Tokyo Four Seasons Otemachi – Hotel Review

It may be in the centre of Tokyo’s finance and media district, but with a Michelin-starred restaurant, elaborate afternoon teas and a chic, clubby, Parisian-style bar, the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi has plenty to tempt you away from the laptop.

Where is the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi?

This central hotel sits right beside the Imperial Palace and is directly connected to the major subway hub of Otemachi Station via an underground walkway, so the whole of the city is on your doorstep. It’s 20 kilometres from Haneda International Airport and 70 kilometres from Narita International Airport.

What’s near Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi

From the vistas outside your window, it’s easy to think that the whole of Tokyo – and beyond – is within reach. Depending on your view, you can see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo SkyTree and even Mt Fuji. But in reality, some of the best nearby attractions include the lavish Imperial Palace gardens (a popular place for walks – especially during Sakura season), the neighbourhood of Ginza and the Oedo Antique Market, which takes place on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Room types

The hotel occupies floors 34 to 39 of its building so every one of its 190 rooms and suites comes with a view. The suites are the cream of the crop, but there’s very little difference in size between the entry-level Superior and Deluxe rooms, which is handy to know if budget is a consideration. The décor leans towards minimalist, but decorative touches such as vases of delicate foliage and bedside bird sculptures remind you you’re in Japan.

Restaurants and bars

The one-Michelin starred, French-Japanese fusion Est, whose entry is designed to look like an eclectic, elegant library, is worth booking early. During the warmer months, a seat on the outdoor terrace at the relaxed Italian Pigneto, with its views of the Imperial Palace, Shibuya and Shinjuku, is also the place to be. Either should be preceded with cocktails at the Parisian-style bar, Virtú. But perhaps the best dining experience of all? The Japanese afternoon tea, created by executive pastry chef Yusuke Aoki and praised as some of the best patisserie in the city.

Sustainability

Energy-efficient lighting and heating systems are in place in each room and bicycles are available for guest use. Est restaurant is committed to using shoot-to-root cooking practices, ensuring as much of each ingredient is used in their kitchens. Plus 95 per cent of their produce is sourced from small, local Japanese farms and producers.

Travel for work

The hotel offers 1370 square metres of event and meeting space across the entire property, with a total capacity of 600 people, including three meeting rooms of approximately 40-50 metres squared and several smaller meeting rooms, and a Grand Ballroom for functions. Baristas and food counters can be arranged for conferences and meetings on request.

Spa, gym and pool

The top floor is home to a 20 metre indoor lap pool and heated ofuro, or Japanese bath, with floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline. That’s also where you’ll find the 24-hour fitness centre – which shares those views – and the spa, which uses high-performance products from Swiss brand La Maison Valmont.

What you need to know

At sunset, secure your spot at The Lounge on the 39th floor. There’s live music seven nights a week and a regular “free flowing” Veuve Clicquot happy hour.

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