Tokyo is a city of energy and contrasts, and Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is the rare perch
that lets you drink it all in without being swallowed by it. Rising above the buzz of Shibuya,
this skyscraper hotel delivers big-city convenience, cinematic skyline views, and a quietly
polished version of Japanese hospitality that will suit business travellers, couples, and
design-minded sightseers alike.
I stayed here on my first visit to Tokyo, I’ve gathered everything you need to know to plan your stay in this Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel review.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Review
The vibe & first impressions
Tokyo is such a huge sprawling city that it’s hard to know where to base yourself. Given it
was my first time in Tokyo, I went back and forth on location until I settled on Shibuya.
Shibuya feels like the epitome of what travellers expect from Tokyo – vibrant, busy and
energetic. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is less than 5 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station –
Tokyo’s transport octopus – giving you the ability to travel around the city with ease.
The approach is all glass and height: 40 floors topped by a crown, with the lobby floating
above street level. Inside, the mood shifts from Shibuya neon to modern design mixed with
traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The lobby is filled with light from the huge windows leading out to the garden area created by Masuno Shunmyo, a Sōtō Zen monk and world-renowned garden designer. The design
looks like waves and emulates flowing water, a design that carries into the lobby giving a
calming feel to the space as you enter the hotel.
During my stay, I watched as the beautiful flower arrangement in the lobby was changed, with the flowers being seasonally designed. The team worked on the arrangement so meticulously, and it is the attention to detail like this that sets the Cerulean Tower above the rest.
Rooms: calm, considered, and high above it all
The guest floors begin on the 19th floor. That detail matters; as it means that all rooms
already perch above most rooftops, so great views are baked into the experience.
My view overlooked Shibuya Sky and I must admit, I spent a lot of time sitting by the window
watching the sun set and the lights come on over the Tokyo skyline. For many people,
Shibuya Sky is one of the best views in the city, so what a privilege to have a bedroom with
an equally good view.
Rooms and suites lean into simple yet modern with muted woods, soft lighting, and huge
windows that frame Tokyo like a living painting. Space is a real perk by Tokyo standards,
and rooms feel thoughtfully equipped. In my Grand Room I had a huge bed, even wider than it
was long, with conveniently placed room controls, including blinds and curtains that could be
operated without having to leave the comfort of your pillow.
The bathroom was spacious and I was particularly impressed by the L’Occitane skincare on
offer. Many Japanese hotels give a complimentary 4 or 5 step skincare routine in sachets
when you check in, but this was by far the best quality of products I’d experienced.
Given my excitement to visit Tokyo, I didn’t expect to spend so much time in the room, but
they genuinely had such a calming and peaceful ambiance that I never wanted to rush out.
Dining & drinks: something for every mood (and altitude)
One of Cerulean Tower’s biggest strengths is that you don’t have to leave the building to eat
well, and when you do venture out, Shibuya’s endless options are right at your feet. Inside,
the lineup spans French, Japanese, Teppanyaki, Sushi, an all-day international kitchen, a
serene lounge with a garden view, and even a cigar bar and a live jazz club.
I had a drink at “BELLOVISTO, the 40th floor cocktail bar with giant windows overlooking the
city. It’s a spectacular place for a drink and surely one of the best bar views in the whole of
Tokyo. I loved the signature cocktails and the atmosphere certainly makes you feel like the
main character in a movie. Seating is smartly zoned, from bar counter stools to private areas
and salon seats for group drinks.
For a special meal, Teppan-yaki SAKURA – delivers on taste, atmosphere and fun.
Although attached to the hotel, it has a separate entrance and its own unique style, making it
feel far from a ‘hotel restaurant.’ I opted for the Oubi menu, which included Golden-eyed
Snapper Papillote and Japanese Black Beef Fillet, prepared in front of you – as fresh as can
be. Once again, the attention to detail in the restaurant made all the difference. I loved the
origami at the table setting and the cherry blossom tree trunks above the main dining area.
Breakfast fans: there’s a proper morning spread, with choices of either set menu Japanese
style, or for those wanting continental there is also a big selection of international options at
the lower level restaurant. I was particularly impressed by the fresh orange juice bar.
For guests staying on the Executive Floors there is also the option of the Executive Lounge
(35th floor) where Mount Fuji sometimes peeks out on the horizon. Here you can work or
relax and enjoy great hospitality, tasty food and drinks.
A cultural bonus in the basement
There is an unusual treasure in the basement that I simply must mention in this Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel review: a Noh theatre on the B2 floor, with regular performances of Noh and Kyogen. Noh is a classical Japanese form of musical drama that combines dance, poetry, and song. The theatre is beautiful, overlooked by a huge pine tree ‘Matsu’ design. For those booking into the elegant Ryotei restaurant with its authentic Japanese tearoom design, there is the opportunity to peer right into the theatre while seated.
It’s the only hotel in Tokyo that has a Noh theatre within it, and another fantastic example of
how the hotel combines traditional Japanese aspects with modern. It’s a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese theatre right in your hotel, ask at reception or look online for
schedules.
Who Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is perfect for
● It’s a brilliant choice for first time visitors to Tokyo, given its excellent location and
transport links.
● Business travellers will appreciate reliable service, good in-house dining for client
meals, and rooms with real desks, fast wifi and space to work.
● For couples chasing those cinematic Tokyo views and romantic cocktail spots, it’s a
smart choice.
Final thoughts
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a polished, practical luxury choice for travellers who want to
be near the action but not swallowed by it. Book it for the location, the views baked into
every room, and the breadth of facilities that are unusually comprehensive for such a central
address. For a Shibuya home base with big-sky drama and quietly excellent service,
Cerulean Tower deliver, and then some.
