Tokyo's New Green Icon: 1 Hotel Opens as a Sustainable Urban Sanctuary

TOKYO, JAPAN – March 05, 2026 – In a city renowned for its seamless blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation, a new landmark has emerged that redefines luxury hospitality. 1 Hotels, the mission-driven brand founded by visionary Barry Sternlicht, has officially opened the doors to 1 Hotel Tokyo, its first property in Japan. Perched high in the Akasaka Trust Tower, this “sanctuary in the sky” is more than just a hotel; it is a bold statement on the future of sustainable travel, merging biophilic design, meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, and a profound respect for the planet.

Spanning the 38th through 43rd floors, the 211-room hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Imperial Palace gardens and the sprawling city skyline. Yet, its true innovation lies in its ability to create a sense of tranquil immersion in nature amidst one of the world's most dynamic metropolises. The opening marks a significant milestone, not only for the 1 Hotels brand as it expands into Asia but also for Tokyo's competitive luxury market, where environmental consciousness is rapidly shifting from a niche amenity to a core expectation.

A New Benchmark for Sustainable Luxury

1 Hotel Tokyo arrives in a market where established players like Aman Tokyo and Four Seasons have already made strides in sustainability. However, this new property raises the bar by embedding environmental stewardship into its very DNA. The hotel has achieved CASBEE S certification, Japan's highest and most stringent rating for environmental performance in architecture, a testament to a design and operational philosophy that prioritizes low impact from the ground up.

"Designing 1 Hotel Tokyo was about finding harmony between our brand philosophy and Japan's extraordinary culture of materiality and craft," says Raul Leal, CEO of Starwood Hotels. "From the thoughtful use of reclaimed materials to the operational rigor that enabled us to achieve Japan's highest environmental certification, this hotel demonstrates how design excellence and sustainability can elevate one another at the highest level of luxury."

This commitment is evident in every detail. The building incorporates smart efficiency systems, extensive water conservation and recycling measures, and zero-waste planning for its events. Throughout the property, refill stations aim to eliminate single-use plastics, while guests are offered complimentary access to a fully electric Audi Q6 e-tron, encouraging zero-emission exploration of the city. This holistic approach signals a shift where true luxury is measured not just by opulence, but by its positive impact and integrity.

Design as a Dialogue: Fusing Nature and Japanese Craft

The hotel's interior, masterfully conceived by global design studio CRÈME, is a narrative journey from the city street to a treetop canopy. A living wall of greenery at the entrance provides a serene transition from Akasaka's kinetic energy. Guests ascend as if climbing the trunk of a great tree, emerging into the 38th-floor lobby, a lush, light-filled space that feels like a canopy in the clouds. This biophilic philosophy is woven throughout, from wood ceiling details that evoke tree bark to a signature wall of Oya stone—a porous volcanic rock native to Japan—that pays homage to the stonework of the nearby Imperial Palace moat.

"In my travels to Japan over the decades, I've been struck by the extraordinary beauty of its gardens, the serenity of its parks, and the enduring respect for nature," notes Barry Sternlicht, Founder of 1 Hotels. "With the design of 1 Hotel Tokyo, our first property in this amazing city, we wanted to capture some of that harmonious tranquility."

The 211 guestrooms and suites continue this dialogue between nature and culture. Japanese minimalism is blended with modern comfort, featuring biophilic art made from preserved moss and recycled pallets, live-edge plank headboards, and locally crafted décor. The design embraces the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in natural imperfection and raw materials to create serene, Zen-like spaces that frame stunning city vistas.

An Urban Hub for Culinary and Wellness Experiences

Beyond its striking design, 1 Hotel Tokyo establishes itself as a destination for both locals and travelers through its diverse culinary and wellness offerings. Three distinct venues create a vibrant social hub that evolves throughout the day.

NiNi, led by Head Chef Nikko Policarpio, offers a unique fusion of French Riviera elegance and Japanese refinement. The menu reimagines Provençal classics with Japanese seasonality, with many dishes prepared on a Josper Grill Oven—a rarity in Japan—that uses natural charcoal to enhance flavor. At the destination bar Spotted Stone, guests can explore one of Tokyo's largest collections of Japanese craft gin, curated like a living library of botanicals and distillation methods. By day, it’s a relaxed lounge; by night, it transforms into a sophisticated cocktail bar with resident DJs. For a more casual experience, Neighbors Café provides artisan coffee, organic matcha from The Matcha Tokyo, and wholesome grab-and-go options.

Wellness is equally central to the experience. The Bamford Wellness Spa, created in partnership with organic living pioneer Carole Bamford, offers a sanctuary for holistic rejuvenation. Treatments like the Japanese Bamboo Massage and Green Tea Healing Facial integrate ancient local traditions with modern therapeutic techniques. Guests can also utilize The Field House, a 24-hour fitness center, or unwind in the light-filled indoor pool, which opens onto an outdoor deck that doubles as a pollinator-friendly micro-ecosystem.

Anchoring Akasaka's Green Future

The hotel's significance extends beyond its own walls, serving as the hospitality anchor for Tokyo World Gate Akasaka. This ambitious mixed-use development by Mori Trust is transforming the district into a next-generation hub that seamlessly integrates business, culture, and green space.

"Tokyo World Gate Akasaka was conceived as a district that brings together business, culture, and green space in a way that reflects Tokyo's future," says Miwako Date, President and CEO of Mori Trust. "1 Hotel Tokyo strengthens that vision by introducing a hospitality experience centered on environmental performance and design integrity."

By placing a flagship of sustainable luxury at the heart of this forward-thinking urban project, 1 Hotel Tokyo is not just responding to trends but actively shaping the future of its neighborhood and the city. It stands as a compelling example of how large-scale development can foster both economic vitality and ecological harmony, offering a new, greener lens through which to experience one of the world's greatest cities.