Elevator pitch
For the well-seasoned luxury traveller, Tokyo might be a destination they’ve never ceased to consider returning to. With its mounting scene of exquisite hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and diverse slate of activities, the Japanese capital is constantly brimming with reasons—and Fairmont Tokyo is swiftly becoming a compelling addition to the list.
The Fairmont name is not unknown, but it is meeting Japan for the first time with this stately new property. And it is taking up address in a unique new development (the Blue Front Shibaura) in the Shibaura district. Some may recognise it as a more tranquil side of the city, frequented more by its locals who live nearby or are simply working at the offices in the area. The Shibaura neighbourhood—once known as the seaport of the city in the Edo period—now stands as an underrated neighbourhood with its own unmistakeable allure, if only for its extremely well-connected location. At just under 15 minutes, you could arrive at Haneda Airport via a direct train line, and Shinagawa Station (a two-stop ride from Ginza) is but a mere stone’s throw away.
Yet it has an even better catch: the district comes with some mighty views of the Tokyo Bay, and Fairmont Tokyo may have just secured a vantage point unlike any other. Especially when it’s one that starts from 35 floors up in the sky.
The design
The hushed quality of its surrounding district belies the enchanting oasis that lies past its doors. To educate oneself on Shibaura however, it is a journey through art that one must undertake. Shibaura’s origins are encapsulated instantly in the first piece of artwork you see when walking in on the first floor; a painting by Japanese artist Yuji Ichikawa, the piece uses traditional materials to showcase how the bayside district of Tokyo first came to be known from its humble roots as a fishing village.
I later learn that the first sculpture greeting the guests when the lift doors open on the 35th floor is meant to show the continuity of life, and the connection between the past and the present. This is integral to the design language of the rest of the hotel, which not only seeks to exude the calming waters that surrounds it, but also strike the perfect meld between tradition and modernity.
It is perhaps why numerous paintings by Takuma Noda, known for interpreting the traditional karakami method of painting in contemporary ways, adorn many of the suites. A particular favourite of mine, however, has to be a graphic wallpaper sitting in one of the hotel’s restaurants, Driftwood. Titled The Sounds of Shibaura, it consists of small drawings and paintings of various personalities—both local or travellers—that may have passed through the streets of Shibaura. Like Edo women playing the shamisen or a Spanish family eating sushi at a standing counter. Much like the hotel itself, it feels like the perfect depiction of how something can thoughtfully pay homage to its roots, whilst feeling contemporary and artful all at once.
Amenities check
There is plenty of thought that resonates all throughout this urban oasis, no matter where you’re standing. The outdoor balcony is complete with fireplaces meant to warm you up during winter, the international team of staff seems to be very well-adept at striking up a conversation with any guest at any given moment, and each suite is outfitted with ultra-luxe amenities, be it hand towels embossed with the Fairmont monogram, bathroom amenities from Le Labo, or hair devices from Dyson.
But something needs to be said about the hotel’s all-access pass, Fairmont Gold, on its own. Apart from the private check-in experience at the Fairmont Gold Lounge—where unobstructed views of both the Tokyo Tower and the bayside await—each Fairmont Gold guest will enjoy top-notch butler services tailored to your every need. If we ever felt peckish and needed a pick-me-up in between our explorations of the city, the Gold Lounge awaited us with a solid rotation of snacks and midday treats.
The itinerary
One thing about Fairmont Tokyo is it understands its role as a city hotel. When you’ve spent a day out in one of the most vibrant cosmos of the world, what one might covet most upon returning is a sanctuary away from others; a haven for rejuvenation. Beyond the calm, inviting space it creates, the Fairmont Spa might be the ultimate hideout—with energy drawn from the serene scapes of the Tokyo Bay. An extensive spa menu includes wellness-oriented treatments meant to incite a deeper sense of relaxation; my own Serenity treatment combining traditional Eastern massage techniques with a special pearl essence from Mikimoto Cosmetics for a highly-moisturising facial experience.
The Fairmont Spa is also your gateway to a hidden jewel of the hotel: the infinity pool. Offering the utmost sense of privacy, the tranquil getaway is the perfect spot to idle away, whether you’re taking in the unparalleled panorama just outside, or losing yourself in a book on one of the daybeds.
Notably, whilst shopping districts like Ginza might just be a few minutes away by train, be sure to carve out an afternoon taking in the sights and sounds of the Shibaura district too. Whether it’s enjoying a walk to the bayside, visiting the majestic Zojoji Temple nearby, or simply taking a ride on one of the Fairmont Tokyo-branded bicycles to discover the neighbourhood’s lesser-known haunts, glean the quaint charm of Shibaura—before coming back to the warm welcome of the hotel’s chief happiness officer, Serene. Sporting a lush black coat and an excitable spirit, there’s no way you’ll miss that smile every time you return home, which is perhaps exactly how Fairmont Tokyo wants to make you feel during your time here: at home.
The dining
Tokyo may be home to a flurry of competitive dining destinations, but the property’s dining roster certainly holds its own, offering both unique concepts and incredible fare. For a romantic evening in, Driftwood is your go-to. Reimagining Yoshuku—Japan’s adaptation of Western cuisine—the menu consists of immaculate renditions of dishes such as the Hamburg Steak or Wagyu Hayashi Rice. A moreish Grilled Seafood Gratin shows the restaurant’s might in delicious seafood options too.
If Japanese food is what you’re looking for though, leave it to Totsuji and Migiwa, where you’ll meet spectacular offerings of teppanyaki and sushi dishes, both coming to an epic conclusion with an interactive dessert moment—that proves to be as magnificent as the performance of putting the dish together itself.
For those seeking out a different experience altogether, the standing bar Yoi to Yoi offers a casual yet elevated dining journey—where you can indulge in Japanese street food and have a bartender customise some highball options for you on the spot. The true wonderment however—and my personal favourite room for a spot of vice—is the Off Record bar. In this secret listening bar, shrouded behind a wall of musical instruments, spirits and record players, enjoy light spirits, take in the sweeping nightscape of Tokyo, and lose yourself to a specially-prepared playlist, one which the live vinyl DJ curates based on her mysterious guests for the evening. Fleeting, ephemeral and a chance to be lost to the world, this is precisely how I wanted to spend my last night in a city that never sleeps.
Book a stay here.
