The hotel that thinks it’s a gallery

My first impression of Hotel Gajóen Tokyo was that I’d arrived at a very chic gallery instead of a hotel – there seemed to be artworks everywhere. In fact, it’s well known locally for its temporary exhibitions, which are clearly popular as there were people waiting to go in every time I walked past. The hotel also hosts high-society weddings, and there’s always a queue for high tea overlooking the peaceful riverside garden at the weekend.

Their suites (it’s an all-suite boutique hotel) have every luxury you could hope for, including a personal steam room in every bathroom, and come in a range of styles from classic Japanese to western. I’d asked for a room with windows facing Mount Fuji – and was lucky enough to get a clear day on my stay and had the most amazing view.

The hotel is ideally located alongside a riverside walk lined with patisseries and small shops, so I was able to run off my jet lag with a jog along the path and felt at home instantly. When I was ready to explore further afield, it was just a short distance to a station with excellent connections to Tokyo’s other major sightseeing areas.