What kind of luxury hotel is Hotel Gajoen Tokyo?
We visited this hotel near Meguro Station with our two small children in August during the hot summer days. To get straight to the point, we were very impressed with the luxurious and gorgeous world of Japanese culture and traditions.
We got off at Meguro Station a little after 3:00 p.m., went out the east exit, and waited around in front of the police box next to the cab stand, where a free shuttle bus arrived. We boarded the shuttle bus and arrived at the hotel in a few minutes. The hotel is located a few minutes’ walk from the station, but there is a steep downhill on the way, so if you have a stroller or wheelchair, I recommend taking the shuttle bus. After a short bus ride, the Amazon headquarters building appeared, and next to it, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, where we will be staying this time, came into view.
As we got off the bus in front of the hotel entrance and entered the main entrance to the right, we saw the famous Oiran corridor, and on the wall of the long, arched corridor were carved wooden panels decorated with mud paints in the motif of auspicious ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Although each piece appeared to be an independent painting, the hem of the kimono worn by the woman and her facial expression expressed a gradually stronger wind blowing from the front as she progressed down the corridor. Because it was sculpted three-dimensionally, the expression was completely different depending on the angle from which it was viewed, so the viewer never tired of looking at it over and over again with great interest.
Further on, we saw the famous gate. It looked like the bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. The rounded roof is said to mean welcoming visitors with bowed heads. The roof of the gate was also decorated with auspicious motifs meaning a match. The wall on the left was decorated with sculptures featuring 21 well-known spots throughout Japan. Passing through the gate and looking up, one could see the auspicious dragons and tigers painted in bright colors, creating a festive atmosphere. Approximately 2,500 works of art were scattered throughout the museum, as if the entire hotel were a museum. These precious Japanese artworks are still carefully displayed as the soul of Gajoen, and they were enjoyed by guests in the hotel.
Further on was a spacious lobby with an all-weather atrium. It was a wonderful green space with sunlight pouring in through glass windows that covered the entire ceiling. The large windows also overlooked a garden with a spectacular waterfall and a pond with graceful Nishikigoi swimming in it. There were also narrow waterways inside the hotel, and the sound of running water could be heard from everywhere. The gentle sound of running water was pleasant to our ears and calmed us down.
We went up to the 8th floor to check in. As we boarded the elevator, we noticed that the elevator walls were decorated with peacocks in mother-of-pearl inlay, a traditional Japanese craft. The mystical glow of the aurora borealis and the beauty of the patterns, which were cut out one by one with great precision, were very attractive. After exiting the elevator, a staff member in an elegant kimono guided us to the reception counter. After checking in, the staff guided us to a Japanese-style room on the 6th floor where we stayed this time.
The hotel has 60 rooms in total, each designed as a suite with a Jacuzzi + sauna and therefore spacious. The corridor on the sixth floor where we stayed was decorated like a luxury ryokan, with a lattice door at the entrance to the room. After opening the door and entering the room, we found a spacious entrance hallway, where we took off our shoes. There was a Japanese-style living room with tatami mats on the floor, and next to it was twin beds on tatami mats. The bed board was made of Nishijin brocade from Kyoto, which was made in the image of the Furosaki folding screen used in a tea ceremony house. The wall cloth was made in the image of a yabukouji tree planted in a tea ceremony garden. In front of the twin beds was an alcove with hanging scrolls. On the window side of the twin bed room was a porch called engawa with chairs and a table. We felt as if we were staying at a luxury ryokan.
We decided to follow this up with afternoon tea at the executive lounge called OUKA on the 8th floor. The hotel’s executive lounge had no restrictions on children’s use, including during cocktail hours, so we were happy to be able to enjoy the entire day with our children. *As of April 2023, unfortunately, children under elementary school age are allowed until 19:00.
