JANU, TOKYO, JAPAN

Posted in Projects on 9 June, 2024

The spirited little brother brand of Aman debuts with a more sociable vibe.

Aman has unleashed its new sibling brand, Janu, revealing a livelier, more playful and affordable twist on upscale hospitality. Janu Tokyo opened in March at the heart of the city’s Azabudai Hills development – a vibrant hub of nature, culture and art – featuring Japan’s tallest skyscraper, designed by Pelli Clarke and Partners and, at ground level, one of the greenest urban environments, by Thomas Heatherwick.

The only hotel in the urban village, Janu Tokyo occupies the first 13 floors of Residence A Tower and offers 122 guestrooms, eight dining and socialising venues and a 4,000 sqm wellness centre, with interior design by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston.

With its name drawn from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘soul’, the new Janu brand will deliver an elevated guest experience akin to Aman, whose name means ‘peace’, while providing a spirited social scene in contrast to Aman’s whisper-quiet seclusion.

As with many Aman properties, Janu’s interiors are the work of Jean Michel Gathy, who brings through the same elegant design narrative with added playful touches

“Janu Tokyo, the spirited little brother of Aman, holds a special place in my heart. It exudes a youthful energy, brimming with liveliness and playfulness that sets it apart from the poised and composed character of its elder sibling,” said Jean Michel. “Stepping into Janu Tokyo is like entering a world of boundless excitement and adventure. The moment you walk through its doors, you will be enveloped by the familiar architectural grace that is quintessentially Aman. However, there is a beautiful fusion at play here, where Japanese and French styles dance together in perfect harmony. It’s an exquisite blend of Asian and European influences, creating a visual symphony that stirs my soul.”

Front Desk

Overall, the space is a thrilling exploration of textures, colours, and design elements that awake senses and ignite imagination. There are numerous facilities bursting with life, and unique interactive spa health rooms and culinary offerings. Most of the light-filled guestrooms have private balconies with views of the iconic Tokyo Tower or surrounding gardens. It’s a place where the vibrant pulse of the city intertwines with the serene elegance of the surroundings.

Deluxe Room Kingsize

On floors six to 13, guestrooms and suites blend timeless Asian inspired interiors with contemporary European detailing. A strong focus on minimalism and symmetry encourages comfort and creates balance of energy. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and provide stunning views of the city, landscaped gardens, or the iconic Tokyo Tower. Many rooms connect with neighbouring rooms and suites to create a seamless sense of belonging for groups and families travelling together. All have large bathrooms with double vanities, rain showers and bespoke soaking tubs.

The Janu Suite is the largest and can connect to three additional room. It has a large separate living room with a writing desk, bathroom with double vanity, additional guest WC, and two sprawling balconies with views of the city skyline.

Janu Tokyo is a sanctuary where tradition and modernity coexist, where every corner reveals a delightful blend of Eastern mystique and Western allure.

The Janu Wellness Centre is one of the largest wellness facilities of any luxury hotel in Tokyo, with a range of facilities including five movement studios that offer spinning, boxing, yoga, Pilates and simulated golf training, in addition to seven treatment rooms and a large gym with functional and circuit training equipment. There is also a hydrotherapy and thermal area, centred around a 25-metre heated lap pool, and a separate lounge pool, which traditionally is a place for socialising in Japan, as well as two spa houses.

The hotel has six restaurants, a bar, lounge and garden terrace. These include Janu Mercato, which celebrates Italian cuisine, served from three open kitchens in a warm and convivial setting which unfolds onto an open outdoor terrace. At Sumi, a contemporary interpretation of a Japanese barbecue, 15 diners are seated around a live grill. Ideal for groups, Hu Jing offers contemporary Chinese specialities, has four private dining rooms.

Jean Michel added: “Janu Tokyo will immerse guests in a captivating narrative. It’s a sanctuary where tradition and modernity coexist, where every corner reveals a delightful blend of Eastern mystique and Western allure. I relish in the exquisite details that pay homage to Japanese culture while embracing a contemporary twist.”

The hotel is 90 minutes by car from Narita International Airport, 30 minutes by car from Haneda International Airport. It is very close to Metro stations, Kamiyacho for Hibiya Line and Roppongi Itchome for Namboku Line.