Unfortunately, traveling to Japan has ruined many things for me, including sushi, toilets, and public transportation. They're just all done so much better there. I've been spoiled when it comes to hospitality, too. If my boyfriend and I found ourselves sitting tight for more than 30 seconds, a concierge or restaurant server would always apologize for “keeping us waiting.” Back home in New York, we often have to wait 20 minutes before being attended to without even a "sorry." But I digress.
We stayed at the Tokyo EDITION in Ginza for four nights on our 10-day trip through the country, and it certainly upheld the high caliber of...well, everything we saw across Japan. (Which tbh came as no surprise, considering we've had excellent experiences at other EDITION properties across the globe.) If you’re ever in Ginza—which, btw, is the luxury district in Tokyo, known for its designer shopping—you must stay here, or at least drop in for a drink. Here are a few reasons why.
THE QUICK HITS: TOKYO EDITION, GINZA
- Name: Tokyo EDITION, Ginza
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Cost Per Night: Starting at $765
- Best For: A swanky home base in Tokyo’s ritziest district
- While You’re Here, Visit: Punch Room, for unique cocktails
- One-Word Vibe Check: Sexy
- Most Iconic Photo Spot: In front of the cascading stairs in the lobby (peep 'em in that first photo!)
- Don’t Leave Without: Getting a traditional Japanese breakfast at Sophie at EDITION
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
I immediately knew I was in an EDITION property when I got a whiff of the hotel’s signature black tea-scented Le Labo fragrance, which hit me as soon as I walked through the front doors and into the lobby. To my right was a stunning sculptural staircase, and just in front of me was the sophisticated Lobby Bar, adorned with delicious armchairs and gold accents. We were attended to promptly and warmly, even though we were sweaty and dehydrated after navigating our way from the train station.
THE ROOMS
The rooms at the Tokyo EDITION, Ginza make you feel like you’re about to have the best adult sleepover of your life. The robes? Plushy. The throw blankets? White and fuzzy. It’s all Le Labo everything in the bathroom and you feel like a million bucks. But the nicest surprise was that the hotel staff left a birthday treat of Champagne and cake for my boyfriend who turned [redacted] years old. So sweet!
FYI, this property has 86 guest rooms ranging from suites to standard guest rooms, and if you win the lottery, you'll wanna stay in the Penthouse Suite, which has a dining area and a kitchen with a fully equipped pantry. A girl can dream.
THE AMENITIES
In addition to the all-you-can-sniff Le Labo and 24-hour room service, the Tokyo EDITION, Ginza has a gym that’s open around the clock if you feel so inclined to get your pump on. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and provides complimentary towels, refreshments, and headphones. Another major perk? The hotel is located a short walk away from several train lines that can bring you to the airport or on a fun day trip somewhere outside of Tokyo (I recommend Hakone or Yokohama).
THE FOOD AND BEV
We went to Sophie at EDITION, the on-site restaurant, daily for breakfast, and we’re glad we did. Traditional Japanese breakfast is a light, balanced meal consisting of rice, miso soup, a protein (usually fish), and small side dishes, and this spot had all of that plus some Western fare, like avocado toast. They also serve dinner (which I unfortunately did not sample due to our tight itinerary) with a French brasserie-inspired menu featuring dishes like bouillabaisse, steak frites, and chicken paillard.
There are also two on-property bars, including the Punch Room, which honors punch (a very underrated drink) and its history. The punches are all made with Japanese-inspired ingredients. When you order a large drink, it’s literally served in a silver punch bowl with a ladle. So! Fun! And if you're looking for views of the city, The Roof (which is literally on the roof of the hotel) is Ginza’s first natural wine bar, offering rare orange wines, biodynamic Champagnes, and cocktails highlighting spirits from local wineries and distilleries.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It’s hard to have a bad time when you stay at a property that’s surrounded by Cartier and Harry Winston storefronts in one of the most electric cities in the world. The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza is an idyllic place to land after a long day of shopping, day-tripping, and/or eating your heart out. And I hope you get to do that, I really do.
While it is on the pricier side, it's worth the luxury and peace that you find at an EDITION property. Personally, the staff made our stay all the more memorable with two additional birthday surprises for my boyfriend following the already generous welcome cake and bubbles. We are already planning our next trip back to Japan (10 days simply was not enough), and I would return to The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza—or even adventure to the nearby Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon—in a heartbeat when we go back.
Mia Lardiere (she/her) is Cosmopolitan’s emerging platforms director, who oversees Cosmo’s Snapchat Discover channels, TikTok page, and special projects. She works with TikTok influencers and IRL experts to craft excellent educational content. She also occasionally contributes fitness and lifestyle articles. In her spare time, she runs with the Brooklyn Track Club and awaits the day that she will become a mom to a mini sheepadoodle.
