The Prince Sakura Tower

If you're after a Tokyo hotel that feels Japanese rather than just playing at it, this one hits the mark. A short walk from Shinagawa Station and split across 288 rooms, it sits on 20,000 square metres of landscaped grounds with over 210 cherry blossom trees - which is to say, this is less of a downtown hotel and more of an urban retreat (with a serious garden). The rooms deliver proper views and Japanese restraint - book the Executive Floor for lounge access and garden strolls. Two restaurants anchor the dining: Ciliegio does thoughtful Italian-Japanese cooking, whilst Nadaman Takanawa Prime trades in seasonal Japanese a short walk from Shinagawa Station. What sets it apart isn't the spa, pools or gym - it's that this feels like an real part of Japan's capital.