Hoshinoya – Tokyo’s urban oasis.
In the heart of the most populous area on the planet is a secluded and zen hotel that gives a new meaning to the word ‘Luxurious’.
Smack bang in the middle of Tokyo’s Ōtemachi neighbourhood, the Hoshinoya is only a few minutes walk from the train station and other famous attractions.
In short, Hoshinoya Tokyo is the capital’s most luxurious Ryokan.
Commonly asked questions about the Hoshinoya Tokyo
Before we get into looking at the Hoshinoya itself, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about the hotel.
How much does it cost to stay at Hoshinoya Tokyo?
If you’re booking through the Hoshino website (Which I recommend as they give the best price) it could be cheaper than you think.
If I book March, I can get the deluxe twin room for only $138 per night!
That’s a shockingly good price for the most luxurious ryokan in Tokyo. Of course, it might be different depending on when you book, but just make sure to reserve well in advance and you might be able to have a few nights at the end of your trip!
What type of room can I book at Hoshinoya Tokyo?
Well, this very much depends on your budget and what you’re looking at experiencing during your stay. Even still it seems as though every aspect of the Hoshinoya was designed with serenity and zen in mind, even the booking process.
Inside Tokyo’s luxury ryokan, there are only 3 room types to choose from. So you won’t have to worry about deciding between 10 different room styles with completely unnecessary upgrades.
The three rooms come in at different price points but that differs drastically depending on the time of year and how far in advance it was booked.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, the deluxe twin is what you’ll want to go for.
The following room descriptions are taken directly from Hoshinoya.
Kiku (Executive Triple)
A spacious room with many additional furnishings.
‘Soft sunlight pours in through the paper window screens in these south-facing corner rooms, which are about twice as large as the Yuri and Sakura rooms. Furnishings include a dining table, a small desk, and a sofa that is wide enough to lie on. The bathroom features a satisfyingly deep bathtub and a shower stall, with windows that can be opened to bring in cool winds. Up to three Japanese futons can be laid out on the bed stand.’
Yuri (Deluxe King)
Serene and intimate.
‘These rooms feature double beds, tatami floors, and sofas with ornate cypress frames–each is a piece of contemporary furniture decorated with traditional Japanese craftwork. Guests can relax by soaking in the deep bathtub located in the bathroom, which is also furnished with a sink and shower stall, or by basking in the warm sunlight filtering through the shoji paper screens that grace the living area windows.’
Sakura (Deluxe Twin)
An Authentic ryokan experience.
‘Closets and sofas featuring tasteful cypress craft and windows concealed by shoji paper screens provide these rooms with a traditional Japanese aesthetic. Sakura rooms are located near the ochanoma lounge to entice guests to frequent the lounge–the traditional center of activity in an authentic ryokan. The rooms feature twin beds; these are designed to resemble a Japanese futon to enhance the Japanese atmosphere.’
Does Hoshinoya Tokyo have a restaurant on-site?
Certainly does!
And it has in-room dining. The type that Japanese ryokans are famous for.
It needs to be made clear that dining at the Hoshinoya Tokyo will cost extra, as is the custom in most ryokans.
Food is also changed seasonally and produced by executive chef Noriyuki Hamada.
Dinner
Dinner costs ¥18,000 per person plus tax and a 10% service charge. Yup, the Japanese tax is back again to ruin your day.
Of course ¥18,000 is about $160 so no one would blame you if you went to a nearby restaurant.
Time Served: 17:30 – 20:30
Price: ¥18,000
Breakfast
Breakfast is far more reasonable at ¥4,000 ($36) and for the experience of In-Room Dining it’s well worth it.
The western style breakfast is ¥700 cheaper, but if you’re going to Japan to eat western food you’re doing it wrong!
Time served: 7:00 – 11:00
Price: ¥4,000
Can I park a car at Hoshinoya Tokyo?
Unfortunately, there is no free parking at the Hoshinoya, but they do recommend one very close.
Guests are advised to use the Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube carpark which costs ¥5,500 per night.
How far is Hoshinoya Tokyo from the center of Tokyo?
Really flipping close. I don’t know how much closer you could get!
- 9-minute walk from Tokyo Station.
- 10-minute walk to the imperial palace.
- 20 minutes from Shibuya crossing.
- 20 minutes from Akihabara.
It’s close to everything, so you should easily be able to get around on public transport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hoshinoya Tokyo?
Currently, there is no information about check-in and check-out times on their website.
I would advise ringing them on +81-50-3786-1144 to confirm and manage your reservation.
What is there to do at Hoshinoya Tokyo?
Now we get to the juicy part of the article!
There are a whole host of activities available inside the Hoshinoya including:
Japanese Tea Ceremony
The opportunity to appreciate and take part in a Japanese tradition. You will also gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese hospitality and the tea ceremonies relationship with the changing seasons.
Includes: Tea lesson
Confectionery
Tea bowls
Whisks
Available: All year
Price: ¥8,000 per person (excluding tax and service charge)
Gagaku Performance
Gagaku is a traditional Japanese art that mixes theatre with dance and music.
At the Hoshinoya, performances are shown on the weekends on the lobby stage.
And the best news of all?
It’s free!
Includes: Theatre show
Available: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, excluding new year’s holidays
Price: Free
Tokyo River Cruise
Includes: A 60-minute river cruise through the city canals
Available: All year
Price: ¥48,400 (For up to 6 guests)
Ricksha Tour
Includes: 1 of 3 handpicked tours from a knowledgeable driver
Available: All Year
Price: 60 Minute tour (Nihonbashi): ¥25,910
90 Minute tour (Kanda or Ningyocho): ¥32,730
The luxury urban ryokan also has a helicopter tour for ¥247,730, but we’ll skip that one because this isn’t a blog for the super-rich!
Other exciting things at the Hoshinoya Tokyo
If all of those weren’t enough to tempt you into reserving a room, there’s more!
Hoshinoya Onsen
An indoor onsen that uses water 1,500 meters below Tokyo.
Its waters are filled with saline which has a restorative and energizing effect on your body.
But my favorite thing about this hot spring is its open ceiling.
You can’t quite see it here but in the room at the back, there is no ceiling meaning you can stare up into the sky whilst soaking your worries away, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Rooftop Yoga
It’s unclear from the website, but it seems as though the Hoshinoya also offers rooftop activities.
Most likely these will be either rooftop yoga or meditation.
Judging by everything else they offer, it doesn’t seem a stretch to imagine rooftop yoga is available.
Is Hoshinoya Tokyo worth it?
Okay so clearly this isn’t the best place for budget-conscious traveler, even with acceptably priced rooms.
With all the added extras and the activities you’ll convince yourself to do because this was a ‘once in a lifetime trip’, it will be heavy on your pockets.
But to be honest, that isn’t a problem when you consider the sort of people this place will be attracting.
The Hoshinoya in Tokyo is quite simply the best and most luxurious ryokan in the city. It compromises on absolutely nothing and is bound to appeal to those looking for the best of the best.
In all honesty, it’s no big surprise that Hoshinoya Tokyo is at the top of its game. Hoshino Resorts have been in business for over 100 years.
So I guess you could say they’ve had practice at perfecting their craft.
If you still want to visit a Hoshinoya hotel but your budget won’t stretch to this one, you’ll be happy to hear that Hoshino Resorts are scattered around Asia.
Hoshino’s Fuji resort is far more ‘affordable’ and only a quick train ride away from the capital.
Let us know if you’ve been and what you thought of it in the comments below!