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Janu Tokyo, a New Hotel Brand from Aman, Debuts the First of 12 Planned Properties

A new hospitality brand offers opportunities for social wellness and connection
Heather Mikesell

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Janu, meaning “soul” in Sanskrit, recently debuted its inaugural hotel in Tokyo, marking the first of 12 slated properties. It draws from the legacy of its esteemed sibling, Aman, while charting its own course with an innovative and inspiring vision. In harmony with Aman yet offering its own distinct flair, Janu exudes a spirited atmosphere and a vibrant design narrative, diverging from Aman’s renowned serenity and tranquil Zen. Essentially, if Aman embodies sanctuary, Janu epitomizes connection.

Located in Azabudai Hills, a dynamic new neighborhood created and managed by Japanese developer Mori Building Co. Ltd., Janu Tokyo enhances the experience of both its guests and the local community through enriching moments that celebrate the joy of genuine human interaction. A fitting flagship, Janu Tokyo features 122 guest rooms and suites, eight venues for dining and socializing, and a 43,055-square-foot spa and wellness center. Designed by visionary architects Pelli Clarke & Partners, with interiors by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston, the landmark building blends cutting-edge design with timeless elegance.  

“The opening of Janu Tokyo solidifies Aman Group’s status as the unrivaled emblem of ultra-luxury hospitality,” says Vlad Doronin, chairman and CEO at Aman Group. “Aman has always epitomized luxury hospitality, with devoted guests at its heart, who repeatedly journey through our constellation of hotels and resorts. Now, as we introduce Janu Tokyo, we are heralding a new era. The strategic decision to launch Janu reflects our commitment to evolving alongside the desires of today’s dynamic travelers, particularly the offspring of Aman loyalists, the rising Amanjunkies, who seek uplifting experiences and authentic human connections. Janu Tokyo promises to be the epicenter of this transformative movement, welcoming a new cohort of guests.”

Committed to enhancing wellbeing, Janu Tokyo features an expansive spa and wellness center spanning four floors. Designed to promote social wellness and cater to both active and passive pursuits, the facility includes one of Tokyo’s largest gyms at 3,660 square feet, and five movement studios for group activities like spinning, yoga, golf simulation, and boxing. Additionally, guests can enjoy an extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area with an 82-foot indoor lap pool and heated lounge pool for relaxation. The center offers a daily program of eight to 12 group classes ranging from mindful practices like yoga and breathwork to adventurous activities like Outrace and Skill X fitness, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment—a first in a Tokyo hotel setting.

The wellness center offers two exclusive Spa Houses, accommodating up to four guests each, for those seeking a more mindful approach. Additionally, guests can access a consultation room, hair and nail salon, and seven private treatment rooms offering a variety of Janu therapies. Limited Wellness Collective memberships are also available for non-hotel guests, extending an invitation to the local community to explore the concept of social wellness.

Janu Tokyo’s two Aman Essentials boutiques – the first standalone outlets outside an Aman resort setting – are accessible to both hotel guests and Azabudai Hills visitors from street level. One boutique showcases the wider lifestyle Aman Essentials collection, while the second is dedicated to beauty and wellness.

Complementing the exceptional wellness and retail facilities are eight distinct venues for dining and socializing. Bringing together the influences of European and Asian culinary styles in a contemporary interpretation, diners are inspired through a bold and vibrant design narrative that uplifts the spirit and innovative dishes that delight the senses. 

Janu Mercato elevates the dining experience with three Italian open kitchen counters: one for homemade pasta, another for fresh seafood, and a third for European charcuterie and cheeses. Adjacent, Janu Patisserie offers a luxurious marble-walled space for indulging in Parisian pastry making. Iigura presents a modern take on Edomae sushi tradition, offering both à la carte and omakase dining options, while Sumi offers an intimate omakase experience for dinner, with only 13 seats surrounding a grill. Here, seasonal ingredients are cooked over charcoal and paired with premium wine and sake. Janu Grill features a show kitchen, two wine cellars, and two private dining rooms, while Hu Jing specializes in Cantonese cuisine, including signature dishes like Peking duck and Wagyu filet, as well as a fully vegan menu. The restaurant also offers four private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 guests. Janu Lounge and Garden Terrace provide a tranquil setting for afternoon tea with stunning views of Tokyo Tower, while Janu Bar showcases the city’s culture through mixology, offering crafted cocktails inspired by various Tokyo districts, curated by renowned mixologist Shuzo Nagumo.

The rooms and suites at Janu Tokyo are meticulously designed, displaying a strong focus on Japanese minimalism and symmetry to bring space and harmony amid the energy of the city, while elegant European accents add a touch of opulence and grandeur. Most offer private balconies, immersing guests in the city skyline, while Corner and Tower View Suites benefit from dual-aspect views through stunning windows. There is also an abundance of connecting rooms for groups and families. All enjoy spacious bathrooms with double vanities, rain showers, and bespoke soaking tubs.

The Janu Suite is the hotel’s largest individual accommodation with 3,056 square feet of residential living space. Its two sprawling balconies offer captivating views of Tokyo Tower and Azabudai Hills, while a modern kitchen and bar counter, dining table for six, a separate study, and a spacious lounge create a home away from home. When combined with its three adjoining rooms, the Janu Suite reaches a total size of 5,586 square feet, making it one of the largest in Tokyo. 

Beyond its world-class amenities, Janu Tokyo is the only hotel within Azabudai Hills, an inspirational urban hub of nature, culture, and art. At the heart of the community, the hotel fosters a symbiotic relationship with its surroundings, enhancing the lives of guests and locals alike. Collaborating with local artisans and institutions, Janu hosts events and experiences in that celebrate the culture of its destination, offering authentic and immersive encounters. 

As the first in 12 properties planned for the brand, Janu Tokyo marks an exciting new phase in luxury hospitality. Here, tradition intertwines with innovation, beckoning guests to embark on a transformative journey of exploration, connection, and renewal. 

About The Author
Heather-Mikesell-author-1

Heather, co-founder of Well Defined and the former editor-in-chief of American Spa, is an award-winning journalist and content strategist, skilled in writing, copyediting, and media relations. She is also a freelance writer and has contributed to Elite Traveler, Islands, Kiwi, Luxury Travel Advisor, Organic Spa, Porthole Cruise, Travel Agent, abcnews.com, jetsetter.com, outside.com, and wellandgood.com, in addition to various custom publications. She is frequently called upon to comment on various spa and wellness trends for various media outlets.