A relaxed haven in the heart of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighbourhood

The place: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Check-in

The hotel is located in Tokyo’s most exhilarating neighbourhood.

When you imagine what Tokyo is like, there’s a good chance you’re imagining the Shibuya district. The neon lights, giant video billboards, eccentric fashions, packed streets and train stations – it’s all here. It’s also home to a huge range of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as being close to two other key neighbourhoods, Harajuku and Shinjuku. The hotel itself is set back from the main streets, so when you need a break you’re away from the hustle and bustle of this overwhelming area.

The look

The terrace.

Hotel Indigo is an expanding brand owned by the Intercontinental Hotel Group. The Shibuya property, which opened in late 2023, is the first Indigo in Tokyo and the fourth in Japan. Housed in a new skyscraper – the reception is on the 12th floor – the design is influenced by the fashion-driven neighbourhood, with works of denim and leather on the walls. The staff wear mix-and-match uniforms along the same theme. An outdoor terrace offers great views of the surrounding metropolis. There’s no pool, but there is a small gym.

The room

Like most hotels in Tokyo, the rooms are compact.

As with most Tokyo hotels, the rooms aren’t as spacious as you’ll find in some other cities, but it’s not cramped either – my Premium Room is large enough to accommodate a king-sized bed and bedside tables, along with a small couch and breakfast table, a large flatscreen TV and soundbar, and a minibar and benchtop. Classic vinyl records adorn a corner of one wall, and they aren’t just for show – if something takes your fancy, staff will bring a portable player to your room so you can listen. There’s a Nespresso machine for coffee (but no tea).

The bathroom is more of an alcove than an actual room, with a sliding door behind the vanity that can be opened to give it a more spacious feel. The shower and toilet don’t feel too small though, and the toilet has all the features you’d expect from a decent Japanese hotel, including a self-opening lid when you open the door (which never fails to delight me).

The food

Gallery 11: Mediterranean with Japanese influences.

The 11th floor is home to the hotel’s restaurant, suitably named Gallery 11. The menu is Mediterranean with Japanese influences, with dishes like sauteed squid with wasabi veloute and a salmon katsu burger. The breakfast features both buffet and a la carte options, with Western and Japanese-style dishes (they even have Vegemite). On the third floor, there’s a small cafe where you can grab a decent coffee or snack. If sushi is what you crave, the laneway behind the hotel is home to an Uobei restaurant, where you sit at a bench and order your dishes via a computer screen. They’re then delivered directly to your seat via a conveyor belt. It’s fun, cheap and damn tasty too.

Stepping out

Shibuya’s famous crossing is just a block away.Credit: iStock

Shibuya Crossing, one of the most famous sights in Japan, is just one block away. Renowned as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, it is a tourist attraction in itself, and it’s quite the sight to see literally thousands of people crossing the road every time the lights go green. Be sure to visit at night when the surrounding neon signs and giant video screens add to the atmosphere. One of the best places to watch is from the first floor of the Starbucks on the northern side of the crossing.

The verdict

If you’re looking for a place that reflects its location in Tokyo’s most vibrant district while still being relaxed enough to offer a break from the hustle and bustle, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya fits the bill.

The essentials

Rooms start from $A560 per night. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. See ihg.com

Our rating out of five

★★★½

Highlight

Being in the heart of Tokyo’s most exhilarating neighbourhood.

Lowlight

The Japanese love tea, so the lack of tea in the room is surprising.

The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Australia.