Open since September 2023, Tokyo’s newest Trunk hotel is a reviving, inspiring retreat in the heart of the city. Rose Dykins reports
Tokyo can feel overstimulating to first-timers. Having navigated our way out of Shibuya station’s many exits, and weaved our suitcases through throngs of people, we step into the 24-hour-staffed lobby of the Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park into what feels like the antidote.
The low-decibel space has the soothing quality of a spa waiting room, and can only be accessed via guests’ room key cards, in line with the property’s “closed concept” to the outside world, creating a cocoon of calm.
We find ourselves in Japandi minimalist heaven. The immaculate collaboration between architect Keiji Ashizawa and Scandinavian architects Norm features pleasing, intuitive design choices that celebrate the beauty of natural materials: raw concrete walls, copper furnishings, plenty of oversized potted plants, and custom-made furniture for the Trunk brand, created by Karimoku.
Luxury lifestyle brand Trunk has chosen Tomigaya as the location for its third boutique hotel in Tokyo, as an “urban recharge” concept in the middle of the Japanese capital. Tomigaya feels residential rather than touristy – despite being a 15-minute walk from the crowds shuffling across Shibuya crossing (there are also two other metro stations within ten minutes’ walk).
The aroma of roasting coffee beans wafts in the air, and the area’s artisan coffee shops, such as Fuglen and Beasty, are full to the brim with customers. The cosy international restaurants lining the streets are a legacy of the neighbourhood being popular with expats for their Tokyo abode. Nata de Christiano serves incredible Portuguese egg tarts – which Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park serves as a welcome treat to guests – while The Monocle Shop feels like it’s in a suitably fashionable location.
On the buttons inside the hotel’s lift, “big gym” is signposted beside the ground floor button – a tongue-in-cheek reference to Yoyogi Park, directly opposite. As well as being a jogging and dog-walking hotspot, the sprawling city park is known for hosting weekend festivals and events – including Tokyo Pride. The park would make a stunning place for a stroll during Japan’s cherry blossom season, and is a draw for those visiting the Shinto Meji shrine.
Available for exclusive hire, Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park has the feel of a discreet luxury residence. Its 25 rooms are spread across floors two to five. Each has its own terrace and large windows that actually open – a rarity in the city – to create the feeling letting the park views in (opt for a park side room to experience this). There are four Park View Suites, one Corner suite and the top-floor Owners Suite on the seventh floor.
Our restful Park View Suite has dove grey walls light wooden floors and surfaces – including on-trend wooden slat room dividers – a park-facing terrace that runs the length of the full-length of the suite, accessible via both the living room and the bedroom, with seating for enjoying the view.
The suite’s minimal, peaceful and practical design makes you feel understood. Impressive high-end tech adds to this effect, including the Toto toilet (in its own separate bathroom), Bang and Olufsen speakers, a precision-spout Stagg EKG kettle and a Cado baton hairdryer – all of which are now on my wishlist.
Also enhancing the (nicer than) home-away-from home feel are the beautiful earthenware handle-free mugs, bowls and saucers and set of quality cutlery; and the white cotton pyjamas laid out for us on the super-king size bed.
The minibar features treats from local brands, as well as well as Trunk’s own branded green tea, black tea and a caffeine-free blend served during turn-down service with a cookie, intended to support a good night’s sleep.
Environmentally and socially sustainable stories are woven into the Trunk’s brand DNA – for example, we are told that the in-room coasters are made from discarded eggshells, while the artwork in the suite from Outsider Artists Collective was for sale, with proceeds supporting creatives with disabilities. Rather than feeling gimmicky, these touches feel well thought-out and appropriate for the hotel’s relevant approach to luxury.
The suite’s entrance area has open hanging spaces a safe, full-length mirror, double-length suitcase rack, flip-flops and canvas bags for same-day laundry service. The comfy living area has a Sony flatscreen TV with apps (including Netflix) and there is a lovely selection of aspirational coffee table books, with one about Commes De Garcon another a Monocle guide to Japan.
Meanwhile, the bathroom area has a twin truffle-coloured marble sinks and a rainfall shower wet room furnished with soft grey stone, with enough space to also house the deep freestanding bath.
On the sixth floor is a laid-back luxurious bar/restaurant and the hotel’s showstopping heated 13-metre-long infinity pool, overlooking the lush canopy of Yoyogi Park – with tiny patches of auburn foliage at the turn of the season and a few skyscrapers peeking over the top.
This is the hotel’s central gathering spot for guests; relaxed, yet intimate, and people organically spark up conversations, with parallel sun loungers, the rumbling spa bath and the fire pit area well set-up for this. Attentive staff wearing chinos and white T-shirts also chat with guests and make sure those who have wandered up in their dressing gowns have towels (which is encouraged).
Six types of oysters are served up here as part of the seafood menu, along with an inventive cocktail list – including low alcohol options such as “White Tiramasu” (Mr Black, Sailor Jerry, cold brew coffee and Marscapone cream cheese) with a charismatic sommelier on hand who keeps the relaxed conversation flowing at the bar.
Back on the ground floor is L’Ombelico Italian restaurant – accessible from the hotel lobby for guests using their room cards. Its open kitchen concept lifts the quietly buzzy ambience, with typical Tokyo bar seating beside the light of the copper pizza oven.
The restaurant’s terrace, extends towards Yoyogi Park, and the pet-friendly policy feels like a fitting choice for a Tomigoya neighbourhood restaurant (which is packed on a Friday night, with several birthday parties taking place).
We order the spaghetti bolognese comprised perfectly tender pasta, well-done chunks of beef and conservative amount of sauce. The wood-fired pizza menu has classic red and white base options – the Margherita is delicious, enhanced by the freshness of the locally sourced ingredients – and there is a variety of antipasti, cheeses, cured meats, fish and meat dishes to choose from.
There is an all-Italian wine list, comprising range of wines by the glass and a selection of natural as well as non-alcoholic wines, such as salted raspberry and chamomile flavour (tangy, savoury and delicious to taste).
In terms of activities, staff at Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park can arrange local experiences such as picnics in the park and photography tours – and can team up with the nearby Trunk Hotel Cat Street for those wanting to try their hand at calligraphy or arrange to see a sumo wrestling match.
VERDICT:
We enjoyed a rejuvenating stay with Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park as our heavenly Tokyo base, somewhere we were thrilled to come back to after sightseeing, with a pleasant neighbourhood to explore steps away from the hotel itself. The property’s design and kind service had a remarkably calming effect, while the pool area is a stand-out feature for a special occasion stay. Just be prepared to want to give your home a makeover when you eventually get back to it…