Last May, I enjoyed a wonderful trip in Japan. I did stay at some terrific hotels (Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Hyatt Regency Hakone, Andaz Tokyo, and Park Hyatt Tokyo) but none came close to both Aman resorts, and I want to share with you my impressions and some keypoints.

AMAN TOKYO

I made a clip of my impressions during my stay which you can watch here:


PROS:
- excellent location in the heart of Tokyo, within walking distance of the Imperial Palace and its gardens
- The hotel occupies the top six floors of a newly built skyscraper affording spectacular panoramas in all directions
- Stunning, minimalist decor incorporating traditional Japanese elements
- Phenomenal lobby beneath a ceiling of translucent washi rice paper (with adjacent library and cigar room)
- Beautiful and spacious room with lovely bathroom and a deep soaking tub made of black granite set against the floor-to-ceiling windows
- Amazing indoor pool overlooking the Tokyo skyline
- Excellent French and Italian restaurant (and not overly expensive)

CONS: it's hard to fault this hotel, except for the fact that it does not offer an authentic Japanese eatery

AMANEMU (SHIMA PENINSULA)

I made a clip of my impressions during my stay which you can watch here:


PROS:
- Peaceful setting within the borders of a national park
- Exceptional design (a modern take on traditional Japanese architecture) by the same team that developed Aman Tokyo
- The villas are gorgeous with some overlooking the gardens, others the sea
- The Aman Spa is the highlight of the resort and the massive yet intimate outdoor onson (hot spring) is the best I encountered during my travels across the country
- There's only one restaurant but it features mouthwatering Japanese cuisine

CONS:
- the vegetation still feels spare (needs time to mature)
- Although it's in a pretty spot, Amanemu's setting is not mindblowing. The bay can only be seen at the horizon
- Room rates and food is extremely expensive