Tokyo, Japan – The newly opened Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, perched high above the Japanese capital, is quickly establishing itself as a destination for discerning travelers seeking a blend of Italian luxury and Japanese refinement. Beyond the opulent accommodations, the hotel’s culinary offerings are proving to be a significant draw, particularly its flagship sushi restaurant, Hōseki.
The experience begins, as many journeys do after a long flight, with a desire for sustenance. Upon arrival, guests are swiftly directed away from the main lobby and into the intimate setting of Hōseki, a space limited to just eight seats around a meticulously crafted hinoki counter. This counter, carved from a single piece of wood, is presided over by Chef Kenji Gyoten, who sources his fish daily from the renowned Tsukiji outer market.
The restaurant’s design intentionally obscures any sense of its elevated location. Situated on the 40th floor of a skyscraper, Hōseki creates an atmosphere of serene tranquility. Traditional, hand-crafted pendant lamps cast a gentle glow, while a large window overlooks a miniature zen garden – a carefully arranged landscape of red pine, pebbles, moss, and bamboo. This deliberate aesthetic aims to transport diners away from the bustling city below, fostering a sense of calm and focused appreciation for the culinary artistry to come.
Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
The meal itself is described as a theatrical presentation of meticulously prepared dishes. Thin slices of marinated tuna, surf clam, and Japanese sardines are among the delicacies served, each piece carefully placed atop a bed of perfectly seasoned rice. Chef Gyoten then shapes and presents the sushi on wabi-sabi china, intended to be consumed in a single bite. The experience is representative of the high-end sushi experiences that draw visitors to Tokyo from around the globe.
The hotel’s aesthetic extends beyond the restaurant. Rooms, accessed via elm wood-paneled corridors adorned with vintage photographs of Italian film icons such as Monica Vitti and Virna Lisi, continue the theme of East-meets-West design. The deluxe rooms are described as offering another level of tranquility, seamlessly blending Japanese rigor with Italian flair.
Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
The name of the sushi restaurant, Hōseki, is fittingly revealed to mean “jewels” in Japanese, a subtle nod to the Bvlgari brand’s heritage as a luxury jeweler. The hotel, which opened in , represents a significant investment in Tokyo’s luxury hospitality sector and aims to cater to a global clientele seeking a unique and refined experience.
The Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo joins a competitive landscape of high-end hotels in the city, including those consistently ranked among the world’s best. The hotel’s success will likely depend on its ability to maintain the high standards of culinary excellence demonstrated by Hōseki and to continue delivering a seamless blend of Italian elegance and Japanese hospitality.
