Stylish Tokyo hotel in former bank building merging Scandi simplicity and Japanese design aesthetic
K5 / Tokyo / Japan
When traveling in Japan it strikes me how closely related the Japanese and the Nordic design aesthetic is. I don’t know where this comes from, if this is the fact that both regions are located far up in the northern hemisphere or if there is something deeper that I don’t fully get. Regardless of the reason, the relationship is evident and it seems to be a close one.
So when going to Tokyo and I learned about a hotel where the designers were Swedes, I couldn’t resist the urge to book a room to see what happens when these design traditions are intentionally merged. And that is why I ended up staying at the K5 Hotel.
K5 is located in the historic Kabutocho district, which is the financial district of Tokyo where you’ll find the stock exchange and a lot of offices. The building that now houses the hotel used to be a bank annex dating back to 1923, which luckily survived the air raids of WWII. When the work on transforming this into a boutique hotel, Swedish design trio Claesson Koivisto Rune were hired to create the design. Their ambition was to merge Scandinavian simplicity with traditional Japanese details and the result is really stunning. It is a seamless mix of Scandi minimalism and Japanese, more bold features. With that said, there is a kind of industrial element to the look which is beautifully paired with plenty of green plants. The trio felt there was a lack of greenery in the city, and this inspired them to include a lot of plants, in order to create a green oasis.
This 20-key hotel is a calm refuge from the high energy vibe of Tokyo. This is manifested in the design of our room which was a combination of raw exposed concrete, golden wood, custom made washi paper lamps and copper. And what must be mentioned are the different floor tile patterns, where each floor and each room have its own unique style, adding a splash of color to the otherwise subtle design. After having explored the city on foot for hours it was a joy to retrieve back to the hotel and let the senses rest a little before heading back out again for another fix.
Welcome to K5 Hotel located in the historic Kabutocho district.
This used to be a bank annex, dating back to 1923.
The ambition by the designers was to create a green oasis. This is why there is a plenty of plants included in the design.
Checked-in, and we are heading up to our room.
I love the copper covered doors next to the golden wood.
So stylish how the floor plan is designed on the copper door.
Incredible ceiling height in our bright room.
I am a huge fan of when there is a real plants in the hotel room. Makes it so much more homely and cozy.
Behind the head board, a desk with a turn table.
Next to the reception, there is a bar which is designed all in red.
And on the other side of the reception, the café/restaurant that has a more industrial look with exposed concrete and original floors.
The hotel shop
The district of Kiyosumi Koto-ku, to the east of the hotel, is often referred to as the Brooklyn of Tokyo. This place is called “tallskogen” (which means fir forest in Swedish). Of course we had to go there to sample the Japanese version of Swedish cinnamon buns.
A coffee place that always serve great coffee is Blue Bottle. A great spot where you can hang around with the locals of this creative part of Tokyo.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are coming to Tokyo and you are looking for a boutique hotel in a calmer part of town that combines Japanese and Scandi design. If this sounds like your thing, you are going to feel right at home at K5.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the location. In a town with such a high level of energy, I really appreciate when you can return you your hotel and relax, lower your shoulders. K5 is located on a quiet side street which felt like a welcome haven of tranquility after having explored the streets of Tokyo.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to explore the more residential parts of town. We put on some comfy trainers and walked east and ended up in the area of Kiyosumi Koto-ku. We loved this part of town, lined with great coffee bars, small shops and restaurants. And so few other tourists.
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