Nohga Hotel Ueno

Nohga Hotel has landed in Tokyo's Ueno district, an area increasingly witnessing a transformation from a downtown, urban working hub to a tourist hotspot in its own right, providing superb access to local sights such as Ueno zoo, Shinobazu Pond, Ame Yokocho, and a plethora of museums.

Nohga Hotel has 130 spacious, comfortable rooms across 10 floors offering views over Ueno's rooftop skyline – no doubt something of a marvel for those new to Tokyo looking for an authentic experience of the capital.

The modern interior combines a soft, minimal palette with wooden accents, further complemented by the SyuRo-produced ensemble of stylish decor items, designed in collaboration with craftsmen from around Japan.

Coupled with Dear Mayuko soap/shampoo amenities, room wear by Atmosphère Japon and Ito Bindery memo pads—not to mention nice touches like a personalised tablet waiting in each guest room ready to welcome you—and you have a hotel formula that helps elevate the experience to the next level.

This theme—showcasing works of art by craftsmen, designers and artists, particularly from the local Taito area—is reflected throughout the hotel thanks to creative lead and Idée founder, Teruo Kurosaki, with many items also available for purchase in the shop.

As well as the first floor gallery with artworks rotating through the year and Stellar Works-designed furniture that graces the lounge, visitors to the restaurant can expect to come across Kimoto Glassware (made in the traditional Edo Kiriko style) when enjoying a sake, beer or whiskey pairing with their food.

Dining at Nohga Hotel

In fact the restaurant, Bistro Nohga, stands out in its own right thanks to a contemporary French-inspired lineup. Highlights include Ohta's Bacon with Mushroom fricassée and poached egg, Japanese Beef Cheek cooked braisée-style and, if there's room, the banana crème brûlée and caramel ice cream.

The Lobby Gallery provides a spacious, warm environment to unwind over a few drinks from an impressive menu of craft beers, wines, sake and whisky – with counter seating also available alongside the open kitchen.

Breakfast deserves a worthy mention too, thanks to their home-roasted, freshly brewed Kabuki coffee, inspired buffet selection of fruits and pastries, and a chosen main from a menu of Japanese and strong Western-inspired options (with the Brioche French Toast with Ohta Bacon and Maple Syrup perhaps the perfect way to start the day).

For those looking to unwind, Nohga Hotel offers a number of terraces to relax, library area, as well as the aforementioned Lobby Gallery which doubles up as a cafe or bar space too depending on the time of day.

If you've seen the local sights already but still want to explore, you can even rent a custom-design Tokyobike for the day to check out nearby neighbourhoods like Kuramae, Yanaka and Asakusa.