Storied diplomatic guesthouse
A landmark diplomatic institution where white-glove hospitality greets dignitaries and families celebrating milestones across grand marble halls.
“The blocky current version comprises a main building and a tower that together house 931 rooms, but the interiors stick to the property's past…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dedicated Imperial Floor attendants provide personalized assistance, paired with traditional deep soaking tubs and tailored evening service.
Remarkable
Established in 1890 as an imperial state guesthouse, preserving original carved Oya stone murals by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Remarkable
Civic landmark where generations mark family milestones, home to Japan's original 1958 smorgasbord buffet tradition.
What they say
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in AFAR.
A Japanese institution, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo is as close as it gets to a historic property in a city that constantly reinvents itself… It was first built in 1890 at the request of the Imperial government to cater to Western visitors.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Hibiya Park spreads directly across the avenue, placing the Imperial Palace moat and Ginza's department stores within an easy stroll.
The rooms
Main Building rooms feature deep soaking tubs for traditional bathing, while Tower accommodations offer expansive bay window views across Hibiya Park.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An indoor lap pool sits beneath an angled glass atrium in the Tower Building, looking out across the city skyline.
The spa and gym
Specialty salons offer traditional Japanese shiatsu massage before skyline windows, alongside saunas and a full fitness room.
At the table
Thirteen venues range from Thierry Voisin's French dining at Les Saisons to formal matcha ceremonies at Toko-An.
How it began
Founded in 1890 as Japan's first Western state guesthouse, the property famously survived the catastrophic 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake on opening day.
Good to know
Stay here
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Tokyo
More like this
Gajoen Tokyo
“Showa art sanctuary”
Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN
“Elevated garden keep”
The Tokyo Station Hotel
“Red-brick railway stronghold”
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
“Sculptural timber sanctuary”
Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main
“Olympic garden monument”
The Peninsula Tokyo
“Lantern-lit urban haven”
Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
“Intimate tea hideaway”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
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.