Aman has announced the launch of the brand’s first city property: Aman Tokyo, scheduled to open its doors on Monday 22 December, 2014. Occupying the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is an urban sanctuary high above the atmospheric whirl of tradition and modernity that epitomises Tokyo. The property not only marks Aman’s presence in Japan, Aman Tokyo also takes the brand to 27 properties worldwide.
Located in the prestigious financial district of Otemachi, Aman Tokyo presents 84 rooms and suites each with panoramic city views. A peaceful inner garden and a serene Aman Spa and swimming pool complete the elevated sanctuary. Occupying levels 33-38 of the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo offers scenic views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and surrounding landmarks, as well as easy access to all points of interest in the city including the renowned Ginza shopping district.
The harmony of the architecture and design, combined with elements of the local milieu are a classic hallmark of any Aman, and this is no exception. Aman’s sixth property to be designed by Kerry Hill Architects, Aman Tokyo cleverly reveals itself through a series of unique design elements, blending perfectly a mix of traditional Japanese design with contemporary flair. Playing with an abundance of daylight, classic Japanese materials such as Camphor wood, Washi paper and stone are fused with modern technology and a variety of fabrics and textures to create a subtle interplay of shadow and light – fundamental to its design and ambience.
The centrepiece of the reception and soaring nearly 30 metres high, is a majestic architectural feature resembling the interior of a Japanese paper lantern. The vast expanse measures 40 metres long by 11 metres wide. Created with layers of textured Washi paper and stretched with the Shoji frame, the Lantern rises six floors through the centre of the building. During the day, it allows diffused sunlight to illuminate the reception, while in the evenings the ambience evolves via a series of orchestrated lighting scenes.
Beneath the Lantern is the hotel’s inner garden. Celebrating the creative and cultural tradition of Japan is the prominent Ikebana, a disciplined art form in which materials such as living branches, leaves and blossoms are carefully arranged to represent a closeness with nature. This sits atop a calming water feature and is complemented by two traditional Japanese rock gardens. Designed to reflect the feeling of Zen, the rock gardens feature boulders from northern Japan, are minimal in design and intended to calm the mind, drawing it away from everyday concerns towards an appreciation for nature in the raw. The inner garden is surrounded by an engawa, a Japanese term for a wooden space between the garden and living areas in traditional homes.
Tokyo, with more Michelin stars than any other city, is renowned for its cuisine and Aman Tokyo will add an exciting new dimension to this. On the ground floor and nestled within the 3,600 square metres of the Otemachi Forest, The Cafe by Aman will specialise in Mediterranean-inspired fare featuring the hotel’s own signature sake, and will offer lunch and dinner with outdoor forest view seating. On the 33rd level, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and towards Mount Fuji in the distance, The Lounge by Aman is a convivial venue for a drink or snack throughout the day and into the night. The Restaurant by Aman will serve gastronomic fine dining based on Mediterranean cuisine including a selection of Japanese and Asian inspired dishes. In addition, the hotel houses an impressive glass fronted walk-in wine cellar. Working with exclusive winemakers from around the world, as well as one of Japan’s most revered sake masters, the cellar is stock with over 1,200 carefully selected wines.
The hotel is home to a Cigar Lounge, with a built in humidor, and a Resident’s Library, a fundamental element of any Aman, which is lined with books on Japanese art and culture, as well as some Japanese artefacts.
Meticulously designed for both leisure and business travellers, Aman Tokyo’s 84 rooms and suites are spacious and modern, drawing inspiration from the Japanese aesthetic. Each room and suite has a large furo, a deep soaking tub and a core part of the Japanese ritual of bathing.
Facing the Imperial Palace Gardens, Deluxe Rooms at 71 square metres are the largest entry-level rooms in the city. With large foyers and spacious bathrooms, Premier Rooms look towards the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan, while the Suites, starting at a minimum of 141 square metres, feature spacious open-plan living rooms and pantries. Corner Suites provide panoramic views from the corners of the building, and Aman Suites are the largest at 157 square metres, offering an abundance of space and spectacular views.
Extending over two floors, the wellness facilities cover 2,500 square metres and include an Aman Spa with eight treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, a Yoga studio, a Pilates Studio equipped with the latest apparatus and a 30-metre swimming pool stretching across the skyscape. Facilities include steam rooms and traditional Japanese hot baths.
“With the imminent opening of Aman Tokyo, Aman will once again redefine luxury, with its unique focus on privacy, exclusivity, serenity, and impeccable personal service” said Olivier Jolivet, Aman’s CEO and longstanding Aman veteran. “Our new concept, commencing with Tokyo, perfectly captures the legacy and heritage of Aman and presents it for the first time in an urban setting. Jolivet continues, “ We have a highly experienced team in place, selected from the very best professionals in the luxury hospitality sector. It comprises Aman executives with decades of experience and new leaders with fresh perspectives. This team is working diligently to maintain the ethos of the brand while giving our guests the opportunity to connect with Aman in new and fascinating urban environments.”
“The moment the Aman acquisition was completed, the Aman Tokyo project became my top priority,” said Vladislav Doronin, majority shareholder. He added “After a lot of hard work to secure and fund the project, I am delighted that it came to such a successful conclusion for all parties involved. Aman Tokyo is the first of a new generation of Aman properties in cities that appeal to discerning luxury consumers such as New York, London, Paris and Singapore, where we are already in active discussions. Aman city retreats will become an integral part of the Aman strategy and having been an Amanjunkie for many years, I am deeply passionate about, and protective of, the Aman brand.”
Aman Tokyo will be revealed on Monday 22 December, 2014.
