A spin-off of luxury hotel brand Aman, the Janu Tokyo has a sprawling wellness space, and eight restaurants and bars. But will you make friends with anyone? Olivia Palamountain reports
The Janu Tokyo opened last month, drawing on sister brand Aman‘s luxe DNA but prioritising “authentic human connections” over a sense of “sanctuary”. (At the Aman New York, for example, only hotel guests and club members can dine at the restaurants.)
That said, Globetrender was told by a guest who stayed at the Janu Tokyo recently that: “I don’t know if they have accomplished their goal of being more dynamic. The public spaces were busy but nothing out of the ordinary. It’s also in a new neighbourhood that felt a bit soulless.”
After speaking to the PR for Aman, Globetrender was told: “The guest visited in mid-March, which is right when we opened and we were restricting footfall to only those who had bookings (at the hotel or in the restaurants). The hotel is now fully open to foot traffic.”
Janu is one of an expanding pipeline of 12 properties for the brand. This one is located in Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills district. Rates start from US$944 making it only marginally more affordable than the Aman Tokyo (from US$1,400 per night).
The new hotel features 122 guest rooms and suites, eight venues for dining and socialising, and a 4,000 sqm spa and wellness centre, all housed in a landmark building designed by architects Pelli Clarke & Partners with interiors by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston.
Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO at Aman Group, says: “The opening of Janu Tokyo solidifies Aman Group’s status as the unrivalled emblem of ultra-luxury hospitality.
“The strategic decision to launch Janu reflects our commitment to evolving alongside the desires of today’s dynamic travellers, particularly the offspring of Aman loyalists, the rising Amanjunkies, who seek uplifting experiences and authentic human connections.”
Rooms and suites, spanning from 55 sqm to 519 sqm, are redolent of Aman’s contemporary and elegant vibe, with a focus on Japanese minimalism and symmetry, offset by elegant European accents. (Globetrender’s contact said that they found the interiors “a bit underwhelming”.)
Most offer private balconies, while Corner and Tower View Suites benefit from dual-aspect views through vast windows. Connecting rooms are available for groups and families, with large bathrooms separated from their bedrooms by sliding partition walls ‒ alongside spacious walk-in wardrobes and inviting living areas.
The Janu suite is the hotelʼs largest individual accommodation with 284 sqm of residential living space. Its two sprawling balconies offer views of Tokyo Tower and Azabudai Hills, while a modern kitchen and bar counter, dining table for six, separate study-cum-library and a spacious lounge, create a home away from home atmosphere.
When combined with its three adjoining rooms, the Janu Suite becomes one of the largest in Tokyo.
Like Aman, Janu has a commitment to wellbeing, with a spa and wellness centre that spans four floors and features one of Tokyo’s largest gyms, five movement studios, an extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area, and a range of group classes.
The hotel also offers two signature Spa Houses, a consultation room, hair and nail salon, and seven private treatment rooms.
Eight distinct dining and socialising venues bring together the influences of European and Asian culinary styles with bold and vibrant design narratives designed to uplift the spirit complemented by “innovative dishes to delight the senses”.
Janu Mercato offers three Italian open kitchen counters – one for homemade pasta, another for fresh fish and seafood, and a third for European charcuterie and cheeses – while the adjoining Janu Patisserie celebrates the art of Parisian pastry making.
Iigura reinterprets Edomae sushi tradition, offering a choice of à la carte or omakase dining, while Sumi presents a contemporary interpretation of sumibiyaki for dinner only.
The diverse array of venues also includes Janu Grill, and Hu Jing, offering Cantonese specialties such as its signature dishes of Peking duck and Wagyu fillet, alongside a fully vegan menu. The restaurant also features four private dining rooms seating up to ten guests.
The Janu Lounge and Garden Terrace provide a serene setting for afternoon tea with views of Tokyo Tower, while the Janu Bar features a menu of crafted cocktails inspired by several of Tokyoʼs districts, curated by mixologist Shuzo Nagumo.
As the only hotel within Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo claims to “maintain a symbiotic relationship with its surroundings and connection to its cultural fabric, connecting guests and visitors to the district through events and experiences in partnership with local artisans and institutions”.