What kind of 5-star hotel is The Capitol Hotel Tokyu?
In early May, after the spring cherry blossoms had fallen and it was a crisp early summer, my husband and I decided to stay at this hotel for a colleague’s wedding. To get straight to the point, it was exactly the kind of hotel that we would like to visit again and again. As soon as we stepped into the hotel, we loved the quietness and serenity of the ambiance, which is hard to believe in a big city. The room we stayed in was creative yet very functional, with shoji screens and fusuma sliding doors in the traditional Japanese architectural style. On top of that, the view from the large windows overlooking the National Diet Building, the Imperial Palace, and the Marunouchi area was amazing. What impressed us most was the hospitality of each and every one of the staff members, who were eager to share their Japaneseness and the charms of Japan with us.
We arrived at Tameike-Sanno Station around 3 p.m. We entered the hotel through the lattice entrance on the second basement floor after exiting Exit 6. The hotel is directly connected to Tameike-Sanno Station and Kokkai-gijidōmae Station. The entrance was decorated with a work of art by the founder of the Sogetsu style. We took the elevator to the reception area on the third floor. As we exited the elevator, we could hear the sound of the Japanese harp called Koto. A live koto performance was taking place in the lobby. The hotel was located right next to Hie Shrine and behind the Prime Minister’s official residence.
The lobby with the reception was spacious and full of Japanese luxury, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. The wooden Tokio on the ceilings of the main lobby were truly impressive, with a design motif based on the wooden structure supporting the roofs of traditional Japanese temple and shrine architecture. The design was intended to warmly welcome guests by blending the building with the adjacent Hie Shrine, without giving the intimidating impression of a high-rise hotel building. In the center of the lobby, there was a huge and dynamic ikebana flower arrangement that allowed visitors to feel the changing of the seasons. The free and adventurous style is the hallmark of the Sogetsu style. Ikebana works change every month.
Then in front of the reception area, there was a sofa area, which was decorated with a work entitled “無題” painted by the famous artist Toko Shinoda. The Beatles, who came to Japan in 1966 and stayed at this hotel, were so impressed by her work that they purchased the same brushes with which she wrote this piece. Also, behind the reception counter was a work entitled “豊” painted by Ms. Shinoda, who was 97 years old at the time of the hotel’s reconstruction.
Then worth seeing was a painting of Mt. Fuji by Japanese-style painter Misao Yokoyama on the aisle of the banquet lobby on the first floor. Fuji conveyed a sense of power and dynamism. As you can see, there are many other artworks placed throughout the hotel, in addition to the lobby, so that you can enjoy the artworks during your stay.
We had booked a room on the Club Floor, so we were escorted to the Club Lounge on the 27th floor. Upon entering the club lounge, we were awestruck by the clear, beautiful blue sky and the panoramic view of the Diet Building, the Imperial Palace, and the Marunouchi area through the large windows. The weather was fine that day, so we could even see the Tokyo Sky Tree in the distance. Then in the alcove at the far end of the Club Lounge, to our surprise, there was a hanging scroll with the autograph of Date Masamune, a feudal warlord.
While admiring the wonderful view, we were served a welcome drink of BOLLINGER champagne and a welcome sweet in a transparent box. Inside the box were financiers, chocolates, cookies, and macaroons. Here, we completed check-in formalities, and since it was just TeaTime at this point, we continued to enjoy our drinks and sweets.
Beverages and sweets were beautifully displayed at the buffet counter. Mini sakurapan, custard Danish, scones, egg sandwiches, ham sandwiches, cookies, sablés, okaki, potato chips, inari, nori rolls, VARHONA chocolate, Salon de Royal milk chocolate, strawberry cake, mango pudding and monbla, etc. Beverages include coffee, cafe latte, cappuccino, TWC tea, hojicha, mint tea, peach juice, tangerine juice, apple juice, ginger ale, Coca-Cola, Perrier, and yuzu juice. During afternoon tea, the only alcoholic beverages served were champagne and Premium Malts, Sapporo Black Label, and local beer. We were especially satisfied with the wide variety of food, all of which was of high quality and delicious no matter what we ate.
After this, the staff showed us to the deluxe king room we had booked. Upon entering the room, there was a closet and bathroom on the left, a little further on, a business desk on the right, a sofa and round table by the window, and a bed on the far left. Overall, the interior design was inspired by the Shoin-zukuri, a residential style from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), with Japanese touches sprinkled throughout. Interestingly, the room and bath were separated by sliding doors, and the traditional Japanese color, Akane, was used as an accent color. Lights reminiscent of shoji screens and andon lanterns, and a bed positioned a little lower to give the feeling of sleeping on a futon, also created a peaceful Japanese setting.
