Staying At Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa – Hotel Review
In bustling Tokyo, I found an unexpected refuge in the greenery and calm of Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa, a hotel that combines spacious comfort, a beautiful traditional Japanese garden, and convenient urban access. My stay here offered a surprisingly peaceful balance between city life and tranquility.
History & Atmosphere
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa sits in what once belonged to the garden grounds of the former Takeda Palace, associated with the Japanese Imperial Family.
What surprised me most was its scale: the hotel feels almost like its own world within Tokyo. With multiple wings, long corridors, wide open spaces, and an enormous Japanese garden connecting the grounds, it feels more like an urban resort than a traditional city hotel.
The Location
Located in the Takanawa district of Minato, Shin Takanawa offers both peace and connectivity. The area is calm yet well-connected by public transport, making it straightforward to reach central Tokyo or run errands around the city, with Shinagawa Station less than a 10-minute walk away.
Checking-in & First Impressions
The moment we entered, we were greeted by a striking lobby: high ceilings, golden accents, and deep, elegant tones that create an impressive welcome. The surrounding spaces, including bars, sitting areas and hallways, were also spacious, structured, and designed on a scale you don’t often see in Tokyo.
Check-in was fast and seamless. The staff was genuinely kind and had everything ready, including our luggage, which had been delivered earlier and was already in the room. We were then taken on a tour of the hotel and the other Prince buildings around it, where we discovered the story behind the gardens and how they were inspired by elements of historical Japanese customs.
The Rooms
The hotel offers 908 bright and spacious rooms, each with its own balcony, something surprisingly rare in Tokyo. I stayed in a Superior Modern King Room, which felt exceptionally large for the city’s standards. The room featured a very comfortable bed, a reading nook, and a desk, making it practical for both relaxing and getting some work done. There was also a small fridge, complimentary water, tea and coffee, and even a rice cooker.
The bathroom included a tub/shower and plenty of toiletries, so I never felt short of anything. But the highlight of the room was definitely the view of Tokyo Tower, absolutely mesmerizing both day and night.
One thing I truly appreciated was how the guest wing is separated from the main common areas. Even though the hotel is large, this design keeps the room corridors quieter and more private.
Dining
The hotel offers several dining options, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants, as well as more casual lounge and bar areas. This variety gives you plenty of flexibility depending on your mood or schedule. Whether you arrive late, come back exhausted after a full day in Tokyo, or simply prefer the convenience of staying inside the hotel, there’s always an easy place to enjoy a good meal.
During my stay, I had breakfast at Slope Side Diner Zakuro, home to the largest breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen. It features both Western and Japanese breakfast stations, each incredibly well stocked. I gravitated more toward the Western options, but I kept hearing other guests rave about the Japanese dishes, especially the curry!
The Garden & The (Seasonal) Pools
One of the most special features of the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa is its impressive 20,000 m² Japanese Garden, a true escape within the city. The garden is home to koi-filled ponds, historic structures, many trees,, and plenty of peaceful corners for a stroll or a quiet moment to yourself.
A beautiful detail I loved learning about is the illuminated bamboo installations. Their design is inspired by an Edo-era custom in which locals gathered to watch the moon on the 26th night of the lunar calendar. Throughout the garden, you’ll also find seasonal decorations, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the walk even more special.
During the summer months, the hotel opens two outdoor pools: the garden-level Diamond Pool and the rooftop Sky Pool. Both look like incredible spots to cool off after a day exploring Tokyo.
Other facilities
The hotel includes a fitness room for guest use, which is convenient for those wanting to stay active even while travelling.
Other helpful amenities include a 7-Eleven convenience store on-site (useful for snacks or small necessities), parking, and services such as luggage storage and a pet spa and lounge, small details that make a difference in comfort and convenience.
Final Thoughts
The spacious room was exactly what I needed to explore Tokyo with maximum comfort. The convenience of the location, and the variety of facilities made it an easy and enjoyable base during my time in the city. I especially appreciated the Japanese Garden, which added something truly unique to the experience, and the impressive room views, which I will never forget.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for a hotel with plenty of space, good service, and a calm atmosphere despite being in the city, this is a great option to consider.
I hope this article “Staying at Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa – Hotel Reivew” was helpful to all those of you who are looking for the perfect Tokyo stay! Leave your opinion in the comments and follow me on social networks so you don’t miss my next trips. Use #travelplannerholic to get noticed.
With Love,
Catarina Vieira
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