TOKYO’S NEW EDITION
Japan’s second Edition hotel has opened in the district of Ginza, where Tokyo’s old silver district lays the foundation for a gold rush of good times.
As the creator of one of the world’s most legendary nightclubs (New York’s Studio 54) and one of the first to coin the concept of a boutique hotel, hotelier Ian Schrager went out on a limb to collaborate with one of the world’s biggest hotel empires, Marriott. The result was Edition Hotels, a series of properties that put experience, architecture and culinary offerings at the forefront, each carving its own identity in fashion and nightlife-focused destinations across the world. Now, Schrager has amicably parted ways with Marriott, but not before opening one of the last few hotels he oversaw for the group.
The Tokyo Edition, Ginza had its grand opening in March with signature fanfare: think rooftop drag queens, appearances from Dita Von Teese and electronic music’s emerging star Peggy Gou; J- and K-pop stars galore and of course, glorious digs. Enlisting renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the chic 86-room hotel is a masterclass in lighting and sound design, from the moment you enter the lobby. There’s soft neons, a golden glowing bar and a white incandescent staircase. Taking local lessons in effective spatial design, the lobby unfurls up the
luminous staircase into the Punch Room. Here, velvet lounges set the scene for shared punch bowls and yuzu- and matcha-spiked cocktails. Upstairs, each of the rooms are a mix of warm textures and clean lines; Le Labo amenities; and local snacks (alongside Krug Champagne) are standard in every room.
Above, on the 14th floor, is Sophie, a brasserie that centeres on local ingredients. While this has become a calling card of most restaurants globally, finding out you can have honey, cheese and miso sourced from one of the world’s densest cities is truly impressive.
The hotel is a sister property to the larger Edition Toranomon, also in Tokyo. Ginza plays the more petite retreat in the glitzier, high-fashion location, which is primed for luxury shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants and ramen shops on the hotel doorstop.
The launch hits as Tokyo and wider Japan continue to top Australian bucket lists, with the glam brand adding fresh reason to book now. Check in to experience the brand’s luxury ethos, while fully immersing in Tokyo’s rich culture. editionhotels.com
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