Then looking out the spacious window to the left, one could see the National Diet Building under the blue sky. This is probably the only hotel that offers a view of the National Diet Building from above. Even those of us who live in Tokyo have seen the National Diet Building on TV before, but this was our first time to see it in person. To the right was the Prime Minister’s official residence. It was very interesting to see the Prime Minister’s residence from above, as it was the first time for us to see it from above. The hotel staff told us that when the PM is staying at the hotel, a black car is parked in the space behind the PM residence. At that time, no cars were parked, but as we watched for a while, we saw several black cars in a row going in and out, looking busy.
After this, we went to the fitness club on the 15th floor, which has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym. When we got off the elevator, there is an entrance marked “The Capitol Fitness Club,” so we entered from there. The pool, Jacuzzi, and gym are free for all guests. There is a fee JPY2,200 to use the locker room, which include a bathhouse, sauna, and relaxation room. Guests staying on Club Floor and in suites can use all the above amenities free of charge. The Capitol Fitness Club is for guests 18 years and older only.
The 20-meter swimming pool has three courses and is 1.2 meters deep. The walls were made of glass and the ceiling was high, creating a calm and bright space. A number of deck chairs were placed by the poolside, with cushions for excellent comfort. Outside the window, we could see the National Diet Building, the Prime Minister’s official residence, and the dormitories of the Diet members. The pool is on the 14th floor, so it was not a spectacular view, but I think it is possible to sit on a deck chair and relax while enjoying the view. There is also an open-air Jacuzzi next to the pool with no upper window glass, so you can feel the breeze outside even though you are on the 14th floor. Also, the gym is not large, but it has a variety of machines and is staffed most of the time. Swimsuits, sportswear, and running shoes can be rented for a fee (JPY770).
After this, we decided to go back to the Club Lounge on the 27th floor to enjoy cocktail time. When we arrived at our table, the staff had candles ready on the table. Looking out of the large window, the National Diet Building was lit up, creating a mature ambiance with a serene night view. During Cocktail time, a variety of amuses and hors d’oeuvres were prepared and served with alcoholic beverages. We have been to several hotel club lounges in the past, and we can say without a doubt that the quality of the Cocktail time at this hotel is at the top level of satisfaction. Bottles of liquor were lined up on the buffet counter. There were Australian Villages Chardonnay and De Bortoli white wines, Huia Marlborough Sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, District7 Cabernet Sauvignon red wines from the US, Hakushu and Chita whiskies, several types of sakes, shochu, liqueurs, gin, plum wine, yuzu (citron) sake, etc. The champagne and beer brands were the same as those at TeaTime.
The next day, we woke up around 6:30 a.m. and decided to go for a walk to the adjacent Hie Shrine before breakfast. Since it was early in the morning, there were hardly any people in the shrine grounds, and the time was quiet. During the early summer season we visited, beautiful purple wisteria flowers were in full bloom. It was worth a visit. The solemn atmosphere of the shrine and the vivid purple of the wisteria were in perfect harmony.
By the way, when we went for an early morning walk, a staff member asked, “Would you like a map?” We appreciated the thoughtfulness of the staff, who are always thinking about how to make our guests’ stay more comfortable. Maps of running and walking trails around the hotel are available at the reception desk, so please do not hesitate to ask.
Breakfast was served at ORIGAMI, a restaurant located on the third floor where the lobby is located. A staff member guided us to a table overlooking a pond in the Japanese garden. The morning sun shone brightly and the atmosphere was open and airy. Guests staying on the club floor or in suites can also have breakfast in the club lounge, The Capitol Lounge SaRyoh. There were five breakfast choices: American breakfast, continental breakfast, morning perko noodle set, pancake breakfast or morning steak breakfast, and Japanese breakfast. Looking around, we saw many people ordering the steak breakfast, so we ordered the morning steak breakfast as well. We could choose between Cafe de Paris Butter or Japanese style sauce for the beef fillet steak. The steak was smaller than we expected, but the café de Paris butter sauce complemented the exquisite flavor of the filet.
After breakfast, we relaxed again in the pool and Jacuzzi until around 11:00 a.m., then headed to the Club Lounge to quench our thirst. It was just Elevenses time at this time, so we sipped champagne and nibbled on Belgian chocolates until checkout, and enjoyed the view of the Parliament building and surrounding area from the wide windows under a beautiful early summer blue sky. The buffet counter was lined with scones, French breads, danishes, and the famous Banana Brett, among others. Beverages were on the same menu as at TeaTime.