Drinks include apple juice, peach juice, mandarin orange juice, oolong tea, milk, jasmine tea, Coca-Cola, blended coffee, espresso, cappuccino, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Japanese cherry black tea, organic black tea Kaori, and more. Unfortunately, there were no alcoholic beverages available during afternoon tea. Food offerings included sandwiches, pickled olives, escabeche, BBQ pork rice sandwich, croissant sandwich, cream croquette donut sandwich, cheeseburger, grilled beef curry bun, sweet potato yokan, mizuyokan, grass rice cake, kuzumochi, chocolate, macarons, green tea opera, tofu jelly, strawberry rolls, panna cotta, etc. were available. Another enjoyment was the beautiful tableware, such as Kutani and Arita porcelain. The children seemed to enjoy the food. One regret is that the view from the window was not special. It is a low-rise hotel, so that may not be an issue. In the Executive Lounge, there is a matcha tea ceremony service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on weekends.
Then we found ourselves at cocktail hour. During cocktail hour, all alcoholic beverages were available under Japanese brands. Two red wines and two white wines from Yamagata and Yamanashi prefectures, rosé wine from Nagano, sparkling wine from Yamagata, two types of sake from Tokyo and sake from Niigata, Asahi beer, Okuhida vokka, ROKU gin, Chita whiskey, yuzu gin and tonic, etc., all from Japan. We were not familiar with Japanese wines, so we enjoyed our encounter with the Japanese alcoholic beverages. The buffet counter was filled with cured ham, shrimp, oil sardine, smoked bacon, quiche, cheese, salmon, and more. Sandwiches, sweets, cakes, soft drinks, and other items were the same as during afternoon tea. Overall, the food and desserts were delicious, although there was not a large variety.
After this, we decided to go see the Nishiki-koi swimming in the illuminated Japanese garden on the first floor. During the day, the lobby was crowded with weddings and attendants, but at night it was very quiet and we were able to take a leisurely stroll through the hotel. At night, the lights reflected off the windows and ceiling glass, creating a soft ambiance. There was a quaint wooden bridge over a large pond where Nishiki-koi carp swam gracefully. Crossing this bridge and gazing at the sound of running water and the waterfall like a curtain of water, we felt cooler, as if the extremely hot summer days were a lie. Also in the hotel, water was slowly flowing in the waterway connected to the pond in the Japanese garden, and to our surprise, Nishiki-koi carp were swimming in the waterway as well.
After this, we went back to our room, and since we were a little hungry, we ordered a cheeseburger and sandwiches from room service and a kids’ plate for the kids. JPY2000 kids’ plate included fried chicken, cheese omelet, fried shrimp, hamburger steak, fried potatoes, gratin, and potage. The hotel’s room service was reasonable compared to high-end hotels in Tokyo, and included everything from course meals to a la carte and light meals. Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines are available.
The following is a partial menu, but is included for your reference.
Cajun sauteed shrimp ¥1,870
Grilled US beef loin ¥2,750
Spaghettini with seafood and wasabi ¥1,980
Mixed Sandwich ¥1,650
Cheeseburger ¥1,650
New York Cheesecake ¥1,320
Bean-curd soup seasoned with red pepper ¥1,320
Shrimp with chili sauce ¥1,430
Shrimp and crab fried rice ¥1,980
Rice ball / Miso bowl and pickles ¥1,320
The next day, we woke up a little after 7:00 a.m. and headed to the first floor restaurant called KANADE TERRACE, for breakfast. Breakfast was a Japanese-Western buffet, with egg dishes made with special ingredients, fish cooked over charcoal, grilled dishes cooked in a kamado, and a live station where the chef cooked right in front of you, so you could enjoy freshly prepared food at any time. Our favorite was the freshly made buckwheat crepes filled with salmon and cream sauce.
After breakfast, we decided to visit Hyakudan Kaidan in the hotel, which we were looking forward to the most. The wooden structure was built about 90 years ago and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. When we actually saw the building, we were overwhelmed by the powerful beauty of the ornamentation of Hyakudan Kaidan, which we could not have imagined. It was truly the highest point of traditional aesthetics. A long stair corridor of 99 steps connected the seven rooms where once grand banquets were held. Each of the rooms connected by the steps was different in style, and each room’s ceiling and banister were painted with a world of beauty created by some of the most famous painters of the time. Hotel guests get half-price admission for JPY700, and pre-school children are free.
