A recent survey among our staff revealed that Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is a popular choice among guests for both the beginning and end of a trip to Japan.

In this overview, we highlight, based on guest testimonials and reviews, why guests choose to bookend their visit to Japan at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.

The Best Hotel in Tokyo for Your First Day in Japan

Many of our international guests travel great distances to reach Japan. After a flight of ten hours or more, there’s nothing quite like unwinding in a hot spring bath and settling into a spacious, fully-equipped room that feels like a home away from home in Tokyo.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is a hotel in Tokyo with an onsen. Our mineral-rich hot spring water comes from Shizuoka, a region that has been celebrated for centuries for its Japanese hot spring with health benefits. For guests new to Japan’s bathing culture who prefer to wear a swimsuit, we offer an outdoor bath in the pool area of YU, THE SPA, our award-winning spa facility.

The core mindset of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality, is to provide guests who have traveled far with a relaxing bath, a healthy and delicious meal, and ideal conditions for a restful night’s sleep. This spirit of omotenashi is exactly what our guests enjoy during their first hours at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, allowing them to wake up feeling reinvigorated.

On the first day in Tokyo, when guests are tired and jet-lagged, they may not feel ready to explore the city just yet. They might want to rest and recover from their flight, but at the same time, they don’t want to feel like they’re losing precious time on their Japan holiday. Staying at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo allows them to experience Japanese culture and history from day one, along with some of Tokyo’s latest unique attractions: the Tokyo Sea of Clouds (year-round), the Tokyo Moon (September–October), the Forest Aurora (November–December), and more.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is located on the historic grounds of Chinzanso, once the residence of Yamagata Aritomo, a prominent Meiji-era (1868-1912) statesman. Chinzanso Garden is steeped in history: from the Yusuichi Pond and Gojo Waterfall, both designed by Yamagata himself, to landmarks like the Three-Story Pagoda, the Shiratama Inari Shrine, the tea house Zangetsu, and a 500-year-old sacred oak tree that has silently witnessed Tokyo’s evolution over the centuries. Every feature of the garden tells a story, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Japan and Tokyo.

Chinzanso Garden is captivating not only for its historical significance but also as an ever-changing oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Designed to offer tranquility amid the city’s bustle, it is a popular spot for Tokyo residents to relax.

The Tokyo Sea of Clouds, a spectacle enhanced by the thousand lights illuminating the garden each evening, creates an enchanting, photo-worthy atmosphere. This unique feature has earned Hotel Chinzanso the nickname, “the hotel in the clouds.”

Seasonal highlights like the Tokyo Moon and Forest Aurora add to the garden’s allure, offering stunning scenery that attracts many visitors. These features allow Chinzanso Garden to continue inspiring guests and provide a peaceful escape from daily life.

The opportunity to sample a wide array of Japanese cuisine is also a major draw for guests choosing our hotel as their first stop in Japan.

At Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, guests can savor some of the best kaiseki in Tokyo, crafted by skilled chefs known for their refined and creative approach to traditional cuisine. At Ryotei Kinsui, they can indulge in exquisite kaiseki menus that reflect the colors and flavors of each season. With its emphasis on nutritional balance and artful presentation, kaiseki represents the pinnacle of Japanese dining. Guests of Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo can experience first-class kaiseki cuisine that leaves them feeling inspired by the flavors and thoughtful care infused into every dish.

At Japanese restaurant Miyuki, guests can enjoy authentic Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, and more. As with kaiseki, the menu reflects seasonal ingredients, and the thoughtful presentation and elegant Japanese interior make dining here a rich cultural experience.

Mokushundo, our stone-grill restaurant nestled in the corner of Chinzanso Garden, serves dishes prepared on lava stone from Mount Fuji. Housed in a historic building from the Meiji period (1868–1912), it is a place filled with history. Featuring fresh vegetables and premium meats grilled on stone, Mokushundo’s menu offers a healthy, light meal—ideal as a first taste of Japan after a long flight.

After arriving in Japan, even a simple walk through Chinzanso Garden on the way to the restaurant immerses guests in Japanese culture. The garden reflects the beauty of each season, and even a brief 15-minute stroll among the greenery, streams, and ponds provides the restorative effects of forest bathing. Combine this peaceful walk with a well-balanced Japanese meal and a relaxing hot spring bath, and guests feel refreshed and ready for the adventures that await.

With its luxurious rooms, hot springs, and exceptional restaurants, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is the ideal place to recover from a flight and experience authentic Japanese culture from the very first day in Tokyo.

The Best Hotel in Japan for the Last Day of Your Trip

For guests who choose Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo as their final accommodation during a Japanese vacation, staying with us is the perfect way to crown their journey—an opportunity to experience the best of Japanese culture in one place and create cherished memories to take home. Spending the last day in Tokyo at our hotel also provides a restful retreat after a lengthy journey through Japan, helping guests prepare physically and emotionally for their trip back home.

During their travels, they may have sampled a variety of Japanese dishes and regional specialties. On their last day, they might want to take it easy, sleeping in and ordering room service instead of going out for breakfast.

At Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, guests can enjoy a selection of Japanese and Western dishes through room service, delivered at their preferred time. Savor a leisurely breakfast in the comfort and tranquility of their room, all while taking in serene views of the garden or skyline.

Additionally, guests staying in our suites have exclusive access to executive lounge Le Ciel, which offers breakfast and light meals.. This allows them to enjoy snacks at different times of day at their convenience.

With its stylish interior, terrace, and garden views, Le Ciel provides the ideal setting to relax and reflect on their travels in Japan.

A leisurely walk among the historical monuments in our garden offers a chance to think back on everything they’ve learned about Japan during their trip, allowing those memories to settle in and become treasured knowledge.

Be sure to take advantage of our hot spring baths as well—a perfect way to deeply relax and prepare for the journey home.

For many guests, staying at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is the highlight of their trip to Japan. After returning home, they often share their memorable experiences with family and friends. Guests can extend that joy by bringing home original souvenirs from our hotel.

Our camellia-themed products—such as black tea, cookies, cosmetics, and toiletries—pay homage to the historic Camellia Hill, where Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo now stands. Additionally, our selection of confectionery, honey, postcards, and other items featuring our logo—a stylized version of the iconic Three-Story Pagoda in our garden—make perfect gifts that capture the essence of the “hotel in the clouds.” Our hotel shop carries unique items that carry the story of Chinzanso Garden, distinct from typical Japanese souvenirs found elsewhere.

The chance to unwind after traveling through Japan—with hot spring baths, leisurely meals, and peaceful walks in a garden that blends seasonal beauty, history, and modern amenities—is what inspires many guests to choose Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo as their final destination before heading home.

Stay at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo at the Beginning or End of Your Trip to Japan

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo serves as a microcosm of Japan, capturing the essence of Japanese culture in one location. Our garden showcases seasonal beauty and historical monuments from different periods, while our restaurants and lounges offer a wide range of dining experiences. We also provide a premium spa with hot spring baths, a pool, a fitness gym, and elegant rooms equipped with everything needed for a luxurious stay.

We hope you will choose Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, whether as your first introduction to Japanese culture or as a restful retreat to experience the best of Japan before your journey home.

Updated on December 5, 2024