Stay & Play
JW Marriott Hotel, Takanawa Gateway City, Tokyo
by Article & photography by Steve Gillick
Upon our arrival at Tokyo’s spacious and beautifully designed Takanawa Gateway JR station, we knew right away that a very special experience was in store. We walked through the nearby wood-paneled passageway of the Linkpillar1 South building toward the entrance of the JW Marriott hotel, which opened on October 2, 2025. This entrance, as well as the main entrance on the first floor, is the beginning of a unique, mindful journey from dark to light.
The subtle waft of “Expansion”, a customized scent of Holy Basil Leaf, White Lotus Flower, and Rosemary in the dimmed elevator lobby, set the mood, and our arrival at the registration desk on the 30th floor affirmed the ambiance of mindfulness and Zen that interior designer, Toronto-based Yabu Pushelberg, sought to create. This was in perfect harmony with Takanawa Gateway City’s historic Edo-era location for emotive views of Mt. Fuji, as well as a favourite cherry blossom and moon-viewing spot. The artwork in the reception area complements the ‘walking into nature’ – Zen theme with a wall-length print of a dark-horizon view of Tokyo Bay by Tokyo photographer Sho Makishima, balanced by a ceiling Kamakura craftwork design of clouds.
The journey continued when we entered our room on the 24th floor, and the curtains automatically opened, revealing a panoramic view of city lights. The large Urban Deluxe room featured two ultra-comfortable beds, each with four plush, crunchable pillows, a seating area by the floor-to-ceiling window, and a spacious bathroom featuring a massive soaking tub, shower, and luxurious, thick bath towels.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, we opened the drapes to a meditative sight of Mt. Fuji, touched by the rising sun over the distant mountains. And closer to the hotel, lay Tozenji Temple’s three-story pagoda, and the historic Sengakuji Temple, where the legendary 47 Ronin are buried.
Switching to the Tokyo Bay side of the hotel, our window-side breakfast table at Kako showcased views of the Rainbow Bridge, with bullet trains whizzing past, 29 floors below. The delicious breakfast included buffet selections, followed by a bento box of grilled salmon, roast beef, chicken and other tasty treats. Kako is known for its full height pottery displays, its selection of sake from 46 Japanese prefectures, and as the home of Saki, specializing in kappo-style dining under the direction of Michelin-starred Chefs. Sefino is the Mediterranean restaurant, defined by its own Michelin-starred Chef.
The cozy JW Lounge features a fireplace and signature cocktails, while 4-0-3 is a ‘secret’ pop-up bar that was currently featuring Suntory whiskeys. And if further relaxation is required, there is the discreet Serene Space, a meditation room.
Christopher R. Clark, the General Manager, explained that the hotel’s overall philosophy was based on “omotenashi”, which refers to hospitality that anticipates the needs of others without expecting anything in return. The JW Marriott has mastered this concept, and the result is comfortable, mindful, calming, and delicious, touched with inspirational views of Tokyo.
