MY STAY
Palace-facing room
The right room at Four Seasons Otemachi puts the Imperial Palace grounds into the bedroom. I liked having the space to sit with that view and a bath that made staying in feel like part of the trip. A high floor facing the wrong way would not have offered the same pleasure.
Easy requests & planning
I could settle a room or spa request by WhatsApp without hunting for the correct desk. The doorman also had useful ideas for outings and could arrange the house BMW for a short ride. Important room or dinner plans still deserved a clear written confirmation; a quick message was helpful, not a substitute for knowing a booking was secure.
Pool & breakfast
The indoor pool was quiet enough that the team asked people to lower their voices near the loungers. I gave it a whole afternoon and came back for a drink at VIRTU later. To me, the business district slows down in the evening, and with limited hotel restaurants a dinner plan was useful.
Would I return?
The palace outlook and quiet pool make a lovely counterweight to city days when the room faces the right direction. The palace view was worth choosing precisely; neither a special occasion nor a high floor automatically delivered the same experience. A swim and an evening drink made the hotel more than a place to sleep.