How 1Hotel Tokyo Is Redefining Luxury and Sustainability in One of the World’s Busiest Cities

Tokyo isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of sustainability—this is, after all, one of the most fast-paced, neon-lit, densely populated cities on the planet. But that’s exactly what makes the arrival of 1 Hotel Tokyo feel like such a moment.

Officially opening its doors in March 2026, the eco-luxe brand’s debut in Japan proves that five-star indulgence and conscious living can not only coexist—they can thrive, even 38 floors above one of the busiest cities in the world.

And after OK! got an exclusive visit inside the doors of the newest 1 Hotel location, one thing is clear : this isn’t just another luxury hotel opening—it’s a statement.

From the moment you arrive, the experience flips expectations. Instead of a ground-floor entrance, guests are ushered up to the 38th floor, where check-in unfolds against a jaw-dropping backdrop of Tokyo’s skyline. It’s a signature “wow” moment, but also a symbolic one—you’re quite literally stepping above the chaos into a calmer, more conscious space.

That philosophy is at the core of the 1 Hotels brand, founded by Barry Sternlicht, which has built a global reputation for marrying sustainability with true five-star service.

But in Tokyo, that ethos hits differently. In a city where space is limited and consumption is constant, creating an eco-forward sanctuary at this scale feels both ambitious and incredibly relevant. At 1Hotel Tokyo, sustainability isn’t something they shout about—it’s just part of how everything works.

From energy and water conservation to rainwater reuse and repurposed natural materials, it’s all quietly built in, creating a space that feels thoughtful, considered, and genuinely in tune with nature.

The design leans heavily into the brand’s nature-first aesthetic. Think reclaimed woods, textured stone, soft neutral tones, and layers of greenery that bring an almost forest-like calm to the interiors. It’s tactile, grounded, and effortlessly cool—less “eco hotel,” more “design-forward oasis that just happens to be sustainable.”

But it’s the details that really set this property apart. One standout initiative we noticed on our visit was a simple wooden block placed in rooms that reads “1 Less Thing.” The concept is as thoughtful as it is impactful: guests who have overpacked can leave behind a piece of clothing, which the hotel then donates through local charity partners. It’s a small gesture, but one that embodies the hotel’s broader mission—making sustainability feel accessible, human, and seamlessly integrated into the guest experience.

And that mindset carries through every corner of the property.

Dining at NiNi, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is a perfect example. The menu celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a refined but unfussy approach. During OK!'s visit, a few dishes really stuck with us—in the best way. The sashimi with yuzu kosho was super fresh with just the right citrus kick, the charcoal-grilled wagyu was rich without feeling over the top, and the miso-glazed black cod was one of those dishes you keep going back for “one more bite.”

Even the veggie dishes held their own. A simple plate of roasted root vegetables with a fermented soy dressing ended up being surprisingly memorable—proof that when the ingredients are good, you don’t need to overcomplicate things.

Up in the lobby, the Spotted Stone bar delivers a different vibe—sleek, social, and quietly buzzy. It’s the kind of hotel lobby bar you settle into for “just one drink” that quickly turns into three. The real highlight here is the impressive collection of Japanese gins, showcasing everything from crisp, citrus-led profiles to more herbaceous, complex blends. The cocktail menu leans creative, with drinks that incorporate local botanicals and seasonal ingredients, adding another layer to the hotel’s sustainability story.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a 1 Hotel without a serious wellness component—and Tokyo’s outpost delivers in a big way.

The pool inside the hotels Bamford Wellness Spa, perched 38 floors above the city, is nothing short of surreal.

With sweeping skyline views and an outdoor deck for sunbathing, it feels like a hidden oasis in the sky. The spa continues the nature-driven narrative with treatments designed to restore balance, while the gym—lined with floor-to-ceiling windows—makes it surprisingly easy to stay motivated with Tokyo stretching endlessly below you.

Throughout the property, sustainability isn’t treated as a marketing angle—it’s embedded into the DNA at 1Hotels. From energy-efficient systems to thoughtfully sourced materials, everything feels intentional without ever feeling too preachy.

As noted in a press release announcing the opening of 1Hotel Tokyo, the goal was to “bring nature into the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities while redefining what modern luxury can look like.” And after experiencing the hotel firsthand, that mission feels fully realized.

Because ultimately, what makes 1 Hotel Tokyo so compelling isn’t just its design, its food, or even its incredible city skyline views. It’s the way it proves that luxury doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense—even in a city as fast-moving as Tokyo.

And if this is the future of hospitality, we’re very much here for it.