The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Towering above Tokyo’s popular Roppongi nightlife district, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo provides the perfect perch from which to take in the pulsating city below. An equally Zen and elegant escape, this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star high-rise makes it easy to enjoy all that the Japanese capital has to offer.
This hotel is a draw for so many reasons, but these are a few of our favorite highlights.
Kokushoan Tea House. Credit: Christopher Joe Cypert Photography
A historic hideaway
Who would have imagined that a modern skyscraper in central Tokyo housed an ancient treasure? Hinokizaka, the contemporary Japanese restaurant inside The Ritz-Carlton, is home to an original tea house, carefully relocated more than 200 miles from Gifu prefecture and installed on the 45th floor.
Made entirely of wood with no nails, the structure is a work of art in itself and is still used for traditional tea ceremonies and pre-wedding introductions — just as it would have functioned two centuries back.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Spa & Fitness. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The opulent spa
Escape the hectic pace of the city below at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Spa & Fitness, situated on the high-rise’s 46th floor. The 10 softly lit rooms cocoon you from the outside world as you indulge in luxurious treatments from brands like ESPA and Sodashi. The spa is one of the first in Japan to offer a full menu using only chemical-free and natural products.
Take in a bird’s-eye view of the metropolis from a wall of windows as you dive into the 65-foot swimming pool.
For couples, the Japanese hot stone massage is a wonderful way to unwind together.
The Diamond Martini. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
The special martini
To enjoy the most exclusive cocktail in Japan, look no further than The Bar and its Diamond is Forever Martini. This unique tipple combines Grey Goose vodka, a twist of lime and a secret ingredient: a one-carat diamond.
A special musical accompaniment adds an extra luxe touch — every time one of these sumptuous sips is ordered, the classic tune “Diamonds Are Forever” plays across the lounge.
The cocktail costs a cool $17,600, but it’s an unforgettable way to spoil a loved one or simply to treat yourself.
Once you’ve finished your luscious libation, The Ritz-Carlton staff can assist in making the memory last even longer by setting the stone into a ring or necklace, if desired.
The View From Your Dinner Table. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
A steakhouse in the sky
Diamonds aren’t the only things that sparkle at this hotel. Situated on the 45th floor, Towers Modern Bistro affords a fantastic view of the city’s night lights, in particular the illuminated Tokyo Tower and Skytree.
Towers is a laid-back eatery dishing out modern international cuisine with Japanese flair. Menu highlights include lobster bisque, kuroge wagyu beef tenderloin, fresh seafood from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market and handcrafted desserts.
This casually elegant restaurant is particularly popular for weekend brunches that serve up sparkling wine and gorgeous vistas.
A luxurious scent
Up here in the clouds, it certainly does smell like heaven — the distinctly pleasant aroma is one of the first things you notice when you step through the doors of the high-rise hotel.
You might assume that the perfume emanates from the abundance of fresh flowers found throughout the property, but the sweet smell is actually The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo’s original fragrance, Green Citrus. Inspired by the aromas of a Japanese summer, the signature scent contains notes of green tea, rose, lemon and amber.
A wonderful keepsake from your Tokyo trip, The Green Citrus reef diffuser can be purchased at the spa so that you may experience the tranquility of this lovely reef diffuser long after you’ve returned home.
