Imperial Hotel (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The Imperial Hotel (Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo) is one of Japan's most renowned international hotels. Founded in the Meiji era (around 1890), it has welcomed many domestic and international dignitaries and cultural figures for many years. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, completed in 1923, is known worldwide for surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake, and parts of it are preserved in places like Meiji Mura. The current hotel combines a modern tower with traditional hospitality, and boasts a full range of attractive facilities, including formal dining, lounges, banquet halls, and wedding venues. Close to the Imperial Palace and the Ginza business district, the hotel is a convenient base for both sightseeing and business.

Highlights

• Lobby and Lounge: A relaxing space with a long history. Enjoy afternoon tea and popular lounge menus.
• Traditional restaurants: Offering a wide variety of cuisines, including Japanese, French, and casual dining. There are many prestigious restaurants that are perfect for anniversaries and business meetings.
• Wedding and banquet facilities: The prestigious chapel and banquet rooms are highly regarded for weddings and ceremonies.
• Architectural and historical traces: The hotel's history can be felt through anecdotes from the original Wright-designed building and preserved components.
• View from the location: Some rooms on the higher floors offer views of the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and the Tokyo cityscape.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest stations: JR Yurakucho Station, Shimbashi Station, and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station, Ginza Station, and Uchisaiwaicho Station are all within walking distance. The nearest station may vary slightly depending on your destination (banquet hall, restaurant, or accommodation building).
• Walking distance: Approximately 5-10 minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station or Hibiya Station (depending on traffic congestion and exit).
• From the airport: Haneda Airport is usually accessed by monorail or Keikyu line via Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa, while Narita Airport is most commonly accessed by Narita Express from Tokyo Station, then by taxi or subway. Limousine buses may also operate to and from hotels (please check in advance as this may vary depending on the season and operating conditions).
• Car/Parking: The hotel has a parking lot and valet parking (fees apply). As it is located in the city center, there are busy times, so please allow plenty of time for your trip.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Restaurant use/afternoon tea: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.
• Tour of the building (quick look around the lobby, shops, etc.): Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Accommodation: 1 night or more (you can enjoy a relaxing stay of 1-2 nights by combining breakfast, spa treatments, and sightseeing in the surrounding area).
• Banquet/wedding use: Half a day to one day (varies depending on the size and schedule of the ceremony).

Nearby spots

• Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and Imperial Palace East Gardens: Perfect for strolling and enjoying the gardens.
• Hibiya Park: An urban oasis where you can enjoy events and seasonal flowers.
• Ginza area: Convenient for shopping, with luxury brand shops, galleries, and long-established department stores.
• Marunouchi/Tokyo Station area: You can stroll around modern architecture, commercial facilities, and business districts.
• Tokyo International Forum: Concerts and exhibitions are easily accessible.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: The surrounding area is crowded during morning and evening rush hours, weekends, holidays, Golden Week, New Year's, and when events are held. Advance reservations are recommended for restaurants and afternoon tea.
• Dress code and etiquette: Some formal restaurants and bars within hotels have dress codes. Please check when making your reservation and prepare business or formal attire to ensure safety.
• Photography: Please be mindful of etiquette when taking photos in the lobby and public spaces. There may be restrictions on photography during events such as weddings, so please follow the instructions of staff.
• Price: As this is a long-established luxury hotel, the prices are on the higher side. Please make reservations and check prices early, especially for accommodation and dinner on weekends and holidays.
• Smoking and bringing in: There may be smoking regulations and restrictions on bringing in items inside the hotel. Please follow the hotel rules.
• Seasonal Note: Travel times may be longer during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn tourist season due to the increased number of tourists in the area.