As the first General Manager of a Janu property, sister brand to Aman, Noriko Tanaka will set the tone for the guest experience at Janu Tokyo. Here, she speaks to Karryon Luxury about her role at the newly-opened hotel.
The Tokyo-born Tanaka has moved almost every two years, living in various places for half of her life – mostly in the US and in Hong Kong.
“My professional experience started in the rooms department and I have held various roles throughout my career in hospitality, including guest relations, reservations and director of rooms. My first role as a General Manager was with Amanemu, which is in Shima, Mie prefecture,” said Tanaka.
Tanaka says her journey with the Aman brand instilled a deep fondness for its identity and ethos, which sparked her curiosity for the group’s new venture, Janu.
“What truly captivated me about Janu Tokyo is the abundance of choices it offers. In an era where many hotels only offer a handful of dining and entertainment venues, the prospect of spearheading a project like Janu Tokyo is both exhilarating and challenging,” said Tanaka.
“Being entrusted with the opportunity to launch the very first Janu in the world fills me with a profound sense of honour. It’s not just about starting a new brand – it’s about pioneering a concept and setting a standard for excellence; and it’s a privilege to shape the brand’s identity from the outset.
While Aman is all about privacy, creating sanctuaries in both city and resort destinations, Tanaka says Janu thrives on connecting guests through an effortlessly social, energetic, and more playful environment.
“Aman means peace whereas Janu means soul; Aman is a sanctuary, whereas Janu is connectedness; Aman offers refined respite, whereas Janu offers an energetic vibe seeking greater purpose with inner contentment. Genuine human interaction, playful expression and social wellness are at the core of the lively Janu experience,” says Tanaka.
Similar to the Aman ethos, Tanaka says that Janu has a total commitment to its guests, deep roots in their destinations, exemplary and timeless design, and unparalleled service.
“Ultimately, Janu caters to an energetic, curious, and active guest who seeks an elevated travel experience that combines luxury with adventure,” says Tanaka.
Dining at Janu Tokyo
Janu Tokyo has eight diverse dining and socialising venues, bringing together the influences of European and Asian culinary traditions with a contemporary interpretation.
Janu Mercato celebrates Italian culinary culture, with dishes served from three open kitchen counters: one serving homemade pasta; another fresh fish and seafood prepared to order; and one offering European charcuterie and cheeses, with a light-filled dining area and outdoor terrace that is dog friendly.
“The hotel is also home to two Japanese restaurants. The first, Ligura, reinterprets the centuries-old tradition of Edomae sushi, offering a choice of à la carte sashimi and small plates, or omakase dining at the Hinoki wood counter. The second, Sumi, serves as a modern interpretation of the traditional sumibiyaki grill, with organic seasonal ingredients cooked over charcoal and paired with premium wine and sake,” says Tanaka.
Meanwhile, Janu Grill features a show kitchen, two large wine cellars, bar and counter-style seating with views of Tokyo Tower. It will offer the finest ingredients prepared simply on the grill.
Hu Jing serves Cantonese signatures such as roast Peking duck, and contemporary dim sum and seafood specialties.
Wellness facilities
The Janu Wellness Centre spans 4,000 square metres across four floors and is one of the biggest in Tokyo.
“Janu features Aman-standard treatment, recovery, and relaxation facilities, but there is a focus on the communal experience with many group classes – there will be up to 12 daily classes, as well as a golf simulator, a boxing ring and a studio dedicated to group spinning,” says Tanaka.
At 340 square metres, the gym is one of the largest in a hotel in Tokyo – with world-class equipment and views of Azabudai Hills and Tokyo Tower. The Wellness centre also features two Spa Houses, one featuring a hammam and the other, a banya sauna – they are the first of their kind in Japan.
Location, location location: About Janu Tokyo
Janu Tokyo occupies a prime position in Azabudai Hills, as the only hotel in the new development.
“Azabudai Hills is a new dynamic neighbourhood in the heart of Tokyo. A city within a city, teeming with nature, culture and art, it was 30 years in the making and an ambitious development by architectural visionaries,” says Tanaka.
The new neighbourhood features Japan’s tallest skyscraper and 24,000 square-metres of lush green space designed by Thomas Heatherwick, alongside offices, residences, educational institutions, galleries, and more than 150 luxury retail and dining outlets including a world-class Japanese speciality food market.
For more information, visit janu.com
