The Park Hyatt Tokyo Is Reborn After a Major Renovation

Set in the heart of the bustling Shinjuku district, the Park Hyatt Tokyo has been an icon of luxury and minimalist design since its opening in 1994. After a 19-month closure, the property—made famous by its starring role in the 2003 Sofia Coppola film, Lost in Translation—has been reimagined by Paris studio Jouin Manku.

Perched on the top 14 floors of the 52-story Shinjuku Park Tower by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Kenzō Tange, the hotel features 171 guest rooms and suites—most with stunning views of the cityscape and Mount Fuji beyond. The Tokyo landmark remains a refined, steadfastly Japanese classic, but one with contemporary design touches that lend a
residential feel. “For this project, materials were our way of listening to the spirit of Park Hyatt Tokyo,” says Patrick Jouin, who, alongside Sanjit Manku, refreshed other leading hospitality spaces such as La Mamounia in Marrakech and Le Bar du Plaza Athénée in Paris. “We sought to preserve what was essential while enriching it with warmth and fluidity.”

A world-class art collection featuring sculptures, paintings, prints, and installations by both Japanese and international artists still takes center stage. Guests are greeted at the front entrance by Gutsy, an enormous ceramic mask by artist and actress Mieko Yuki. A patinated bronze-and-steel globe by British Pop artist Antony Donaldson is found in one of the foyers off the two-story lobby, while seasonally themed figurative paintings by Yoshitaka Echizenya punctuate guest suites and baths as well as public spaces.

Working closely with studio architect Jacques Goubin, Jouin Manku reconceived private areas to balance the bold accents with a soothingly rich palette. Many of the furnishings have been replaced with updates that nod to the original John Morford designs. The recognizable green carpet has been lightened to reflect a more modern aesthetic. Each suite is constructed as a private residence; standouts include the Governor’s Suite, distinguished by a bath of pale hinoki wood paired with dark marble, and the grand Diplomat Suite, where green, jet-black, and neutral shades respond to the changing skyline.

The revived Peak Lounge and Bar still reigns as the city’s most notable place for cocktails. The New York Grill and Bar retains its original palette of black ebony and walnut, with endless windows and Valerio Adami’s colorful murals, which depict New York landmarks. This is the spot to savor the Lost in Translation cocktail (the film’s famous bar scenes were shot here): a mix of Kikuizumi Daiginjo sake, sakura liqueur, peach liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

Of special note is Girandole, the hotel’s signature French dining destination now transformed by Alain Ducasse into a new gastronomic temple and infused with contemporary Japanese flair by the designers. “Our ambition is to build bridges—between yesterday and today, and between France and Japan,” says Ducasse.

“We hope guests feel a sense of continuity and that the essence of Park Hyatt Tokyo is intact but renewed with fresh energy,” suggests Manku. “Our goal was to create spaces where one recognizes the hotel’s unique spirit while also being surprised by new layers of comfort, sensuality, and joy. Above all, we want visitors to feel at ease and embraced by a place that belongs to Tokyo’s memory yet speaks confidently to the present.” Design mission fully accomplished.

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Winter issue under the headline “High Standards.” Subscribe to the magazine.