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On the site where the swanky Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka was once a playground for the rich and famous, now stands a multi-complex facility called Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho. With its highly-anticipated grand opening on July 27, this mixed-use redevelopment project marks the completion of a new luxury hotel, a residential complex, business offices, and multiple retailers and restaurants geared to the public.
The stunning steel-framed 36-story skyscraper certainly stands out in the Kioicho and Nagatacho district — areas notable for their history, greenery, government institutions and, of course, the Imperial Palace. Being the newest addition to the metropolitan skyline, Tokyo Garden Terrace boasts an architecture that is “urban by nature” in which communal spaces blend lush flora amidst contemporary design. As it name implies, the “terrace” is an open urban space where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink at a number of cafes or opt for a meal at either a casual or classy restaurant.
Kioi Terrace’s commercial floor space is comprised of four levels (1F-4F), each reflectively named after historical sites existing within the vicinity of Kioicho-dori and Prince-dori Avenue.
The first floor, Benkei-bori Terrace — whose name is a nod to the circling Benkei Moat — boasts a spacious eatery with an open terrace called Garb Central, serving Mediterranean-inspired fusion food. Other ground floor shops include Japanese confectionery Kanou Shoujuan, with a tasteful interior that mirrors a traditional wooden house; chocolate boutique Bel Amer; upscale cafe/deli Dean and Deluca; not to mention an import drugstore, dental clinic, and car rental to make access between Haneda and Narita Airport even more convenient.
The second floor, Kozaemon Terrace, is directly accessible from Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station. It features more cafes (from Starbucks to Shibuya’s own Streamer Coffee) and casual restaurants: Water Grill Kitchen, an oyster bar; China Dining Sakura specializing in Shanghai cuisine; Asian Bistro Dai that pairs Southeast Asian fare with fine wine; and Erick South, cooking up home-style South Indian eats. There’s even a sushi restaurant that sources the freshest catch of seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market (Uogashi Senryo) and convenience store chain FamilyMart for ready-to-go meals.
However, it’s the third floor, Daruma-zaka Terrace, that is genuinely gourmet and should be the first destination for foodies.
Take your pick from 11 posh, delectable and diverse eating establishments —including the renowned sukiyaki branch, Ningyocho Imahan. New arrivals such as Le Favori and The Chinois Taste of Guangdong also appeal to those with refined taste, possessing an ambiance that is reminiscent of Akasaka from decades ago.
An arterial route from the third floor connects outside to a beautifully preserved Western-style building, fondly known as The Classic House at Akasaka Prince. With newly restored lighting fixtures and outer walls, this designated cultural asset of Tokyo is back in business — both as a “casual French” restaurant and venue for banquets and weddings. Furthermore, adjacent to the historical home lies the luxurious Kioi Residence: a 21-story high-rise apartment consisting of 135 high-end units.
In keeping with luxury, Seibu Holdings Inc has also launched The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho — a 5-star hotel managed under Starwood Hotel & Resorts brand The Luxury Collection. While the hotel occupies floors 30-36, the spacious lobby offers sweeping views of Tokyo through its floor-to-ceiling windows—built on the concept of “levitation” and “a framed kaleidoscope view”. Incorporating fine art into their design, guests feel as though they’ve entered a “hip but homey” art gallery. With 250 guest rooms, two restaurants and bars, as well as a gym, swimming pool, and spa, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho has no shortage of entertainment.
Moreover, in partnership with the American hotel company (Starwood), Prince Hotels hopes to attract an international audience while promoting the appeal of Tokyo’s Kioicho District to worldwide visitors.
Likewise, keep your eyes peeled for eight public art installations scattered throughout the multi-complex estate! The fourth floor, Gomon Terrace, features two contemporary pieces sculpted by Japanese artists situated near the Kioi Conference Room and the botanical beauty salon, AVEDA.
Bringing back the glitz and glamour associated with the former Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka (“Aka-Puri”), Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho adds a casual touch of “modern elegance” to this new grown-up stomping ground.
Tokyo Garden Terrace Kioicho Address: 1-2, Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Open: Hours vary from store to store (earliest 7 a.m. for coffee shops/ 11 a.m. for restaurants/ 24-hour convenience store) Closed: Hours vary but cafes close between 9 to 10 p.m. while restaurants close between 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Access: Direct connection from Tokyo Metro Nagatacho Station Exit 9A/ 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Akasaka-Mitsuke Station Exit D
© Japan Today
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