Overall, the hotel is not glamorous, extravagant, or sparkling, so it may not be to everyone’s taste, but personally, I would definitely visit the hotel again. I feel that the Capitol Hotel Tokyu is not as well known as other hotels in the area, but it was a 5-star hotel with a truly Japanese sense of first-class hospitality.
Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
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About the club lounge
| Check-in / Check-out | The Capitol Lounge SaRyoh on 27F |
|---|---|
| Open Time |
Opening Hours 7:00-22:00 Breakfast 7:00-11:00 Elevenses 11:00-13:30 Tea Time 14:00-16:00 Cocktail Time 17:00-21:00 |
| Club Lounge Access | Club Floors and Suite guests |
| Features | All fitness club amenities are free of charge for those staying on the club floor or in a suite. Swimsuits, sportswear, and running shoes are available for free. High quality alcohol and food, many varieties. |
*From 17:00 onwards, the club lounge is for use by those aged 13 and over.
Is the location easy to access?
The entrance on the B2F of the hotel is directly connected to Exit 6 of Kokkai-gijidomae and Tameike-sanno Stations, so even on rainy or snowy days, you can get to the hotel from the stations without getting wet.
For wheelchair users, the hotel is a 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of Tameike-Sanno Station on the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. The hotel is directly connected to Exit 6 of Tameike-Sanno Station, but there is no elevator, so it is recommended to use Exit 7.
Tameike-Sanno Station is less than 10 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. Tameike-Sanno Station is less than 50 minutes by train from Haneda Airport. It is also a 40-minute cab ride from Haneda Airport, costing about JPY7,000. Please note that there is a possibility of traffic congestion during rush hour. It is best to avoid using a car during rush hour on weekdays in Tokyo.
Parking is JPY4,000 per day. Valet service is JPY2,000 from 7:00 to 21:00.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room with a National parliament building view.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, pajamas, bathrobes, a coffee machine with capsules, English tea bags, a Japanese tea set, bottled water, welcome sweets, etc. There were THEMAE bath amenities in my bathroom. Room service is available for 24H. Turn-down service is available. A BOSE speaker and a smartphone were placed. DVD, CD, Blu-Ray players are available for borrowing. There are some convenience stores nearby. The Wi-Fi was fast enough to have a Zoom meeting and watch YouTube videos without any problems. It is also a great room for a workation.
Is this child-friendly?
If requested in advance, the staff will arrange amenities, cribs, pajamas, slippers, toothbrushes, etc. They can also arrange a babysitter for an additional fee. Co-sleeping is free for up to one child up to 9 years old per adult.
How about In-house Facilities?
The 15th floor has a great indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas, locker rooms, communal baths and gym. The indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and gym are free. A fee of JPY2,200 is required to use the others. All guests staying on the club floors and in suites can use all of them free of charge. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The above amenities are available to guests 18 years of age and older. Guests with tattoos will not be able to use the pool, Jacuzzi, saunas, or baths.
Then there is a spa treatment shop on 15F. You need to make an appointment in advance if you have a spa treatment service. The spa shop is open between 10:00 and 21:00. Closed on Mondays.
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Then Koto known as “Japanese harp” live music will be performed in the lobby every day except Sunday. Performances are held at 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, and 19:00 for 30 minutes each.
There is a business center, florist, souvenir shop, and money change machine.
Then this is a perfect universal design hotel. There are universal rooms. 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 this hotel is dog-friendly. There are some dog-friendly rooms where you can stay with your dogs. There are four dog-friendly rooms in three types: Dog Friendly Deluxe King, which allows up to one dog; Dog Friendly Premier Corner Twin, which allows up to two dogs; and Dog Friendly Premier King, which allows up to three dogs in the room. Recently, the number of hotels in Tokyo that allow you to stay with your dog has been increasing, but even so, most places still allow only one dog, or at most two dogs. The fact that you can stay with up to three dogs in central Tokyo is a very welcome service for families with many dogs.
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Welcome to receive any questions about the hotel from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the hotel on Agoda
Info about The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
| Style | Luxury City Hotel |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/12:00 |
| Estimated Price | 80,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail Address |
Fill the form in |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the hotel |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are allowed The parking lot is available JPY4,000 per day The valet service JPY2,000 |
| Location | The Capitol Hotel Tokyu’s MAP |
| Access | Refer to the above |
| Address and TEL | |
| Official Homepage | The Capitol Hotel Tokyu’s HP |
*All information the above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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