Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi

If you want Luxury in Tokyo, there’s nothing short of Four Seasons, and O M G does it deliver luxury to the T. The hotel is located in the Otemachi neighborhood, which is a financial district very close to the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Tokyo Station.

THE PROPERTY

When you arrive at the Four Season Otemachi, you take the elevator up to the top floor to the reception and lobby. The hotel's layout is interesting because the lobby, restaurants, and all amenities are on the top floor, with the rooms on the floors below. I do understand why it’s designed this way because the view from the top is exquisite. We arrived around sunset, and we were able to see Mt. Fuji clear as day, I’m talking snowcaps and all. My mouth was literally open in awe. The entire lobby area and Pigneto restaurant showcase this miraculous view. When you walk in, you see a lounge area ahead with a bar where you can enjoy food and drinks, and even afternoon tea. Around the corner, the reception lobby features a gorgeous floral display in the center. Located on either side of the reception area are the two different restaurants. There is also a bar, Virtue, that sells the most unique drinks. Also on this floor is a social club, an indoor pool, and a spa. The pool was so epic, nicest indoor pool, one of the nicest pools I’ve ever seen, and it also looks out to the gorgeous view.  I love that everything is on the same level, making it very convenient to access any part of the hotel.

THE ROOM

We stayed in an Imperial Garden view room, and the view was spectacular. What was especially amazing was how the view extended to the bathroom, so you can take it in while you bathe or shower.  Talk about an experience. My 5-year-old took a 40-minute bath with a view of the Tokyo skyline. I’m very jealous of her childhood. The bathroom was also very large and spacious. The room was a good size and very cozy, with a walk-in closet, two double beds, a full bathroom, and a bar area. They even put toys in the girls' room, which was such a nice touch and really kept them occupied when we needed a break.

THE FOOD

I could go on and on about the food and drinks at this hotel. Life-changing. We had the most glorious experience at Pigneto, an Italian restaurant on the property. Italian food is actually quite popular in Japan, and they really know what they’re doing.  The restaurant flew in chef Alessandro De Leo, a specialty pizza chef from Napoli , Italy and you can really tell in the food. The pizzas are freshly made in a wood -fired oven, and you can even watch him in the process. The whole kitchen is open, so you can watch the other chefs cook as well. The chef made us a special pizza that wasn’t on the menu and I will dream about it for the rest of my life. It was the best pizza I have ever had, no exaggeration. The restaurant's ambiance is a cool, serene vibe, with large windows overlooking the Tokyo skyline.

Being on the top floor offers the beautiful expansive views of the Tokyo skyline, and on nicer days, you can sit outside and enjoy the sunset while you dine. We were able to order drinks from the bar on-site, Virtue, which is ranked among the top 50 bars in the world, and I can see why. Each drink tells a story (literally; some have a story along with the description), and it uses liquors available only in Japan, so it really is a unique experience. I love that they even offer a Japanese twist on classic cocktails. The drinks were incredible, unique, and very well prepared. My sister got the Hoji Epice, and the ice was shaped like a rose in homage to the Beauty and the Beast movie. I got the Yuzu Nagi. Yuzu is a native fruit of Japan, and you will see it on many menus; it is often used to make juice. It has a unique citrusy flavor and is quite delicious. My husband got a Japanese twist on an old-fashioned cocktail, coined the Smoked Ume Fashion, made with Japanese whisky, and they smoke it in front of you. It was really smooth, and he loved it. The staff was so friendly and welcoming, and they set the girls up with crayons to color while we dined. It was a top-tier dining experience and a highlight of our trip. Even if you don’t stay at the Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi, I highly recommend dining at Pigneto on one of your nights in Tokyo.

Breakfast was also at Pigneto restaurant and offered an array of food from more traditional Japanese cuisines to western foods; there is a little bit of everything. It’s buffet-style, but they also have menu items you can order.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

The hotel is in a more business district of Tokyo, only about a 5-minute walk to Tokyo Station, which makes it the perfect location if you will be venturing out of Tokyo, as you can catch the bullet train from Tokyo Station to various other cities in Japan. We were heading to Kyoto after our stay, so it made it super convenient for us to get to the bullet train. Near the hotel is the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a wonderful place to take a stroll. We spent part of the day heading to Chidorigafuchi Park, which was a 5-minute cab ride away. At the park, you can rent boats and enjoy the views. This park is excellent for seeing Fall Foliage or during the Sakura Season.

Overall, we loved our stay at Four Seasons Otemachi. If this hotel is in your price point, you will not be disappointed at all. Top-tier service, amenities, and experience.