In short… A peaceful hotel built around the idea of “urban recharge.” A blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design, the whole place is meant to give you space to slow down while still being in Tokyo.
The surroundings… The Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park sits right across Inokashira Street from Yoyogi Park, which encompasses Meiji Jingu and the very memorably designed Olympic gymnasium within its grounds. Tomigaya is a short walk from Shibuya and has a slower pace, with a mix of small restaurants, vintage shops, and of course a 7/11, just a stone’s throw from the hotel entrance.
The backstory… The hotel opened in 2023 as the newest property from the Trunk group, following Cat Street and Trunk(House) in Shinjuku. Each property embodies its own unique concept, and this one focuses on creating a quiet and tasteful refuge in the middle of the biggest—and perhaps most vivacious—city on the planet.
The vibe… Designed by Keiji Ashizawa with interior collaboration from Norm Architects, the hotel leans into open layouts and a simple, quiet aesthetic. It feels consistent with the neighborhood’s underscored minimalism, which blends the two cultures responsible for the architectural collaboration. The Trunk brand was founded on the principle of “socializing”—embedded in a neighborhood, a place where locals and travelers mix naturally—and every time you enter the welcoming (albeit hidden) lobby, you receive a warm “Okaerinasai!” (welcome back) from the concierge desk. Eating alone at breakfast as a solo traveler, I was surrounded by a mix of families, couples, and business guests.
The rooms… Every room here has a balcony. There are 20 standard rooms and several suite types, including Park View Suites and an Owner’s Suite on the top floor. Park View rooms overlook the trees of the park, while City View rooms face Tomigaya. I stayed in a Park View Suite, which was spacious and beautiful, and the shower and bath area was huge by Tokyo standards. After a long day of walking (it is a near guarantee you will take 20k steps a day in this city), it is a wonderful room to come back to. The mini-bar focused on items sourced from around Tokyo, plus wellness-minded teas and snacks.
The food and drink… The restaurant is Pizzeria e Trattoria L’Ombelico, serving traditional Italian pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas. The rooftop Trunk(Pool Club) also offers drinks and small plates, including their must-have L’Ombelico sandwich. The website asserts that they offer “all-day dining to the neighborhood,” which characterizes what separates Trunk from many other expensive mainstays, which cater to an international crowd: this iteration of Trunk perfectly blends the green, laid-back, and welcoming vibes of the whole neighborhood.
The wellness… The sixth-floor infinity pool and lounge overlook Yoyogi Park and the skyline, which is for staying guests only. No full spa, but the pool area is an amazingly colorful view complete with a bar and eating area. There was a soft drizzle blanketing the roof pool outside while I ate, so while I didn’t have the chance for a swim, it added to the serene atmosphere.
Is it kid friendly? More of an adult-focused hotel, but the pool and Italian restaurant make it fine for kids too.
Extra tip goes to… I was feeling particularly run down at night when I was there (due to jet lag and a couple nights in Shibuya), and the staff brought tea, juice, and cookies without me asking and checked in again later. Japanese hospitality is, of course, legendary, but this was above and beyond.
Be sure to… Walk over to Meiji Jingu (a Shinto sanctuary nestled within a tranquil, man-made forest, dedicated to honoring the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken). It’s a straight shot through Yoyogi Park and feels completely different from the rest of Tokyo.
Parting words… A well-designed, calm property built around the idea of slowing down while still being in the middle of Tokyo. Good location, thoughtful space, and very easy to settle into.
Date of stay… November 8-9, 2024
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