Four Seasons Marunouchi is a boutique hotel in Tokyo’s financial district / ©Four Seasons
I hadn’t considered myself a trainspotter until we checked into the Four Seasons Marunouchi. The hotel is tucked away among the skyscrapers of the financial district, next to Tokyo Station: the Shinkansen’s main intercity hub. From our fifth-floor room, there was something strangely hypnotic about watching the gleaming white bullet trains glide into the terminal below.
A quick word of warning: Navigating the sprawling station can be tricky. It’s worth taking full advantage of the hotel’s complimentary pick-up service so you don’t get lost (just let the Four Seasons team know your platform number and they’ll be on hand to escort you straight to the hotel upon arrival).
With just 57 rooms, Four Seasons Marunouchi is considerably smaller than its sister hotel, the Otomachi. It’s also more understated; unlike Tokyo’s grand, shiny hotels, the interiors are spare and cozy, with lots of sleek wood and plush velvet. A rarity in the world’s busiest city, the hotel has an intimate feel that belies its bustling location. It’s the kind of place where you can soak up the atmosphere – the views make you feel like you’re only in Tokyo – while offering a space for total relaxation.
(See also: The best restaurants in Tokyo)
Four Seasons Marunouchi offers a pick-up service from the Tokyo Station platform / ©Four Seasons
Stay
Above all, the rooms at Four Seasons Marunouchi are extremely comfortable. We stayed in a lavish Deluxe King Room with floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed sweeping views of the tracks at Tokyo Station (not all rooms have a view of the station, so be sure to ask if you plan to move around).
Despite being fairly close to the ground – the hotel occupies the third to seventh floors of the building – the rooms are quiet thanks to triple glazing. You can still hear the trains, so light sleepers may want to request a room on the other side of the building, which doesn’t overlook the station.
There are only 57 rooms at Four Seasons Marunouchi / ©Four Seasons
Decorated in soothing shades of cream and grey, with super soft carpets and gauzy curtains, you can’t help but feel a sense of calm from the moment you step through the door. Bathrooms are spacious (ours had a bath and shower) with dark tiled floors and the king-size beds are extra comfortable. If you need more space, rooms can be connected to adjoining suites to accommodate larger groups.
To dine
Maison Marunouchi is the hotel’s all-day brasserie / ©Four Seasons
When it comes to food, you’re in for a real treat. The hotel’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Sezanne, is headed by chef Daniel Calvert and serves inventive French dishes such as foie gras with Madeira jelly and risk of level (sweetbread) with pea shoots and preserved lemon.
If you’re looking for something a little more informal, book a table at Maison Marunouchi. Andre Fu has been brought in to put his stamp on the art deco-inspired interiors: expect green leather banquettes, bronze-coloured lamps and dark wooden tables. If you can snag a table in the private room at the far end, it’s worth it; the views across the glittering skyline are remarkable. The menu is packed with bistro classics. Standout dishes include the enormous caviar bowl served with fluffy blinis and the restaurant’s signature fried chicken.
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Breakfast is also served here in the mornings; you can choose from the Japanese breakfast (an assortment of grilled fish, miso soup, seaweed and homemade pickled vegetables) or opt for the Western alternative which includes all the classic staples, from French toast to smoked salmon bagels. There is also an excellent continental breakfast buffet with a selection of homemade yoghurts, yuzu jam and birchermuesli.
Relaxed
In addition to a surprisingly spacious gym with views over central Tokyo, Four Seasons Marunouchi features a tranquil spa with a traditional onsen and sauna.
Expert therapists are on hand to perform a range of soothing treatments. The two-hour massage and rose oil facial left me feeling refreshed (and with a dewy glow). If you’re looking for a full-on pampering session, consider booking the Four Seasons Tokyo Spa Journey. It’s an all-encompassing 180-minute session with a variety of treatments tailored specifically to your needs.
The hotel’s spa is complete with a traditional onsen / ©Four Seasons
To discover
The hotel is ideally located for exploring Tokyo; a range of gourmet restaurants, noodle bars and luxury shopping malls are within walking distance. It is also about a 20-minute walk to the Imperial Palace. Tours are held daily from 10:00 to 13:30.
In addition to museum visits and city tours, Four Seasons also offers a range of experiences, including a day trip in a luxury van to explore Mount Fuji and a trip to the coastal city of Kamakura to visit temples and shrines.
(See also: The best luxury ryokan in all of Japan)
