The Presidential Suite of The Capitol Tokyu Hotel
Some luxury hotels declare themselves the moment you step inside. They rise with marble lobbies that stretch skyward, chandeliers that scatter light like jewels, and suites so grand they seem carved from palaces. By contrast, other hotels take a gentler approach. They invite you closer. They hold your attention not with spectacle, but with stillness. Their luxury lies in the quiet confidence of details — the curve of a chair, the softness of a carpet, the hush of a perfectly lit hallway.
This is the spirit of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu. It does not need to dazzle or overwhelm. Instead, it whispers. Each turn, each pause, reveals a subtle grace that stays with you long after you leave. In this hotel, elegance feels less like performance and more like presence — a luxury that draws you in and holds you with its quiet strength.
In Tokyo, It’s All About Location
Located in Tokyo’s vibrant Akasaka district, between fashionable Omotesandō and bustling Ginza, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu embodies understated luxury and quiet refinement. At first glance, the hotel reveals a deeply Japanese aesthetic — serene lines, natural textures, and a harmony that feels both timeless and modern. In fact, its recognition as a Forbes Five-Star and Michelin Key-awarded property reflects this balance of tradition and excellence.
And then, there is the Presidential Suite. If you are fortunate enough to stay here, you will feel both at home and impossibly spoiled. From the moment you arrive, calm elegance surrounds you. At once, the suite draws you in with its stillness and grace. Every detail matters — from sweeping views across Tokyo to thoughtful touches in the design. In the end, leaving becomes the hardest part of the stay.
A Lobby That Feels Like a Sanctuary
As soon as guests enter, they sense refinement. The lobby of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu immediately sets the tone with quiet luxury. Designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, the space radiates warmth. At once, wood embraces you and soft light eases the air. In that moment, the noise of the city disappears. Instead, serenity rises in its place.
A breathtaking floral installation greets you in the lobby. Created by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, Japan’s most celebrated avant-garde flower-arranging school, it feels alive with movement and form. Every two to three weeks, the display changes. As a result, guests enjoy a year-round feast of branches, blossoms, and sculptural poetry.
For a moment, I lingered there, listening to a lady perform against the ikebana backdrop. Yet, a beautiful suite awaited.
If Your Home Were Designed by a Japanese Master
The Presidential Suite at The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is more than a place to stay. Instead, it offers a 270-square-meter experience of elegance in the heart of Tokyo. Here, Japanese tradition blends seamlessly with modern luxury.
As soon as you step inside, the views command your attention. Windows that frame sweeping panoramas of the city from floor to ceiling. From one angle, guests can see the stately National Diet Building. From another, you enjoy the vibrant skylines of Marunouchi and Ginza. In every direction, the city stretches endlessly. Throughout the day, the windows reveal a living work of art, shifting with light and time.
The living area is designed for pure relaxation. Here, plush sofas and armchairs invite you to sink in. Together, warm wood tones and soft lighting create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. For VIP guests, this becomes the perfect space to unwind after exploring Tokyo’s lively streets.
Next, the bedroom reveals a spacious king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linens. At the same time, a soft headboard, textured walls, and adjustable lighting enhance the cozy mood. As a result, the space feels like a private retreat — peaceful, intimate, and entirely your own.
Bathing in Luxury
The bathroom takes luxury to another level. First, a deep soaking jacuzzi tub invites guests to unwind and let the day slip away. Then, a sleek rain shower offers a refreshing alternative. In addition, double vanities come stocked with Guerlain amenities, adding a touch of Parisian elegance. Altogether, the space feels less like a hotel bathroom and more like a private spa retreat.
Art in Every Corner
What sets this suite apart are the thoughtful details that whisper, not shout, luxury. For example, cabinets and shelves display handcrafted Japanese ceramics and curated works of art. Meanwhile, minimalist pieces — including works by Toko Shinoda — add quiet elegance. In the end, every corner feels simple, deliberate, and perfect.
Staying here means more than enjoying five-star luxury. Above all, it is about experiencing Tokyo at its finest. With every glance, stunning views remind you of the city’s energy. At the same time, thoughtful design grounds you in calm and comfort.
The Presidential Suite embodies Japanese hospitality at its very best. In the end, it becomes a retreat of beauty, elegance, and tranquility — a sanctuary high above the city.
My Corner of the Sky
But my favorite spot? Without question, the two oversized armchairs by the window. Here, I could sit for hours, watching the city shift from sunrise to starlight. In those moments, Tokyo felt close yet far away — a living canvas framed just for me.
I’ve sat in many chairs in my lifetime. Some were comfortable. Others were forgettable. A few even made me wonder if the designer had ever tried them at all.
But these? These are the ultimate chairs. Later, I learned the hotel had sourced them from a Japanese furniture specialist. At once, I began calculating how much I’d need to win in the lottery to bring a pair home.
I sat down to take in the view for a moment. Instead, I stayed for hours. I read an entire book. I sipped tea. I even canceled my plans to go out that evening. That’s how comfortable these chairs are.
Art That Feels Like a Museum in Disguise
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu feels like an art gallery. In many luxury hotels, art is an afterthought—a decorative flourish at best. But here, every piece is meticulously chosen, thoughtfully placed, and deeply intentional.
Take the main lobby, for example. At the checkout counter, you’ll find two extraordinary paintings by Toko Shinoda, one of Japan’s most revered contemporary artists.
The first, created when the hotel first opened, is bold and deliberate. It’s charged with the energy of an artist carving her place in history. The second, commissioned for the hotel’s renovation, exudes the fluid confidence of a master at the peak of her craft.
Standing between them feels like standing between two moments in time, witnessing an artist’s vision evolve across decades.
But Shinoda’s works aren’t limited to the lobby. Her pieces are woven throughout the hotel. You’ll these in the suites, hallways, and quiet corners, waiting to be discovered. Alongside them, you’ll find beautiful Japanese crafts. I marveled at the hand-cut glassware from western Japan, and the exquisitely crafted ceramics and sculptures, each created with remarkable precision. Every detail invites you to pause, observe, and appreciate.
This isn’t just a hotel. It’s an invitation to slow down, to see, and to feel. Because here, luxury isn’t just about comfort. It’s about presence.
Rosanjin Kitaoji: The Ultimate Japanese Bon Vivant
The versatile artist Rosanjin Kitaoji also loved this hotel. A painter, calligrapher, and ceramicist, he was one of Japan’s greatest gourmets. Often, he designed plates to perfectly complement food. At the same time, he never hesitated to critique a meal. To him, art, dining, and aesthetics were inseparable.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu became one of his favorite gathering places. Here, he even created a private club where he and his friends could meet. For Rosanjin, true joy came where craftsmanship, cuisine, and culture met. Even now, the hotel reflects his spirit. Like him, it is elegant and refined, yet unpretentious.
If he were alive today, you could still imagine him here — studying the curve of a lacquered bowl while enjoying a flawless meal.
A Luxury Stay in Tokyo For Those Who Appreciate True Elegance
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu whispers luxury in a way that feels deeply Japanese:
- The golden wood of the lobby, absorbing the city’s chaos into quiet serenity.
- The perfectly placed artworks, each telling a story if you take the time to look.
- An excellent and authentic Japanese five-star hotel experience
- A Michelin Two Key-awarded luxury experience
- A stay deeply rooted in Japanese artistry and culture
- The attention to detail: whether in design, service, or the selection of chairs.
And, yes. I’m still thinking about those two armchairs for my living room if I win the lottery someday. So I’m hoping to return to stay at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu’s presidential suite one day soon.
Read more about the best hotels in Japan in Travelife Magazine
