurely lie-ins and ordering in some Italian room service is quite irresistibly compelling. You can certainly skip the trip to Shibuya Sky if it’s views you’re after; these rooms are observatories in their own right.
The rooms and suites themselves are light and airy, a rarity in Tokyo’s compact landscape. All balance gorgeous textures, natural materials and incredible attention to detail – think perfect day-to-night lighting, smart storage to keep the space clutter-free, and full bathroom privacy for those of us who don’t love the all-glass-everything vibe. Silk-clad walls and warm elm wood bring opulence and relaxation, and when it comes to adding a touch of glamour, the Bulgari black granite bathrooms and artwork celebrating the brand’s heritage steal the show. Guests certainly come back to a wonderful blend of refinement and indulgence after a day of street-wear shopping and noodle worshipping.
Interiors aside, thoughtful amenities very much cater to the most fabulous of Femmes. Perfectly-lit dressing tables come adorned with a Dyson hairdryer set, a cushioned jewellery tray to showcase your sparklers, and our favourite touch: two complimentary makeup brushes of gorgeous quality. Open wardrobe areas also provide ample space for outfit planning and obligatory pre-cocktail bar selfies.
For those with an unlimited budget, the Bulgari Suite, boasting a staggering expanse of 416sqm (yep, you read that right), is also worth a special mention. This palatial suite – whose entry hall alone is quite literally larger than your average London one-bed – features a gym, a bar, a kitchen and a colossal lounge, making it undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s largest, most epic vacation pads. Best of all, it’s designed exclusively for two fortunate souls (sorry, kids), and up to 70 distinguished invitees should the fabulous pair choose to host a very boujee soirée.
The Food + Drink
Breakfast can be included in the room rate at the Bulgari Tokyo if you’d like it to be, and there are some pretty elaborate set menus on offer that would make it worthwhile. These include a Japanese multi-dish feast whose main event – an exquisite slice of seared salmon – comes served up on a very dramatic piece of stoneware, and an unapologetically sweet, gluteny Italian bread selection crafted especially for the carb queens among us. There’s also a lighter omelette or chia pudding brekkie too, plus all the à la carte classics.
Beyond breakfast, Bulgari Tokyo has two exceptional restaurants. Popular amongst discerning locals, the first, Il Ristorante by Niko Romito, showcases contemporary Italian cooking in a stunning setting overlooking the city lights. And then there’s the ultra-intimate, eight-seater Sushi Hōseki, which might sound familiar to Bulgari hotel fans (there’s another successful restaurant by the same name over at Bulgari Dubai). Under the direction of three-star sushi chef, Kenji Gyoten (of Sushi Gyoten in Fukuoka), guests can expect a delectable omakase featuring some of the most melt-in-the-mouth, finest quality nigiri – all with quite lovely zen garden views.
Guests and Tokyo locals can bring their day to a stylish close at the impeccably chic Bulgari Bar, sandwiched between two spectacular 45th floor rooftop terraces that, come summer, are destined to become Tokyo’s ultimate destination for the city’s most glamourous cocktail-sipping patrons. Here, the artfully crafted cocktail and snack menus blend Japanese and Italian flavours into many tempting creations that will undoubtedly have guests returning every evening. Coffee-infused sake anyone?
The Spa
On the 40th floor, a tranquil, resort-style spa awaits guests, offering a delightfully serene skyscraper escape from the city below. This is a spa that caters to everyone: relaxation-seekers have their pick of luxurious indoor or outdoor wooden cabanas – all with very epic panoramic views. Swimmers can make a splash in the 25-metre, emerald mosaic-clad pool. And those city explorers getting 20k steps in a day can hop between the onsen or a very photogenic vitality pool adorned with a stunning travertine Bulgari-branded waterfall. There’s also a gym, sauna and steam rooms, plus a curated menu of high-end Augustinus Bader facials and Ayurvedic body treatments on offer.
The Little Extras
As for the little extras that might elevate your stay, packing and unpacking services free up time to explore the vibrant city, while personal shoppers are also on hand for those in search of the coolest Tokyo street-style finds. And should you arrive by bullet train to the impossible labyrinth that is Tokyo Station, save yourself the intense stress of finding your way out alive, and have the hotel staff come to pick you up from your platform for the smooth, fabulous check-in you deserve.
The To-Do List
The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo boasts an enviable location within easy reach of several must-visit spots. For rich history and lush surroundings, take a leisurely stroll over to the Imperial Palace. Alternatively, head in the opposite direction for some luxe retail therapy in the upscale shopping districts of Ginza (pedestrianised on weekends) and Nihombashi, or discover the city’s vintage shopping. With Tokyo Station right across the street, guests also have convenient access to explore the city and its many buzzy neighbourhoods, including Harajuku (for pet cafes, street fashion, and uber-cool salons), and the famous Shibuya and Shinjuku. A wander through the mega station is also a must if you’re hoping to pick up a variety of amazing Japanese snacks to take home. Alternatively, skip the crowds and pop into the hotel’s very own chocolate and pastry boutique, Bulgari Dolci, for a less chaotic sweet treat experience.
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