SH Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to launch its 1 Hotel brand in Japan. The 1 Hotel Tokyo is set to open in 2025, following years of planning.
The hotel will be part of the Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project, being developed in the city by Mori Trust, a leading Japanese property developer. The masterplanned development will include the hotel, shopping and office space in a layout designed to be pedestrian friendly.
Set within a landmark tower
A key element in the project is the 43 storey tower, containing a mix of uses and with direct connections to key Tokyo metro lines via a connected station. The hotel will occupy the top six floors of the tower, giving guests great views across the Tokyo skyline. Lower floors, up to level 36, are occupied by offices.
Guests arriving at the hotel will be greeted on the 38th floor, where the main lobby will be located, along with the hotel’s main restaurant. The hotel will then have its own dedicated guest lifts providing speedy access to bedroom floors.
“Partnering with Mori Trust, we see a vision realized—a shared vision that transcends mere accommodation and embodies a commitment to nature, luxury, and cultural preservation in Tokyo, a city renowned for its innovation and sophistication,” said Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and chairman of SH Hotels & Resorts.
The interiors of the new hotel will echo both Japan’s reputation for beautiful gardens and nature, and the core issue of sustainability at the heart of the 1 Hotel brand. The result will be a lush, green oasis in the centre of the city, both looking different, but performing on a different level too.
Environmental initiatives at the new hotel will include the use of rainwater and grey water recycling, reduced energy and water consumption, and the use of reclaimed and recycled materials. Raul Leal, CEO of SH Hotels & Resorts, commented: “Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the hotel’s very fabric, from energy and water conservation systems to the use of reclaimed materials, creating a sanctuary that respects and enhances its environment.”
For example, the lobby area of the hotel will feature moss covered boulders, and walls lined with plants, plus a sculptural stone water feature. Ceilings will feature designs that mimic the patterns of raked sand seen in a Zen garden. Wood will feature throughout the interiors, including wood beamed ceilings in guest rooms, and planked headboards.
Building distinctive brands
SH Hotels is growing the presence of the 1 Hotel brand gradually, with several new developments. Construction is under way on 1 Hotel Copenhagen, and 1 Hotel at Seafarers in Melbourne, Australia. A development in Elounda, Greece will combine a 1 Hotel with branded residences and villas.
SH is also developing its other brand, Treehouse, with developments in Brickell, Miami and Sunnyvale California. And in Rome, the group is refurbishing the city’s former Hotel Majestic to transform it into Baccarat Hotel Rome, which is due to open during 2025.
