BVLGARI HOTEL TOKYO
- 5' ELEVEN''
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
To establish an epicentre in a 14 million-people metropolis such as Tokyo, with its unmatched size and its many iconic monuments and cultural cornerstones, would make it impossible to choose one, but then, it is clear that Tokyo Station is one of them, located between the financial and shopping districts of Nihombashi and Maranouchi it is a major hub for the Shinkansen, JR Trains and underground lines. At this landmark, we arrived in Tokyo, and our notes were clear: head to the East-side exit. Once outside, after passing all the flurry, we lift our sight to the glorious sunny day, and there it is, the Yaesu Central Tower, a stately 45 floor building with a very recognizable name at the very top, BVLGARI.
Words by Edwin Freyer.
While we are very familiar with the Italian Maison - its stunning jewellery has been featured on our pages and covers on many occasions - this will be our first time being hosted in one of their properties. Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo opened recently, on April 4th 2023 and it is the 8th gem of the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts Collection. To add perspective, just two years after its inauguration, it was selected as No. 15 in ‘The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025’ and was awarded with three MICHELIN Keys in the ‘2025 Michelin Hotel Selection’. Our excitement is indeed, very justified.
After crossing the street from Tokyo Station, we get into the building, where we are already greeted by the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo team at the ground floor, our luggage is taken, and we are gently directed to the elevator to make our way to the lobby at the 40th floor. A long corridor with low ambient light awaits us, on the left, we have a blend of Italian and Japanese symbols, a handmade mosaic 3 meters tall wall with the Seigaiha pattern, on the right, photographs of celebrities of La Dolce Vita times at Via Condotti flagship store. We have not yet made it to our lobby, and we can feel the sense of tradition and the culture of the cities of Roma and Tokyo intertwined, all brought together by the magnificent design of ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. At the end of the corridor, the doors automatically slide, allowing us access to a crossing, on the floor an eight point star, a symbol of Bvlgari, on the left, a large and open lobby space with access to a terrace area, a space where guests and non-guests can enjoy Afternoon Tea, sweets from the Bvlgari Dolci Boutique, or enjoy memorable gastronomic experiences at the two restaurants. Sushi Hōseki offers a Japanese choice over a very exclusive 8-seats available, while the Italian offering Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, is curated by chef Niko Romito, one of the world 's most celebrated chefs with three Michelin stars. To the right, a magnificent bonsai welcomes the path that goes to the Spa, the gymnasium, the pool areas and the two ballrooms. And finally, in the middle, is where the main desk, the concierge and the access to all the rooms are allocated - situated between the 41st and 44th floors.
We received our room key like a treasure, safeguarded by a folder with an image of “An Amusing ‘Mount Fuji’ Landscape brooch” from the 1970s, a symbol of Bvlgari’s heritage, and now, also of this hotel. We head to what will be our home for the next few days, and as soon as we step in, the blinds and curtains lift up automatically, unveiling a breathtaking view of the South-East side of Tokyo, from the Tokyo Sky-tree to the Bay. This Deluxe Room with Skyline view has everything that anyone desires, floor-to-ceiling window walls where luminosity will be never compromised, oak furniture, a bedspread by the famous Kyoto Hosoo textiles, amenities custom made for Bvlgari, a bar with Champagne and a selection of high-tier alcoholic drinks, tea, snacks, and it seems as if our mind has been read, with fruits and a chocolate-orange pandoro awaiting us. Beyond the food menu available to order in the room, we also have a pillow menu to choose from, with different options depending on which type of pillow fits best. Inside the black-granite bathroom, there is a bath-tube or sky shower, both of them equally relaxing; The vanity kit is more like a vault full with everything that may be needed during the stay, and, the latest model of Toto. Absolutely everything seems to have been taken care of to make the stay seamless and unforgettable, we just have to enjoy ourselves.
And for that enjoyment, we have two plans, first, visit the thousand sqm Bvlgari Spa, its treatment rooms and the 25-meter indoor pool with full skyline view. Second, we take an elevator that only heads to the 45th floor, where the rooftop Bvlgari bar is. Conceived like an old Pavillon in a historical Italian garden, two outdoor areas with views of the Tokyo skyline on each side of this enormous space. The menu offers almost every drink that enters the imagination, this place is where time slows down almost to a stop while the sun disappears in the far West horizon.
For dinner, we had the pleasure to dine at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, a Japanese-style room blended with an Italian aesthetic, suspended glass lanterns, walls cast in warm saffron colours and the furniture in light-brown and white, creating such a warm atmosphere. The menu, full-Italian, meets traditional and innovative cuisine, dishes are simple in appearance, but very complex in the cooking process with a variety of the flavours that Italy can offer. After the succulent dinner, when we return to our room, the night has already fallen, and - if it was even possible - the Tokyo skyline is more impressive now when it is covered with red lights. It is time for one last drink while listening to Yumi Seino’s 1981 hit “Tokyo City Nights” on the Bosé speakers in our room.
In the morning, we are back at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, where breakfast is also served, and which provides both à la carte and several ready-made menus, in case we want to enjoy an American, Japanese or European style option. During our various days, we tried their Avocado on Toast with poached eggs, Egg Benedict, and homemade Granola with Japanese Yogurt and Honey, alongside Italian coffee, Japanese Green Tea or freshly-made juices. On our final day, we were introduced to chef Mauro Aloisio, as it was mandatory to congratulate him for the tasteful delicacies that we enjoyed on both nights and mornings.
Before putting an end to our visit, there was something that we wanted to know more about, the Bonsai, both a symbol of Japan and of the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, are displayed in the lobby and they are replaced every week, as their beauty is equal to their fragility. Their custody and care falls on Mr. Kanta Hirota, a Bonsai Master that we had the privilege to meet and who explains everything we want to know about these amazing trees, its peculiarities and their impressive age. The one that has just arrived is 350 years old. These centuries-years-old-trees are a testimony to Japanese cultural preservation and one that Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo is guardian of.
The rich history, quality and craftsmanship displayed by Bvlgari can be felt and sensed in their properties, with an incredible attention to detail with the aim of making the experience of their guests feel like heaven in this haven of the Tokyo financial districts. We are counting the days to return to Japan, and to repeat another delightful stay at Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo.
The Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo was featured in The Music Issue 16. Purchase your copy here.
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