Visual Hotel Review: Park Hotel Tokyo
Walking into a room filled with goldfish swimming across the walls, Geisha smiling from behind the bed, and a view towards Mt Fuji, it felt like I’d stepped into a colourful dream of all things quintessentially Japanese. Perched in the Shiodome Media Tower, Park Hotel Tokyo offers more than just a luxurious stay—it provides an immersive journey into Japanese art and culture. With panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and an artistic ethos that permeates every corner, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional aesthetics.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, while its unique art-focused concept ensures a stay that’s as inspiring as it is comfortable.
Location
Situated in the heart of Tokyo’s Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo occupies the upper floors of the Shiodome Media Tower, offering guests panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel is conveniently connected to Shiodome Station, providing easy access to Tokyo’s extensive public transportation network. Ginza, renowned for its shopping and dining, is within walking distance, and other major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara are easily accessible.
From Haneda Airport, the hotel is a 20-minute taxi ride or accessible by train via the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, followed by a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station (total journey around 25 minutes). From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station (journey around 65 minutes), or opt for an airport limousine bus to the Shiodome area (approximately 110 minutes). Taxis from Narita take 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including Artist Rooms, where each room is a unique masterpiece created by a different artist, and the Park Suite, an 80-square-meter suite featuring an impressive large arched window that covers the entire living room on the 34th floor, offering dynamic views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay.
During my stay, I had the privilege of experiencing the “Geisha Goldfish” room, created by Japanese artist Aki Narita. This room is a dreamlike escape into an underwater world, where vibrant red goldfish, painted in oil, float serenely across the walls and ceiling. Some of these graceful creatures take the form of geishas, adding an imaginative twist that brings the space to life.
The design captures a sense of tranquility and wonder, as if you are suspended within an aquarium. Each element in the room, from the flowing patterns to the rich colours, evokes the beauty of Japanese art and nature. Staying in this room was more than just a night in Tokyo—it was a complete sensory experience that blurred the boundaries between art and accommodation. It perfectly embodies Park Hotel Tokyo’s vision of merging hospitality with creative expression, making my stay both inspiring and unforgettable.
Artistic Experience
Art is at the core of Park Hotel Tokyo’s identity. The “Artist in Hotel” project invites artists to stay and create artworks within the hotel, resulting in rooms that are immersive art installations. You can select your chosen room prior to arrival, or if there are various styles available upon check-in, you’ll be presented with a folder of photos to select your Art room.
The hotel’s “ART colours” series presents rotating exhibitions that celebrate Japan’s four seasons, showcasing artworks that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. These exhibitions are thoughtfully curated to provide a serene and inspiring atmosphere, allowing guests to experience the beauty of Japanese art throughout the year.
The “Corridor Gallery” extends this artistic ambiance beyond traditional spaces, transforming the hotel’s corridors into a living art museum. Guests can stroll through these galleries, which feature diverse works from both emerging and established artists, offering a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary Japanese art in a personal and intimate setting.
For those eager to explore Tokyo’s vibrant art scene, Park Hotel Tokyo “Art Walks” that guide guests through nearby artistic neighborhoods. These walks include visits to renowned museums, galleries, and cultural sites, offering a comprehensive experience of the city’s artistic landscape. This initiative reflects the hotel’s commitment to connecting guests with the broader cultural context of Tokyo, enhancing their stay with enriching and memorable experiences.
Through these initiatives, Park Hotel Tokyo seamlessly integrates art into the guest experience, making each stay not just a visit, but a journey into the heart of Japanese culture and creativity.
Photogenic Locations:
One of the many advantages of staying at Park Hotel Tokyo is its prime location in the Shiodome district, offering easy access to some of Tokyo’s most photogenic spots. Just a short walk from the hotel, Hamarikyu Gardens provides a serene escape with its traditional Japanese landscape design, seasonal blooms, and a tea house overlooking a peaceful pond. This historic garden is a dream for photographers, especially during cherry blossom season or when the leaves turn vibrant shades in autumn.
For a more dynamic photography experience, the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market is within easy reach. Here, you’ll find bustling stalls brimming with fresh seafood, colourful produce, and lively street scenes. It’s the perfect spot to capture the energy of Tokyo’s culinary culture. *Always ask before taking photos within the market as some stall holders don’t wish to be photographed and it can get very busy!
Venture a little further to the nearby Ginza district, where sleek skyscrapers and historic architecture create a fascinating blend of old and new. From the reflective glass façades of modern buildings to the intricate details of traditional shopfronts, Ginza offers countless opportunities for architectural and street photography.
If you’re keen to explore more of Tokyo, take a peek at the Tokyo Photography Location Guide for spots to photograph from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, to Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku.
Park Hotel Tokyo offers a unique blend of luxury accommodation and immersive art experiences. Its central location, artistic ambiance, and commitment to Japanese hospitality make it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a culturally enriching stay in Tokyo.
As with all visual reviews, I’ll now let the photos do the rest of the talking, please find below a collection of images captured during my two-night stay.
Travel and landscape photographer from Australia who is far more comfortable in a pair of flippers than heels! Having worked for publications such as Lonely Planet, Wanderlust and the Sunday Times, Lisa founded The Wandering Lens to share destination guides to the worlds most photogenic places and outdoor experiences.
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