First Look at The Tokyo Edition, Ginza

In anticipation of its grand opening next month, The Tokyo Edition, Ginza offers a glimpse into what the future holds for guests at its latest establishment in Tokyo. This hotel marks the second venture in the city by Ian Schrager, a legendary hotelier and the visionary behind New York’s Studio 54, in collaboration with Marriott International. Set in one of Tokyo’s most prestigious areas, this 14-story boutique hotel is poised to become a bustling hub of social activity.

Schrager reunites with Kengo Kuma, a renowned Japanese architect who previously designed The Tokyo Edition Toranomon. Together, they have crafted a hotel that seamlessly integrates the deep-rooted traditions of Japanese culture with the cutting-edge flair characteristic of the Edition brand. Kuma’s influence permeates the design, from the vertical garden gracing the building’s exterior to the tranquil ambiance created by walnut wood, cream leather, and green marble in the 83 guest rooms, ensuring the hotel embodies a blend of timeless Japanese minimalism and New York sophistication.

The hotel’s accommodations, including 10 suites and 86 guest rooms, are notably spacious for the district, starting at 440 sq ft. They are adorned with Edition’s iconic white faux-fur throws, alongside artwork by Sayaka Maruyama and photographs by Takay. The pinnacle of luxury, the Penthouse Suite on the 13th floor, offers an expansive layout with an open-plan living room, dining area, and a well-equipped pantry kitchen, ideal for private gatherings.

Dining at the hotel is a journey through Japan’s culinary landscape with a modern twist at the brasserie, Sophie. It features innovative dishes ranging from matcha French toast with red bean puree to roasted blue lobster in saffron dashi broth. True to Edition’s reputation, the hotel introduces unique bar experiences, including a punch-focused cocktail bar and Ginza’s premiere natural wine bar, The Roof.

While The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon immerses its guests in the city’s modern skyscraper district, The Tokyo Edition, Ginza offers a dive into the historic charm of the Edo period. Ginza is not only celebrated for its plethora of Michelin-starred dining and premier cocktail spots but also for its quaint alleyways behind luxury boutiques, where traditional soba noodle shops and yakitori joints thrive, and the Kabukiza Theatre adds a cultural allure.

Architect Kengo Kuma describes Ginza as a melting pot where modernity and tradition, city functions, and aesthetics converge. This concept of blending or ‘weaving’ informed the design philosophy behind The Tokyo Edition, Ginza, aiming to make it a new landmark that connects Ginza’s rich history with the global community.