Prince Hotels is one of Japan's largest hotel chains, with a wide range of properties both in Japan and abroad. The brand is divided into four categories: The Prince, Grand Prince Hotels, Prince Hotels, and Prince Smart Inn. The Grand Prince Hotels offer spacious accommodations and a high-quality experience.

There are only four Grand Prince Hotels in Japan, including the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa.

Once the residence of the Takeda Imperial Family, the hotel has a rich history. Within the property, you'll find the current 'kihinkan' (guest house), which was originally built as a royal retreat and is still used for weddings and banquets today.

While other hotels in the Takanawa area, like The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo and Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, are also well-known, the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa stands out as the oldest and most prestigious among them.

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Takanawa exit of Shinagawa Station, which is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen and several local train lines. It also offers excellent access to both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, making it a very convenient choice for travelers.

Here are some of the top features of the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa.

Shinagawa Station, which serves the Shinkansen and the JR Yamanote Line, is a major hub with easy access to several local train lines. The Keikyu Line, which offers a convenient connection to Haneda Airport, also has a station at Shinagawa.

From the Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station, it's about a 5-minute walk to the hotel. However, since it's an uphill walk, if you have a lot of luggage, you might prefer to take the free shuttle bus loop that serves four hotels: The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, and Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

The free shuttle bus operates from 8 AM to 8 PM, with three buses per hour, and two buses per hour before the last ride at 9 PM. Buses depart from the designated stops in front of each hotel every 20 minutes.

For the detailed timetable, please refer to this link.

As for Shinagawa Prince Hotel, it's just a 2-minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station. You simply cross the large road in front of the station, walk straight through the buildings, and it's right there on a flat path.

Besides Shinagawa Station, you can also use Takanawadai Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, just a 3-minute walk from the hotel. The Toei Asakusa Line is convenient for trips to popular Tokyo tourist spots like Roppongi and Asakusa.

During your stay, the front desk staff and other hotel employees will do everything they can to ensure you have a comfortable stay. It's reassuring to see every staff member greet you with a friendly smile as you pass by.

Check-in begins at the front desk, where bilingual hotel staff wear badges with the flags of the countries whose languages they speak.

After receiving your key card and listening to the check-in instructions, you can head to your room. A bellhop will assist by carrying your luggage to your room.

Upon entering the hotel, you'll find yourself in a bright, welcoming space that blends traditional Japanese patterns with a classical yet modern twist. The hallway stretches forward, leading you to a Japanese garden where seasonal flowers and trees greet visitors with their beauty.

Be sure to take in the 360-degree view. The ceiling features soft, Japanese lantern-like lights made from washi paper, while the columns and walls are adorned with beautiful, traditional patterns.

On the hotel grounds, there is a beautiful Japanese garden covering about 20,000 square meters, surrounded by The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, and Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa.

In addition to evergreen trees, the garden is beautifully adorned with seasonal flowers including cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and maples, offering visual delights for visitors throughout the year.

In the pond, you can feed the Japanese koi (known as 'swimming jewels') for a small fee.

The garden also features historical buildings, including the Kannon-do (Kannon Hall), Shoro (Bell Tower), and Sanmon (Mountain Gate), all of which Minato City has designated as Tangible Cultural Assets.

A hotel staff member rings the bell 10 times at 5 PM daily (or 4 PM in winter), and guests can even ring it themselves upon request.

The garden is illuminated in the evening with bamboo lanterns, creating a magical, enchanting atmosphere. This is part of the 'Takanawa Nijurokuya' experience, a modern interpretation of the Edo-period 'tsukimachi' (moon-waiting) culture, where people would go to high ground in the Takanawa area to admire the moon. Surrounded by lush greenery that feels far removed from the city center, you can enjoy these nostalgic lights while experiencing a slice of traditional Japanese culture.

There are also special, limited-time bamboo lantern light displays, each with a unique seasonal theme.

Takanawa was once home to samurai residences during the Edo period, and later became a popular area for villas owned by royalty and important figures in finance during the Meiji era. The kihinkan (guest house), which was built as a royal retreat for the Takeda Imperial Family, still stands on the hotel grounds today.

