Staying at the award-winning Palace Hotel Tokyo was the highlight of our recent summer trip to Japan’s buzzing capital. Sitting at one of Tokyo’s most prestigious addresses — right opposite the Imperial Palace and its sprawling gardens — the hotel is a modern Japanese landmark in its own right. It’s the perfect blend of understated luxury, calm, and authentic connection with the city.
Palace Hotel Tokyo: A Historical Icon
For a little context, Palace Hotel Tokyo isn’t just another five-star property. The site itself has been a cornerstone of the city’s hospitality scene since the 1960s, when the original Palace Hotel opened. It underwent a complete rebuild and reopened in 2012, bringing a fresh, contemporary interpretation of Japanese elegance to the area. Since then, it’s picked up countless accolades, from Forbes Travel Guide’s Five Star award to Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice lists — and for good reason.
Read more about the hotel’s rich history here.
The Room with Every View
Our first entry into our spacious room had us gasp in delight — not only for the ample space to unpack our shopping sprees but also for the private balcony overlooking the Wadakura Moat and Imperial Palace gardens. Frequent travellers to Tokyo will understand how rare it is to find such generous layouts and outdoor space in the city. (To runners, this view may also look familiar — it’s where the Tokyo Marathon crosses its grand finishing stretch each March.)
Steps from the Imperial Gardens
And speaking of running, the Imperial Gardens were literally a stone’s throw from the hotel’s entrance. Whether you’re looking to stroll along the moat’s tree-lined paths or join the hundreds of runners getting in their daily 5km loop, this is one of Tokyo’s most iconic urban running tracks. The hotel even offers jogging maps, towel service, and post-run amenities — small touches that make a big difference to active travellers.
Wellness and Indulgence
If running isn’t quite your style, the hotel’s facilities deliver a serious dose of wellness and indulgence. Think indoor swimming pool with skyline views, a soothing jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gym, and the award-winning evian SPA Tokyo. The spa is a destination on its own — an oasis of alpine-inspired treatments infused with Japanese hospitality.
Breakfast with a View
Breakfast was another highlight. On our first morning, we treated ourselves to the buffet spread at the hotel’s main restaurant. Guests can choose between traditional Japanese cuisine or Continental classics, all while gazing out at the Wadakura Moat — complete with its resident swan occasionally gliding by as if on cue.
On our second day, we switched gears and ordered in-room breakfast, enjoying the luxury of a slow start before checking out at noon for our flight home.
Seamless Access to Tokyo and Beyond
What also stood out to us was how effortless it was to explore the rest of the city from the hotel. Palace Hotel Tokyo sits directly above one of the best subway networks in town and is just a 10-minute walk to Tokyo Station, the city’s major transport hub. From there, you can zip across the country on a shinkansen (bullet train), hop on a local train to other districts, or take the airport buses and trains to Narita or Haneda.
Insider Tips for Staying at Palace Hotel Tokyo
1. Enjoy Your Balcony
Every guest room at Palace Hotel Tokyo comes with its own private balcony — a true rarity in Tokyo. Make the most of it with a morning coffee, an evening drink, or even an in-room breakfast overlooking the Wadakura Moat.
2. Time Your Runs Early
The Imperial Palace loop can get busy with office workers and running groups after 7am. If you’re an early riser, head out at sunrise for a quieter, cooler experience — and incredible photos of the skyline.
3. Make the Most of the Spa
The evian SPA Tokyo is a real treat. Book your treatments ahead of time — especially on weekends — and go early to enjoy the sauna and relaxation lounge before your appointment.
4. Don’t Skip the Hotel’s Other Restaurants
Beyond the main restaurant for breakfast, the hotel is home to several acclaimed dining spots, including Wadakura for refined Japanese cuisine and Amber Palace for Cantonese. Even locals book here for special occasions.
5. Use the Concierge for Transport & Reservations
The concierge team can arrange everything from airport transfers to securing hard-to-get restaurant bookings. They’re especially good at explaining the subway and JR train system in English.
6. Ask for a Late Checkout
Standard checkout is at noon, but the hotel can sometimes extend it if availability allows. This extra time is golden if you’ve got an evening flight out of Tokyo.
7. Explore the Underground Passageways
Tokyo weather can be unpredictable. One of the perks of Palace Hotel Tokyo’s location is its direct access to the underground network — perfect for reaching nearby offices, shops, or stations without getting wet.
8. Join a Hotel Experience
The hotel occasionally organises cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies or art tours. Check with the concierge during your stay — they’re a great way to see a different side of Tokyo without leaving the property.
ELEVATE YOUR TOKYO TRIP WITH Holiday Tours
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a frequent flyer looking for a new favourite stay, Palace Hotel Tokyo delivers a rare combination of space, serenity, and unmistakable Japanese hospitality. From its unrivalled location to its thoughtful touches (hello, balcony breakfast overlooking the Imperial Gardens), it’s the kind of hotel you’ll still be talking about long after your trip.
If this sounds like your perfect Tokyo getaway, why not let us at Holiday Tours handle the details? Our team can help you secure the best rooms, arrange airport transfers, and even plan day trips beyond Tokyo — so you can simply check in, exhale, and enjoy. Book your Palace Hotel Tokyo stay through Holiday Tours today and experience Tokyo at its most elegant and effortless.