العربيةthe tokyo edition, toranomon BALANCES BETWEEN EAST AND WEST
the tokyo EDITION, toranomon delicately balances between japan’s refined, elegant and simple culture and traditions and the luxury brand’s passion, sophistication, and perpetual subversion of the status quo. a collaboration between Marriott International, Ian Schrager (also known as co-owner and co-founder of the legendary studio 54 nightclub) and real-estate developer Mori Trust, led by its visionary president and CEO, Miwako Date, the property marks japan’s very first EDITION hotel. with interiors designed in partnership with globally-renowned japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the 206-room hotel invites visitors to experience the essence and spirit of the ancient city, while embracing its recently revitilized skyline of modern skyscrapers.
‘I have always had a spiritual connection with the approach and aesthetics of japan. their rationality, their simplicity, and their restraint has been the foundation of everything I’ve done,’ says EDITION brand creator Ian Schrager. this has become the foundation of his career, evident throughout his work and many of his projects. in 1977, at the studio 54, Schrager produced the first american fashion show for the iconic japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake. in 1985, he tapped then relatively unknown in america japanese architect Arata Isozaki to design the palladium nightclub in new york city, his first project in the US. ‘they are truly original thinkers but execute their ideas in such a humble and modest fashion. the end results are bold yet refined and shouts in a quiet way. it’s a sweet spot that is completely seductive for me,’ Schrager adds.
all images by Nikolas Koenig
a bespoke, custom-made hoteL in the center of tokyo
housed within tokyo world gate, a new 591ft (180m), 38-story mixed-use skyscraper, where it occupies floors 31-36, the tokyo EDITION, toranomon offers unobstructed views of the surroundings and the best view of the landmark, 1,000ft (305m) tokyo tower. the two-story lobby – a soaring public space that takes its cues from buddhist temples – marks the property’s central core, with over ten unique entertaining and working spaces. each distinctly different in both look and feel, these spaces radiate from the lobby in the same manner as the peripheral buildings do in a buddhist temple.
the restaurants, bars and entertainment areas blend black, blue and jade hues, inspired by the precious stones and extremely rare elements—sapphire, japanese jade and gold. materials such as walnut, oak, bronze, travertine, glass and silk can be found throughout the spaces, combined with yamato-bari – a traditional japanese wood cladding – and exotic greenery to create an eclectic mix of elements. the restaurants are spearheaded by world-renowned, award-winning michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens. the blue room, a romantic space with its luminescent sapphire and topaz colored upholstery—reminiscent of a painting by Yves Klein—high ceiling and magnificent, jaw-dropping views of the city, hearkens back to the glamour of old hollywood. meanwhile, the jade room and its garden terrace, which are set to officially open in early 2022, offer a transformative and unexpected experience, floating over 450ft (140m) above street level. with over 500 plants, trees and shrubs comprised of 25 different exotic species, this magical space transports guests from the frenzied and dynamic pace of city life to a beautifully serene oasis. a total of 140 tons (127,006kg) of fertile soil were brought all the way in from saitama prefecture just for this one-of-a-kind project.
white barrel vaulted ceilings at the gold bar
ironically all black, the gold bar at the tokyo EDITION, toranomon features flourishes of white and gold inspired by the design of a rare fine piece of jewelry. the space, which is set to officially open in early 2022, is complete with blackened wood finishes that reference the japanese yakisugi, a traditional method of charring cedar in order to preserve the wood, a fluted black marble bar and white barrel vaulted 16ft (5m)-high ceilings. meanwhile, at the heart of the hotel, the lobby bar serves as a place for visitors and those living in the city to work, network and play in an open, yet intimate environment, overlooking tokyo bay and the tokyo tower. both bars serve exotic, fun and original custom cocktails featuring flavors from around the globe, as well as an infinite variety of sake.
elegantly contrasting the hotel’s vibrant social and workspaces, all 206 rooms, including 22 suites and several rooms with private terraces, are characterized by a neutral, ‘no color’ color palette. specially treated white oak and light gray, ivory and silver textiles complete these spaces, evoking quiet zen-like luxury and relaxation. adding to the urban resort atmosphere is the tranquil spa offering healing and beauty treatments using products sourced and made in japan; a 24-hour gym powered by technogym; and a white-tiled lap swimming pool and jacuzzi, both bathed in natural light from an edge to edge clearstory skylight window above.
‘we could not be more pleased to launch japan’s very first EDITION hotel, a luxury brand renowned for capturing the vibrant essence and lifestyle of each one of its gateway locations,’ says Miwako Date, president & CEO of Mori Trust. ‘in Ian Schrager, Mori Trust has found an ideal partner for developing and creating a distinctive property that befits our vision of tokyo’s future. as a leading real-estate developer committed to the city’s dynamic growth, we are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors alike to this innovative hotel infused with originality.’
yamato-bari – a traditional japanese wood cladding – and exotic greenery complete the restaurant
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