Opening this autumn, Janu Tokyo will deliver a nurturing guest experience akin to its sister brand Aman, while providing a “spirited social scene”. Jenny Southan reports
Located in Azabudai Hills, a visionary lifestyle district managed by Japan’s leading developer Mori Building Co, Janu Tokyo will provide a balance between personal fulfilment and relaxation, underpinned by Aman’s commitment to timeless design, intuitive service and a sense of place.
(The Azabudai Hills community is planned for completion this year and will include offices, residences, a hotel, international school, shops, restaurants and cultural facilities.)
In total, Janu Tokyo will have 122 spacious guest rooms (ranging from 55 sqm to 284 sqm), as well as a vibrant dining scene, one of the city’s largest wellness zones, and invigorating and “restorative experiences to rekindle the soul”.
Janu Tokyo is positioned in the B-2 District Tower designed by Pelli Clarke and Partners, with interiors by long-term Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects. All the light-filled guest rooms will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and the majority will have private balconies with views of Tokyo Tower or nearby greenery.
Bringing new zest to the Azabudai Hills’ hospitality scene, Janu Tokyo will be home to a patisserie, a vibrant Italian food emporium and a grill restaurant complete with an open kitchen and bar. There will also be two Japanese restaurants – the first serving sushi and the second a sumibiyaki (barbecue) menu. This is in addition to a Chinese eatery with a host of private dining venues.
Janu Tokyo’s wellness centre will span 4,000 sqm and will “entirely rethink the idea of balance, with a social wellness and goal setting concept at its core”, says the PR blurb. It will include five movement studios for spinning, boxing, yoga, Pilates and simulated golf training, plus seven treatment rooms and a large gym featuring functional and circuit training equipment.
An extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area, centred around a 25-metre heated lap pool, will also have a separate lounge pool, traditionally a place for socialising in Japan, as well as two Spa Houses.
Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO of Aman and Janu, says: “The development and creation of Janu has been born from Aman Group’s long-term strategic vision, responding to the demand from our wider cohort of guests and the luxury traveller for the hallmarks of the Aman offering in terms of service and excellent design, but with a different pace and spirit.
“There is great appetite in the market for experiences and destinations which encourage connection, adventure, and memorable interactions. Janu has been designed to cater to this increasing demand, seeking pioneering destinations which have an energy and vibrancy reflecting the values of the brand for our first outpost.
“Being part of the Azabudai Hills project sets the benchmark for the brand and all other Janus to come and, with Janu Tokyo a fitting flagship, we can connect to the heart of this vibrant community and an inspirational ‘new world’ hub of culture and art.”