The Prince Hotels is one of Japan's largest hotel chains, with many locations both domestically and internationally. The hotels are divided into four categories: The Prince, Grand Prince Hotels, Prince Hotels, and Prince Smart Inn. Among them, The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo is in the top-tier brand, offering a luxury experience that stands out even within the Prince Hotels lineup.

Opened in 1998, The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo joined Marriott International's Autograph Collection in 2013. This was a first for Japan at the time, marking the hotel's recognition as one of the world's finest luxury hotels.

As a travel writer who explores Japan, here are the reasons I highly recommend The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo to international visitors.

Shinagawa Station, the closest station to the hotel, is a major terminal in Tokyo. It is served by the Shinkansen and several local train lines, making it easy to get to popular areas like Ginza and Shinjuku. You can take the Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport and the JR Narita Express from Narita Airport, both with no transfers, making the journey to Shinagawa Station simple and direct.

From Shinagawa Station's Takanawa Exit, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk away. The path leading to the hotel is beautifully lined with cherry trees, fittingly named 'Sakura-zaka' (Cherry Blossom Hill).

However, please note that the path to the hotel is uphill. If the weather is bad or if you have a lot of luggage, taking the free shuttle bus from the nearby 'Shinagawa Prince Hotel,' which is about a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, is recommended.

Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by a stylish, Japanese-modern design centered on the theme of 'weaving.'

Reflecting Shinagawa's history as a bustling post town during the Edo period, where people from all walks of life came together, the concept of weaving symbolizes people's crossing paths. The theme is incorporated into the décor throughout the hotel and in the rooms, with traditional Japanese design elements—like bamboo weaving—and textiles.

There are many other designs throughout the hotel. The spiral staircase features an intricate pattern created by weaving iron. Be sure to look for other traditional Japanese patterns made by weaving materials like bamboo, wood, and metal.

Check-in is done at the front desk, where you'll find staff who speak multiple languages. Each staff member wears a badge with the flag of the country whose language they can speak.

Once you receive your room key card, you can head to your room, and a porter will bring your luggage to your room.

Don't hesitate to ask the concierge if you have any questions or need assistance during your stay. They're great for sightseeing tips and can help with a variety of other requests, ensuring you have a stress-free experience.

The hotel grounds feature a stunning garden that spans about 20,000 square meters. Throughout the year, seasonal flowers adorn the garden. During cherry blossom season, it's truly breathtaking, with around 210 cherry trees from 17 different varieties in full bloom. The magical sight of illuminated bamboo lanterns and cherry blossoms at night will surely become one of your unforgettable memories of Tokyo.

The garden is also home to several historically and artistically significant landmarks. Minato City has designated the 'Kannon Hall,' which houses Japanese Buddhist statues, the 'Shoro,' where you can experience ringing a bell, and the 'Sanmon' gate as Tangible Cultural Properties.

In the pond, you'll find nishikigoi, the Japanese national fish, swimming gracefully. For just 500 yen, you can purchase fish food at the front desk and get a close-up view of the stunning patterns on these 'swimming jewels.'

As night falls, the garden is beautifully illuminated, captivating all who see its enchanting splendor. The lighting is part of the 'Takanawa Jurokuya' experience, held daily.

Takagawa Junrokuya is a modern take on tsukimachi culture (the tradition of waiting for the moon to rise for prayers) from the Edo period. It is said that the moon was clearly visible from this high ground in Takanawa during that time.

The moon-shaped 'Tsukimachi Chairs' have become a popular photo spot. Lining the path are 'takeakari' bamboo lanterns. Some of the lanterns feature motifs inspired by the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms and snow.

The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo has a total of 288 rooms. From the higher floors, guests can enjoy stunning views of the city, with some rooms offering a view of Tokyo Tower. Here, we'll highlight the features of a comfortable stay and recommend some of the rooms.

For an elegant experience, the 'Executive Floor,' located on the 11th to 14th floors, offers access to the Executive Lounge.

One of the most popular rooms is the 'Executive Tower View King,' which has a beautiful view of Tokyo Tower. It features a 220cm wide king-sized bed, and in the evening, turn-down service (including cleaning and bed preparation) is provided while you're out.

The rooms are designed to look like a beautiful painting, harmonizing with the views of the garden. The carpet features a patern of cherry blossoms in full bloom, while the abstract wall art displays the original 'sakuramon' pattern, created using 'Kyoukumihimo' braids and Nishijin weaving, showcasing traditional Japanese artistry.

The minibar is stocked with a selection of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, snacks, and even elegant coffee cups and flute glasses, all designed with a chic touch.

The in-room monitor displays hotel information in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional).

All rooms offer free Wi-Fi. If you're unsure how to connect, feel free to contact the support desk. Simply press the 'Prince One' button on the room phone to connect directly with hotel staff.

Rooms are also equipped with multi-device chargers and USB charging ports for your convenience.

The bathroom is spacious, featuring both a bathtub and a separate shower, making it very convenient if you just want to take a quick shower.

The bath amenities include the luxurious Italian brand '19-69 Capri.' The bathtub features bubbles that rise from both the sides and bottom, offering a unique experience. There are two types of bath milk provided, for an indulgent bath time.

The bathroom and toilet are separated, ensuring privacy when staying with family or friends.

There are two types of nightwear: a yukata-style robe and pajama-style. The yukata is perfect for quickly changing when heading to the hotel's spa.

The bathrobe is incredibly soft and comfortable on the skin, adding to the overall luxurious experience.

