31 March 2026 |
A luxurious hideaway minutes from the city’s bustling center.
Chances are you have a Tokyo trip planned soon and the perennial question remains: Where should I stay? Given that the sprawling city is home to 14 million people spread over its metropolitan center, there are endless options. Sure you have the popular neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, or Ginza but take note of an emerging area. Called Takanawa Gateway City and dubbed Tokyo’s visionary “City of the Future”, it’s home to the JW Marriott, a luxurious new hotel that recently opened in October 2025. Just minutes to everywhere you’d want to explore, without having to shove through throngs of tourists, consider this a tranquil retreat that’s almost a hidden secret. Thinking of booking a stay? Here are 10 reasons why the JW Marriott Tokyo should be your next go-to when visiting Japan.
Location, Location, Location
Haven’t heard of Tanaka Gateway City until now? Neither did we until we stayed at the JW Marriott. But its prime location on the JR Yamanote means it’s a matter of heading downstairs and hopping directly on the train. In roughly 20 minutes you’ll find yourself in the heart of Shinjuku or Shibuya, two prime tourist destinations. As for the area itself next door is NEWoMan, a mall filled with shops and a spectacular food court on the top floor that’s designed to resemble a lush indoor garden.
Classic Japanese Omotenashi
From the moment you step out of your taxi and enter the JW Marriott, it’s evident that omotenashi or the Japanese art of hospitality is taken seriously. From a delicious non-alcoholic welcome drink to a concierge that goes above and beyond to help with reservations or recommendations, the level of service is impeccable. Case in point, during our stay there was a freak outage on the subway (completely unheard of in Tokyo!) and by some miracle, the team was able to secure a taxi, despite how in demand they were.
Rooms Made for Relaxation
With over 200 rooms and suites, the sprawling hotel still feels intimate and quiet courtesy of its thoughtful room design. Featuring floor-to-ceiling views that offer incredible views of the city (and Mount Fuji if you’re lucky!), soothing interiors inspired by the earthy textures of a garden, and enough space to spread out and relax, it’s a welcome way to relax after a packed day of exploration. Should your muscles need more than just plopping on their extremely comfortable bed, the bathroom, with its deep soaking tub is just the trick to help soothe aches and pains. And going back to omotenashi, you’ll be welcomed with fresh fruit and a bottle of champagne to your room. In our case it was strawberries and trust us, it’ll be the sweetest, most perfect berry you’ll ever consume.
Serene Design Details
The attention to detail isn’t just limited to your room. Created with Yabu Pushelberg, the JW Marriott Tokyo is meant to evoke balance and mindfulness. That’s evident in the lobby, where abstract artworks including Zen rocks and a mirrored Mount Fuji, serve to greet visitors. Further up on the 30th floor, where the lobby is located, you’ll see traditional Kamakura-bori inspired artworks featuring cloudscapes as well as photos by Sho Mikishima. But the most striking part? The Tree House, a centerpiece in the Lobby Lounge that transforms leaves, shells, and mushrooms into glass art, made in conjunction with Czech glassmaker Lasvit.
The Vegan Japanese Breakfast
If you’re questioning whether or not to tack on breakfast to your stay, do it — you won’t regret it. And while the traditional Japanese breakfast with its fish, rice, and pickles, is delicious, the hidden star is actually the vegan version. Instead of salmon or mackerel, the protein is yuba, the thin film that forms when you boil soy milk. Tender, chewy, and soothing, it served as the perfect complement to the array of vegetable sides. To this day we’re still thinking about it.
A Meal For Every Whim
Besides the delicious breakfast at Le Cres, the hotel has three other restaurants along with room service. Kakō serves traditional Japanese (washoku) cuisine with a menu that spans sashimi, wagyu, and plenty of fresh, seasonal vegetables. For those who want a more intimate evening, Saki is helmed by two Michelin star chefs Kazumine Nishida and Emmanuel Strooban. With just eight-seats, the avant-garde space is a dining experience. To round out the offerings, Sefino, serves modern Mediterranean and was created in partnership with Agustin Balbi, another Michelin star chef.
Cocktails With a Spectacular View
There’s nothing quite like capping off a day with a cocktail or two. Next to reception is the JW Bar that offers a beverage with sweeping views of the Tokyo skyline. The martini, made with gin, vodka, and rose syrup, is an unexpected take on the classic drink while seasonal offerings like their current sakura menu, mean that there’s plenty to choose from.
A Gym Worth Working Out In
Yes, you’re likely walking 20,000 steps daily and the thought of even more exercise on top of that might sound wholly unappealing. But for those who do want to squeeze a workout in or happen to be fighting jetlag, a 24/7 gym is a welcome amenity. With plenty of free weights, cardio machines, and a room for yoga or stretching, you’ll have everything you need. There’s also a pool, which requires a reservation to prevent overcrowding. Pro tip: make your booking for nighttime because the glittering lights and views of Tokyo Tower make for a relaxing swim or dip in the jacuzzi.
A Spa, Because You’ll Need That Massage
Located on the same floor as the gym and pool, the spa offers massages, facials, and scrubs. Unique treatments include a massage featuring bamboo sticks to help release tension and improve circulation as well their herbal poultice remedy, which uses compresses to help with muscle aches. For aching feet, there’s an express service that’ll be especially welcome after days of non-stop walking. And should you want to double down on this experience, the JW Marriott Tokyo is also the first in Asia to offer Mindful Rooms and Suites. Consisting of eight rooms, guests check in and out at the spa (instead of the lobby) and each night you’re offered a spa credit to use as you wish.
And Don’t Forget the Executive Lounge
Executive lounges in Asia are truly a hidden gem. JW Marriott’s is located on the 27th floor and boasts a full day with rotating food and beverage offerings. From breakfast with made-to-order hot entrées to afternoon tea to evening bites and cocktails, it’s a serene way to take a snack break while enjoying a skyline view. Half the fun of staying in a luxury hotel is taking advantage of this amenity, if even for a few minutes.
