Shinjuku is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant (and possibly wildest) areas of Tokyo. Anyone visiting the capital should spend at least one night in the district that never seems to go to sleep. That said, a break is definitely needed from the dizzying sights and sounds that follow you everywhere – and what better place to rest your head than the soaring Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel?
Located atop the newly-built Tokyu Kabukicho Tower – the latest addition to the city’s already-impressive list of skyscrapers – Bellustar Tokyo feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle below. While the 738-ft tower stands out in the city’s skyline, the hotel’s entrance is remarkably discreet and quiet. We were ushered into a private escalator that took us straight up to the lobby on the 18th floor, down through a shiny marbled hallway and into the spacious lobby with breathtaking views of over the city.
[See also: Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi, Review: Understated Tokyo Luxury]
Bellustar Tokyo does not shy away from the fact that it is a hotel aimed at overseas travelers. In fact, in a country filled with hotels trying to offer traditional experiences and boasting Japanese design aesthetics, Bellustar Tokyo’s distinctly Western design is a welcome breath of air. Even so, it doesn’t feel completely foreign – subtle touches like calligraphy artwork on the walls and the staff’s impeccable service remain authentically Japanese. In a city filled with star-studded hotels, Bellustar Tokyo represents the height of luxury, in more ways than one.
Stay
Each of the rooms and suites in the Bellustar Tokyo adheres to the hotel’s overall design aesthetic: light-colored walls in hues of deep blue and grey, brass fixtures and dark wood – perfectly complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in light and open up the space. Guest rooms are stocked with handy amenities for every need, from original spa bath salts to a Bluetooth speaker, and even a yoga mat.
Related
The hotel’s crowning jewels remain its five palatial penthouses, somewhat a rarity in Japan. Each is named based on the concept of kachofugestu, the notion of discovering oneself in nature – because would it really be a luxury hotel in Japan without some sort of reference to Japanese aesthetics? Sora, the most spacious of all, spans over 909 sq ft, and is perfect for hosting intimate yet grand events – there’s even the option of hiring a private chef to cook up a feast in the fully-equipped kitchen area.
[See also: Four Seasons Hotel Osaka: A Towering Oasis of Tranquility]
Dine
Content from our partners
Bellustar Tokyo is home to three high-class restaurants and a sleek cocktail bar. Restaurant Bellustar offers all-day dining inspired by modern French cuisine, and the atmosphere changes dramatically from day to night.
Meanwhile, guests can experience two of Japan’s most defining styles of cuisine, edomae sushi and teppanyaki, at JIN-È and Ten-yu, respectively. Seats for either of these restaurants are limited and highly coveted, as you can watch the chefs preparing each dish right before your eyes. At JIN-È, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
In the morning, there’s the choice between a Japanese or Western-style breakfast spread, and whether to enjoy in the Restaurant Bellusta or in the comfort of your room. End your day at Bar Bellustar, where you can delight in rare spirits from across the world.
Relax
The hotel’s signature SPA Sunya is a sanctuary nestled on the hotel’s top floor. Choose from a range of indulgent body treatments that promise to release stress and stimulate all five senses. Japanese practices, with anti-aging and energizing properties, inspire the spa’s facial treatments. If you truly want to feel pampered, book a private bath with stunning skyline vistas, and opt for the signature menu, letting the experts come up with a bespoke combination of treatments.
A standout feature of the hotel is the Lounge. Open to all hotel guests, this communal space feels reminiscent of a first-class airport lounge, complete with complimentary snacks and drinks – making it the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy a quiet moment, or work in peace.
Explore
The Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is home to Tokyo’s newest and coolest entertainment spaces, encapsulating everything Shinjuku is famed for, but better. The lower floors feature two theatres, a cinema, and the largest nightclub in the city, occupying three floors. There’s also a futuristic-looking food hall dotted with izakayas and hole-in-the-wall restaurants perfect for any late-night comfort food cravings.
Rooms from $748 per night. Contact +81 3 6233 8800, bellustartokyo.jp
[See also: MUNI Kyoto: Japanese Hospitality Meets French Fine Dining]