The best part of staying on the Executive Floor is access to the Executive Lounge. Throughout the day, you can enjoy a variety of drinks and food, including a breakfast buffet, tea time, cocktail hour, and a nightcap.

Guests can enjoy lounge hopping between the 'Club Lounge Hanamiyabi' at Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa and the 'Club Lounge' at Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa.

While the Executive Floor is vibrant and luxurious, other rooms — though they don't include lounge access — offer nearly the same high-quality facilities and services, allowing you to experience an exceptional hotel stay.

The 7th and 8th floors of the hotel are known as the 'Upper Floors.' Each floor has one corner king room, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Tokyo skyline through large, curved windows.

Children under elementary school age can stay for free when sharing a bed with an adult. Additionally, free baby cribs are available upon request.

The 'Universal Room,' located on the 4th floor, is designed to provide comfort for guests who use wheelchairs. The bed and sink are at lower heights, and the room is equipped with handrails and other assistance devices.

Rooms on the 4th to 8th floors, aside from the Universal Room, have similar designs and amenities as the Upper Floors, with only the views differing. During cherry blossom season, some rooms offer a direct view of the blossoms, making even the lower floors highly sought after.

The hotel offers two exceptional dining options: Ristorante Caffé Ciliegio and Nadaman Takanawa Prime.

Located on the 1st floor, this Italian dining spot is inspired by cherry blossoms, with artwork featuring cherry branches and a color scheme that evokes traditional Japanese materials like white wood and lacquer. The design beautifully harmonizes with the Japanese garden visible through the windows, creating a refined atmosphere.

The breakfast buffet starts at 6:30 AM and the main offerings include Western dishes such as salads, egg dishes, sausages, charcuterie, and cheeses. There are also Japanese options available, including grilled fish, cod roe, and pickled vegetables.

On the 3rd floor, you'll find Nadaman Takanawa Prime, a historic Japanese restaurant with nearly 200 years of tradition. Here, you can enjoy a full range of classic Japanese dishes.

As part of the renowned Nadaman group, which operates twenty-five locations across Japan and four overseas, the restaurant offers meals tailored to a variety of requests. They also provide an English menu, so you can order with confidence.

For families with young children, In-Room Dining is a great option. Breakfast can be ordered starting at 6 AM, with choices like an American breakfast, Japanese set meals, and a kids' menu.

It's wonderful to relax in your room, in your loungewear, while enjoying the view of Tokyo's cityscape from the window.

On the B1 floor, the relaxation area features the 'Sauna & Blow Bath,' the 'Fitness Gym,' and the 'Relax Lounge,' all of which are available for guests, free of charge.

The gym is equipped with over twenty-five types of machines, open 24 hours a day. However, please note that from 10 PM to 7 AM, there are no staff members present, and you'll need to use your room key to access the gym.

Across from the gym, you'll find the Sauna & Whirlpool Bath. Before using it, you'll need to pick up a bath towel, face towel, and locker key at the gym reception area. The sauna is available from 7 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry at 10 PM).

For added convenience and security, the door can't be opened without the locker key, so you can feel comfortable using the facility. Additionally, there's a dedicated elevator that takes you directly to the B1 floor, allowing you to visit in your loungewear, bathrobe, or slippers.

The sauna area offers two types: a mist sauna at 44°C and a dry sauna at 82°C. The mist sauna fills the room with a fine mist, so even at a lower temperature, it quickly leaves your skin and hair feeling hydrated.

There is no cold plunge pool, but the showers serve as a suitable alternative. The shower stalls are separated by dividers, making it comfortable for those not accustomed to traditional Japanese baths.

(Please note: the sauna & whirlpool bath is not available to guests with tattoos or body art.)

The spa offers body and facial treatments, primarily using oils. One of the most popular treatments is the Japanese-style oil massage, which uses a blend of traditional Japanese scents like sandalwood, frankincense, yuzu, and hinoki.

For facials, they use skincare products made from Japanese-grown herbs and medicinal plants, which are highly praised for leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

The area around the hotel offers a mix of historic buildings and modern entertainment venues. Here are some must-visit attractions nearby.

Just a 2-minute walk from the hotel, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is located within the grounds of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. This unique aquarium uses digital technology to create an immersive experience. Visitors can enjoy illuminated tanks, dolphin performances set to light and sound, and other cutting-edge entertainment that Tokyo is known for.

About a 9-minute walk from the hotel, you'll find a building resembling a lighthouse. This active fire station was built in 1933, and its original retro design gives it an artistic feel.

The interior is open for free visitation, and English brochures are available. On the first floor, you can see the first fire truck ever made in Japan.

Tokyo Tower, visible from the hotel, offers stunning views of the city from its 250-meter-high ‘Top Deck.’ Foot Town, located from B1F to 3F, features a food court and shopping arcade, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal or pick up souvenirs.

The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, with 80% of its guests traveling from abroad, offers a comfortable stay with multilingual staff who provide kind and attentive service, ensuring that language barriers are never an issue.

The hotel is especially enchanting during the spring cherry blossom season, when its garden, with over 210 cherry trees in full bloom, is truly breathtaking. Some rooms even offer views of the cherry blossoms, allowing guests to enjoy Japan's stunning sakura while staying in the city's heart. The garden, with its ever-changing seasonal beauty, along with events and experiences that showcase Japanese culture, makes it an incredibly appealing destination for visitors. You're sure to have an unforgettable stay, especially if you're visiting Tokyo for the first time.