This Hotel Might Just Be the Chicest Place to Stay in Tokyo
Our column "The Best Room At" offers a glimpse inside some of the most charming, luxurious, and iconic properties around the world.
Located on an unassuming corner in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood, Trunk Hotel might be the city’s hippest hotel right now. When I told an in-the-know Japanese friend that I’d be spending a few nights at Trunk on a recent trip, she nodded her head with approval and assured me I would love it. She was right.
The property opened in 2017, and though it has just 15 rooms, you’d certainly never know it based on the lobby, which has become something of a Soho House-esque workspace for local creatives during the day, and a trendy spot for drinks at night.
Trunk Hotel has managed to infuse a number of traditional Japanese elements into a decidedly modern boutique hotel—making it the perfect place for travelers in search of an authentic experience with a contemporary twist.
We checked in with the property's General Manager Hisao Koga for the inside scoop on the hotel.
DESCRIBE THE HOTEL IN A SENTENCE:
The 15-room TRUNK HOTEL, Tokyo features remarkable public spaces, oversized guest rooms and suites brimming with character and energy, framed against made in Japan design and signature experiences custom-created in partnership with hyperlocal small businesses.
WHICH ROOM IS THE BEST?
The Terrace Suite.
WHY?
This stunning duplex suite accommodates up to eight people. The open-plan layout of the lower floor ensures seamless entertainment and dining opportunities with a kitchen, living and dining area, and a large terrace with an additional dining table and grill. There is also a large kitchen counter, which doubles as a cooking studio and dining table for 16 people on the upper level. The sizeable terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ or a movie under the starry sky. The suite is also ideally designed for events, conferences and exhibitions.
WHAT’S THE AVERAGE NIGHTLY RATE?
The Terrace Suite’s average nightly rate is approx. USD$ 6,267.00 per night.
WHO IS YOUR TYPICAL GUEST?
Guests seeking authentic Tokyo experiences, a boutique luxury hotel experience and proximity to the creative hub of Shibuya.
WHAT’S ONE LOCAL RECOMMENDATION YOU ALWAYS GIVE FIRST-TIME VISITORS?
Visit both the traditional and contemporary locations around the Shibuya neighborhood. Traditional sites that travelers should visit include Meiji Jingu Shrine and Nezu Museum in Omotesando. And for contemporary locations: Takeshita Dori Street in Harajuku and Shibuya Crossing.
CAN YOU SHARE AN INTERESTING TIDBIT ABOUT THE HOTEL'S HISTORY OR SIGNIFICANCE?
When the hotel opened in May 2017, the property also pledged to institute a “life sized social purpose” program, which sees TRUNK donating $46,600 to charities on an annual basis. Non-profits can apply for these donations through TRUNK’s website and the property’s owners reviews each and every application.
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