Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
by the TopOfHotel team
Grand Prince Shin Takanawa is a 5-star built around a large Japanese garden — a genuine escape in the middle of Tokyo.
Grand Prince Shin Takanawa is a 5-star built around a large Japanese garden — a genuine escape in the middle of Tokyo.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa is a classic 5-star that has run since 1982, and it still holds a high standard with a real-guest score of 8.6/10. Rooms start from 35 sqm and are done in an 80s Grand Hotel style — solid, heavy furniture and big comfortable beds. Rooms facing the garden (Garden View) look out over the calm green of the Japanese garden, and more than a few guests said it made them forget they were in the middle of Tokyo. Bathrooms split the tub and shower and come with a full set of amenities. The Deluxe Twin sleeps 3, which works for a small family or a group of friends who'd rather not split into two rooms.
Food and amenities
There are 5 restaurants on site: Musashino (Japanese, the best-reviewed of the lot), Toh-Ka-Lin (Chinese), Fontainebleau (French), a pâtisserie café and a Lobby Bar. The breakfast buffet runs at Fontainebleau, an airy room that pulls in plenty of natural light. There's a fitness room, a sauna and a full range of meeting rooms for business or group events.
Location and getting there
It's a 7-minute walk from Shinagawa Station — the longest stroll on this list — but the route is clearly signposted. Shinkansen connections run straight from Shinagawa, and the area around the hotel is quieter than the city centre. Walk another 5 minutes and you reach Sengakuji Temple, home to the famous 47 Ronin story.
Things to know before booking
The look is old-school 80s Grand Hotel, and some areas still haven't been renovated, so it feels dated next to the sleeker modern hotels nearby. The 7-minute walk from the station is more than you'll do at the hotels right on top of it. And the pool is a children's pool, aimed at families rather than anyone after a proper adult swim.
Our take
Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa fits families, large groups and anyone who wants a 5-star wrapped around a quiet garden. Rates from about $150 a night make it better value than a lot of Tokyo's other 5-stars, and the 2-acre Japanese garden is the kind of thing you simply don't get at a business hotel.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The 2-acre Japanese garden is genuinely rare for Tokyo, and you can walk it every morning — several guests said it made them forget they were in the city centre.
- Rooms are spacious for a 5-star and the rate works out cheaper than a lot of other Tokyo 5-stars, so you get more space for your money.
- Five restaurants on site cover Japanese, Chinese and French, which means you never have to head out for a meal.
- It works well for large groups and families, with a full set of meeting rooms for group bookings.
- Garden View rooms look straight out over the green, and the Deluxe Twin sleeps 3 — handy for a small family or a group of friends sharing one room.
- The styling is old-school 80s Grand Hotel, and some areas still haven't been renovated, so it feels dated next to the sleeker modern hotels in the area.
- It's a 7-minute walk from the station — the longest stroll of any hotel on this list — though the route is clearly signposted.
- The pool here is a children's pool, so it's aimed at families rather than anyone after a proper adult lap pool or spa-style swim.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Ask for a Garden View room to look out over the calm green of the Japanese garden.
- Musashino, the Japanese restaurant, is the best-reviewed of the on-site spots — book it for dinner.
- Walk the Japanese garden before 7:00, when it's quiet and empty, for the best of it.