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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a transatlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
Every now and then, a hotel opening (and reopening) drums up so much anticipation, that it’s practically instantly minted as an icon (Hôtel de Crillon, Raffles London at the OWO). But even rarer is when a new brand builds up enough excitement to immediately cement itself as one of the best. As an extension of Aman, it comes as no surprise that the Janu name already carries cachet. And for any hotel enthusiast, just checking into an inaugural property for a brand of this caliber is a must. To top it all off, Janu Tokyo’s wellness center is one of the largest in Tokyo and is a true urban oasis.
What’s the vibe?
When you walk through the wellness center’s sliding doors, floor-to-ceiling windows beautifully frame the Tokyo Tower and Azabudai Hills, a new development in the center of the city, where the hotel is located. Gas fireplaces flank a large reception desk that’s manned by several attentive staff members. It’s a precursor to just how large the facility is—4,000 square meters, to be exact, across four floors. On the first level, you’ll find one of Tokyo’s largest gyms in addition to five movement studios, each with their own purpose, housing everything from a boxing ring to a golf simulator. Changing rooms are outfitted with all the amenities you’d expect from a spa of this caliber, such as a hot tub, cold plunge, sauna, and steam room. And the 82-foot lap pool, surrounded by cushioned loungers and plush daybeds, is a sight for sore eyes. The remaining floors are limited to treatment rooms and a curtained relaxation area where your therapist will leave you to unwind with fresh fruit and a cup of kuromamecha (roasted black soybean tea).
The history?
The first Aman property opened on Phuket in 1988 and quickly positioned itself as the crème de la crème of luxury hotels with a focus on unique, often far-flung locations. Over the years, the company evolved to include urban outposts, which started with Aman Tokyo in 2014, making this a full-circle moment for sister brand Janu to launch in the same city a decade later. But what exactly separates Janu from Aman? “Aman is more focused on individualized, private experiences. Janu, on the other hand, is more about connection,” wellness director Faraaz Tanveer explains. This fresher, but still rarefied approach to hospitality is seen throughout Janu Tokyo, from the numerous food and beverage outlets to the extensive daily schedule of group fitness classes, some of which are complimentary for hotel guests, like aerial yoga, indoor cycling, and kickboxing.
What should you try?
Quite frankly, you can’t go wrong with any of the treatments. For massages, I highly recommend the 90-minute Janu Signature, which combines sound healing, lymphatic drainage, copper wands (which Tanveer explains have alkalizing properties and improves circulation), and a scalp massage with a Kansa comb. I was also pleased to find out that noninvasive HydraFacials were also available, at the deft hands of knowledgeable estheticians, no less, along with lesser-seen enhancements like LED light therapy. But if you’re looking to really go all out, book one of the two private Spa Houses. Originally launched at Aman New York, these exceptional suites are fully kitted out with their own relaxation space, double treatment room, and wet area. The larger of the two also features a steam room with a Vichy shower and a dry sauna that’s equipped for banya sessions. The smaller “house” is no slouch, though, with a steam room that doubles as a hammam and an outdoor patio furnished with a hot tub and loungers.
How environmentally friendly is it?
Single-use plastic is nowhere to be found at the hotel. Even the in-room toiletries are stored in refillable vessels made from rice husks, while amenities are made from natural, organic, or upcycled materials. The spa also utilizes Aman’s own line of vegan and cruelty-free products that are packaged in recycled glass bottles. Others, like body scrubs, are made from local, natural ingredients like rice bran and sake lees.
What else do we need to know?
The changing room facilities adhere to Japanese traditions, meaning you’ll have to embrace your birthday suit while using the hot bath or cold plunge.
Who can go?
The spa is exclusive to hotel guests and members of Janu’s Wellness Collective and Aman Club.
Booking details for Janu Tokyo
Address: 1 Chome-2-2 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide. Read more about Janu Tokyo at the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List.
