TRUNK(HOTEL)

At most luxury hotels, the lobby belongs to the guests. At TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET, room keys are optional. Tokyo creatives come for coffee, friends meet for cocktails, and the timber-clad bar attracts plenty of people with no intention of checking in. It feels like a particularly well-connected neighbourhood hangout, with rather better furniture.

Opened in 2017 between Harajuku and Shibuya, TRUNK was conceived around a simple idea: a hotel should be part of its neighbourhood. Mount Fuji Architects designed two four-storey buildings with angular grey façades and leafy terraces. Inside, Jamo Associates and Line-Inc bring together Japanese craftsmanship, contemporary art and furniture with previous lives. Timber reclaimed from old houses lines the lounge, bar stools are made from recycled cork, and even the coat hangers have been fashioned from scrap iron. It's a thoughtful approach to sustainability, made all the more convincing by how good everything looks.

Upstairs, just 15 rooms range from compact Standards to some rather extravagant suites. The Living Suite comes with a record player, projector and bar counter, making a night in surprisingly tempting. The spectacular Terrace Suite goes further, with a sunroom, outdoor kitchen and generous terrace with a shallow reflecting pool. Thoughtful details include Japanese-made bathroom amenities and minibars stocked with products connected to the neighbourhood.

Downstairs, TRUNK(KITCHEN) serves contemporary Japanese and Western dishes, while TRUNK(KUSHI) celebrates Japan's affection for food on skewers. The lounge moves easily from daytime coffee to evening cocktails, occasionally accompanied by a DJ. With Cat Street's independent boutiques, galleries and fashion stores nearby, there's plenty to explore. Although ordering another drink is an equally respectable plan.

TRUNK is sociable by design, so absolute tranquillity isn't always guaranteed. But that's precisely what makes it interesting. In a city full of beautiful hotels, TRUNK has managed something rather special: creating a place where Tokyo's own residents genuinely want to spend their time. As a guest, you simply have the privilege of staying the night.