Jean-Michel Gathy has been appointed by Aman as the first designer to lead its new sister brand, Janu. The opening of its first hotel Janu Tokyo is set for Autumn 2023.
The much anticipated ‘Modern Urban Village’, Azabudai Hills, is an 8.1-hectare visionary lifestyle hub surrounded by green spaces and a focus on wellbeing, in synergy with the values of the new Janu brand, which seeks to nurture purposeful connection and to bring people together. Under the supervision and leadership of Jean-Michel Gathy, Janu Tokyo will be a 13-floor hotel with 122 light-filled guest rooms – the majority with private balconies with views of the iconic Tokyo Tower or surrounding gardens. Ranging from 55sqm Deluxe Rooms to the 284sqm Janu Suite, there will be an abundance of connecting rooms to encourage travel with family and friends.
An Urban Oasis for Soulful Balance and Collective Moments translated as ‘soul’ in Sanskrit, the new Janu brand will deliver an elevated guest experience akin to Aman, while providing a spirited social scene in contrast to Aman’s whisper-quiet seclusion. Through Janu’s appreciation of cuisine, art, design, and service, Janu Tokyo will reflect and celebrate the city’s rich, cultural fabric.
Capturing the Compelling Energy of Tokyo Steeped in History and Dynamic Culture bringing a contemporary and creative zest for life to Azabudai Hills’ hospitality scene, Janu Tokyo will be home to six restaurants as well as a bar, lounge, and garden terrace. Each will exude the Janu brand’s signature energy inspired by connection, balance, and exploration, including a patisserie, a vibrant Italian food emporium, and a grill restaurant complete with an open kitchen and bar. It will house two Japanese restaurants, the first serving the finest and freshest sushi and the second a sukiyaki menu, as well as a Chinese restaurant and a host of private dining venues.
The Janu Wellness Centre, spanning over 4,000 sqm, will be one of the largest wellness facilities of any luxury hotel in Tokyo. Entirely rethinking the idea of balance, and with a social wellness and goal-setting concept at its core, the space goes above and beyond the common notions of a spa with a contemporary take on traditional wellness beliefs. On property, group classes and shared experiences will be realised through a range of facilities including five movement studios offering spinning, boxing, yoga, Pilates, and simulated golf training, this is in addition to seven treatment rooms and a large gym featuring functional and circuit training equipment. An extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area, centered around a 25-meter heated lap pool, will also have a separate Lounge Pool, traditionally a place for socialising in Japan, as well as two Spa Houses.
Images © Courtesy of Aman for hotel images and courtesy of Denniston for Jean-Michel Gathy portraits.
