Pullman Tokyo Tamachi, Japan’s first Pullman Has Opened

Pullman Tokyo Tamachi has opened its doors on 1 October 2018. That’s Japan’s first ever Pullman property to open. And also the 1,000th AccorHotels property to open in the Asia Pacific region contributing to over 200,000 rooms in the region. The hotel was designed to reflect the ethos of early Kabuki in the area’s rich history of old Edo Period from 1603 to 1867. Contemporary art is used to tell stories about the playful and innovative Kabuki tradition.

This nine-storey upscale hotel with 143 rooms is located at Tamachi Station (JR/Yamanote Line) and a three minute walk to the Mita Toei Subway Station (Asakusa Mita Line)  which makes it convenient for you to get to Tokyo Tower, Haneda Airport, Ginza and even Nihonbashi where you can get to Takashimaya or the closest Pokemon Centre, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Tokyo Station.

Head over to Odaiba, Tokyo’s popular entertainment island precinct in the middle of Tokyo Bay, on a short cruise from the nearest canal and visit teamLab Borderless museum to experience the interactive light and sound exhibits at Palette Town. Whilst queues at the museum may be long and it can get crowded and a bit warm, but the experience is really quite priceless. After teamLab, you can go on a ride on the Palette Town Ferris Wheel or catch the Toyota City Showcase in Mega Web or shop to your heart’s content at Venus Fort shopping mall and the first outlet mall in the city centre.

Navigating around the hotel is easy since there are only nine levels. Level one is where you drop off if you are arriving by car. The lift lobby is hidden behind an automated sliding door that blends into the wall, giving it a sense of mystery. This is almost like a secret service agent getting into a government intelligence agency. Take the lift up to level two, and you enter a spacious reception with a bar next to it, just in case you feel parched for a tipple. On the other side is Kasa, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, and public spaces for you to chill or get some work done.

The guest rooms are located from level three to eight. On level 9, the top floor, guests with executive lounge access can relax at the cosy lounge which can seat 16 people. It is open from 7 am to 10 pm, offering breakfast, tea, evening cocktail and a nightcap. Platform 9 Rooftop Bar lets you enjoy the fresh Tokyo air while enjoying bar bites and a drink.

When you get out of the lift, the 24-hour fitness centre is on the right. It is equipped with cardiovascular and training machines. There isn’t a pool here.

The Public Spaces at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

Checking into the Pullman Tokyo Tamachi is a delight just because this space is welcoming. Accents of bright colours are introduced into an otherwise grey and cold lobby. Located just next to the check-in area is a small bar. I could sit and enjoy a drink if the queue to check in is too long.

Sit back and relax directly opposite the check-in counter if having a tipple is not your thing. Surf the internet with the iPads provided at the high table. You can also charge your devices in this area as USB charging pillars are placed throughout this zone.

The second level of the hotel is connected by covered walkway to Tamachi Station and also directly connected to msb Tamachi Station Tower South, a 31-storey shopping, restaurant and office complex.

A good night’s Rest at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

I spent a few nights in the superior room (Room 601) with views of the railway tracks. I watched trains travel on those tracks below me. Nothing like aeroplane spotting in an airport hotel, but it can be therapeutic sitting by the window observing them. You’ll get used to the sound of trains zooming past.

The superior room is rather spacious at 29 sqm. In fact, all of the rooms here except for the five Junior Suites (52sqm) and 1 Pullman Suite (81sqm) are 29sqm. Room categories start with Superior rooms – 75 and 35 Executive, Deluxe rooms – 17 and 10 Executive.

The room features a walk-in shower room with C.O. Bigelow toiletries from New York, a Pullman Hotel & Resorts standard issue, fluffy towels and bathrobes and a separate bathroom. The wash basin and a desk that doubles as a work desk or just more space for your toiletries saves space. A concealed compartment below the desk opens up to reveal glasses, cups, a kettle and teas. Coffee drinkers will appreciate the Illy capsule coffee machine.

Make use of the panel below the windows as additional table space. You will get a good night’s rest in the tailor-made Pullman bed from Takumi Otsuka you wouldn’t want to get out of bed. A pillow menu is available. Every room is equipped with a bluetooth BOSE wireless speaker so you can stream your music from your own devices.

All Day Dining at Kasa

KASA is the hotel’s only restaurant. Breakfast buffet is served here every morning. I strongly recommend having breakfast here. The selection comprises an international buffet spread and a smaller Japanese spread. Pick your uncut oranges and throw them into the see-through juicing machine and watch the oranges get sliced into two and pressed. Fruits, cereals, a honey comb, and pastries are also available. And you can also order from a menu featuring various items including a very good French Brioche Toast.

Kasa Restaurant is spacious and sunlight brightens up the restaurant through the floor to ceiling glass windows.

Don’t forget to pick up a doughnut from the doughnut board.

Chirashi Don is one of my favourite Japanese dishes. I was happy that this is a daily option at the breakfast spread. And you also get a very delicious onsen egg and stew from this section.

Besides breakfast, KASA also dishes out Lunch, Brunch on weekends and holidays and dinner. There is a Barrista counter where you can pick up a cuppa coffee.

Outdoor dining at the terrace is also available.

Thirsty at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi

You won’t go thirsty at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi. Enjoy a high ball at the bar at level two, a glass of wine or single malt amongst others.

If you prefer having a drink with a view, then head up to the rooftop Platform 9 at level nine. It is not covered so it can get cooling here.

Or cosy up indoors and enjoy the brightly coloured art wall that was created by local Japanese modern artist WHOLE9.