Background
Four Seasons debuted in Tokyo in 2002 with this 57-room hotel, which occupies seven floors of the 31-storey Pacific Century Place Marunouchi Tower in the central business district.
The hotel group opened a second larger property in the Japanese capital in 2020, located in Otemachi – see:
Where is it?
Adjacent to Tokyo Station, the terminus for the Shinkansen and Narita Express, and close to global business headquarters and Ginza.
Guests can arrange a complimentary greeting service at the station by calling ahead, with staff meeting you at the arrival platform and escorting you directly to the hotel.
What's it like?
The entrance to the hotel is subtle and understated, with a walkway hidden amongst skyscrapers – an indication of the exclusive nature of the hotel. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel has a peaceful reception with floral arrangements, high ceilings, wooden wall panelling and calming pastel canvases. The remaining public spaces are on the seventh floor.
Almost all spaces in the property have floor-to-ceiling windows, providing lots of natural light and a connection to the vibrant pulse of the city. The property marked its 20th anniversary in October 2022, a month before my visit, and yet it does not feel tired.
Rooms
Rooms and suites are on floors 3-6 and categories span Deluxe King (44 sqm) with views of Tokyo Station and Marunouchi skyline, Deluxe City View (44 sqm) with views of Sotobori Street, Premier (52 sqm) and Deluxe Premier (65 sqm) which overlook Pacific Century Place courtyard. Suites range from 72-160 sqm.
The design is minimalist with light wood tones, floor-to-ceiling windows with sheer curtains and blackout roller blinds, Japanese lacquer accents and a neutral colour palette. Amenities include a plush king-size bed, a large TV, an in-room tablet, bathrobes, a daily newspaper, twice-daily housekeeping, free wifi, a safe, minibar with fine bone china teacups, Japanese tea, Nespresso coffee, and two aluminium bottles of water.
Rooms are quiet, thanks to triple-glazed windows. Deluxe King rooms have a desk which cuts across a wallside cabinet at 90 degrees, offering guests different seating options – from the more casual ottoman to an ergonomic office chair. Plus, there’s an armchair and coffee table in the corner. There is a hub with USB ports, two sockets (with UK adaptors), Bluetooth pairing and an HDMI port, and the bedside table also has a USB port as well as a reading lamp, night lamp and buttons to function the blinds.
Along the window is a cushioned bench, which is topped with a comfortable pair of Four Seasons-branded pyjamas and a pillow menu at turn-down. There are three full-length mirrors hidden behind a set of doors, allowing you to check all your angles before heading out for the day.
The bathroom has a bath in the centre of the room, flanked by a Toto toilet cubicle and shower cubicle (with a powerful rain and handheld shower) on either side. There are miniature L’Occitane amenities, which is a shame with regards to sustainability, and a wooden box with items you may have forgotten to pack, including a dental kit, comb and cotton pads.
Food and drink
The hotel’s F&B venues are on the seventh floor and led by British chef Daniel Calvert, with interior design by Andre Fu. The floor is divided by a moody Art Deco-style bar and Champagne lounge, where you can enjoy an apéritif before proceeding to the two Michelin star Sézanne on the left-hand side.
Much like the hotel itself, Sézanne is rather small with a neutral colour palette and symmetrical layout. Fu has used a neutral colour palette, with light pinks, creams and whites, along with soft curves. The open kitchen makes you feel like part of a theatre audience, which is fitting given the performance taking place. You somewhat expect curtains to be drawn across the arched frame at the end of the meal, but instead get a glimpse of the methodical clean-up process and sparkling kitchen.
Tasting menus blend Japanese ingredients with classic French techniques and are excellent – highlights include the Shanghai hairy crab marinated in yellow wine from Jura served risotto-style with Koshihikari rice. It came as no surprise that the restaurant received its second Michelin star the week after our visit.
Maison Marunouchi, designed to resemble a Parisian bistro, offers an à la carte breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. You’ll find yourself looking down at Tokyo Station, hypnotised by the Shinkansen bullet trains.
Opt for a window-side table if you’re a keen trainspotter or the recently added Parisian-style curved banquette booths for a business rendezvous.
Meetings
The hotel has 189 sqm of event space.
Leisure
The spa and fitness centre are located on the seventh floor. There are also bikes for complimentary guest use.
Verdict
The hotel offers an intimate and relaxing take on luxury, with haute cuisine and views of Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape.
FACT BOX
- Best for A deluxe boutique-style stay in the central business district
- Don’t miss Michelin-starred cuisine at Sézanne
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in April started from £1,217 for a Deluxe City View room
- Contact 1-11-1 Pacific Century Place, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-6277; +81 3 5222-7222; fourseasons.com
