The Okura Tokyo
Business Traveller UK|Business Traveller UK February 2023 issue
BACKGROUND The Okura Tokyo opened in 1962 and closed in 2015 for a reconstruction by architect Yoshio Taniguchi. The new structures remain faithful to the original design and include a recreation of the former lobby.
Hannah Brandler
The Okura Tokyo

The hotel reopened in September 2019 and the site (known as Okura Square) houses the Okura Museum of Art (free for guests) and two perpendicular buildings - the 17-storey Heritage Wing, for more private stays, and the 41-storey high-rise Prestige Tower, home to guest rooms, dining and leisure facilities and offices. A covered walkway on the ground floor connects the two buildings.

WHERE IS IT? In the city's Toranomon business district. The main entrance is opposite the US embassy.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? While it has had a modern makeover, The Okura retains its old-school glamour and nods to the past with Japanese artworks and materials. The glistening buildings rise up from a granite square, with a peaceful willow tree and water feature opposite.

The Heritage Wing is understated and designed to resemble a hanare, a Japanese dwelling that is separate from the main building. The tranquil reception space on the ground floor (5F) has just two desks and a bellhop area, with a wisteria flower-shaped chandelier cascading down the staircase to the lower ground level (4F).

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER UKView all
Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun
Business Traveller UK

Adventures in Albania - From paranoid dictatorship to dream travel destination, why the Balkan nation is ready for its moment in the sun

Over the past few years, tourism has shot up stratospherically; recent figures from the European Travel Commission show it's grown 86 per cent since 2019. Its GDP per capita has also been increasing, and last year stood at US$8,800, while the average monthly salary is now around 84,000 lek (£704). Foreign direct investment is also on the rise, with countries including Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands targeting sectors such as energy, mining, information and real estate to a value of around US$1.5 billion in 2022, according to UNCTAD's World Investment Report. Not bad for a country which used to depend on foreign food aid.

time-read
7 mins  |
September 2024
Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London
Business Traveller UK

Sushi Kanesaka at 45 Park Lane, London

Watching Kanesaka work his magic is performance in itself

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen
Business Traveller UK

Scandic Spectrum, Copenhagen

An impressive corporate hotel just minutes from Copenhagen's centre

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester
Business Traveller UK

Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester

The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Business Traveller UK

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

A stunning success another calming experience in the capital

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS
Business Traveller UK

Eurostar Business Premier LONDON-PARIS

It remains the superior service for those travelling from London to Paris

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG
Business Traveller UK

Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER first class DOHA-HONG KONG

There is a lot to like, but my experience was far from perfect

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
4 HOURS IN...Vienna
Business Traveller UK

4 HOURS IN...Vienna

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the Austrian capital's museums, galleries and historic cafes

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2024
SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY
Business Traveller UK

SWITCHING OFF IN...THE LOIRE VALLEY

Escape to the secluded forests of the Loire Valley for a digital detox

time-read
5 mins  |
September 2024
More is more in the Maldives
Business Traveller UK

More is more in the Maldives

From sky dives to submersibles, we explore the most extravagant experiences available in the Maldives

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2024