I’d like to believe that I manifested my stay at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. When I was last in Tokyo about a year ago, the hotel had just opened and I found myself constantly circling its gilded glow like a moth to a flame as I explored the streets of Ginza. Designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the exterior’s sleek lines and warm amber hues promised sophistication while keeping its secrets hidden behind those heavy double doors helmed by secret service-like doormen dressed in all black.
First impressions: warm, effortless luxury
Fast forward a year later, there I was stepping through those same doors. I wasn’t ushered to the front desk but was instead gently asked to wait at the curved white couch artfully draped in a fur throw as my passport was politely taken away. A welcome drink order followed – sparkling wine, juice, coffee or tea – coming straight from the crystal-adorned Lobby Bar. The weary traveller in me sank into the dimly lit cocoon of the lobby, enveloped by the signature EDITION black tea and bergamot scent crafted by Le Labo. Now this is how all check-in experiences should be.
The rooms: quiet elegance meets Japanese minimalism
I stayed for two nights in a Premier Room, a generously sized 48-square-metre space that’s big by Tokyo’s standard. My room was located right outside the elevator, which would normally worry me about late-night hallway hijinks from other guests and the thunder of doors slamming shut as people returned to their rooms from the day. But not here at The EDITION – peace takes over from the moment you close your door.
I’m told there are 86 guestrooms in total, including 10 suites, each similarly designed with walnut hardwood floors, soft lighting and veneer walls. But the most stunning design element has to be the dark green marble vanity with enough space to accommodate all your toiletries right by the separated toilet and shower areas.
The rest: eating, drinking and working it off
With less than a hundred rooms, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza keeps its other offerings modest. The Punch Room offers an intimate space for cocktails and signature punch bowls, while Sophie at EDITION is an all-day dining modern brasserie. It was there that I enjoyed a semi-buffet for breakfast, which included a selection of classic breakfast staples like eggs and avocado on toast to a beautifully balanced Japanese breakfast paired with unlimited pastries, juices and other treats.
And if walking around the small streets of Ginza doesn’t help hit your daily step goal, there’s always the small 24-hour gym in the hotel. For more facilities like access to a swimming pool or spa, guests are also welcome to visit The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, which is located about 3.6km away.
Get ¥3,000 off your next Tokyo stay
Rates at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza are competitive, particularly during Japan’s peak travel seasons like when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. To save ¥3,000 on your next hotel stay in Tokyo, book your hotel through Rakuten Travel and use the promotion code ‘TIMEOUTPROMO’ at checkout. The promo code is redeemable up to five times per user on bookings and stays till December 31 2025.
Time Out’s stay was courtesy of Rakuten Travel and The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza