I just wrapped up my most recent trip to Japan, and I have to talk about my stay at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills. This marked my third visit to the property, and at this point, it’s officially become my “home away from home” in Tokyo.
Usually, when I travel, I try to stay somewhere new to keep things fresh. But there is something about the Andaz that pulls me back. The location, the comfort, and that unique blend of luxury and chill just works for me.
The hotel is located inside the Toranomon Hills Mori Tower, a spot that feels incredibly connected and active, yet somehow calmer than the frantic energy of Shibuya or Shinjuku.
The experience starts with the elevator ride. You leave the ground floor and shoot up to the 51st floor, where the lobby is located. The moment the doors open, the city noise disappears, replaced by an open, airy atmosphere.
The “Andaz” concept is all about staying like a local, and you really feel that in the lobby. It doesn’t feel stiff or corporate. It’s a genuine social space where I actually enjoy hanging out, opening my laptop to get some work done, grabbing a drink, or just people-watching. The staff welcomed me back warmly, and made the check-in process feel more like a reunion than a transaction.
After a smooth check-in, I headed down to my room. The guest rooms are generally located on floors 47 through 50, so no matter which room you get, you are guaranteed a high-altitude view.
The room matched my memories perfectly: the bed was impossibly comfortable, and the bathroom was huge, stocked with those high-quality amenities that make a long bath inevitable. A feature I always appreciate here is the large work desk right in front of the window. If you have to work while traveling, doing it with the Tokyo skyline as your wallpaper makes it much less painful.
But the defining moment of this stay happened early one morning. I woke up around 5:00 AM, opened the blinds, and just watched. Seeing the sun rise over the skyline, watching the city transition from night to day, was magical. At that hour, Tokyo feels quiet and futuristic, a moment of stillness that really stayed with me.
I started every day at The Tavern, the hotel’s main dining venue. The buffet spread is extensive, but I have a routine. I always order the French toast from the menu. It comes with whipped cream and fruit jam, and it is honestly the perfect start to the day. Pair that with a perfectly made latte, and I’m ready for anything.
I also decided to do dinner at The Tavern this time around. It was a refined multi-course meal featuring fresh fish and appetizers, but the main event was the black pepper steak. They bring out a box of specialized steak knives and let you choose your “weapon” for the meal, a playful little detail that adds some character to the fine dining experience.
On previous trips, I’ve also eaten at the SUSHI restaurant at the very top of the tower. That is a whole experience in itself, which I’ve written about before so definitely check it out here!
After dinner, I headed up to the 52nd floor to the Andaz Rooftop Bar. I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the bar I have visited the most in all of Japan.
Because I’ve been here so often, several of the staff have become friends over the years, so walking in feels natural and easy. As a matter of fact, if you are there and meet Leo, tell him Josip and Mate say hi! Anyway, the bar is semi-open air, so you get that fresh breeze while looking out at the city glittering below. Although, as a side effect of this, it can get quite chilly there so definitely bring a jacket. There are very few places where you can sip a cocktail with a view like that and feel completely at ease. It’s sophisticated, but never pretentious.
The next morning, I tried to burn off some of that French toast at the gym and spa area. The fitness center is fully equipped, and there is a nice hot bath as well, but the highlight is definitely the pool.
Swimming laps at this place is surreal. The pool area is spacious and serene, and floating there while looking out at the chaotic city below gives you a strong sense of calm. The spa also offers massages and treatments, and while I didn’t book one this time, it’s nice to know the option is there.
While I could easily spend the whole trip inside the hotel, I did venture out for a special retro Tokyo tour “The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today” in the nearby Shimbashi area. This was a total contrast to the modern luxury of the Andaz. We dove into Showa-era culture, visiting classic music bars and snack bars that felt like they were frozen in the 1980s. It was such a unique, deep-dive local experience that it deserves its own post, so I wrote one! You can read all about “The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo” tour here!
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills continues to deliver. It’s rare to find a hotel that feels this consistent. The service is personal, the rooms are a sanctuary, and the views from the 52nd floor never get old. Whether it’s your first time in Tokyo or your tenth, if you’re looking for a refined experience that still has a soul, this is my recommendation.
