Pioneering a new direction in luxury hospitality, Aman’s sister brand Janu is set to open its first hotel, Janu Tokyo,this autumn. Translated as ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu will deliver an elevated guest experience akin to Aman, while providing a spirited social scene in contrast to Aman’s whisper-quiet seclusion. Through Janu’s appreciation of cuisine, art, design and service, Janu Tokyo will reflect and celebrate the city’s rich, cultural fabric. Presenting a soulful setting in Tokyo’s much anticipated ‘Modern Urban Village’, Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo will feature 122 spacious guest rooms, a vibrant dining scene, one of the largest wellness facilities in the city, as well as invigorating and restorative experiences to rekindle the soul.

Thirty years in-the-making, Azabudai Hills is an 8.1-hectare hub created and managed by Japan’s leading developer Mori Building Co. Ltd.’ This new dynamic heart of the city will thrive in perfect synergy with the values of Janu, which seeks to nurture purposeful connection and to bring people together. Imbuing an energy that appeals to those desiring greater purpose and inner contentment – Janu provides a balance between personal fulfillment and relaxation - all underpinned by Aman’s DNA and commitment to guest experience with timeless design, intuitive service and deep roots in each destination.

Claiming 13 floors in total, from the ground up, Janu Tokyo is located in the B-2 District Tower designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners with interiors by long-term Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects. All 122 light-filled guest rooms will feature floor-to-ceiling windows with the majority having private balconies with views of the iconic Tokyo Tower or surrounding greenery. Ranging from 55sqm Deluxe Rooms to the 284sqm Janu Suite, there will be an abundance of connecting rooms encouraging travel with family and friends.

Bringing a contemporary and creative zest for life to Azabudai Hills’ hospitality scene, Janu Tokyo will be home to six restaurants as well as a bar, lounge and garden terrace. Each will exude the brand’s signature energy inspired by connection, balance and exploration, including a patisserie, a vibrant Italian food emporium and a grill restaurant complete with an open kitchen and bar. The property will be home to two Japanese restaurants, the first serving the finest and freshest sushi and the second a sumibiyaki menu. This is in addition to a Chinese restaurant with a host of private dining venues.

The Janu Wellness Centre, spanning over 4,000sqm, will be one of the largest wellness facilities of any luxury hotel in Tokyo. Entirely rethinking the idea of balance, and with a social wellness and goal setting concept at its core, the space goes above and beyond the common notions of spa with a contemporary take on traditional wellness beliefs.

On property, group classes and shared experiences will be realised through a range of facilities including five movement studios offering spinning, boxing, yoga, Pilates and simulated golf training, this is in addition to seven treatment rooms and a large gym featuring functional and circuit training equipment. An extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area, centred around a 25-metre heated lap pool, will also have a separate Lounge Pool, traditionally a place for socialising in Japan, as well as two Spa Houses.

Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman and Janu, said: “The development and creation of Janu has been born from Aman Group’s long-term strategic vision, responding to the demand from our wider cohort of guests and the luxury traveller for the hallmarks of the Aman offering in terms of service and excellent design, but with a different pace and spirit. There is great appetite in the market for experiences and destinations which encourage connection, adventure, and memorable interactions. Janu has been designed to cater to this increasing demand, seeking pioneering destinations which have an energy and vibrancy reflecting the values of the brand for our first outpost. Being part of the Azabudai Hills project sets the benchmark for the brand and all other Janus to come and, with Janu Tokyo a fitting flagship, we can connect to the heart of this vibrant community and an inspirational ‘new world’ hub of culture and art.”

The capital’s newest landmark, Azabudai Hills, is a ‘Modern Urban Village’ in the heart of Tokyo. This new community reflects Janu’s purpose of nurturing kindred spirits and collective moments. This visionary lifestyle district, centred around green spaces and wellbeing, is planned for completion this year. Led by Mori Building Co. Ltd, Azabudai Hills has one of the world’s leading architects Thomas Heatherwick at the helm, who seamlessly weaves offices, residences, a hotel, international school, shops, restaurants and cultural facilities into the fabric of everyday life, attracting multi-generations for both work and leisure. The development will also be home to Aman Residences, Tokyo, located in a separate building from Janu Tokyo. Set to complete in 2023, the urban residences, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, will offer just 91 exclusive homes, as well as lifestyle services and a residents-only 1,400sqm Aman Spa with panoramic city views, providing owners with a sanctuary literally and figuratively at the pinnacle of city life.

Janu Tokyo’s pre-opening and launch have been entrusted to Noriko Tanaka, who will serve as Janu’s first General Manager. The ideal hospitality professional with her wealth of knowledge in the destination, Noriko’s experience includes spending the past four years as General Manager at Amanemu, in Japan’s Ise Shima region.