Tokyo, JapanTakanawa
Hanakohro
Imperial garden ryokan
Takanawa Tokyo, Japan
Opened
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Local DesignOutside the door
The house
Prince HotelsImperial garden ryokan
A traditional Japanese inn sits concealed inside a modern hotel tower, bordered by five acres of historic imperial grounds.
“Quintessential traditional ryokan is what you’ll find here; a time machine taking you back 200 years, but with all the mod cons tucked in.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Kimono-clad attendants dress guests in robes and guide private garden tea ceremonies.
What they say
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Tucked inside Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, you will find Takanawa Hanakohro, an intimate 16-suite ryokan (traditional inn).
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Shinagawa Station sits a short walk downhill, offering direct bullet trains across Japan and express links to Haneda.
The rooms
Tatami mats and paper screens enclose low beds, and selected bathrooms include deep stone-tiled soaking tubs.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and gym
Spa Tayuta is reserved exclusively per session for treatments with yuzu and cedarwood aromatics. The gym houses Technogym machines.
At the table
Togo Murano designed Ean Charyo, a sukiya-style tea house set in the garden. Dedicated counters serve tempura and teppanyaki.
How it began
The hotel grounds once belonged to Prince Takeda, whose 1911 imperial residence still stands beside the garden paths.
Tokyo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.