Incorporating architectural styles from the 17th to early 18th century, the building features intricate craftsmanship and a sense of grandeur. Today, it serves as a venue for weddings and banquets, and its elegant exterior alone is worth seeing.

The Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa has a total of 388 rooms. Of these, 16 are traditional Japanese-style rooms, located in a section called Takanawa Hanakohro, which has a separate entrance from the Western-style rooms and is more like a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).

Let's look at some of the hotel's most popular rooms and services.

The Club Floor is located on the 12th to 15th floors of the hotel. The photo shows the Club Deluxe Twin room.

The Club Floor offers high-end amenities and premium bath products.

Guests staying on the Club Floor have access to two exclusive lounges: Club Lounge Hanamiyabi on the 1st floor and the Club Lounge at Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa.

At Club Lounge Hanamiyabi, you can enjoy a Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast, tea time, cocktail hour, and a nightcap. A selection of Japanese food and drinks is available at different times of the day. The tables by the windows offer a beautiful view of the garden.

The 10th and 11th floors are the Upper Floors of the hotel, offering King and Twin rooms. Some of the Upper Floor rooms have a beautiful view of the garden below.

In the Deluxe King room (pictured), traditional Japanese colors like kakishibuiro (persimmon dye) and aiiro (indigo blue) are incorporated into the decor. The carpet features a pattern that depicts the Japanese garden outside, using ink wash painting techniques.

The 3rd to 9th floors feature King and Twin rooms as well, all designed with a clean, white color scheme. While each room accommodates two guests, some Triple Twin rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors can accommodate up to three guests.

Some rooms offer a stunning view of cherry blossoms right outside the window, making them a great choice for a springtime stay.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms. If you need assistance with Wi-Fi or anything else during your stay, the hotel staff is available 24/7. Simply press the 'Prince One' button on the in-room phone to connect with them.

Each room also comes with a multi-device charger stored in the desk drawer. The provided roomwear is a lightweight, long-shirt style, that's soft and comfortable. If you don't want to be disturbed, you can simply press a button to display a 'Do Not Disturb' message outside your door.

These thoughtful details help to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay.

Takanawa Hanakohro is a traditional Japanese ryokan located within the hotel, featuring 16 elegant tatami-style rooms. The interiors showcase classic Japanese architecture, with shoji screens and fusuma sliding doors, creating a serene, authentic atmosphere.

Guests can also experience Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) from the hotel staff, making it effortless to immerse yourself in Japanese culture during your stay.

The Hanakohro Suite (pictured) can accommodate up to four guests, with traditional futon bedding laid out on tatami mats.

The bathroom design is inspired by a hinoki cypress wood bath, offering a relaxing and authentic Japanese bathing experience. Guests are also provided with yukata robes and zori sandals, and the zori can be taken home as a souvenir.

At Lounge Ousai, exclusively for Takanawa Hanakohro guests, visitors can enjoy a unique hands-on experience: grinding tencha tea leaves with a traditional stone mill to make their own matcha, which is then sprinkled over delicious Japanese sweets. This interactive experience, along with Japanese sake tastings, is especially popular with international guests.

Guests also have access to the lounges at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, and Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, allowing them to enjoy a four-lounge-hopping experience.

For relaxation, SPA Tayuta, an exclusive body treatment service for Takanawa Hanakohro guests, is available for an additional fee.

Guests can use the gym at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo for free, which includes a sauna and air system blower bath — perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Here, we'll introduce some must-visit restaurants at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa — perfect for enjoying a memorable dining experience during your stay.

This popular tempura restaurant is a favorite among international guests. Known for its crispy batter and the aromatic blend of oils used in frying, it's a must-visit. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy the unique flavors of each season, adding to the appeal.

A recommended choice is the 'Shimogamo' course, which costs 15,000 yen (excluding service charge) and includes sashimi and a variety of side dishes.

