There are certain moments in travel that stay with you long after you have returned home. For me, my recent stay at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo was exactly that kind of experience.
I still remember the feeling of arriving at Shiba Park. I looked up and saw the magnificent red and white steel of the Tokyo Tower rising above me. Then, I looked just to the left and realized that the hotel building was right there. I genuinely could not believe how close I was going to be staying to this iconic landmark. I knew I had booked a room with a view, but standing there at the foot of the tower, I realized it would be my constant companion for the next few days.
If you are looking for a base in Tokyo that combines incredible luxury with one of the most unique locations in the city, this hotel needs to be on your list. Here is a look at my experience staying in the Tower View Suite and exploring the Shiba Park area.
Kyoo nite mo
Kyoo natsukashi ya
hototogisu
Even in Kyoto
Longing for Kyoto
Hearing the Cuckoo
Matsuo Basho,
17th century haiku poet
Entering the hotel is an experience in itself. You make your way through a beautiful interior filled with boutique shops and interesting corners to explore. When you reach the center of the building, you realize it is built around a massive open area, like a hollow atrium that stretches upward. It really gives the whole property a sense of scale.
Because I had booked a suite on the Premium Club Floor, my check-in experience was different from the standard arrival. I was directed straight to the 32nd floor for a private check-in.
Being a member of the Premium Club comes with several excellent privileges. The most useful for me was the continuous access to the Premium Club Lounge. This is a dedicated space where you can grab food and refreshments throughout the day. It starts with breakfast, moves into tea time, and eventually transitions to cocktail time and a nightcap in the evening.
It was such a relief to know I had this available. Whenever I came back tired from sightseeing or needed a pause from work, I could just hop into the lounge for a drink. They also offer practical perks like a shoeshine service and a hotel car service, which adds that extra layer of convenience for business travelers or anyone who just wants a hassle-free trip.
After a pleasant check-in and a guide from the hotel staff, I was led to my room. To be honest, I was stunned when I walked in. I have stayed in many nice hotels across Japan, but I could not imagine a room this large in the center of Tokyo.
It was the Tower View Suite, and it spans over 130 square meters. In a city known for compact living, this felt like a palace. The suite features a massive living room equipped with huge sofas and a giant television. It has a layout that feels more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room, including smaller closet rooms and two separate toilet rooms.
The highlight, however, was the main bathroom. It features a spectacular tub positioned right next to a window with stunning views of the city and the Tokyo Tower. The decor throughout the suite is extremely luxurious, using high-end materials that make you feel special the moment you step inside.
There was a huge table that almost looked like a conference table, which offered a spectacular view of the Tower. It was the perfect spot to get some work done. And then there was the bed. It was probably the largest bed I have ever seen. Going to sleep with the glowing Tokyo Tower right outside my window and waking up to that same view in the morning was unforgettable. I found myself just standing at those huge windows for minutes at a time, looking down at the city life below.
Breakfast was served in the Premium Club Lounge I mentioned earlier. The spread was exactly what you would expect from a high-class hotel, offering a perfect mix of Japanese and Western options.
On the Japanese side, they had all the staples like steamed rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and various side dishes. If you prefer a Western breakfast, there were plenty of choices like smoked salmon, ham, cheeses, and different types of egg dishes prepared for you. The bakery section was also great, with croissants and other pastries, along with plenty of coffee and tea.
The food was delicious, but the real highlight of breakfast was the location. Eating your morning meal right next to a view of the Tokyo Tower and the greenery of Shiba Park prepares you for the day in the best possible way.
While I mostly utilized the lounge, the hotel itself is a massive dining hub. If you are not on the club floor, or if you just want variety, there are several restaurants on-site. There is Brise Verte for French cuisine, Yomeiden for Chinese, and Shiba Zakura for Japanese food. For a more casual bite, there is Boulangerie Tokyo, which offers breads leavened with natural yeast baked fresh every morning. You definitely won’t go hungry here.
I always try to stay active during my travels, so having access to good fitness facilities is important to me. The Prince Park Tower Tokyo did not disappoint. As a Premium Club guest, I had unlimited access to the Spa & Fitness area, and I took full advantage of it.
The gym is well-equipped, but the swimming pool is the standout feature. It is a proper 25-meter pool, which allowed me to do my actual swimming exercises rather than just splashing around.
Beyond the workout gear, the relaxation facilities are top-tier. There are smaller pools, hot baths, and jacuzzis, as well as a sauna. The crown jewel of the spa area is the traditional Japanese-style onsen. The water here is brought in from an actual natural hot spring, which is a rare treat in the middle of Tokyo. After a long day of walking around the city, soaking in that natural thermal water was incredibly relaxing.
If you are looking for entertainment within the hotel walls, there is actually a Bowling Salon on site. It features 12 lanes and looks like a fun place to unwind if you want a break from typical sightseeing.
Staying at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo gives you a unique opportunity to explore the Shiba Park area in detail. Usually, tourists just hop off the train, look at the tower, and leave. But being based here means you can really get to know the neighborhood.
I loved strolling around Shiba Park, especially since the autumn colors were in full swing. It was beautiful to just walk around on a sunny late autumn day and soak in the vibe. The hotel is also right next to Zojoji Temple. This is a historically significant temple that offers a fantastic photo opportunity with the traditional wooden architecture in the foreground and the modern Tokyo Tower in the background.
The hotel is well-connected for getting around the rest of Tokyo. I mostly used the Shiba-koen Station and Daimon Station, though Onarimon Station is also close by.
There is plenty to see within walking distance. Not far from the hotel is the new Azabudai Hills complex, which is a massive new development that is exciting to explore. If you are interested in nightlife, you can easily walk to the Roppongi area where there are countless clubs and bars. The Toranomon business district is also nearby.
However, one of my personal highlights in the local area was visiting the traditional gardens. The Hamarikyu Gardens and Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens are located near the Hamamatsucho JR station, which is about a 15 to 20-minute walk from the hotel.
I really love these traditional Japanese gardens. They are located right in the middle of the city, surrounded by high-rise buildings, yet they act as an oasis of calm. It is a striking contrast and a perfect place to clear your head.
My stay at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment I saw the tower looming over the entrance to the sad moment I had to check out, the experience was flawless.
The hotel manages to balance refined luxury with a sense of relaxation that is hard to find in a metropolis this size. Whether it was the stunning 130-square-meter suite, the natural hot spring onsen, or the simple joy of eating breakfast while overlooking Shiba Park, every detail was perfect.
If you want to live the full breadth of Tokyo,. enjoying modern luxury while being grounded in the history of the Shiba area, I highly recommend booking a stay here.
