There’s something magical about checking into a brand-new hotel, but when that hotel happens to be the very first JW Marriott in Tokyo, the magic hits differently.
Let me start with the location. I was staying in Takanawa, specifically the brand-new Takanawa Gateway City development in Minato-ku, a visionary “City of the Future” that feels plucked straight out of a sci-fi film. The hotel sits right above Takanawa Gateway Station, just a 2-minute walk away.
The neighbourhood itself is a fascinating mix: hydrogen-powered vehicles glide silently along walkways, yet ancient sites like Sengaku-ji Temple lie just moments away.
Upon entering JW Marriott Tokyo, the design stopped me in my tracks the moment I walked in. Crafted by the internationally acclaimed Yabu Pushelberg studio, every inch of this hotel is a meditation on Zen philosophy and the natural beauty of Takanawa.
The journey begins on the ground floor with a hauntingly beautiful mirrored Mount Fuji installation—an inverted sculpture hanging overhead that immediately sets the tone for the entire stay. Then you ascend in a dramatically dark elevator to the 30th-floor reception, where you’re greeted with sweeping views across Tokyo Bay and Gotenyama Hill. Everywhere you look, there are details that will surprise you.
The JW Lobby and Lobby Lounge have a relaxed atmosphere and carefully layered lighting, creating a sense of understated luxury.
It also unfolds around this “Tree House,” offering an open, double-height space warmed by a fireplace. It serves seasonal afternoon teas and light meals in a refined residential setting.
Adjacent to it, the JW Bar sits at the back of the lobby, offering original cocktails and fine spirits against the dazzling backdrop, an elegant social space that perfectly complements the lounge.
The hotel crafts a journey that gently withdraws guests from the city’s hustle and guides them back to inner tranquillity.
Staying at the executive premium double suite is pure luxury. Spacious, a true gift in Tokyo, with a comfortable king bed that swallowed me whole.
Walking into the suite, I was greeted with a lovely sitting area and a generous workspace, though I tried not to work. The furniture is beautifully crafted, and the floor-to-ceiling glass panels lit up the living area beautifully.
But the star of the suite – The bathtub. Walking to the spacious bathroom, you will see the tub sitting in front of a full glass panel, so you can soak while watching Tokyo twinkle at night. I’m not exaggerating when I say I planned my evenings around bath time.
There’s something almost cinematic about sinking into steaming hot water, a glass of something cold in hand, and just relaxing in the tub – pure therapy.
The suite bedroom had two super single beds and a sofa sitting area by the ceiling-height windows, but don’t worry, as the blackout curtains made me sleep like a baby either day or night.
The spacious walk-in-wardrobe is absolutely my favourite as I can have the space to decide on my outfit and change in the wardrobe as it can be closed off.
Now, the indoor pool. Oh my goodness. This is where the hotel truly stunned me. A stunning 25-metre pool with a super high ceiling surrounded by rugged rocks and glowing light orbs and a feature pendant ceiling light that echoes from the lobby.
Slip beneath the surface, and the moment you surface, your gaze is instantly captured by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall framing Tokyo Tower in all its red-and-white glory.
It’s especially magical at dusk when the tower lights up against the deepening blue sky. I swam slow laps just to keep staring. Felt like swimming through a postcard.
On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji on the horizon. There’s also a giant jacuzzi right beside it—perfect for easing tired muscles after a day of Tokyo exploring.
Access to the pool is exclusively by pre-booked time slots, and guests are kindly asked to depart at the end of their designated session. Our attentive staff is fully dedicated to preserving the privacy and comfort of every individual.
To maintain this tranquil atmosphere, only casual short photography sessions are allowed within the pool area at all times, regardless of how few guests are present.
The Spa by JW offers a full menu of Japanese wellness treatments; unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to enjoy this experience at the spa or the gym during my stay.
The breakfast buffet is not a meal. It’s an experience. The breakfast space, part of the all-day dining restaurant, has a spectacularly high ceiling, easily two or three stories tall, with massive windows that flood the entire room with soft morning light.
You feel like you’re dining in a contemporary Japanese atrium rather than a hotel restaurant.
The ceiling soars above you with clean, sculptural lines. It connects the space to the lobby and makes a quiet solo breakfast feel grand and airy. Between bites of my croissant, I kept looking up. I marvelled at the sense of space. Each morning I sat in different corners to enjoy this beautiful restaurant.
Now, the breakfast spread itself. There is a buffet section where there is a Japanese station, a western section, and a salad bar.
But the best part of the menu is the Made-to-order selections. Freshly made eggs, pancakes, waffles and many more. My favourite has got to be the Japanese breakfast, which comes in a full bento set of daily selections. It’s a feast with grilled fish, and I ate so much I had to go lie down afterwards.
The JW Marriott Executive Lounge has become my quintessential home base on the road. Whenever a property offers a club floor or executive lounge, I make it a point to book those rooms for the streamlined convenience; from express check-in to dedicated workspace and all-day refreshments, it makes travelling significantly more seamless.
It’s the combination of quiet workspace, grab-and-go meals, and its service that turns a hectic itinerary into a genuinely effortless stay.
I’d pop in for afternoon coffee and find myself staying for an hour. Daily drinks and light bites are served throughout the day, and they don’t skimp.
We’re talking curated small plates, beautiful little sandwiches, pastries that could rival a patisserie, and a solid selection of wines and spirits come evening. The vibe is quiet, refined, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re floating above the city. In addition, the view of Tokyo is just amazing from day to night.
JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo marks the very first time the JW Marriott brand has ever come to the Tokyo metropolitan area. That distinction matters. The brand saved its Tokyo debut for something truly special, and it shows in every detail, from the Zen-inspired design to the introduction of the brand’s new “Mindful Rooms & Suites” concept in Asia for the very first time. I felt so lucky to be staying at a place that will forever be remembered as Tokyo’s inaugural JW Marriott.
