Crowning the top seven floors of an ultra-skyscraper in the prestigious Yaesu 2-Chome North District, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo exemplifies the exquisitely opulent pairing of Italian style with Japanese craftsmanship. As the first Bvlgari hotel in Japan, and the eighth jewel in the Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts crown, this sanctuary offers discriminating travelers a uniquely refined experience in luxury hospitality, merging honored traditions of both East and West.
Open Setting
Bvlgari Tokyo opened in April of 2023, with its supreme heights affording guests expansive views of the serene Imperial Palace Gardens nearby, the Tokyo skyline, and, on clear days, the iconic Mount Fuji. The hotel’s location in business-focused Yaesu is conveniently near the historic distinctive red-brick façade of Tokyo Station, with its shinkansen bullet trains and bustling transit hub. It’s also within walking distance to the luxury shopping paradise of Ginza. This centralized location places guests amidst Tokyo’s finest attractions while providing a sanctuary far above the busy city streets. While the hotel is located in a vertical urban setting, outdoor spaces such as terraces and rooftop areas offer greenery, seasonal blooms, and peaceful vistas in elegant, organic contrast to the soaring Tokyo skyline.
Design Facets
Like her sister properties from Dubai to Rome to Uluwatu, the interior design of Bvlgari Tokyo was entrusted to Milan-based ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. The internationally renowned firm masterfully weaves contemporary design and magnificent craftsmanship into every space, capturing the essence of Italian sophistication while honoring Japanese tradition.
The ground floor entrance, paved in the Sanpietrini stone that lines the streets of Saint Peter’s Square, transitions guests between Tokyo’s bright, chaotic urban landscape contrasting with the Bvlgari jewel box on floors 40 to 45. Walls clad in Verde Issorie marble from Aosta further redefine the guest’s arrival experience through the dimmed lighting and cocoon-like passageway that leads to the bell station, guest elevators, and comfortable seating. Arriving by car, the curved port cochere leads here, achieving the same effect of deliverance into a serene sanctuary.
On the 40th floor, the sleek Reception further highlights the union of Italian and Japanese aesthetics. Bisazza mosaic-lined corridor, inspired by traditional Japanese fabric patterns leads off from there. This fan design recalls the ancient Caracalla Baths of Rome, which influenced the brand’s Diva’s Dream jewelry collection. Opposite this recurring fan motif, dark walls interspersed with black & white vintage photographs lead to grand doors that automatically slide apart to welcome guests into this different world. Bvlgari’s signature eight-point star in travertine inlaid in the black granite floor anchors the space, surrounded by walls of rich, warm wood. Curated floral arrangements and signature Bvlgari fragrance ensure a welcoming and visually appealing atmosphere. During the day, the space is bathed in natural light that transforms the space as the sun continues its daily journey. Guests are greeted with personalized attention and thoughtful amenities such as a carafes of the refreshing mocktail du jour to enjoy on the way up to their room.
The striking 40th floor lounge features a lit fireplace of cast iron and Zimbabwe black granite, contrasted by coffered ceilings inspired by Renaissance palaces, and elm wood panels arranged in alternating directions. The furnishings, entirely Italian-made by respected brands like B&B were all designed and commissioned by ACPV and complemented by lighting from FontanaArte and other lighting notables. This is a delightful area to take a breath and enjoy something sweet or savory before heading out to discover the wealth of diverse delights that Tokyo offers.
Precious Gems
The 98 rooms (23 of which are suites) in this jewel box are situated between the 41st and 44th floor and boast floor-to-ceiling windows affording panoramic views well above city’s many high-rises. This is fully exploited by Bvlgari with blinds that automatically raise or lower when entering or leaving the room and beds in every room face that direction. Room sizes start at 56 m² (603 ft²), ultimately progressing to the 400 m² (4305 ft²) Bvlgari Suite on the 44th floor, one of space-starved Tokyo’s largest accommodations in. Warm wood-lined walls cradle well-designed spaces, ready to embrace arriving guests; even the entry door sports the same wood, making for seamless visual flow across the room. The Bvlgari Suite features Japanese calligraphy artwork by artist Toko Shinoda, a living room with four distinct seating areas, a private office, a dining room for ten with a dedicated kitchen, private gym, and primary bath with travertine and brass accents. The expansive suite can be expanded further by connecting to adjacent suites.
