Review / How Trunk Yoyogi Park in Tokyo melds Japanese sensibilities with Scandinavian design – Trunk Hotel group’s latest property is just a short walk from hip Harajuku and Shibuya
A new home-grown group, however, has been shaking things up with a smattering of hotels injecting a much-needed dose of energy into the city’s hospitality industry. In 2017, Trunk Hotel opened in the hipster enclave known as Cat Street, a short walk from fashionable Omotesando. The brainchild of Yoshitaka Nojiri, an entrepreneur who made his fortune with a wedding planning business, Trunk Hotel Cat Street has become a destination for in-the-know travellers and chic locals alike.
The latest property to join the Trunk portfolio – which also includes Trunk (House), a private one-suite residence in a former geisha house or okiya – is Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park.
Located in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Tomigaya, an area filled with stylish young families, independent boutiques and small cafes, the hotel is named after one of Tokyo’s green spaces. A popular destination during cherry blossom season and in the autumn, when its zelkova trees turn red, Yoyogi Park is right at the hotel’s doorstep. All of the property’s accommodation – 20 rooms and five suites – come with terraces, some of them directly overlooking the park.
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Co-designed by Keiji Ashizawa Design in collaboration with Danish firm Norm Architects, the hotel seamlessly blends with its green surroundings, while also combining the best of Japanese and Scandinavian design. A soothing palette of earthy tones and wood furniture anchor the decor – but to truly appreciate the way the building embraces the park, you have to head to the Trunk (Pool Club). Located on the sixth floor, the outdoor space features a heated infinity pool, a jacuzzi and a restaurant lounge that only hotel guests can access. Needless to say, the views of the park are spectacular.
For a hearty meal, you can’t miss out on the Italian fare served at Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico, which is always buzzing with beautiful Tokyoites who can’t get enough of the wood-fired oven-baked Neapolitan pizzas on the menu.
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Adding to the lovely vibe are little touches such as Japanese-style pyjamas provided with custom herbal tea and snacks as part of the turndown service, beauty products from Japanese indie label Damdam, and artworks from underserved communities that can be bought to support them.
- Amid Tokyo’s usual luxury chain suspects, from the Four Seasons to the Ritz-Carlton, Japanese hotel group Trunk opened its latest boutique offering in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Tomigaya
- The infinity pool offers a spectacular view of popular tourist attraction Yoyogi Park, which draws crowds hoping to see cherry blossoms or autumn leaves every year