Why The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho should be on your hotel hitlist

After soaking up the energy of Osaka and the stillness of Kyoto, Tokyo was our final stop. And what a finale it was. A city that moves at lightning speed, but still manages to surprise you with pockets of calm, craftsmanship and culture at every turn. For our stay in the capital, we checked into The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a hotel that instantly stood out with its sweeping skyline views, serene interiors and quietly attentive service. Perched high above the city, it offered the perfect mix of modern luxury and understated charm.

Tokyo has a rhythm all of its own, and staying somewhere that lets you dip in and out of it at your own pace was everything. From the moment we arrived, it felt like a space that understood what a city stay should feel like: peaceful when you want it to be, exciting when you’re ready for it.

💡 Useful tips before heading to Japan

• Mobile E-Sim - a lot easier than changing out physical sims and a great way to stay connected to help plan your adventures on the go.

• Suica Card - on our iPhones we were able to add this via Apple Wallet. Easy to top-up and you can use this on selected trains, metro and buses throughout your stay.

• Travel Insurance - a must for any trip. Make sure that it covers all your gadgets and medical.

• Google Translate App - there's still a lot of places in Japan where 1) they may not speak English and 2) menus or anything else written would also not be translated. Having Google Translate on hand helped us a lot.

• Hands-Free Travel - makes it easy to forward your luggage from hotel to hotel. Meaning no dragging around your suitcases through the metro and up flights of stairs.

• Take out some Japanese Yen ¥ (JPY) in cash. Again, some places prefer cash rather than card.

• Best time to visit Tokyo is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

From Kyoto, we boarded the Shinkansen bound for Tokyo - one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel between cities in Japan. The bullet train journey took just over two hours, gliding through scenic countryside and seamlessly dropping us into the capital without the usual airport faff. There's something quite magical about stepping onto a train in a peaceful, temple-dotted city and arriving in the heart of a buzzing metropolis before you’ve even finished your coffee.

From Tokyo Station, it was a short taxi ride to The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, tucked high above the city in the sleek Tokyo Garden Terrace complex. As we pulled up to the elegant, understated entrance, the fast pace of Tokyo felt like it slowed ever so slightly. Within minutes, we were whisked up to the lobby, greeted with skyline views and a sense of calm that immediately made us feel like we’d chosen the right place to end our trip.

First Impressions & Setting

Three words: sleek, serene and sky-high. As the lift opens into the 36th-floor lobby, you're instantly met with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views across Tokyo. It’s the kind of arrival that makes you pause. The interiors blend contemporary Japanese minimalism with quiet luxury, using clean lines, warm wood tones, ambient lighting and curated artwork that gives the space a gallery-like feel without ever feeling cold.

The hotel sits in the refined Kioicho district, a calm corner of the city with a rich mix of history, greenery and modern comforts. It’s well connected, with direct metro access, and within easy reach of the Imperial Palace and nearby neighbourhoods like Akasaka. Even though you're in the heart of the capital, there's an immediate sense of stillness as soon as you step inside. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, and a welcome reminder that luxury in Tokyo often comes with a view.

Rooms

We stayed in a Club Deluxe King, and from the moment we walked in, it felt like the kind of space you could easily settle into for more than just a few nights. The room had that effortless blend of luxury and calm, with soft lighting, warm tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views across Tokyo’s skyline, which was especially magical once the city lights began to glow. The bed was cloud-like, the kind you sink into and seriously consider missing breakfast for.

The bathroom was beautifully sleek, with a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower, and a generous spread of amenities—think luxe mini skincare products, Dyson hairdryer, and even a set of hair straighteners (a rare but very appreciated find). Every detail felt considered. As Club guests, we also had access to the Club Lounge, meaning breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails were just a lift ride away, making it perfect for those moments you want to pause, reset, and enjoy a slower pace in the city.

Dining When it comes to dining at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, you’re genuinely spoilt for choice. One of the highlights for us was sitting at the counter of the Sushi Kanesaka, where every piece was prepared right in front of us with such precision and care. It was as much a performance as it was a meal. For something a little more dramatic, WASHOKU Souten Teppanyaki offered that classic, sizzling experience, complete with sweeping city views and some of the best wagyu we’ve ever tasted.

Mornings were made even better thanks to the generous breakfast buffet, which had everything from Japanese classics to perfectly crisp pastries and made-to-order eggs. Whether you’re craving a light start or a full feast, it’s the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for a good day. We found ourselves lingering just a little longer, coffee in hand, taking in the calm before the buzz of Tokyo resumed.

Experiences One of the most memorable aspects of our stay at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho was how seamlessly the hotel blended luxurious comfort with cultural connection. We signed up for their How to Enjoy Sushi experience, where a skilled sushi chef walked us through the art of appreciating sushi properly, starting right down from how to hold it, dip it, and savour each piece. It was equal parts fascinating and delicious.

Later in the stay, we took part in the beautifully serene Tea Ceremony in the Sky, set in a tranquil space overlooking the city. It was such a calm, grounding moment that gave us a genuine appreciation for the ritual and respect woven into Japanese tea culture. And to round things off, we also enjoyed a Sake Tasting, allowing us to sample a variety of local brews while taking in the panoramic evening views of Tokyo’s skyline.

Each experience felt personal, well thought-out, and offered a little pause from the rush of the city below.

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🗺️ Where we visited in Tokyo

Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple The perfect mix of tradition and atmosphere. We wandered through Nakamise Street, snacked on local treats, and took in the sights at Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple, Sensō-ji. 🔗 Location

Shibuya Crossing It might be busy, chaotic, and full of energy – but that’s exactly the charm. Watching the crowds from above felt like a scene out of a movie. 🔗 Location

Ginza Where sleek boutiques meet quiet side streets and sushi counters. We strolled through its designer-lined avenues and even popped into a few hidden cafés. 🔗 Location

Ryōgoku Kokugikan – Sumo Tournament Hands-down one of the most unexpected highlights. Catching a live sumo match at Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall gave us a real appreciation for this powerful, deeply cultural sport. 🔗 Location

Meiji Shrine Nestled in a tranquil forested park just minutes from Harajuku, Meiji Jingu offered a calm, spiritual reset from the city buzz. 🔗 Location

Book your next stay at The Prince Gallery Kioicho

This stay was gently offered by the The Prince Gallery Kioicho hotel group. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.