Niwa Hotel Tokyo, where old Japan fuses with modern Wa

Surrounded by greenery on the way to the entrance

Hotel Niwa Tokyo is popular among both Japanese and non-Japanese. From the gate to the entrance of the hotel, greenery surrounds you, giving the feeling of a Japanese garden. This hotel’s popularity is no doubt due to the innate sense of “Japanese-ness” that permeates throughout. When you step into the entrance you are greeted with a very Japanese space; the aroma of incense hanging in the air.

During the Edo period it’s said that there were many alleyways that were dead ends, and taking a hint from that, the logo is a square with the kanji for Garden inside, recreating the form of those old alleyways.

The text in the hotel logo is written right to left, and this is taken from the style of writing used in Japan from the Meiji period up to the war in the Pacific. It hints at the transition between the old and new Japan.

*for more details please check the hotel website.

A lovely atmosphere awaits in the guest room

When first stepping into one of the rooms, although you’ll notice that they are not particularly big, you’ll find yourself drawn deeper into the rest of the space through its clean and neat atmosphere. The walls are wood and project a natural warmth.

The picture above shows the superior double room, with a king size bed. Even in single rooms the beds are 140cm wide, so whether you are here for business or pleasure, you can stretch out and enjoy the space. The beds are custom made in Japan exclusively for this hotel, with a firmness that’s just right for a good night’s sleep. The design of the sheets is reminiscent of wooden mosaic work from Hakone and adds to the quiet, calm air of the room. Overall, the rooms are very comfortable.

The lighting and desk lamps are all LED so they don’t emit unwanted heat. The rooms feature the highlights of Japanese style rooms, with nice additions like backrests and shoji (sliding paper screens) in the windows, which are an interesting combination with the room’s modern feel of.

Tea from Nambu Ironware

When it comes to amenities, this hotel goes all out, with pleasantries such as the Japanese tea and Nambu Ironware teapot set made available in rooms. Even most Japanese would rarely get a chance to use a Nambu Ironware pot to drink tea, usually just settling for the plastic bottled variety found anywhere these days. Having tea that’s actually been properly prepared in a traditional teapot is a relaxing treat.

Speaking of relaxation, the spacious bathroom with its large tub is another nice addition. Stretching out your legs in a hot bath is an excellent and very Japanese way of relaxing after a day of business or sightseeing. Although the shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are in mounted dispensers, they are colorful and inviting.

Savor Japanese cuisine at Yukuri

Two restaurants were developed with this hotel, “Grill & Bar Nagare” and “Japanese Cuisine Yukuri”. Nagare is a buffet of western style foods, while Yukuri serves Japanese-style breakfast, and both of course have completely different atmospheres. Set one foot in Yukuri and your vision is filled with a Japanese garden and a relaxed space, one where you can truly enjoy breakfast and have an elegant morning.

Breakfast items are all Japanese specialties

The meal consists of the chef’s choice of the day’s most delicious fish, a Japanese-style egg omelet, pickled veggies, a stewed dish, and soup. The presentation and taste are both highly refined Breakfast here is seasonal and changes with what are the best ingredients at the time. All menu items are well conceived and carefully selected.

Price: 2370 JPY (tax and service fee incl.) Hours: 7:30am to 10am Only open on weekends and holidays so please check beforehand