I really wanted to give this place five stars as it has special memories for my family. Beautiful gardens, although it is very much not handicap accessible or stroller-friendly AT ALL (we came with a stroller and had to ditch it to get very far). The hotel is old school glamour, complete with a lot of green granite, plush carpet, and gold in the lobby. This is in contrast with many of the more contemporary, swish new hotels in Tokyo. It's much more 'bubble era' type decor (although has a much longer and established history, of course). For a hotel of this caliber, I thought the service was lacking for English language speakers. I speak both Japanese and English. I made specific requests in English via email a few days before my stay, and did not get a reply until 3 days later. I thought that was surprising for a 5 star hotel. My daughter left her favorite stuffed animal in the room, and I sent a follow up email so I can try to recover it. It has been almost 5 days and I have not received a response at all. Again, I find this surprising for a 5 star hotel. When calling in requests in Japanese, they were more helpful. When we arrived, bell persons were courteous and efficient, but no smiles or warmth at all. Concierge was helpful in getting us reservations to one of the on-site restaurants when no other options were open in town. Great dinner, but no typical goodbye greeting when leaving the restaurant (surprising when we dropped over $300 for kaiseki meals -- usually even at most basic restaurants in Japan they say 'arigato gozaimasu' very heartily when leaving, but manager was on phone and made no eye contact with us -- very unusual. I noticed because he was the only person left when we exited). Our room had some leaking water from the rains in the corner window, which they said they would look at but didn't seem alarmed by at all. Housekeeping was very prompt and efficient. Bathroom and beds were very comfortable and well appointed. Garden view rooms had wonderful views. Had some miscommunication on rates, which was cleared up. Strange stay. Wanted to love it but all did not go well. I think this is a hotel where it is good to visit the gardens and have lunch or tea, but not necessarily stay here for the night, especially when taking into consideration how many options there are in Tokyo for luxury hotels. That's my unfortunate conclusion as I really wanted to love this place and return.…
To me it was a mini version of Kyoto. It’s a perfect place when you’re in need of Zen. Hot spring is a must to experience including their Zen like sauna. Everything was 💯 I am so in awe of the many well thought,well curated interior of the hotel and I think I just left my ❤️ at the Chinzanso hotel and need to revisit it again to bring my heart back. I even wonder how it was to be during the first year of its opening…I imagine that for sure it was some kind a fairytale. Nevertheless I am way beyond grateful that I get to experience this once in a lifetime majestic beauty of the Hotel Chinzanso. Staff’s warm welcome are very much well received and appreciated especially to Mr. Andre Sol who has taken good care of us during our stay.
Wonderful hotel in a delightful setting. Surrounded by a lovely garden with a stunning old three-tier pagoda, this hotel is a dream: great service, comfortable rooms, tasteful furnishings and, probably, the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. Has a spa, and a pool, a few restaurants and could be a destination in itself. Much recommended.
Driving from Narita Airport, it took about one hour to arrive at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. There are ample parking spaces (up to 400) available and for guests staying a daily parking fee of 1,000 yen is charged. After a simple registration we were shown to Room 929, a Prime Deluxe King with Garden View. The room is very spacious, about 60 sq.m, with a sitting room having a large writing desk, a sofa and marble side table, along with a comfortable king-sized bed. There is a separate powder space with vanity, before entering into the bathroom with bathtub and a shower stall. The toileteries are also premium, from L'Occitane. As the hotel is famous for its garden, before getting too dark we went for a walk. The garden entrance is located on 1/F, and after coming out from the hotel, we walked down a U-shaped slope through the woods, and soon saw the Monument of Chinzanso, with the engraved words of Duke Yamagata Aritomo when he named Chinzanso in 1878. Crossing the beautiful red Benkei Bridge, there are 20 or so Rakan stone statues, representing some of the 500 rakan drawings by Ito Jakuchu, a famous painter in the middle of the Edo Period. Each of the statue is about 50 cm tall. Continuing there is the Koshin Stone Monument. Carved in 1669, it depicts the beliefs of the Koshin school of Taoism. In front there is the Yusuichi Pond. It was created when the garden was first constructed, with a gourd-shaped having a lot of big and beautiful Koi swimming inside. Further along there is a famous well called Kokosei, with the quality of the spring water being recognized as the best in Tokyo. Beside the well there is the 13-tier granite monument honoring warrior tea master Oda Yuraku, the younger brother of Oda Nobunaga, the famous military commander. Along the path we saw the statues of the seven gods of fortune. Ebisu is the god bringing business prosperity and fishing success, also serving as the protector of those who loves the sea, fishing and sailing, as evidenced