Spacious room with a view (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

The Tea-themed Hotel 1899 Tokyo

Experience the modern Japanese tea culture

Spacious room with a view (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)
Sarah Koh   - 5 min read

Centered around tea culture, Hotel 1899 Tokyo offers guests a comfortable modern abode and a peaceful retreat to enjoy Japanese tea.

Savor a wide variety of tea and the delicious tea-inspired cuisine at Hotel 1899 Tokyo's Deli & Bar
Savor a wide variety of tea and the delicious tea-inspired cuisine at Hotel 1899 Tokyo's Deli & Bar (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

Located in Shinbashi, Minato ward, right in the heart of Tokyo, 1899’s convenient location provides good access to explore attractions like Tokyo Tower and the National Diet Building – yet at the same time is secluded enough for a relaxing stay. Hotel 1899 is run by Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo which started operation in 1899, hence its namesake.

The highlight of your stay

Experience the Japanese tea culture from the comforts of your accommodation
Experience the Japanese tea culture from the comforts of your accommodation (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

Hotel 1899 Tokyo has its own tea experts who will prepare tea according to their guests’ preferences. Tea aficionado or not, there are four tea types—sencha, bancha, gyokuro and wakoucha—with ten varieties of these teas being rotated every day for you to savor. As a tea-themed hotel, Hotel 1899 Tokyo serves its own house blends.

A soothing interior design that complements the hotel's theme

Interior design with elements of a Japanese tea house
Interior design with elements of a Japanese tea house (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

Keeping in line with the theme, the designs of the 35 rooms were inspired by Japanese tea houses with elements such as the engawa and iori being observed in its benches and platforms, The rooms are outfitted with different shades of soothing browns and greens and a bamboo whisk shaped lamp to complete the look.

Taking hospitality a step further

The welcoming reception area where tea is served
The welcoming reception area where tea is served (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

For those wondering about the hotel’s amenities, the guest rooms come complete with everything you’d expect – including free Wi-Fi. Hotel 1899 Tokyo takes hospitality further as guests are provided a Handy mobile phone with unlimited data plan and free domestic calls. As for toiletries, the complimentary toiletries provided are infused with green tea to round off the hotel stay experience. Grooming products such as facial lotion, cleanser and hair wax are provided too on top of the standard items.

Not a morning person? You will be with 1899's breakfast choice

A healthy and hearty meal from Deli & Bar
A healthy and hearty meal from Deli & Bar (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

After you awake from a refreshing night’s rest, head down to the hotel’s Deli & Bar to have a scrumptious buffet breakfast, which is included in your stay. The breakfast array features dishes prepared with tea and tea-flavored sweets. Vegetarian meals are available.

Matcha tea and snacks
Matcha tea and snacks (Photo: HOTEL 1899 TOKYO)

If you’re a tea lover, you’ll have to stay in Hotel 1899 Tokyo at least once to experience the tea culture as you recharge for the next day’s adventures. And if you’re not, this is nonetheless a great way to experience the significance of tea in the Japanese culture.

Getting there

From Onarimon Station (Mita Line) it's a 6 minute walk (Exit A3). From Shimbashi Station, it's a 10 minute walk (Exit 8). From Daimon Station, it's a 10 minute walk (Exit A2).

Sarah Koh

Sarah Koh @sarah.koh

A Singaporean living in Tokyo, exploring Japan day by day.