SH Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans for 1 Hotel Tokyo, set to open in 2025.
The opening – the brand’s debut in Japan – is the result of a longstanding collaboration with Mori Trust, one of the country’s leading property developers.
1 Hotel Tokyo will be located in the buzzing Akasaka district, serving as an anchor to Mori Trust’s Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project, a complex that integrates retail, business and hospitality experiences.
In line with 1 Hotels’ commitment to nature and sustainability, the hotel’s design draws on natural materials, traditional craftsmanship and Japan’s natural landscapes. The design approach embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, celebrating the beauty in imperfection and using raw materials and textures to create a series of zen spaces.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a tranquil space that blends moss-covered boulders, plant-lined walls, and the same Oya stone that Frank Lloyd Wright used in some of his famed Japanese buildings. On the 38th floor, the main lobby is a peaceful retreat with a sculptural stone water feature that brings the outdoors inside through ample greenery, city views and a ceiling that mimics the raked sand patterns of a zen garden.
F&B offerings at 1 Hotel Tokyo have been curated to reflect Japan’s culinary prowess. The main restaurant, accessed from the 38th-floor lobby, features details like locally sourced stepping stones that emulate a Japanese garden pathway, an open kitchen, multiple private dining areas and views of the Imperial Palace.
The property’s 211 guestrooms blend traditional Japanese design with modern luxury. Entrances feature moss walls, lattice wood accents and natural stone, while bedrooms are complete with live-edge plank headboards, sculptural TV consoles with integrated planters, and wood-beamed ceilings. Bathrooms meanwhile feature organic materials, including chiseled stone vanities and deep soaking tubs, to create a soothing, spa-like ambiance.
1 Hotel Tokyo will offer comprehensive wellness facilities, including a spa inspired by zen gardens, multiple hammams, a fitness center and an indoor pool with large windows that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. A serene outdoor terrace space filled with lush greenery also allows guests to take in views of the city.
The property will house approximately 473m² of meeting and event space, designed with a minimalist aesthetic and complete with rough-hewn wood entry doors and custom carpets inspired by the movement of sand.
“Partnering with Mori Trust, we see a vision realized – a shared vision that transcends mere accommodation and embodies a commitment to nature, luxury and cultural preservation in Tokyo, a city renowned for its innovation and sophistication,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and Chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts. “To world travelers, Japan is revered for the beauty of its gardens and the serenity of the soul. We have tried to mirror this with our 1 Hotel Tokyo. It’s part of our pledge to create exceptional hospitality experiences that embrace the next generation of luxury travelers.”
Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust, also comments: “Tokyo World Gate Akasaka is a development project with a vision to create a lush, green oasis in the heart of Tokyo. With its deep commitment to nature reflected in every aspect – from design to service – 1 Hotels embodies the future of luxury hospitality. We feel it is the perfect flagship choice for Tokyo World Gate Akasaka, and we were excited to bring this mission-driven brand on board. We are confident that 1 Hotel Tokyo will become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world and our local community, further enhancing Tokyo’s appeal. Through our hotel and resort business, we remain committed to establishing Tokyo as a leading tourism destination.”
Sustainability is at the core of 1 Hotel Tokyo, which has achieved the Rank S certification from CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency). The recognition highlights the property’s alignment with Japan’s environmental goals – key initiatives include reduced energy and water consumption, advanced rainwater and greywater recycling systems, and the sustainable sourcing of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) from reclaimed and recycled materials.
“Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the hotel’s very fabric, from energy and water conservation systems to the use of reclaimed materials, creating a sanctuary that respects and enhances its environment,” concludes Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts. “And with its biophilic design and focus on wellness and nature-inspired, community-minded experiences, 1 Hotel Tokyo brings a serene calm – creating an oasis in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling urban environment.”
