“MESSAGE from Nature,” wood veneer installation by Anthony Davy located at the Nadaman Japanese restaurant

Just a few meters from the main Tokyo train station, the new Shangri-La Tokyo is like a welcome oasis for the weary traveler. An escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tokyo, it is a place where one is welcomed by warm hotel staff and surrounded by the elegant ambiance synonymous with the Shangri-La experience.

Upon arrival at Narita Airport, one can take the airport express and disembark at Tokyo station, where the hotel offers a complimentary “meet and greet” service. A hotel staff can meet the guest at the train platform and escort him or her to the hotel.

With its perfect location right at the heart of the city, the hotel is a walk away from the renowned shopping district of Ginza, the Tokyo metro subway lines, the Marunouchi business and retail area, and the Imperial Gardens.

The guest is whisked up to the 28th floor of the new Marunouchi Trust Tower building, where the lobby is located, and where one is greeted by the spectacular view of the city: The Marunouchi business area, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, and even Mt. Fuji in clear weather.

With the hotel’s strategic vantage point occupying the last 11 floors of the Marunouchi Trust Tower, the hotel’s 200 rooms also have unparalleled views of the cityscape; with a minimum space of 50 square meters, they are among the largest hotel rooms in Tokyo. The rooms reflect Japanese influence and modernity with luxurious appointments and the latest audiovisual and communication facilities, including free Wi-Fi.

A museum in itself

THE CHI Spa is a Shangri-La Hotel mainstay, featuring ancient Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies introduced in Japan for the first time. Its six treatment rooms are the largest spa suites in Tokyo.

THIS 10-meter-long chandelier depicts a cascading wall of sparkling raindrops.

Art lovers can also admire the hotel’s 2,000 pieces of artwork by Japanese, Chinese and Western artists exclusively made for Shangri-La Tokyo. These include notable works by 99-year-old Japanese artist Toko Shinoda and an eggshell ceramic mural by Chinese artist Chen Jun.

Among the hallmarks of Shangri-La Tokyo are its chandeliers, with more than 50 adorning the hotel. Its main chandelier installations pay homage to the city of Tokyo, showcasing intricately carved crystal pieces in the shape of gingko leaves, the symbol of the city. All chandeliers were handmade using the finest crystals from Venice and the Czech Republic.

Shangri-La Tokyo, which opened on March 2, 2009, has already been named top luxury hotel in the world by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for 2012; it’s also the first hotel in Japan to receive this recognition. Shangri-La Tokyo surpassed hotels from 30 countries.

Tokyo has always been a captivating city, and Shangri-La Tokyo can only add to that magic.