The experience starts with a personalized explanation of the ingredients, followed by the chef frying the tempura right before you. The chef carefully adjusts the frying time based on the size of the ingredients, the day's temperature, and the season, ensuring that the flavors are maximized — a true display of craftsmanship.

If you have any dislikes or dietary restrictions, simply let the staff know beforehand, and they will substitute the ingredients to suit your needs and preferences.

The freshly fried tempura is carefully plated, almost like a work of art. The wakasagi (a type of fish) is particularly eye-catching, looking as though it has just swum out of the water and onto the plate.

You can enjoy the tempura with either tentsuyu (tempura dipping sauce) or salt, and the chef will guide you on the best way to enjoy each ingredient to bring out its maximum flavor. Even if it's your first time, you'll have a delightful meal.

For dishes like kisu (a type of fish) and anago (conger eel), the bones are fried as crispy bone crackers, adding an extra texture. International guests are often amazed by the crunchiness and flavor, and are pleasantly surprised by how delicious it is!

Another popular spot for international visitors is Teppanyaki Katsura. The highlight here is the grilling of wagyu beef steaks right in front of you on the sizzling hot grill. It's a feast for the eyes, with the delicious aroma tempting both your nose and stomach for a multi-sensory experience.

While there are restaurants around the world where you can watch dishes like tempura and teppanyaki being prepared right in front of you, this type of dining is especially popular in Japan. If seats are available, you can usually visit without a reservation, but it can get busy, especially later in the evening, so it's a good idea to book in advance.

The breakfast buffet is served in a restaurant with large windows that let in the morning sunlight. The refreshing view of the garden will make you forget you're in the heart of the city.

The menu mainly features Western-style dishes, and the omelets and other egg dishes made at the live kitchen are particularly popular.

The Le Trianon French restaurant at the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, where the original Prince Hotel curry was created by the first chef, is a recommended choice as well.

Japanese curry has evolved uniquely and has become a globally recognized dish. You can customize your own curry by adding omelets, sausages, and steamed vegetables made fresh at the live kitchen.

If you're feeling like something local, try the Japanese breakfast options too, which include grilled fish, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and simmered dishes.

This traditional Japanese lounge faces the serene Japanese garden. With its high ceiling and open, airy space, it offers a comfortable place to relax on plush sofas and cushions.

Guests can enjoy herbal teas inspired by the seasons and the garden, along with a variety of drinks and cocktails. The lounge is perfect for various occasions, from brunch to light evening snacks.

While you're staying here, you'll probably want to explore the area as well. Here are some great nearby attractions that you can easily visit on a leisurely stroll from the hotel.

Just a 9-minute walk from the hotel, this retro building resembles a lighthouse, was built in 1933 and still serves as an active fire station. The Art Nouveau-style gas lamps have remained unchanged since their construction.

The interior is free to explore, and on the third floor, you can learn about the history of Japanese firefighting. A notable exhibit is the Taisho-era fireman's uniform, crafted using the traditional Japanese handcraft technique of 'sashiko,' in which reinforcing patterns are stitched into fabric. On the first floor, you can see Japan's first fire truck on display.

Oover the years, one of Japan's most beloved stories, Chushingura (The Tale of the 47 Ronin), has been adapted into countless dramas and movies. Based on true events from the Edo period, the story centers around 47 samurai, known as the Ako Roshi. Their graves can be found at Sengaku-ji Temple, while the temple's museum also showcases items related to this historic tale. It's just about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Just a 2-minute walk from the hotel, the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, located inside the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, is an aquarium with cutting-edge digital technology. You can enjoy Tokyo's most advanced entertainment, including illuminated tanks and dolphin performances enhanced with light and sound.

When you open the curtains in the morning, while enjoying your meal or sipping tea, the view is always filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The calming scenery makes it easy to forget that you're in the heart of the world's largest city.

At the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, you can indulge in luxurious moments, enjoy Japan's traditional beauty, experience the changing seasons, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Book your stay and get ready to fully enjoy the charm of Japanese hospitality!

*This information is based on an article written in March 2025. For the latest details, please check the official website and other sources.