Imperial Hotel Tokyo unveils palatial new design for main building

The Yomiuri Shimbun

November 1, 2021

The operator of the Imperial Hotel Tokyo has unveiled the new exterior design for its main building, selected from a field of international proposals for renovations to the aging landmark slated to be completed over the next 15 years.

The winning design by Paris-based architect Tsuyoshi Tane re-envisions the landmark’s main building in the image of an opulent multitiered palace. It combines stacked palace and tower motifs that evoke the hotel’s distinction as the “Jewel of the Orient,” as the second-generation structure designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was affectionately known.

“[The design] projects a strong presence and originality that can be appreciated from every angle,” said Imperial Hotel President Hideya Sadayasu at a press conference.

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo first opened in 1890. It has been rebuilt twice since then, with the current main building was completed in 1970.

In March this year, Imperial Hotel, Ltd. announced plans to revamp the building, along with an adjacent tower, at an estimated cost of ¥200 billion to ¥250 billion.

Construction on the main building is slated to begin in fiscal 2031 and finish by fiscal 2036.