Why book?
The collection of Mitsui Garden Hotels has a strong reputation in Japan for providing quality accommodation at prices that don’t break the bank—their Ginza-Gochome property earns bonus points for its great location and Edo-style baths inside.
Set the scene
Most Tokyo hotels cater to a mix of business and leisure travelers—we saw only tourists here; savvy visitors who like their lodging to have a distinct sense of place. Although most of the furniture is agnostic in style, the old-school nods to Japan feel welcome and never gaudy.
The backstory
The Mitsui Gardens are a budget-friendly concept from Mitsui Fudosan, a well-established Japanese hospitality brand that has a keen eye for serving luxury travelers as well. The company has had a hand in helping both Aman and Halekulani make inroads in the country, and brings that sensibility—smart design and good service—to its more attainably priced properties as well.
The rooms
Standard rooms have limited views from the windows, but the tradeoff is the quietness in an otherwise busy neighborhood. Go for the Deluxe Twin room, which fuses East and West design—think: a quaint tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, but a souped up entertainment center and ultra-modern bathrooms.
The spa
The property’s biggest selling point is the large public baths, styled like a traditional Japanese ryokan inn, located on the second floor. The calming, gender-separate facilities harken the days of Edo with faux mosaic tile art, shoji screens and views of bonsai bamboo despite its location in the heart of one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods.
The neighborhood/area
Ginza is not only a strong choice for its bevy of shopping, it’s also a great jumping-off point to the more historical districts of Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno) further north, and the cooler, more future-forward areas due southwest. You’re also just a short hop to Tokyo station, home to a surplus of bullet trains that can take you practically anywhere in the country.
The service
We had better English here than at many of the other hotels in Tokyo, even some of the higher-end properties.
Anything left to mention?
Coin-operated laundry is hugely helpful for longer-staying guests. And don’t be shy about scrolling through Mitsui Garden’s other offerings in Tokyo if there’s a different neighborhood you’d like to stay in—the standard of service is evenly maintained throughout the portfolio.
5-13-15, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061
Japan
https://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/ginza-gochome/eng/
-11279