Then free art tours are also available for overnight guests only, every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9:00-10:30 am. Free morning yoga is also offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30-8:30 am. You can experience yoga in the banquet room in a space surrounded by over 200 works of art, including Japanese paintings, colored wood carving boards, kumiko shoji screens, and mother-of-pearl inlay. Those who wish to attend need to make a reservation at the reception by 5:00 p.m. the day before the activities.
After this, we again enjoyed tea time in the exclusive lounge with cappuccino for us and apple juice for the kids, and checked out of the hotel before 12:00 pm.
Finally, if I dare to raise any drawback, the wedding halls, banquet halls, lobby and restaurants in the hotel will be crowded with many attendees, not just guests. Especially during the day on weekends and holidays. Nevertheless, the decorative beauty of Hyakudan Kaidan, filled with paintings created by famous Japanese painters with unique Japanese sensibilities and techniques, was truly a sight to behold. It was an experience of glamorous Japanese decorative beauty, quite different from the wabi-sabi world in Kyoto.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
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About the executive lounge on 8F
| Check-in / Check-out | The Reception 8F |
|---|---|
| Open Time |
Breakfast 7:00-11:00 Tea Time 11:30-13:00 Afternoon tea 14:00-17:00 Evening Cocktail 17:30-20:00 Nightcap 20:00-22:00 |
| Club Lounge Access | When booking a room, choose a room with executive lounge access. |
| Features | There is an array of high quality food and desserts, but not a large variety. All of the alcoholic beverages are available from Japan. The view from the lounge is not special. |
*Unfortunately, from April 2023, the executive lounge will be open until 19:00 for children of elementary school age and younger.
Is the location easy to access?
The hotel is located near Meguro Station It takes 5min on foot. There is a steep slope on the way to the hotel. It takes 2min by taxi and costs around JPY500. Free shuttle service is available from Meguro Station or Shinagawa Station. Refer to the info.
The free shuttle bus stop is a bit confusing as there is no signage at all. When you exit the east exit of Meguro Station, there is a cab stand. The shuttle bus stops next to the cab stand. It is located in front of the police box. The name of the hotel is written on the body of the white shuttle bus. The Sheraton Hotel shuttle bus also stops at this location, so please do not make a mistake.
JFYI, it takes 20min from Tokyo Station to Meguro Station, 45min from Haneda Airport to Meguro Station by train.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you stay here, I would recommend a Japanese room on the 6th floor. You will feel like you are staying in a luxury ryokan.
Is this child-friendly?
Cribs can be provided upon advance request, but you need to book a Japanese-Western style room or an Executive Suite. One child under 6 years old per adult sleeps free of charge.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, pajamas, a coffee machine with capsules, welcome chocolate, and a Japanese tea set, etc. There were Omnisens skincare products and bath amenities in our bathroom. Turn-down service is available. Free smartphone service is available. The Free Wi-Fi reception was good. There are some convenience stores around Meguro Station.
How about In-house Facilities?
You can use Konami Sports Club nearby for free. There is a gym and a swimming pool. It’s open from 9:00-22:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, from 9:00-20:30 on Sundays. It’s closed on Monday. 16 years of age or older.
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Then this is a universal design hotel. There are some universal rooms. Also, wheelchairs are available for borrowing. If you bring someone with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they arrange a room near the lift.
Then there is a spa treatment shop. If you have a spa treatment service, you need to make a reservation at least 5 days in advance.
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Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the hotel from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
| Style | Small Luxury Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 65,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail Address |
front@hotelgajoen-tokyo.com |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Hotel Gajoen Tokyo’s MAP |
| Access | 10min walk from Meguro Station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 |
| Official Homepage | Hotel Gajoen Tokyo’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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