Janu Tokyo: Everything you need to know about Aman’s newest hotel brand

Extraordinary locations, iconic architecture and legendary service define Aman Hotels and Resorts, a brand so revered they’ve inspired a loyal tribe of guests called “Amanjunkies”. Only a few hotels can boast such a cult following, and fewer still trade on having a strong sense of mystique.

With the first Janu opening its doors in Tokyo — the inaugural hotel of Aman Group’s new standalone brand — they’re set on demystifying themselves with an offering that focuses on community and connection, which is a stark contrast to the ultimate privacy they proffer at Aman.

That’s not to say there was no mystery leading up to Janu Tokyo’s opening. While the location and designer were in the public domain, nobody really knew what it was going to look or feel like. Ahead of its grand launch, CNA Luxury got an exclusive sneak peek of Janu Tokyo. Curious to see inside and see how it’s different from its sibling brand Aman? Here’s everything you need to know:

THE LOCATION: AT THE HEART OF TOKYO’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Janu Tokyo is the only hotel in Azabudai Hills, the latest multi-use complex by Mori Building Co Ltd, the group behind landmark developments such as Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills (both of which are within walking distance). A project 30 years in the making, Azabudai Hills stretches 81,000 sq m with a third of the area greened with over 320 plants — proof of its concept of being a “sustainable and wellness-centric” neighbourhood. The development features offices, residences, shops and restaurants alongside art galleries such as TeamLab Borderless, The British School of Tokyo, and the Keio University Center for Preventive Medicine.

The ambitious project has an impressive roster of architects and designers led by Pelli Clarke & Partners, Heatherwick Studio, Yabu Pushelberg, Sou Fujimoto Architectural Design Office, as well as Singapore-based firm SCDA Architects to name a few. The dominance of rounded lines in the built environment, plus a swirl of neutral hues and a smattering of greenery recalls other progressive urban projects like Pacific Place in Hong Kong and the High Line in New York. While it feels incredibly international, you definitely know that you’re in Tokyo with the imposing Tokyo Tower looming over the dynamic development. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: PUBLIC MEETS PRIVATE

Occupying 13 floors of Residence Tower A, Janu Tokyo is relatively easy to access from any part of Azabudai Hills. There’s a private drop-off area for those arriving by car, while guests can walk through the hotel’s mall entrance on Basement 1 (beside the first standalone Aman Essentials skincare boutique) or via its all-day dining restaurant, Janu Mercato, which faces the verdant town square.

Janu means “soul” in Sanskrit and you feel an overriding sense of calm as soon as you enter. Guests are greeted by a ceiling design feature referencing shimenawa, a special rope found in Shinto shrines and temples, meant to signal one’s crossing into the Janu universe. Trusted collaborator Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects, who designed Aman New York, was tapped to craft the interiors of Janu. There’s a host of handsome marble and wood, plenty of wall mouldings, and eye-catching accent fireplaces showing that Janu Tokyo is not an ode to traditional Japanese design. It still, however, embraces a minimalist spirit and champions Japanese artisanship.

By fusing Asian and European design elements, Gathy created an original visual language for Janu — a direction that reveals itself in the lobby on the fourth floor. The focal point of the soaring space is Tokyo Tower, expertly framed by the floor to ceiling windows, while the rest of the space is replete with eclectic accents like a sculptural rock-like check-in counter and gigantic French lamps hanging above the seating at Janu Lounge. The design is not intended for purists but all the different elements meld effortlessly.

THE ROOMS: A COSMOPOLITAN COCOON

With 122 rooms and suites across eight floors (between sixth and 13th levels), Janu Tokyo has more guestrooms than any of the urban Aman properties. If there’s an aspect that Janu shares with Aman, however, it’s the generosity of space with the entry-level rooms starting at 55 sq m and most featuring private balconies. Janu also has a lot of interconnecting rooms, perfect for families and groups of friends.