The design balances the Bvlgari brand ethos with Japanese traditions. Guests will find framed vintage black-and-white Bvlgari advertisements hanging along oak-accented walls; beneath, soft beds clad in exquisite bed linens from Kyoto’s Hosoo, the centuries-old textile producer. Bedside tables feature charging stations and intuitive digital in-room controls for an array of features, topped by lamps inspired by the brand’s own silver candleholders. Juxtaposing bright and dark is a recurring theme, and the silver lamps complement the dark oak furniture custom-made by Japanese woodworker, Ritzwell. A well-conceived mini bar features the (usual) Nespresso coffee machine, an electric kettle, delicate Ginori cups and saucers, a Japanese teapot and cups, along with tea selections from Ureshino in the Saga prefecture, and from UK brand, JING. The walk-in closet is spacious and exceptionally well-designed. Smarter, too, is the dressing table with blow dryer and lit magnifying mirror that butts against the window, setting the ideal mood and lighting for the day, or night, ahead. Separate seating and working areas make these rooms ideal for longer stays. The abundance of room features highlight refined taste and guarantee exceptional comfort. An array of personalized services feature packing and unpacking assistance, barber and tailor visits, and the signature Berluti shoeshine service. The staff’s attentiveness to detail ensures that returning guests find their belongings arranged exactly as during their previous stay, exemplifying Bvlgari’s commitment to highly bespoke service.
Culinary Pearls
The hotel features exceptional dining options that elevate its gastronomic experiences to new heights, including standards for everyday necessities like breakfasts and afternoon teas. Both are exceptional here; the breakfast menu features five options (Italian, American, Japanese, Chinese, and “Workshop”) along with more à la carte dishes. In room dining with spectacular views is a reason to select room service with our Japanese breakfast arriving in hand-worked box incorporating the design of Bvlgari’s iconic Mt. Fuji brooch of the1970’s.
Our experience dining at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, curated by the three-Michelin-starred chef, was covered in NAVIS Issue #83. The venue a hallmark of most Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, also serves breakfast and caters the room service menu. Its contemporary Italian cuisine featuring the finest ingredients in a setting that beautifully blends Japanese architecture with Italian aesthetics is exceptionally popular and we strongly recommend advance reservations for dinner.
On the 45th floor, The Bvlgari Bar features an open Mediterranean garden surrounded by Tokyo’s skyline. The half-oval counter, encourages socializing with its custom glass mosaic serving as a noteworthy backdrop.
The aptly dubbed Sushi Hōseki (Japanese for “jewels”) provides an intimate omakase dining experience for 8 guests, showcasing the finest ingredients and highest culinary craftsmanship.
The counter, crafted from a single piece of hinoki wood, is another example of the meticulous attention to detail here.
Bvlgari Dolci, the hotel’s boutique, features tempting chocolates and pastries from Bvlgari Il Cioccolato alongside Niko Romito’s creations. Gold and bronze mosaics along the walls echo the jewelry box motif.
Wellness Treasures
On the 40th floor, the 1,000 m² (10,764 ft²) Bvlgari Spa and the 24-hour Gymnasivm glow in the changing natural light. An emerald mosaic-tiled swimming pool sparkles while its adjacent vitality pool features a curved wall with mosaics in the fan motif, resulting in a haven of tranquility melding Japanese minimalism with Italian sophistication.
Nine treatment rooms, including two double-treatment rooms, and a spa suite with private jacuzzi, highlight innovative wellness products from Augustinus Bader. Changing rooms include onsen baths, saunas, and specialized showers for a custom thermotherapy circuit.
The expansive fitness center, equipped with Technogym machines also designed by ACPV, features an outdoor training terrace and offers customized training programs that redefine well-being with a results-driven approach. Attentive staff further enhance the serene, immersive experience.
The Bvlgari Distinction
Like most world capitals, Tokyo has a wealth of luxury hotels. What distinguishes Bvlgari Tokyo is its seamless integration of Italian and Japanese design philosophies and craftsmanship.
Fom the elm portals reminiscent of Bvlgari’s flagship boutique in Rome to the wooden katomado windows typical in Shinto shrines. The result is a sophisticated urban sanctuary that celebrates both cultures’ refined sensibilities, mirroring the essence of Tokyo itself, which mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. And much like its namesake jewelry, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo creates an experience of timeless beauty and exquisite attention to detail, exceeding every guest expectation. For those seeking a distinctively luxurious stay in Tokyo, the Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo offers unparalleled accommodations that honor its Italian heritage within its Japanese setting, standing as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in Asia with its own distinctive, unmistakable flair.
Photos: Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo Media | Words: Janine Devine
