Quiet and Luxurious

Quietness: ★★★★★

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is truly one of a kind. Grand and spacious, it feels more like a resort than a city hotel, with its cascading waterfall, koi pond, and meticulously landscaped Japanese gardens. At the same time, walking through its halls is like strolling through a museum—traditional Japanese artworks are seamlessly integrated into every corner of the property.

Quietness: Tucked away in the peaceful Meguro district near the Meguro River, the hotel is blissfully quiet, with virtually no external noise. The generous suite layouts add to the sense of tranquility, making for a truly restful stay.

Rooms: Historically known as a wedding accommodation, the hotel offers expansive suites, with the smallest measuring 80m² (about 850 ft²) and the largest reaching 240m² (2600 ft²). We stayed in one of the 80m² Japanese style suites, which comes with its private entrance. True to its name, the suite features sliding doors, tatami mats, and an alcove. Yet you don’t have to sacrifice modern comfort—two Western twin beds are provided and are exceptionally comfortable. For those seeking a more authentic ryokan experience, like my daughter, a futon can be set up on the tatami in the living room.

A palace of art: The art is everywhere in the hotel, from corridors to ceilings, from elevators to even restrooms, beautiful decoration makes you feel like a royal family member. Take the elevator for example—the door and the interior are made of beautiful lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl—a work of art in itself. In total, 2,500 pieces of Japanese art are scattered across the hotel.

Pro tip: A series of short escalator rides upwards from the hotel lobby lands you at Ristorante Canoviano, one of the finest Italian restaurants we’ve experienced. While dinner can be on the pricier side, their lunch set offers equally impressive flavors and craftsmanship at a more approachable price.

Sadly, after part of Gajoen’s land and buildings was acquired by Canadian firm Brookfield Asset Management, the hotel announced it would close temporarily starting in October 2025, with no clear reopening date. I can’t wait for the day it welcomes guests again, when I’ll be back to this beautiful hidden gem in Tokyo.