The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is located in the heart of Tokyo's rarefied political district Nagatacho—but despite its very official address, there's a surprising amount of fun to be found inside these hotel walls. Particularly when it comes to design. 

Imagined and executed by the incomparable Kengo Kuma, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's design is a subtle but thoughtful ode to tradition.

Kuma-san's touch is felt from the moment you enter the hotel, with a sculptural glass staircase and his signature wooden lattice work that frames the high-ceiling lobby. Here, dramatic ikebana flower arrangements take centre stage, changing every month to reflect the theatre of Japan's changing seasons. 

The hotel has 251 spacious rooms, including 13 suites, which are beautifully designed with light wood accents, sliding screen doors and long rectangular lamps that emit a soft glow.  

It's not just the interiors we love here, though. A city stalwart, it's common to see salarymen and women dressed in kimono dashing through the lobby, en route to lunch, drinks or dinner at one of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's bars and restaurants. It's a scene that throws you right into Tokyo's energetic pulse.