Spotlight: Kengo Kuma Designs Tokyo’s Coolest Hotel with Stunning Skytree Views Right Outside Your Window

▲ Entrance of One@Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-Jun / Taiwan

Tokyo has a new hotel opening its doors — “One@Tokyo,” masterminded by legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, officially debuted on the 28th in the old Tokyo district of Sumida, Oshiage. The hotel blends natural and industrial design elements, and the highlight? The moment you pull back your curtains, you’re greeted by breathtaking day and night views of the Tokyo Skytree. Head up to the rooftop terrace for an even more magical experience of the tower’s enchanting evening illuminations. Our reporter checked in to give you a firsthand look at this artistic, trendsetting Tokyo accommodation.

▲ One@Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma, offers Lofts with unobstructed Skytree views. (Photo / From One@Tokyo official website)

Taiwanese are no strangers to the works of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, including the so-called most beautiful Starbucks in Japan at Dazaifu, as well as the overseas branch of Mikawaya’s Hojicha in Tokyo’s South Aoyama. With their wooden material design and plug-in wood style, these spaces blend elegance with a natural vibe, leaving a lasting impression. This same design philosophy continues in “One@Tokyo,” making it not just a place for photos but a truly immersive stay.

▲ One@Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma, features eye-catching plug-in wood style exterior cladding. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-Jun)

Exiting Oshiage Station (in front of Skytree) via the Tokyo Metro, it’s just a 3 to 5-minute walk. Once you spot the striking wooden curtain-like facade made of plug-in wood on the first floor, you’ve arrived at One@Tokyo.

One@Tokyo is a 10-story building with 142 rooms and 5 room types, including the functional basic room “Studio,” available on both higher and lower floors; the “Loft,” which offers Skytree views and more spacious interiors; the “Library Suite” inspired by a private study; the “Atelier Suite,” drawing inspiration from an artist’s studio; and the “Universal” room, wheelchair-accessible. Guests can choose the room that best suits their needs.

▲ One@Tokyo’s “Library Suite,” designed with the concept of a private study. (Photo / From One@Tokyo official website)

▲ One@Tokyo’s “Atelier Suite,” inspired by an artist’s studio. (Photo / From One@Tokyo official website)

The room our reporter stayed in was the functional basic room “Studio.” Industrial and natural design elements extend from the lobby into the guestroom — for example, wooden elements on the walls add softness, while exposed pipes, aluminum sliding doors in the bathroom, and metal hangers introduce a touch of hardness, allowing the two materials to blend naturally within the space.

▲ One@Tokyo Studio room.

The Studio room isn’t large, at only about 14 square meters, so every inch of space is utilized efficiently. For instance, the walls incorporate storage space for items like a kettle, tea bags, a hairdryer, and a mirror. The bedside table combines charging and safe functions, and the slightly elevated bed base also provides extra storage — truly reflecting the emphasis on functionality.

▲ One@Tokyo Studio room makes full use of every space.

In addition to free WiFi, the room also provides a Handy smartphone device that guests can take out of the room. The phone offers a variety of Tokyo travel information, allows for making calls, and comes preloaded with the hotel’s contact number. Even international travelers don’t have to worry about staying in touch with the hotel.

▲ The portable Handy smartphone device.

As for public spaces, the first-floor lobby combines the check-in counter with a café, featuring plenty of wooden furniture and large floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural sunlight, creating a bright and open atmosphere. Breakfast is also served here.

▲ First-floor lobby of One@Tokyo.

Another popular public area is the rooftop, which boasts spacious white sofas and green plants. Guests can gaze at the Skytree and take in the serene, traditional townscape of Sumida from above. Please note, however, that the rooftop is currently only open from 5 PM to 7 PM and is for hotel guests only.

▲ Rooftop public space of One@Tokyo. (Photo / From One@Tokyo official website)

“One@Tokyo ”
Address: 1-19-3 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Exit B3 of Oshiage Station (in front of Skytree) on the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro
From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line directly to Oshiage Station (in front of Skytree) on the Toei Asakusa Line, about 36 minutes
Official Website:https://onetokyo.com/