Aman wrote the playbook to the quiet luxury aesthetic, and that reigns at Janu with a tasteful colour palette of greys and creams, an open layout cleverly demarcated by screens and a general streamlined design. Intentionally woven in are Japanese elements such as a “sakan” (traditional plasterwork) artwork hanging above the bed, partitions referencing shoji screens, and washi paper details throughout.

A particular standout is The Tokyo Tower Suite, a dual-aspect space which boasts postcard-perfect views of the tower from every window it feels like you could reach out and grasp it. The most coveted room is the 284-sq-m Janu Suite, which has two sprawling balconies, a kitchen and bar, a dining table good for six, a separate study-cum-library and more. When connected to the three adjoining rooms, it clocks in at a total of over 500 sq m, making it one of the most spacious in the entire city.

THE HIGHLIGHT: AN UNPARALLELED WELLNESS ESCAPE

From the time Janu was introduced, wellness was already a big part of the picture and the 4,000-sq-m spa proves just how serious they are about it. Only open to hotel guests and Janu Tokyo Wellness Collective members, the wellness centre features every amenity under the sun. The 340-sq-m gym has Outrace equipment, which allows for 1,000 ways of training with one platform, the high-end Skill X fitness cardio equipment, a standalone boxing ring, a separate spinning studio, a dedicated yoga and meditation space, and even a simulation golf room.

Given Aman’s track record in crafting spectacular swimming pools, perhaps it’s no surprise that the piece de resistance is the sparkling 25-metre indoor lap pool. Encircled by various lounge settings and complemented by a heated lounge pool for relaxation, it’s a space that takes your breath away and truly lives up to the oft-used term “urban resort”.

The soothing spa features seven treatment rooms and two spacious signature Spa Houses that can welcome up to four guests for exclusive use. Equipped with its own treatment room, sauna and steam room, a plunge pool, a quiet outdoor space plus a choice of hydrotherapy between Banya and Hammam, it’s probably the most exquisite place for a spacation in Tokyo.

THE FOOD: COMMUNITY AT ITS CORE

Connection is a value that Janu celebrates, and what’s better for forming bonds than a good meal? The hotel offers plenty of ways to socialise with eight different dining concepts across the property — all operated in-house.

Janu Mercato on the ground floor features three live kitchens and an al fresco terrace that’s a prime spot to people watch or park yourself with your well-dressed pets. Adjacent to it is the jewelbox of a space, Janu Patisserie, where guests can enjoy coffee and sweets or take home a pretty little cake. Two Japanese restaurants are located nearby: Iigura, a restaurant focusing on sushi, sashimi and small plates and Sumi, a 13-seat modern sumibiyaki grill open for dinner omakase.

The fifth floor houses the smart Janu Bar with a creative menu paying homage to several of Tokyoʼs districts crafted by renowned mixologist Shuzo Nagumo; there’s also the Janu Lounge and Garden Terrace which have prized views of Tokyo Tower. The biggest outlets are Janu Grill, a stylish restaurant anchored by a show kitchen and two wine cellars stocking over 2,000 coveted bottles, as well as and Chinese restaurant Hu Jing that specialises in roast duck, contemporary Cantonese dishes, and offers a fully vegan menu.

THE VERDICT: A SOULFUL HOME FOR THE GLOBAL CITIZEN

There was a lot of speculation as to how Janu will be different from Aman, and it’s safe to say that there's a distinct personality behind that would appeal to Amanjunkes but likely to draw in an entirely new audience seeking a more convivial ambience but with all the luxurious touches the Aman Group is known for.

That’s exactly what the brand is banking on as it rolls out a pipeline of 12 Janu hotels globally. “The strategic decision to launch Janu reflects our commitment to evolving alongside the desires of todayʼs dynamic travellers, particularly the offspring of Aman loyalists, the rising Amanjunkies, who seek uplifting experiences and authentic human connections. Janu Tokyo promises to be the epicentre of this transformative movement, welcoming a new cohort of guests,” said Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO at Aman Group.