Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo celebrated its 70th anniversary in November 2022. Rather than being built as a hotel, the structure originally served as the residence of politician Yamagata Aritomo.

Yamagata had a profoundly cultural and artistic side to him, and he self-funded a purchase of this scenic plot of land in 1878 after being charmed by the natural camellia trees that grew there. After building a mansion and garden, he named the property “Chinzanso,” meaning “Camellia Mountain.”

In 1952, Chinzanso opened as a garden restaurant, and immediately became widely known as a prestigious place to get married amongst nature. In 1992, the Four Seasons Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo opened, earning numerous international awards, including four stars from Forbes Travel Guide for the gorgeous garden and exceptional service.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is most famous for its Japanese garden, which, unlike the artificial designs popular at the time, was given a natural look by Yamagata, who preferred the beauty of untouched wilderness.

Streams flow from elevated terrain, while seasonal flowers and pristine greenery make it difficult to believe that you’re still in the midst of the Tokyo metropolis.

There are lots to see within the hotel grounds, including the Three-Story Pagoda, Entsukaku, which is a designated Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, along with the roughly 500-year-old Goshinboku tree. Owing to the land’s height differences, walking through the garden feels like a hike in a brisk, refreshing valley.

While Japan is most renowned for its distinctive four seasons, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s garden has much more on offer!

In fact, it’s said to have a whopping 7 seasons: Winter, camellias, cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, fireflies, summer, and autumn! Camellias bloom in February, and cherry blossoms in late March to early April.

There are around 20 species of 100 cherry blossoms to enjoy, while early summer is when the fireflies come out to flaunt their enchanting lights. Without a doubt, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is one of the best places in the city to bask in the bliss of nature.

“Tokyo Unkai” started in 2020 as one of Japan’s largest mist garden displays. During set times, the garden becomes shrouded in a thick cloud of mist, weaving together a mystical ocean-like phenomenon.

The presentation starts from 7:00 a.m. at the earliest and until around 10:00 p.m. at the latest, allowing you to enjoy it from morning until night. Its appearance differs depending on the season and time, making each visit a fresh experience.

In the winter of 2022-23, a nighttime program titled Aurora in the Forest and Praying Stars - Anniversary Flash had been held. Aurora in the Forest, which created a world of light green and blue with laser light, was displayed a total of seven times from 7-10 PM, and the Praying Stars - Anniversary Flash, which replicated a star-like shimmer with brilliant light, was showcased once an hour between 7-10 PM, so visitors were encouraged to drop by after their evening meal!

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has welcomed numerous guests, including state dignitaries and more. Complementing its remarkable natural assets, the hotel itself is renowned for its exceptional comfort and service.

Each of the 267 rooms presents either a garden or a city view, from which guests can choose between. Naturally, those with garden views can fully absorb the essence of each season, while also being able to look over the Tokyo Unkai mist garden, making you feel like you’re floating in the sky. Meanwhile, those who opt for city views will be able to bask in the intensity of Tokyo’s magnificent sprawl from afar.

In 2022, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo won the award for The Best Hotel Ambience in the World in the Prix Villégiature Awards, an esteemed international hotel awards show with winners selected by celebrated journalists from across the globe. It was praised for its ample nature, serving as a relaxing oasis in the middle of the city.

Alongside the garden, the purpose of many who stay at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is to make the most of its stellar restaurants and shops. Within the grounds are 9 different restaurants, including Japanese, Italian, a bar, and more, suiting all kinds of different occasions.

One popular spot constantly bustling with guests is the lobby lounge “Le Jardin,” favored for its seasonal afternoon tea and evening high tea. In fact, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is said to have been the first hotel in Tokyo to offer afternoon tea!

The 2022-23 winter evening high tea menu had consisted of the “Aurora Evening High Tea” (from 6,500 yen), named in relation to the wintertime Tokyo Unkai show, Aurora in the Forest. While overlooking the garden, visitors were treated to an exquisite platter of premium hors d’oeuvres, roast beef, and dessert.

The hotel shop, Selections, sells an assortment of seasonal cakes and sweets inspired by Tokyo Unkai. The shortcake (700 yen) and opera cake (750 yen) are available year-round and are also particularly popular.

The 2022-23 wintertime “Tokyo Unkai Sweets: Biscuit Roll Cake Aurora” (700 yen) packed a punch with its combination of butterfly pea cream and pistachio cream to form a visually appealing treat recreating an aurora. The Aurora Evening High Tea and Biscuit Roll Cake was available until February 7, 2023. A similar assortment is expected for 2023.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has staff that can speak English, along with Chinese and Korean, making it a breeze to check in and receive assistance. Plus, there is also a free guest-only English tour of the Japanese garden*, plus info on the garden in various languages on the hotel’s official website.

(*Weekdays only, may not run some days.)

As we’ve seen, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo bursts with charm and experiences! From its unique seven seasons to the Tokyo Unkai mist garden, delightful afternoon teas, and more, there’s enough to draw you back time and time again. Make your accommodation a part of the Tokyo travel experience at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo!

*This article was originally published in December 2022. Prices indicated are as of the original publishing date. Please check the official website for the latest information.