The Okura Tokyo

Nestled in a quiet embassy district sits The Okura Tokyo, birthed from an extensive four-year reconstuction of the iconic Hotel Okura Tokyo.

The Maple function room sports a grand European design

Rooms
The Okura Heritage Wing and The Okura Prestige Tower sit under The Okura Tokyo banner, adjacent to each other and connected by an indoor walkway.

The Prestige Room at The Okura Prestige Tower was my home for five nights, a 48m2 expansive space with an oversized bath area and walk-in wardrobe that can be separated by sliding wood-panelled doors from the generous sleeping quarter, work area and lounge.

A minimalist interior dominates, with use of warm woods, classic marble, textured fabrics and a soothing palette of white and sand. In space-scarce Tokyo, hotel rooms of this size is a dream. My room further pleases with splendid views of the city.

MICE facilities
The Okura Tokyo was clearly designed with events in mind, with The Okura Prestige Tower positioned as the hub for gatherings. There are 19 venues spread across levels one, two, seven and 41. Some boast traditional Japanese design elements while others bear European signatures.

The Maple function room sports a grand European design

The Heian Room, at 1,968m2, is the largest in the collection, capable of accommodating a 2,300-pax conference or a 900-pax banquet. Perfect for international meetings, this venue comes with an overhead simultaneous translation office.

When combined with the Akebono and Chitose rooms, the entire space can take in about 2,800 guests. Located altogether on the first floor, these rooms also have their own entrance, which grants event delegates privacy.

Elsewhere, the western-style function rooms are perfect for corporate meetings, product launches and banquets.

Within a month of its opening, these venues hosted several high-profile events, such as the Rugby 2019 pre-game festival and a two-week-long VIP client event by a luxury brand.

Other facilities
The Okura Tokyo is an attraction itself, with beautiful public spaces rich in traditional Japanese design elements, an impressive selection of excellent dining destinations, and its very own art museum.

Within The Okura Heritage Wing are Yamazato which serves fine Japanese cuisine in a traditional ambience and offers five private rooms and Chosho-an tea ceremony room with a private zen garden; and Nouvelle Epoque, a new twist to the former La Belle Epoque French restaurant.

Over at The Okura Prestige Tower are Orchid, the hotel’s cavernous all-day dining destination; Toh-Ka-Lin, which is reputed as Japan’s first Cantonese restaurant managed by a hotel; and Sazanka teppanyaki restaurant.

In addition to these, the Orchid Bar and Starlight are perfect for intimate gatherings over quality libation.

Event planners can easily weave Japanese tea ceremonies, sake tasting and wine appreciation workshops into their programme, leveraging on the hotel’s own tea ceremony masters and award-wining chief sommelier and network of famed wine critics.

The Okura Museum of Art, located within the hotel grounds, should not be missed. Opened in 1917 and part of the hotel’s elaborate renovations, the private museum houses a valuable collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian artworks belonging to Kihachiro Okura.

An elegant lobby greets guests at The Okura Prestige Tower

Service
While the physical aspects of the hotel have changed, its heart remains the same – staff are attentive without being intrusive, and come across as being sincerely welcoming. When I asked for directions to hotel facilities and the nearest convenience store, staff made the effort to walk me down the right way.

Verdict
It would be a shame if one visited Tokyo for a meeting and not get to experience the destination. However, should time really be lacking, The Okura Tokyo could plug that gap, with its omotenashi, authentic dining experiences and cultural activities.

Number of rooms 508
Contact details
Website: https://theokuratokyo.jp/en

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