by the fishing rod and sea bream he is holding. It is also interesting to see the staff preparing the raincoat for the gods on the day. Soon we reached the two buildings in the garden, one being the restaurant we were going for dinner on the night, Mokushundo. The restaurant offers unique iron-kettle and stone-grilled kaiseki cuisine, while the other is the historic Zangetsu Teahouse. Baron Fujita relocated the teahouse from a villa in Hakone and now is recognized as a Tangible Cultural Property. Continuing we passed the sacred tree, the oldest tree in the garden at about 500 years old with a trunk of 4.5 metres in circumference and 20 metres high, before seeing two more of the seven gods of fortune: Jurojin, the god of longevity, and Hotei, the god of luck. Then we came to probably the most famous monument in the garden, the historic Entsukaku Three-Storey Pagoda. Relocated in 1924 from a temple in Hiroshima Prefecture, this legendary pagoda is said to have existed since around the 12th century. Tests show that many of its materials date from circa 1420. During a major renovation, it was consecrated in honor of Kanzeon Bosatsu, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Beside the pagoda there is also a stone lantern, dated to the late Kamakura period (14th century), and praised by many experts as a masterpiece of the Hannyaji style. Coming downhill we saw two other seven gods of fortune: Bisyamonten, the god of wisdom and bravery, and Fukurokuju, the god of fortune, wealth and longevity. Then right in front we saw the crystal chapel, in which the hotel is famous for, and no wonder it is a premium and popular place for weddings. The Gojo waterfall beside has a 'hidden passage' where one can see through the waterfall to the garden. Returning to the hotel building, we came across the last two of the seven gods of fortune: Benzaiten, the goddess of music, eloquence and fortune, and Daikokuten, the god of the five cereals. After wiping ourselves dry with the towels provided, we went to the lobby lounge Le Jardin for afternoon tea. Looking at the greenery while comfortably sitting in the elegant sofa and table, I had the Dessert Set (1,900 yen), enjoying a rich and tasty New York Cheesecake with Strawberry Ice-cream, and a cup of coffee. After a good sleep, on the next morning we went to the Japanese restaurant Miyuki for breakfast. With an elegant and traditional atmosphere, the hearty breakfast includes Salmon and Grilled Vegetable in Sweet Vinegar, Pickled Plum, and Small Dishes of the Day; Japanese Grated Yam; Boiled Vegetable Oshitashi; Simmered Eggplant; Grilled Fish of the Day; Rolled Egg Omelet, Grated Daikon Radish, Salted Cod Roe; Steamed Rice, Pickles and Miso Soup; and Fresh Juice. Another compliment I have is that the hotel concierge was very helpful in purchasing tickets for the recently opened Snoopy Museum, saving us the time later to queue up. Overall we were very satisfied of our stay in Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, with spacious and comfortable room, delicious food, impeccable service and the really nice garden. It is worth every penny I pay for. Prime Deluxe Room with Garden View (including breakfast for two) - 68,460 yen…
Some years back, I stayed at the Four Seasons Chinzanso, and though is was drenched in signature Four Seasons style and decor, something still felt off... but seconds after my arrival to The Hotel Chinzanso, that feeling of something was off... Vanished, and Hello Gorgeous. I stayed two nites to pick up some Sake, no that's not the reason, did you think I was crazy? After a long 18Hr flight from Australia [4 hour connection in Singapore] I decided to break up my air travel with two nites in Fabulous Tokyo. I began reading reviews right here on Trip Adviser and Thank You [Yorkieboy61] and his review along others, I decided to check it out, I already love the area. I arrived early morning, looking like I flew in Cargo [deep discount economy] all the way, and yet I was greeted warmly with big smiles... and it continued this way for 29Hrs. They must have taken pity on my because I was checked in, upgraded to a suite and shown to my room within minutes. My room was located on a high floor, and a great view of the city. The suite was large, and the bathroom even larger... well it seemed that way to my jet-lagged eye's. Plush towels, L'Occitane amenities and a great big ole king size bed, allowing me two perfect nites slumber... Zzzzzz I was in Tokyo this past November and holiday spirt was in the air, and my Centurion needed some action, so after a long hot shower and room service, I ventured out sightseeing and shopping, after all I needed Sake... The Hotel Chinzanso, [like the former FS] is an enormous hotel and I swear there were 1,000 weddings taking place or maybe a couple, so I stayed away from that part of the hotel, and though I heard the hotel had a wonderful Gym, [so so so sad I had no gym clothes packed ;-p] also an amazing Spa [I did my spa-ing in Australia] I can't wright anything about them or where they are in the hotel. I had four meals within the hotel, once at ll Teatro, once at Miyuki Shut-The-Front-Door amazing yum yum yummy... too bad it was on my last nite... and twice room service. I have not an ill word to write about this Five Star property, but should you stay elsewhere [shame on you] you have to dine here! Travel can be harsh, be kind to your fellow traveler and enjoy the world and its diversity.…
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing