The Design Hotel Group: Transforming Tokyo's Laneway Neighbourhoods

TRUNK is trumping the boutique hotel scene in Tokyo with edgy design, vintage décor, and a slick boutique hotel offering.

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The Design Hotel Group: Transforming Tokyo's Laneway Neighbourhoods

TRUNK is trumping the boutique hotel scene in Tokyo with edgy design, vintage décor, and a slick boutique hotel offering.

For those seeking a mature yet elevated hotel experience in Tokyo, this hotel group is one you will want to keep in your 'trunk'... yes, pun intended.

This boutique hotel group has taken the Tokyo design world by storm with their carefully crafted and considered approach to hospitality. With three conceptual accommodations now open and thriving in Tokyo, TRUNK offers a unique take on modern Japanese living, all with a clear focus on not only aesthetics – but equally as important, atmosphere.

With a deep commitment to living life true to oneself and creating a positive impact on the world, every aspect of the hotel – from the merchandise shops to the in-room adornments – aligns with this philosophy of harmonious connections. Their signature and first hotel, located on Harajuku's famous Cat Street, originally began as a wedding venue; however, TRUNK's popularity as a boutique hotel has allowed it to expand throughout Tokyo, finding its place in some of the most niche neighbourhood pockets of the city.

Come with Locay as we look to elevate your Tokyo travel experience and discover the sophistication and artistry of TRUNK Hotels.

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TRUNK (HOTEL) | Shibuya

TRUNK (HOTEL) is the group's original boutique hotel, situated between Shibuya and Harajuku. With two low-rise buildings, each comprising four stories and offering 15 sought-after guest rooms, this boutique hotel embodies the epitome of stylish elegance.

The hotel's exterior is characterised by a captivating blend of glass, black steel, and stone, exuding a strong and striking design that is beautifully complemented by the surrounding wraparound terraces adorned with timber decks and flourishing ferns.

TRUNK (HOTEL) Shibuya offers guests the perfect balance between style and comfort, with rooms divided into two main categories: suites and standard rooms. The hotel suites pay homage to a more apartment-style setting with dining, a terrace, and entertaining areas, while the standard rooms offer guests the choice of loft and balcony upgrades, or their most accessible 20-square-metre room type.

Each guest room has been carefully furnished and equipped with quality amenities to create a functional and modern space with clean lines and textures. The minimalist approach may appear sparse to some, but for guests who prefer their own personal space and room to work, read, and spread out, the rooms offer a welcoming home away from home.

To mingle with the stylish individuals in, arguably, one of the neighbourhood's most fabulous terrace settings, make sure to explore TRUNK (KITCHEN), the in-house bistro-style eatery open to both guests and the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This, in addition to the lobby cafe and bar, creates two spots where observing people becomes an art in itself. From the moment you take a seat on the elegant wooden terrace, you will be immersed in the lively ambience of this cultural junction. Discover exquisitely crafted dishes curated by Chef Masashi Okamoto, whose menu expertly blends Japan's culinary tradition with a touch of cosmopolitan allure. However, don't expect solely Japanese fare. There is something captivating about returning to the familiar, yet reinvented, in this hotel, which makes it one of our preferred dining destinations.

TRUNK (HOTEL)'s 'Konbini' (convenience) is a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of Tokyo's trendiness, and luckily, it's on your doorstep! With its curated selection of local fashion, food, bath, and beauty products, the store offers a unique shopping experience that sees people come from far and wide just to check out their eclectic mix of produce and Japanese goods.

Due to its popularity, it's advisable to make early reservations in order to secure this highly coveted position.

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"...the hotel is unusual for the Japanese capital because it is intended to appeal to the local population as much as international guests." TRUNK Creative Director, Hiroe Tanaka.

TRUNK (HOUSE) | Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, a backstreet hub nestled in Tokyo's Shinjuku, breathes with the energy of its captivating past.

Meandering through its maze-like stone paths, you'll encounter a delightful fusion of authentic Japanese eateries and stylish Japanese shopping, brimming with the types of curated establishments often spotted in the pages of trendy Western print magazines.

All be it an evolving area, it's not just the well-executed cuisine and its namesake as 'Tokyo's little Paris' that beckons visitors. Kagurazaka's historical allure, harking back to the Edo period, is palpable in the graceful row of samurai residences that still grace the area. Not to mention its prominent position as a cultural and social haven, attracting esteemed writers, politicians, and luminaries throughout the years.

Here, we step into TRUNK (HOUSE), a remarkable space where tradition and innovation converge, birthing new cultural experiences through the exchange of ideas and encounters. As Tokyo thrives amidst relentless evolution, TRUNK (HOUSE) wholeheartedly embraces its role in preserving the essence of salons – a place where art, literature, and a thriving underground economy have flourished in the secret corners of downtown Tokyo, nurturing local talent and showcasing profound hospitality.

The idea is reflected in its name: a discreetly adorned contemporary townhouse that provides a sole one-bedroom guest residence in a converted 70-year-old geisha villa. The exterior and entrance are designed to mimic a 'genkan' – the sunken floor area at the entrance of Japanese residences where guests can take off their shoes before entering the main house. TRUNK's design team undertook a full restoration and renovation of the structure to make it suitable for guest accommodation.

Accommodating up to four guests (an impressive family or special group scenario), TRUNK (HOUSE) is exclusively yours to enjoy. Collaborating with Tokyo-savvy partners, TRUNK (HOUSE) aims to redefine the notion of high-end hospitality and transform the city into a hub of innovation. It's this very spirit that sees a unique communal hub within the townhouse, inspired by a captivating disco ball featuring a curved refreshment counter, karaoke machine, and illuminated dance floor. Throughout their stay, guests indulge in the luxury of having a personal butler and chef at their disposal. As a resident, you’re also invited to savour your meals in the open kitchen and engage in conversation with your exclusive chefs for the evening. Living like a true local in Tokyo has never looked, and tasted, so good.

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TRUNK (HOTEL): Yoyogi Park

Enter TRUNK (HOTEL) Yoyogi Park in Tomigaya, and you'll feel like you've been transported to a serene oasis in the centre of the bustling city of Tokyo. With a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor balconies that offer stunning views of the cityscape, and communal entertaining spaces perfect for any social occasion, the newest TRUNK small luxury boutique hotel embodies modern luxury.

Situated conveniently just a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station, this 4.5-star hotel is right across the street from Yoyogi Park and Jingu no Mori. The surrounding area presents a mix of quiet residences and long-standing shops commingling with hip new establishments. The diverse mix of fine yet unpretentious cuisine and creative nightlife adds to the unique culture of the neighbourhood.

This hotel presents a soft blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, creating an atmosphere of light, airy, and open sophistication throughout. Each room is carefully crafted with unique materials and fascinating textural artwork, providing a sense of warmth and refinement.

On the sixth floor of the hotel, you'll find the TRUNK (POOL CLUB), a one-of-a-kind destination that offers an unparalleled experience in an urban setting. Exclusively for guests, this cool spot is definitely worth checking out. Additionally, the hotel's in-house restaurant pays tribute to the Japanese people's love for perfecting pizza. As an Italian trattoria, it offers all-day dining and is under the esteemed supervision of owner-chef Isamu Inoue, a celebrated figure in the Italian-Japanese scene.

Book and compare your stay in Tokyo with Locay's Boutique Hotel Collection. Partnering with the biggest players in the travel industry, Locay's carefully curated Boutique Hotel Collection enables you to explore local destinations while also giving you the ability to compare the top offers on our hotels – as well as flights, car rentals, travel insurance, and tours! Shop the Boutique Hotel Collection today!

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