Tokyo is a city that famously never sleeps, a neon-lit labyrinth of kinetic energy and towering steel. But high above the bustling streets of Akasaka, a new kind of retreat has just opened its doors. One that swaps the concrete jungle for a sort of “treehouse” in the clouds.

1 Hotel Tokyo is now officially open, and it is every bit the biophilic dream you’d expect from a brand rooted in planet-first hospitality. Perched through the 38th to 43rd floors of the Akasaka Trust Tower, the hotel pretty much feels like a natural sanctuary.

A Treehouse Above the City

The design philosophy here, spearheaded by the global studio CRÈME, is simple yet poetic. Think of the tower as a great tree, and the hotel as a treehouse nestled in its canopy. As you ascend to the 38th-floor lobby, you get to feel a genuine sense of travelling upwards through a majestic trunk, leaving the urban noise behind for a world of tactile, crafted details and curated greenery.

1 Hotel Tokyo presents itself as a true example of sustainable luxury. While those two words might sometimes feel like they contradict each other, here they exist in perfect harmony. The hotel has even achieved the CASBEE S certification, Japan’s highest possible rating for environmental performance, proving that you really can indulge while being mindful of the Earth.

Rooms with a (Very Grand) View

The hotel features 211 guestrooms, including 24 suites and three truly jaw-dropping penthouses. The interiors are a calming medley of sustainable materials and Japanese craftsmanship, but the real star of the show is what lies outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Depending on which way you turn and what rooms you choose, you’re treated to panoramic views of the Imperial Palace gardens, the iconic Tokyo Tower, or the shimmering Tokyo city skyline. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you want to stay in your dressing gown just five minutes longer. To forget your well thought out travel itinerary and just be.

A Flavour of Tokyo

If you believe that the best way to truly know a city is through its palate, 1 Hotel Tokyo has curated a collection of spaces that do exactly that. Beyond just a stay, it is also a destination for food lovers who appreciate a thoughtful menu just as much as a beautiful interior.

• NiNi: For a bit of culinary theatre, NiNi offers a gorgeous fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Don’t miss the Maguro Tartare, a dish built on a classic French framework but accented with delicate Japanese aromatics.
• Spotted Stone: This is the destination bar for the gin-curious. It celebrates Tokyo’s vibrant cocktail culture with a collection of nearly 100 varieties of Japanese craft gin. It’s an invitation to explore the different prefectures of Japan, one botanical pour at a time.
• Neighbors Café: For something more low-key, head here for artisan-brewed coffee and organic matcha from the Harajuku-based brand, The Matcha Tokyo. They also stock snacks from local small businesses, keeping the community spirit alive.

Wellness and Conscious Gatherings

If the city pace gets a bit much, the Bamford Wellness Spa is waiting. Their signature “1 Hotel Tokyo Experience” is a bespoke ritual that combines a grounding foot ceremony, a restorative massage, and an expert facial. For a more local touch, you might opt for the Japanese Bamboo Massage or a restorative Green Tea Healing Facial.

There’s also The Field House, a 24-hour fitness space for those who find their Zen through movement, and a stunning indoor pool for a calming swimming session.

For events, the Sakura and Camellia spaces are flooded with natural light and impressive views. Each gathering is backed by the Certified Sustainable Gatherings programme, which ensures zero-waste planning and local sourcing are the standard.

At the Heart of It All

While the hotel feels like a secluded escape, it’s perfectly placed to dive back into the action. You’re in the heart of Akasaka, within easy reach of the high-end energy of Roppongi, the fashion-forward streets of Shibuya, and the serene shrines and embassies that give this district its unique character.

1 Hotel Tokyo is a reminder that living in harmony with nature doesn’t mean leaving the city behind. In fact, it just means looking at it from a higher, greener perspective.

For more information, visit the 1 Hotel Tokyo website here.