Name: Aoyama Grand Hotel
Kind: Lodgings
Where: 35°40’10.03″ N 139°42’57.09″ E
Stations: Akasaka-mitsuke Station, Gaiemmae Station, Nogizaka Station
Free Wifi: Yes
Our Rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Worth it? Very cool.
1/1/24
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Just south of Akasaka, down Hwy. 246 in Tokyo is the fabulous new Aoyama Grand Hotel just north of the also awesome Aoyama area.
A short walk north from the heart of Aoyama, the new hotel sits just on the west side of 246 at the split between 246 and Rt. 418 which runs east-west.
Make no mistake – this is a really nice upscale hotel well worth the cost. Centrally located in west Tokyo, it provides easy access to Aoyama/Shibuya to the south, Harajuku to the west, and Akasaka/Kasumigaseki to the east.
The Kamachi area with the new National Stadium and grounds are just to the north.
You can easily walk to any of the above 4 areas in 30+ minutes or so. All are enjoyable strolls.
But the most interesting part of AGH is its quirky classic French/European feel.
The place has a slight Bohemian vibe to it, but it’s not run down or dirty – everything is masterfully designed and constructed down to the last detail. Staff is exceptional from the moment you walk in the door – your every need taken care of by impeccable workers.
Consistently rated 9+ on a scale of 1-10, the AGH is a clear winner if you’re visiting central or west Tokyo.
There is also an AEON supermarket just across the street to the east, – which has lots of healthy inexpensive food should you want a DIY meal.
Epic Views
One of the nicest features of the AGH are the rooms’ floor to ceiling windows. Unlike most hotels, AGH has vast entire-wall windows in most rooms. From the upper floors you get sweeping views of Tokyo in most directions – further enhancing your stay and giving the rooms a bright, airy feel. Wood ceilings in many of the rooms give them a nice home-like touch.
Belcomo
The hotel’s bar/restaurant, Belcomo is also a treat – with a great atmosphere and food to match.
Aoyama Cemetery
Just a stone’s throw to the east is the famous Aoyama Cemetery, where many of Japan’s legendary historical figures are buried. If you have a few extra minutes, a stroll through this huge area will give you a real feel for Japan’s long history. The cemetery dates back to the 1600’s when Japan’s capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Epic Walks in All Directions
On a clear day the strolls up and down Hwy. 246 give an epic view of Tokyo’s beauty. There’s lots to do here: Aoyama is just 15-20 minutes to the south on foot, Akasaka isn’t too much further to the north along with the central government area, and – if you’re up for longer walks, Harajuku is a good 45 minute hike off to the west down 418 – ending at the popular Yoyogi Park. If you’re in the Harajuku area you could also exit one of the rail Metro stations along that line, then walk back east to the hotel.
Metro
Unfortunately there is no close Metro subway station to the hotel on the Chiyoda Line which runs north-south, although there are stops at Aoyama, Omoto-sando Station, Yoyogi, Akasaka, and others. The closest Chiyoda Line stop is Nogizaka – although it’s on the other side of the cemetery to the east.
The closest station physically to the hotel is Gaiemmae Station on the Ginza Line along 246 about 1/2 a mile to the north. If you’re going to be in the Harajuku/Omotosando area, the last station in that area to the east is Omoto-sando Station which is stop 04 on the Chiyoda Line or stop 02 on the Gizna Line. It’s also stop 02 on the Hanzomon Line – which stops just outside the central gov’t area to the east in Akasaka if you’re nearby.
If you’re not exiting Gaiemmae Station on the Chiyoda Line, getting to the hotel on foot from the Akasaka area means exiting Aoyama-Itchome Station to the north along 246, or exiting Akasaka-mitsuke Station behind the central gov’t, then hoofing it south along 246 to reach the hotel. Either way it’s not that far – around 2-3 miles. The stroll through Akasaka can be quite pleasant on a good day.
Cost
The AGH is an extremely upscale 5-star hotel and it’s not cheap. But if you’re not on a budget and looking for a few nights’ stay in one of west Tokyo’s best hotels, AGH is worth it. Rooms can range anywhere from $400-$600/night USD, but the cost depends on the season, as usual. In off-tourist seasons such as winter or mid-summer, expect prices to drop. Obviously in the spring – Japan’s peak tourism season – rooms will be at a premium since availability will be scarce.
All-in all-AGH is a great achievement and a very nice addition to Tokyo’s already wonderful hotel scene.
LINKS
AOYAMA GRAND Hotel in Tokyo | AGODA
Harajuku + Omotesando Superguide
VIDS