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A well-located residential property that rivals a five-star hotel, is furnished to an impeccably high standard, and comes with friendly, hospitable staff? That doesn’t sound like a bad way to begin your new life in Japan, does it?

Whether you’re coming to the city on a short to medium-term assignment or wanting to get your bearings before settling longer-term, serviced apartments are a first-class option for temporary accommodation in Tokyo – especially if you are looking to make the most of your experience here.

Right now, the best-in-class serviced apartment in the capital has got to be the newly opened Toranomon Hills Residential Tower, part of the Toranamon Hills development project. I recently had a chance to visit the development and learn more about its urban lifestyle concept from its creators, Mori Building.  

A home within a home

An elegant embodiment of Mori Building’s “Vertical Garden City” philosophy, Toranomon Hills Residential Tower stands like a silver tree in a green corridor that spans from the regal Imperial Palace and its stunning gardens to the iconic Tokyo Tower. The picturesque Atago Shrine sits next door, famous for its historical “86 steps to success” said to bring good luck to visitors (who you’ll often spot huffing and puffing their way to the top).

As I approached the tower, I was immediately struck by the impressive exterior. By all accounts, a modern masterpiece from German architect Christoph Ingenhoven, the exquisite tiered facade of the building complete with cascading waterfall is a jaw-dropping introduction.

The next thing I spotted was the impressive overhead bridge, which connects the apartments to the adjacent Toranomon Hills Business Tower, offering instant access to its indoor yokocho (alley) of top-notch pubs and restaurants on the third floor. Below ground is another passage for direct access to the Toranomon Hills metro station on the well-connected Hibiya line.

Inside is equally as stunning; vaulted ceilings and a spacious lobby speak to the level of luxury that you can expect from life here. Curated art by Mori Art Museum adorns the walls, blending into the interior styling seamlessly to create a warm, homely atmosphere – a theme that you see throughout.

Leather, suede, vinyl, tile, rock, and marble, are all used with various hardwoods in a harmonious marriage, lovingly accentuating each of the beautiful spaces that contain them. One thing to note is that most of the furniture was specially commissioned and hand-crafted for this property. This mixing of the visceral and visual is synonymous with the interior designer Tony Chi and his design house tonychi studio, who are long-term collaborators with Mori Building.

Tranquil spaces to live, eat and relax

The shared spaces and amenities are exceptional and, in my opinion, the complex’s unique draw. On the first floor, you’ll find a residents-only restaurant. A chic and relaxed eatery, it boasts an extensive menu of local and internationally inspired cuisine. In the mornings, apartment residents can enjoy a breakfast buffet here as part of the service – one of the extra free benefits of living here (of which there are many).

Just after the restaurant is a cozy curated library continuing the relaxed living-room-like vibe. I noticed the fittings and lighting all carefully angled upwards to create a sense of serene, soft warmth.

The Hills Spa is the largest of any Mori building. It includes a 25-meter pool with a jacuzzi, sauna, large fully equipped gym, beauty salon, and even a health consultation room with a doctor and an English-speaking nurse on duty.

Whether you come from the main entrance or the parking side (which comes with full valet service) you are greeted by the experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable front staff – a hallmark of all Mori Building residences. Need help booking a tee time? Want to have your clubs shipped to the course? They are more than obliging. Incidentally, Mori Building also owns two golf courses just outside of Tokyo and they have a golf school just 10 minutes’ walk away.

Your options for serviced apartments

The apartment's interior is styled with the same fittings and furnishings found throughout the building making it feel like a continuation of all the other spaces, or rather, making the communal spaces feel like an extension of the apartment.

All of the apartments are situated conveniently on floors four to 11, from where you can enjoy views of the lush greenery surrounding the property.

There are three options for the serviced apartments: a studio, a one-bedroom with a living room, and larger two-bedroom apartments with slightly differing layouts. The rooms are generously appointed, all equipped with high-spec facilities. The kitchen area is bright and functional with plenty of storage, though the restaurant does provide room service, too. Other conveniences like a laundry service are available. And the property includes all utilities and housekeeping twice a week.

The serviced apartment prices range from a monthly fee of ¥470,000 (studio), one bedroom from ¥700,000 and two bedrooms from ¥1,320,000, which for this level of property is incredible value for central Tokyo.

The Mori Building team can give viewings in English and can answer any inquiry you might have. They have a dedicated English website here 

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