Aman Resorts Tokyo

by Roland Kelts

Aman Resorts does Tokyo

The Aman Resort Group finally debuts its first Japanese outpost, the most urban of its 27 properties. Camphor wood, washi paper, and stone: The fundamentals of traditional Japanese architecture are the building blocks of Aman Tokyo, which just opened in the Otemachi Tower, which is adjacent to the Imperial Palace, the Ginza shopping mecca and Tokyo Station.

It’s a calming oasis high above Japan’s densely populated, bustling capital. The entrance is discreet: A hushed elevator opens up into the lobby, by Kerry Hill Architects, which resembles the interior of a 100-foot-high Japanese paper lantern. The 84 guestrooms, including suites, offer the city’s most spacious entry-level units at 764 square feet. Favorite room amenities include the heated stone bathroom floor and a deep Japanese bathtub, or furo.

Pre-Olympic construction is booming below as Tokyo revives its futuristic, Blade Runner vibe. But up here, executive chef Eiji Ohata’s Mediterranean-Japanese cuisine, a 150-minute spa treatment, and views of Mount Fuji are guaranteed to restore your soul to atavistic bliss.

Rooms, from $640; 1-5-6 Otemachi; 81-3/5224-3333 ; (www.amanresorts.com/amantokyo)

“Do not go where the path leads, travel instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

CIRPAC Travel / Phone  213 387-4345 / 3407 W 6th Street, Los Angeles CA