The Hirakawacho neighborhood of Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward was historically dominated by samurai residences, part of the grounds of Edo Castle during the Edo period (1603-1868). Even today it sits at the geographic heart of national political power, adjacent to the national Diet Building and the Official Residence of the Prime Minister. In this august milieu, the Kitano Hotel Tokyo has been refining its ever more elegant hospitality for over half a century.

The property’s history began as the Kitano Arms, a complex of extended stay serviced apartments, which opened in 1964. A decade later, its founder Tsuguto Kitano opened sister property the Kitano Hotel New York – the first Japanese hotel in Manhattan – in 1974 after participating in the construction of the Japan Pavilion at the World’s Fair. The latter property continues to host guests from around the world.

In 2019, the Kitano Arms was reborn as the Kitano Hotel Tokyo, continuing a legacy of global hospitality that draws on the rich service and design cultures of Tokyo and New York, and of trusted support for international exchange and business.

The hotel interior and its guest rooms incorporate the traditional Japanese color palette throughout, drawing upon the property’s core conceptual principle, described in the simple phrase “For Comfort.” The space weaves Japanese aesthetics into modern comforts, gently enveloping its guests with a deeply relaxing atmosphere.

Exclusive to Wabunka guests, you are welcomed upon arrival with a tea ceremony experience that soothes and nurtures you after your journey. Tea Lounge Kafu, on the building’s second floor, drips elegance with its modern traditional design overlooking the bamboo grove outside. The decorations in its tokonoma tea room alcove are seasonally changed, honoring the vital tea ceremony tradition of feeling and honoring the passage of the seasons. The ceremony here is performed in the ryurei style, seated on chairs at tables. This eliminates the need to kneel on the floor in the seiza position – and all the associated physical strain – so guests can comfortably steep in the world of tea ceremony.

Ceremony host Akira Tada is a practitioner of the Urasenke style (one of the largest of Japan’s main tea ceremony schools), who served under the former iemoto (grandmaster of the style) Sen Soshitsu for four decades. The precision of movement, and graceful posture and manners he has cultivated over the years are sure to make an impression even on tea ceremony novices. Begin by quietly observing his tea preparation. After enjoying a cup, practice preparing the tea with your own hands.

Not only will you learn the proper etiquette of tea ceremony in this experience, but you will also gain familiarity with its tools, seasonal wagashi sweets, and other various elements. Enjoy the stories behind these elements, including of the confectioners behind the sweets, and the potters and other artisans behind the teaware.

Your senses, sharpened by the tea ceremony, will eventually settle back into their normal state – but the lingering feeling of tranquility is apt to linger throughout the hotel. Despite being situated in the center of Tokyo, this is a place of serenity that welcomes and deeply soothes its visitors.

The Kitano Hotel Tokyo belongs to the Relais & Châteaux association of top-class hotels and restaurants. Aimed at protecting and promoting the rich diversity of hospitality and culinary traditions from around the globe, Relais & Châteaux has always offered inspiring journeys. This spirit is embodied in the hotel's tranquility, comfort, and heartfelt service.

The principle of “exceptional livability” has guided the property since its days as a long-term stay apartment, and remains foundational to this day. The guest room interior design draws upon artwork and four colors themed around the four seasons of Japan with a meticulous design sense that reflects uniquely Japanese aesthetics.

Serving high numbers of long-stay guests, the Kitano Hotel Tokyo also offers a wide dining selection. Its main restaurant, L’Orangerie Koh-an, serves French fare incorporating Japanese ingredients that is gentle on the body. Alternatively, the rooftop Kitano Arms Lounge offers a panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape. Luxuriate in your choice from these two distinct spaces.

Executive chef Takeshi Kamo is an eminent Swiss-trained culinary talent who has served a wide variety of distinguished guests including royalty and government dignitaries from across the globe. In 2017, he was awarded the Chevalier of the Order of the Agricultural Merit (French: Ordre du Mérite Agricole) by the French Republic. Working with the motto of “French cuisine, undiluted,” Kamo brings out the pure flavor of each ingredient, serving dishes that are easy on travel-weary digestion.

In the L’Orangerie Koh-an main dining room, enjoy a breakfast that begins with four appetizers carefully curated by the chef. Homemade yogurt, compote, smoothie, and fruit salad come together for a light and natural combination that is perfect for starting the day. Next, choose from a Japanese or Western set meal of thoughtfully selected ingredients.

Authentic, uniquely Japanese hospitality isn’t the sole purview of traditional ryokan inns, as The Kitano Hotel Tokyo demonstrates with its Japanese traditional essence of meticulous attention to detail, nestled within modern comfort. That meticulousness and thoughtfulness shines through in every last detail – such as the washi paper room key cases featuring designs representing the four seasons of Japan.

The tea ceremony experience included in this stay is a beautiful tradition unique to Japan that embodies the spirit of “sparing nothing on your guests.” Discover the spirit of traditional top-class hospitality that has long thrived in Hirakawacho, the heart of Japan since the Edo period.