The Presidential Suite of The Capitol Tokyu Hotel
Some luxury hotels dazzle with towering marble lobbies, glittering chandeliers, and palatial suites fit for royalty. Others take a different approach. They invite attention by drawing you in with their subtle elegance.
This the essence of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. It doesn’t shout. It whispers in many unforgettable ways.
It’s All About Location
Located in Tokyo’s vibrant Akasaka district, between fashionable Omotesandō and bustling Ginza, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu embodies understated luxury. This Forbes Five-Star and Michelin Key-awarded hotel embraces a deeply Japanese aesthetic and feels more like a lovely home than a luxury hotel.
And if you’re lucky enough to stay in its presidential suite, you’re going to find it difficult to check-out.
A Lobby That Feels Like a Sanctuary
Even before stepping into my suite, I knew I was somewhere special. The lobby of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu exemplifies quiet luxury. Designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan’s most revered contemporary architects, the space embraces warmth. It’s a sanctuary of wood and serenity that hushes the city’s noise the moment you step inside.
A breathtaking floral installation catches your eye the moment you walk into the lobby. This is created by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japan’s most celebrated avant-garde flower-arranging school. Every two to three weeks, the arrangement is changed. So guests are treated each time to a visual feast of branches, blossoms, and sculptural poetry.
I could have stayed there, just listening to the lady perform with the ikebana backdrop. However, I had a beautiful suite to see.
If Your Home Were Designed by a Japanese Master
The Presidential Suite at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is more than a place to stay. It’s a 270 square meter experience of pure elegance in the heart of Tokyo. Truly a seamless blend of Japanese tradition and modern luxury.
As you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the views. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning panoramas of the city. You can see the stately National Diet Building and the vibrant skyline of Ginza and Marunouchi. The city stretches endlessly from every vantage point. From these windows it’s like a living work of art that transforms throughout the day.
The living area is designed for relaxation. Plush sofas and armchairs are arranged for maximum comfort. Warm wood tones and soft lighting create a calm, inviting atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to unwind after exploring Tokyo’s lively streets.
The bedroom features a spacious king-sized bed with crisp white linens. A soft headboard, textured walls, and adjustable lighting add to the cozy, peaceful vibe. It feels like your own private retreat.
Bathing in Luxury
The bathroom takes luxury to another level. A deep soaking jacuzzi tub is the perfect place to unwind. There’s also a rain shower and double vanities stocked with Guerlain amenities. It feels less like a hotel bathroom and more like your own private spa.
Art in Every Corner
What sets this suite apart are the thoughtful details. The cabinets and shelves display handcrafted Japanese ceramics and works of art. Minimalist art, including works by Toko Shinoda, add an elegant touch. Every corner feels simple but perfect.
Staying here is more than comfort. It’s al about experiencing Tokyo at its finest. With stunning views and thoughtful design, the presidential suite embodies Japanese hospitality at its most refined. It’s a retreat of beauty, elegance, and tranquility.
My Corner of the Sky
But my favorite spot?
The two oversized armchairs by the window.
Now, I’ve sat in a lot of chairs in my lifetime. Some comfortable, some forgettable, Some too have made me wonder if the designer had ever sat in his or her own design. But these? These are the ultimate comfortable chairs.
I later learned that the hotel sourced them from a furniture specialist in Japan, So immediately I started calculating how much I’d need to win in a lottery to buy a pair for myself.
I sat down to just take in the view for a moment. I ended up reading an entire book, sipping on tea, and canceling my plans to go out that evening. That’s the kind of comfort we’re talking about.
Art That Feels Like a Museum in Disguise
Staying at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu feels like living in an art gallery. In many luxury hotels, art is an afterthought—a decorative flourish at best. But here, every piece is meticulously chosen, thoughtfully placed, and deeply intentional.
Take the main lobby, for example. At the checkout counter, you’ll find two extraordinary paintings by Toko Shinoda, one of Japan’s most revered contemporary artists.
The first, created when the hotel first opened, is bold and deliberate. It’s charged with the energy of an artist carving her place in history. The second, commissioned for the hotel’s renovation, exudes the fluid confidence of a master at the peak of her craft.
Standing between them feels like standing between two moments in time, witnessing an artist’s vision evolve across decades.
But Shinoda’s work isn’t limited to the lobby. Her pieces are woven throughout the hotel—in the suites, hallways, and quiet corners, waiting to be discovered. Alongside them, you’ll find hand-cut glassware from western Japan, exquisitely crafted ceramics, and sculptures, each created with remarkable precision. Every detail invites you to pause, observe, and appreciate.
This isn’t just a hotel. It’s an invitation to slow down, to see, and to feel. Because here, luxury isn’t just about comfort. It’s about presence.
Rosanjin Kitaoji: The Ultimate Japanese Bon Vivant
The versatile artist Rosanjin Kitaoji also loved this hotel. A painter, calligrapher, and ceramicist, he also one of Japan’s greatest gourmets. He designed plates to perfectly complement food and loved to critique meals. To him, art, dining, and aesthetics were all connected.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu was his kind of place. He loved places where craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture came together. Even today, the hotel reflects his spirit. Just like him, it is elegant and refined, and yet unpretentious.
If Rosanjin were alive today, he’d still be here, studying the curve of a lacquered bowl while enjoying a flawless meal.
A Luxury Stay in Tokyo For Those Who Appreciate True Elegance
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu whispers luxury in a way that feels deeply Japanese:
- The golden wood of the lobby, absorbing the city’s chaos into quiet serenity.
- The perfectly placed artworks, each telling a story if you take the time to look.
- An excellent and authentic Japanese five-star hotel experience
- A Michelin Two Key-awarded luxury experience
- A stay deeply rooted in Japanese artistry and culture
- The attention to detail: whether in design, service, or the selection of chairs.
Let’s be honest, I’m still thinking about these chairs for my living room if I win the lottery someday. So I’m hoping to return to stay at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu’s presidential suite one day soon.
Read more about the best hotels in Japan in Travelife Magazine
