Art Meets Hospitality: An Inside Look at Park Hotel Tokyo

Welcome to Park Hotel Tokyo, where art-based hospitality meets Japanese beauty and elegance. In September 2024, the Arigato Travel team had the privilege of visiting this incredible hotel in person, and we were absolutely amazed by the stunning exhibitions that filled every corner of the space. Located in the Shiodome district, Park Hotel Tokyo offers a one-of-a-kind experience where guests can immerse themselves in art without even leaving the building. From the breathtaking art rooms to the curated exhibitions, this hotel is a haven for art and travel lovers alike. Discover why Park Hotel Tokyo is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and travelers alike!

Hello! Can you please introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Yoshitomo Fujikawa and I am the Art Director and Branding Manager for Park Hotel Tokyo/Shiba Park Hotel. I am from Chiba Prefecture. In 2011, I became the Food and Beverage Manager at Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome, Minato-ku. I was selected as a member of the “Rebranding Project.” I launched various art-based projects not seen in conventional hotels, such as “Artist in Hotel,” where artists decorate entire guest rooms, and the “ART colors project,” which beautifies the hotel with seasonal exhibitions. I have been involved in branding the entire hotel as an Art Director. In April 2018, I was appointed Branding Manager.

Park Hotel Tokyo has a great focus on contemporary art. Can you share the story behind the decision to make art such a core aspect of the hotel experience?

We aim to redefine the essence of hospitality through artistic integration, creating a space where guests can fully appreciate the beauty of Japan with all their senses. Our mission is to let guests feel the elegance, delicacy, and strength of Japanese culture and to invite them into an extraordinary world. The hotel functions like a canvas, expressing the richness of Japanese artistry. By incorporating art, we ensure that our guests can refresh in a stimulating environment.

There are many types of rooms and suites at your hotel! What types of room options and amenities or rentals does Park Hotel Tokyo offer?

Sustainable Amenities: Taking a step toward plastic-free with the power of bamboo and wood. Organic bamboo toothbrush, bamboo hairbrush, bamboo razor, bamboo cotton swabs.

Amenity containers: Bamboo and wood. As part of our sustainability efforts, we provide amenities mainly made from bamboo. We have also switched items like trays and tissue covers in the rooms to environmentally-friendly materials like bamboo and wood. The organic bamboo toothbrush, in particular, helps reduce plastic waste. Using patented technology, this toothbrush is made without any chemicals, making it safe and eco-friendly. Bamboo, which grows in 3-4 years, is an ideal sustainable material to replace plastic.

We also offer toothpaste in paper packaging to support an eco-friendly lifestyle. By using bamboo toothbrushes, guests can enjoy a unique stay that balances health and environmental conservation.

The concept of art rooms is so unique and exciting for guests! How did the idea of having artists decorate individual guest rooms come about?

Naturally, as a hotel that handles art, the artist room creation project was born. To allow guests to experience and enjoy art in their rooms, which is the space they spend the most time in, we brainstormed ideas internally and chose the method of having artists directly paint on the walls as part of their residency activities.

You have such an extensive collection of art that guests can spend hours exploring the hotel! How do you think this immersion in art enhances the guest experience compared to traditional hotel stays?

Simply by staying in the hotel, guests can engage with Japanese art and have a creative experience. We believe that their experience in Tokyo will become more creative and enriching, leaving them with lasting memories of their journey.

With art exhibitions throughout the front lobbies, first floor, 25th floor, and hallways of the 26th to 34th floors. How do you go about selecting the artists who work on your exhibitions and art rooms? Do you look for specific themes or styles, and what do you prioritize when collaborating with artists?

We are careful not to adhere to specific themes or styles because we want our guests to encounter diverse art. One priority is whether the artists (or gallerists) like or are likely to grow fond of our hotel. Instead of focusing solely on their works, we value building sustainable relationships with artists as partners of the hotel.

This extensive art collection sounds amazing! Is this art experience accessible only to hotel guests, or can visitors also come to explore and appreciate the artwork on display?

The art can be appreciated by non-guests as well. While over 80% of our hotel’s guests are international visitors, we aim to contribute to the cultural penetration of art within Japan. We hope that many Japanese people will engage with contemporary art and have creative experiences. We believe that this contributes to the development of artistic culture and regional community engagement. Additionally, we actively create opportunities for young artists to present their work. Increasing venues for artists helps sustain the development of artistic culture, and we hope the hotel can contribute even a little to this effort.

In addition to all the art offerings, Park Hotel Tokyo also provides unique dining experiences that reflect the hotel’s dedication to Japanese culture. Could you tell us more about the types of food served at the hotel’s restaurants and the afternoon tea experience?

Our Japanese cuisine restaurant offers an immersive experience of traditional and innovative Japanese gastronomy. Guests can savor authentic sushi, wagyu steak, sashimi, and more, fully enjoying Japan’s culinary culture. We also offer traditional sake, shochu, and Japanese wine, enhancing the dining experience.

The breakfast buffet, which brightens the start of the day, features fresh, carefully selected ingredients and Japanese dishes. In addition to the buffet, we offer plates with eggs cooked to order using locally sourced free-range eggs and organic or low-pesticide vegetables. Dinner options include pizza made from Hokkaido organic wheat dough topped with carefully selected ingredients and organic vegetables, grilled local organic vegetables, wagyu and porcini mushroom ragù pasta, and black-haired wagyu Tokyo beef steak.

Afternoon tea, crafted by our pastry chefs with seasonal themes, presents delightful desserts that reflect Japan’s cultural appreciation for festivals. We offer seasonal afternoon teas for occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween.

Your website mentions immersive activities guests can participate in! Could you go more into detail about the art and wine pairing and the tea ceremony experiences?

Pairing: Art (food) and wine pairings are curated by our hotel’s head sommelier. Particularly in the Japanese cuisine restaurant, guests can enjoy the delicate dishes created by Japanese chefs paired with wine. We also recommend the cocktails made at the main bar, which are crafted with bartending skills unique to Japan and are akin to art pieces.

Tea Ceremony: We provide opportunities for guests to experience and learn about Japanese culture. We offer regular complimentary matcha service (temae) and private tea ceremony experiences (by reservation) exclusively for hotel guests. In the private tea ceremonies, guests can enjoy a modern tea ceremony surrounded by contemporary art. Japanese tea ceremonies harmonize mind and body and are an artistic expression. Guests can experience the tranquility of making and drinking tea, appreciate the beautiful tea utensils and delicate movements, and immerse themselves in the profound spirituality conveyed in a bowl of matcha. They can also learn about the history and etiquette of tea ceremonies while enjoying traditional Japanese sweets, offering a serene escape from daily life.

Since you work in Park Hotel Tokyo we have to ask – what has been your favorite exhibit in the past?

It is challenging to choose a favorite, but I am delighted to see guests leisurely viewing the exhibitions and spending relaxing time in the space where art and the hotel seamlessly blend. I also feel joy when guests discover and purchase art pieces during their travels in Japan, experiencing moments of serendipity at Park Hotel Tokyo.

Thank you so much for taking the time to be interviewed! We cannot wait to stop by again and check out your amazing artwork!

Website: https://parkhoteltokyo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkhoteltokyo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parkhoteltokyo.en

Online Art Shop: https://konkon.art/

Featured Photo Credit: Park Hotel Tokyo

If you come to stay in Tokyo, be sure to book a room with Park Hotel Tokyo! Once you’re settled in, we invite you to join our Cocktail tour for an unforgettable night.