🏨 2023/Q4 Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Published:
  Lastmod: 2024-08-22
Accommodation
by Ernest Chiang

(Illustration: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, newly opened in 2023, shot in Shibuya, Tokyo. Image source: Ernest)

About

For travelers seeking an authentic and immersive Tokyo experience, the newly opened Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is a must-visit destination. As the fourth Indigo hotel in Japan and the first in Tokyo, this stylish urban retreat offers a unique blend of contemporary design, local culture, and vibrant energy that captures the essence of Shibuya. Opened in August 2023 and strategically located atop the brand-new “Dogenzaka-dori” shopping complex, just steps away from the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the hotel allows guests to be part of the pulsating heart of one of Tokyo’s most trendy and lively neighborhoods.

Two Entrances

(Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya has two entrances. If arriving by taxi or traveling light, it’s recommended to use the entrance near the ShiBrewYa cafe, corresponding to the 3rd floor elevators. If arriving from the subway/bus stations with large luggage, use the main entrance at Dogenzaka-dori across from the Don Quijote Shibuya store, corresponding to the 1st floor elevators.)

(Cafe ShiBrewYa. Really liked that staircase - it’s where I headed out the next morning to Yoyogi Park and Fuglen Tokyo cafe)

(Take the elevator up to the 12th floor lobby.)

Reception

(Arrive at the relaxing and comfortable lobby level on the 12th floor. To the left of the elevators is the check-in desk, with some seating areas to the right.)

(Tangram-style wall decor. I wish I could display some photography works here too - let me know if anyone is interested in discussing that.)

(There are several seating areas of varying sizes to accommodate different group sizes, perfect for waiting before/after check-in, meeting others, or just relaxing.)

(Checking in and using points for this stay. IHG sometimes offers discounts for new properties. The staff provided a welcome drink to refresh after the travel journey.)

(If I recall correctly, there were at least three check-in counters. In front of each was an Indigo-style place to set bags/luggage for a smoother check-in/out process.)

Standard Room

(Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya rooms are located on floors 13-28. This time I redeemed points for a standard room on the 17th floor.)

(The interior design incorporates some Shibuya street elements.)

(Upon entering, I habitually check the emergency evacuation map. I also prefer rooms away from elevators to reduce noise potential.)

(Being able to redeem an approx. 17 square meter Indigo standard room in lively Shibuya for under 55k IHG points on a Friday night feels incredibly grateful.)

(Ample hanging space and shelving. The corridor design elements extend onto the entryway walls.)

(Below the hanging rods are two small drawers, with some amenities stored underneath.)

(Preparing to enter the room area. The wooden sliding door to the right leads to the vanity and bathroom area. The top and bottom edges of the two switches on the wall are aligned, bringing joy to detail-oriented people like me as a nod to the designer’s attention to small things.)

Restroom & Bathroom

(Sliding open the wooden door reveals a compact vanity/grooming space - perfectly adequate for dense Tokyo.)

(Just arrived from a North American flight, double-checking the local time to not miss dinner plans. Though this is actually the air conditioning control panel.)

(Vanity sink and amenities. Another wooden sliding door behind the mirror.)

(Two yukatas (robes) hanging.)

(The toilet area continues the tangram pattern from the lobby.)

(The bathroom has a rain shower and handheld shower, plus a stool.)

(Simple and sleek metallic fixtures, vented with no odor, one light shining on the dark walls. Meant to help gather one’s thoughts while bathing?!)

Room Furnishings

(The room decor seamlessly integrates elements of Shibuya’s trendy music scene and street culture in a stylish yet tasteful manner. It features a bed, a cozy seating area with a sofa, and a mini bar. While there’s no dedicated work desk, it’s Friday night - why not treat myself and relax for a few hours?! I can always jot down any spontaneous ideas on my notebook 1.)

