Bulgari brings Italian style to the Japanese capital

Bulgari Hotels & Resorts is set to make its Japanese debut in April 2023 with the opening of Bulgari Tokyo at 2-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo-ku.

Marking the eighth property worldwide for the luxury operator, the 98-room property occupies the 40th to the 45th floor of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, an ultra-skyscraper in the Yaesu 2-Chome North District. Overlooking the city’s Imperial Palace and with Mount Fuji on the horizon, the mixed-use building – owned by real estate company Mitsui Fudosan – also houses offices and retail outlets.

Like the rest of Bulgari’s portfolio, the interior design has been entrusted to Italian practice ACPV Architects, whose scheme conveys the brand’s core values of contemporary design, craftsmanship and artistic detail. In the guestrooms and suites, furnishings by Italian brands like Maxalto, Flexform and B&B Italia are combined with touches of Japanese tradition and modern technology. The most expansive accommodation on offer, the 400m² Bulgari Suite, is one of the largest in Tokyo and can be further extended by connecting it with an adjoining suite.

The property is also home to several dining options, including Japanese concept Sushi Hōseki following its success at Bulgari Dubai. With only eight seats overlooking a private Japanese rock garden – featuring iconic cultural references such as the pine tree and the ishi-dōrō, the stone lantern – the restaurant will be helmed by native chef Kenji Gyoten, awarded three Michelin Stars at Sushi Gyoten. Following the fine cultural Japanese traditions, the chef will perform Omakase, a discovery concept meaning “I leave it to you”, where he selects the dishes to create a tailor-made experience. The restaurant’s design’s minimal interiors feature a counter crafted from a single piece of hinoki wood as per the ancient Japanese tradition.

At The Italian Il Ristorante meanwhile, chef Niko Romito Niko Romito – who also received three Michelin stars for his Reale restaurant in Abruzzo – will presents contemporary Italian cooking in a seductive 80-cover restaurant overlooking the city. Located on the way to the restaurant, The Lounge will feature plush armchairs and a cosy fireplace for a pre-dinner gathering. Just in front of the Japanese restaurant stands Bulgari Dolci boutique, serving Bulgari’s ‘chocolate gem’ creations as well as a selection of traditional italian pastries from the La Pasticceria – Niko Romito menu.

Up on the 45th floor of the tower, the Bulgari Bar features a quintessential handmade mosaic framing the counter, which represents a ‘garden of wonders’. The space is also home to two half-covered outdoor terraces, with vistas of Tokyo on both sides and an array of citrus plants such as yuzu and lemon – reminiscent of the Japanese and Italian traditions that coexist across the hotel.

When the weather allows it, the terrace offers a view on the snow-capped Mount Fuji – the icon of Japan, which also inspired the Mount Fuji vintage brooch in gold and mother of pearl, created in 1972 by Bulgari to celebrate its longstanding connection with the country and now a recurring symbol throughout.

On the events front, two 180m² ballrooms on the 40th floor – each with triple-height ceilings, separated by a glass niche hosting a secular pine tree – can be customised for large-scale gatherings of up to 100 guests. On the same level, a Wedding Salon can host ceremonies and a 110m2 Terrace Room featuring a geometric pattern wall inspired by the diamond cut design can be set up as a chapel.

Completing the hotel’s facilities is a 1,000m² Bulgari Spa on the 40th floor, which comprises nine treatment rooms including a spa suite and two double treatment rooms, as well as a 25m indoor pool with full view on the skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Augustinus Bader’s wellness treatments and line of products will be available for treatments, therapies and grooming for both men and women, in addition to thermal and bathing experiences.

“Japan is such a strategic market where Bulgari as a brand has been present for 30 years,” says Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin. “It is an honour for us to bring once again the best of the Italian design, lifestyle, culture and luxury hospitality to Tokyo to create a welcome addition and irresistible experience in the upscale Japanese hotel market.”

Bulgari Tokyo joins the group’s existing properties in Milan, Bali, London, Beijing, Dubai, Shanghai, Paris, as well as upcoming openings in Rome (2023), Maldives and Miami (2025) and Los Angeles (2026).

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