TRUNK (HOUSE)

TRUNK (HOUSE) in Tokyo stands out as a unique and ultra-luxurious "townhouse hotel" concept, transforming a meticulously restored 70-year-old geisha house into an exclusive one-room private residence. It has earned selection in the Michelin Guide, reflecting its exceptional quality and distinctive personality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for TRUNK (HOUSE) is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing it as exclusive, unique, and a truly luxurious experience that feels more like a private residence than a hotel. It is celebrated for offering a highly personalized and private stay, instantly making guests "feel cool." Its Michelin Key selection signifies it as a "true gem with personality" that goes above and beyond in service.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud TRUNK (HOUSE) for several standout features:

• Exceptional Design & Ambiance: The property masterfully blends traditional Japanese elements, such as tatami-lined tea rooms and an irori hearth, with contemporary furnishings from designers like Stephen Kenn and Miguel Milá, and modern art. The design aims to encapsulate the essence of Tokyo, harmonizing the old and the new.
• Unparalleled Exclusivity: As a single-suite hotel, guests have the entire two-story property to themselves, ensuring utmost privacy. This provides a personalized luxury experience rarely found elsewhere.
• Unique Amenities: The hidden, soundproof disco, complete with neon lights, a stocked bar, and a dance floor, is often cited as a "real showstopper" and a quirky surprise. The cypress-wood (hinoki) bathtub, often surrounded by shunga art, is another highlight.
• Personalized Service: The dedicated private butler and chef cater to every whim, offering a level of bespoke hospitality that is a significant draw.

3. Room Quality

TRUNK (HOUSE) offers a single, expansive suite spanning approximately 1646 sq ft (153 m²) across two floors, designed to accommodate up to four to six guests. The space is an open-plan living area featuring a spacious dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private mini-garden. The bedroom includes a comfortable king-sized bed, though some guests might find it low. The design is clean, smart, and luxurious, preserving the charm of the original 70-year-old geisha house while incorporating modern elements. The highlight of the bathroom is the aromatic hinoki cypress wood soaking tub, large enough for multiple people, complemented by eco-friendly and organic Japanese amenities.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at TRUNK (HOUSE) is highly personalized and interactive. It features an open kitchen where a private chef prepares exquisite meals, including omakase dinners, tailored to guests' preferences. Guests are encouraged to engage with the chef, observe the cooking process, and savor the aromas and vibrant colors of each dish, creating a multi-sensory culinary journey that embodies Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi). Breakfast is also served.

5. Service & Staff

The service at TRUNK (HOUSE) is a cornerstone of its luxury experience, characterized by exceptional personalization and attentiveness. Each stay includes a private butler, often noted for their stylish Yohji Yamamoto attire, and a private chef. The butlers are versatile, assisting with everything from arranging flowers, preparing traditional tea ceremonies, crafting cocktails, and even cooking midnight snacks, ensuring a truly enriching and memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Discreetly nestled within the historical Kagurazaka neighborhood in Shinjuku, TRUNK (HOUSE) offers a secluded yet culturally rich location. Kagurazaka is famed for its charming cobblestone lanes, traditional ryotei (restaurants), and its enduring geisha culture, earning it the nickname "Little Kyoto." While its hidden nature, blending seamlessly with other traditional wooden houses, can make it challenging to find initially, this adds to its exclusive appeal. The location is conveniently situated northwest of Iidabashi station, providing good access to Tokyo's bustling Shinjuku area and other attractions.

7. Value & Pricing

TRUNK (HOUSE) is positioned at the pinnacle of luxury, reflected in its pricing. As of February 2023, the cost was approximately $6,300 per night. Despite the high price point, the comprehensive and exclusive nature of the "one-room hotel," offering an entire private residence with a dedicated staff, unique amenities, and an immersive cultural experience, is generally considered to be well worth the investment for those seeking unparalleled luxury and privacy in Tokyo.

8. Common Complaints

While widely praised, due to its unique "one-room" concept and ultra-luxury positioning, widely published "common complaints" in the traditional sense are not readily available in public reviews. The Michelin Guide indicates that for TRUNK (HOUSE) specifically, there are "no verified stays yet" to compose a quality score, meaning extensive guest feedback has not been compiled by them. However, potential considerations for some guests might include:

• High Price Point: The significant cost per night may be prohibitive for many travelers.
• Discreet Location: While appreciated for its exclusivity, its "hard to find" nature might be an initial challenge for first-time visitors to Tokyo, though a dedicated butler assists with arrival.
• Lack of Traditional Hotel Amenities: As a private townhouse, it does not feature a traditional lobby, multiple restaurants, or a club lounge, which some guests might expect from a luxury hotel.

Sources

1. tablethotels.com
2. channelnewsasia.com
3. michelin.com
4. irpocket.com
5. prestigeonline.com
6. designhotels.com
7. here-away.com
8. homeanddecor.com.sg
9. qantas.com
10. allabout-japan.com
11. emporium-magazine.com
12. trunk-house.com
13. tablecheck.com
14. michelin.com
15. michelin.com