(An entire mini bar, various glasses, ample hydration and invigorating produce, coffee and grapes. Admiring how the coffee cup saucer design pattern echoes the motifs on the glass coaster tray and corridor carpeting, I appreciate the attention to detail by the hotel’s designers. At the same time, I ponder whether the systems I design also exhibit such cohesive and intricate details that harmoniously tie together.)

(The thoughtfulness is evident, with a variety of glasses in different sizes all prepared and ready.)

(Viewing the seating area from this angle, one can better appreciate how elements of popular music have been seamlessly integrated into the room’s design.)

(Gazing at the comfortable bed, my thoughts turn to Tokyo’s delicious cuisine. I choose the latter. How about you? :p)

(Bedside lamps, control panel, telephone.)

(Looking towards the entryway from the seating area. Air purifier and clothes rack, standard amenities in Tokyo hotels.)

(After sliding open the wooden sliding doors behind the washbasin, the entire space took on a different perspective and lighting.)

(If you take into account the interplay of light and shadows on the entryway floor, this room does indeed incorporate various diagonal lines in a very harmonious way. Did anyone notice the round, soft-edged alarm clock by the other bedside?)

(Look at these curved arcs and angles.)

Nightview

(The rooms at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya are located on the 13th floor and above, and with the hotel situated on a small hill, they offer a nice height advantage compared to surrounding buildings. Each room features large windows, allowing you to take in panoramic views of the Shibuya cityscape simply by drawing back the curtains.)

(Zooming out slightly with a telephoto lens, combined with a Tokyo color grading.)

(Looking up, one can see the frequent planes flying along the flight paths overhead.)

(Nearby illuminated office buildings visible.)

(Overlooking the sloped driveway entrance/exit at the back of Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. Really liked that staircase - it’s where I headed out the next morning to Yoyogi Park and Fuglen Tokyo cafe.)

Room Supplies and Gadgets

(A fully stocked mini-fridge with champagne, beer, sodas, teas, juices - covering a wide variety while also featuring local products.)

(Snacks and tea bags.)

(Coffee capsules and liquors.)

(A bedside lamp resembling a music turntable.)

(Close-up of the rounded alarm clock.)

(I brought a Japanese MUJI case which blends in nicely at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya :p)

Gym

(Back at the 12th floor lobby area, the gym is located here.)

(The gym is equipped with Technogym machines as well as weightlifting equipment.)

(Water, yoga mats, and dumbbells are provided in the gym.)

(Returning to the elevator area, preparing to head to the 11F GALLERY restaurant to take some photos of the outdoor terrace and night views before deciding between Japanese or French cuisine for dinner.)

(Trying out a warm color grading.)

(Heading to the 11th floor.)

(The 11th floor outdoor terrace is fantastic.)

(The terrace feels open and comfortable without the oppression or light pollution of surrounding high-rises.)

(From Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, you can see the Tokyo Tower and Shibuya nightscape.)

(Looking up, the warm lobby lighting on the 12th floor is visible. Perhaps arriving here first next time would increase chances of an upgrade chat? XD)

(The bustling, dense scenery of Shibuya at night.)

(Skipping the hotel restaurants this time to check out some local eateries instead.)

(DJ booth and bar area - the designers really emphasized Shibuya’s music culture.)

1F Entrance

(There’s a small Don Quijote store right at the ground floor entrance.)

(Sarutahiko Coffee is located on the 1st floor of Dogenzaka-dori.)

(Reflection of Sarutahiko Coffee after closing hours.)

(Immediately immersed in Shibuya’s busy vibe as soon as you exit the building.)

(Li’l Woody’s, a burger joint from Seattle, on the 1st floor of Dogenzaka-dori.)

(Decided - getting French bistro food tonight.)

(After dinner, it’s easy to locate the Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya elevators coming in from the 1st floor entrance.)

Bottom line

Stepping into the elevator area provides an oasis from the outside commotion - this seems to be the vibe Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya aims for. Subtly curating all the details while allowing travelers from all over to fully recharge before their next journey. For those who appreciate design hotels, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is worth considering on your next visit to Tokyo or Shibuya.

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