Review: The Tokyo Station Hotel
This is our review of The Tokyo Station Hotel in the heart of Japan’s capital.
Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene is world-class, but The Tokyo Station Hotel stands out for more than just comfort—it’s a piece of history. Reopened in 2012 after a thorough renovation, the hotel blends classical European elegance with modern amenities, offering a truly unique experience.
We booked directly, paying $450 USD per night. Yes, it’s pricey, but in our experience, the unbeatable location and exceptional service really made it feel worth it. Booking can be a bit tricky, though. We found the hotel was marked as sold out on most comparison sites, but there were still plenty of rooms available when booking direct. Their website didn’t work for us, but we had success using their app—even if it was only in Japanese!
The hotel is also a member of Hilton’s Small Luxury Hotels, meaning you can earn points on your room rate. Depending on your Hilton Honors tier, you’ll receive a bonus on top of your base points and enjoy an Honors Discount.
Where is The Tokyo Station Hotel?
The location alone is a reason to stay here. We had an early Shinkansen bullet train the next morning, which was the main reason we chose this hotel. Perched directly above Tokyo Station, you have instant access to the Shinkansen, local JR lines, and the Narita Express to the airport. This makes it incredibly convenient for getting around, whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a longer city break.
It’s hard to beat the location for first-time visitors or anyone wanting to explore Tokyo with maximum ease.
Our early departure from Tokyo Station the next morning is one of the main reasons we booked The Tokyo Station Hotel.
Inside The Tokyo Station Hotel
The hotel’s European-style lobby is refined and grand, yet welcoming. From the moment we stepped inside, the impeccable service shone through. Staff greeted us warmly, and when they noticed it was David’s birthday, they offered to take a photo of us—which they later printed and gifted to us at checkout. That level of personal touch made the experience feel truly special.
Bags were stored at the bell desk while we explored the city during the day, and when we returned, they’d already been delivered to our room.
Our Room at The Tokyo Station Hotel
Our Dome Side King Room at The Tokyo Station Hotel—small but beautifully designed.
We stayed in a Dome Side King Room—a beautifully designed space with vaulted ceilings and classic European décor. The room was definitely on the smaller side, so if you’re used to sprawling suites, be prepared to adjust. The bed was incredibly comfortable and large, which was much appreciated after long days exploring the city. One small downside was the lack of a table on one side of the bed, which was a little inconvenient.
The desk area was spacious with plenty of power outlets, and we loved the unique amenities—stickers and postcards we could take home as souvenirs. Under the desk, there was a stocked minibar with two free bottles of water.
The spacious bathroom in our room, complete with both a bath and a shower.
The bathroom was a highlight too, surprisingly spacious with both a bath and shower and luxurious touches like bathrobes and slippers. The abundance of amenities was fantastic—everything from shampoos to combs, shavers, toothbrushes, and even a selection of face creams. You could arrive with nothing and be completely set. The Japanese toilet was another great feature: its lid lifted as you entered and lowered when you left the room—a true touch of elegance.
The TV and desk area in our room, perfect for working.
Storage was a bit limited; the compact closet meant we had to live partly out of our suitcases during our stay—which was fine for the one night, but you might struggle for a longer stay.
Another minor drawback: while the room felt like a calm retreat, we could still hear some noise from the station below. It wasn’t disruptive, but it’s worth noting if you’re a light sleeper. Also, being a dome room, you don’t get much natural sunlight.
View from our Dome Side King Room. The lack of natural light was. a small downside.
Amenities at The Tokyo Station Hotel
The hotel has plenty to offer beyond the rooms. We enjoyed a quick drink at the elegant bar in the evening, but we didn’t take up the breakfast buffet, which was an eye-watering 6,200 JPY (about $42 USD per person). I suspect it would have been a wonderful spread, but we couldn’t justify spending that much on breakfast. Fortunately, there are plenty of other food options around the hotel if you prefer to DIY and spend a fraction of the price.
There’s a small but well-equipped fitness centre, and spa services are available for some added relaxation.
One of the things we loved most was how proudly the hotel shares its history. Throughout the property, there are fascinating displays and information about the building’s past—a great touch for anyone curious about the cultural significance of the station and hotel.
Conclusion
The Tokyo Station Hotel is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a piece of history, a beautiful blend of old and new, and a gateway to everything Tokyo has to offer. The price is undeniably high, the rooms are smaller than what many American travellers might be used to, and the booking process can be a bit confusing (especially with the app only in Japanese). But the location, service, and rich sense of history make it a truly memorable stay.
If you’re willing to splurge a little for luxury and convenience, we’d absolutely recommend The Tokyo Station Hotel. It’s a wonderful base for experiencing the best of Tokyo—and one we’d happily book again.
