Aman boasts some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world. Now, it’s launching a secondary or sibling brand called Janu, which will debut in Tokyo in March 2024. Aman further said it has a pipeline that numbers 12 Janu hotels globally.
Reservations are already open with opening rates starting at more than USD$1,300 per night.
“The arrival of Janu Tokyo signifies a pivotal moment in Aman Group’s progression — not only introducing the energetic spirit of Janu for the very first time — but also representing the evolution and enduring strength of Aman. As we unveil this new concept in one of the world’s greatest cities, my vision is for the Janu brand to trailblaze a new direction in hospitality whilst preserving, upholding and following in the illustrious footsteps of its legendary sibling Aman,” Aman Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said of Janu, which is derived from the Sanskrit word for soul.
Aman’s Janu addition follows a trend of single luxury brands launching adjacent or side brands, typically a notch lower to ingratiate a new traveling segment. Beyond its flagship Langham Hotels & Resorts brand, for instance, Langham in recent years launched a luxury collection called Cortis Hotels and and an upper-midscale brand called Ying’nFlo, which was launched in October 2022. The first Ying’nFlo opened in Wanchai, Hong Kong.
Others have also dabbled, including Shangri-La Group, which. is best known for its eponymous Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, but also has a brand called Jen, which is more of a lifestyle brand for younger travelers, and Kerry Hotels, designed to anchor local communities.
The 122-room Janu Tokyo is located within Azabudai Hills, a development anchored by three skyscrapers that opened in November 2023. It lies between sister Mori Building projects Roppongi Hills to the west, Toranomon Hills to the east and Ark Hills to the north. The project was created by Japanese developer Mori Building Co. Ltd. Azabudai Hills features Japan’s tallest skyscraper and more than 258,000 square feet of green space designed by Thomas Heatherwick, alongside offices, residences, educational institutions, galleries and more than 150 luxury retail and dining outlets.
Janu is the only hotel within the development — located in the Residence A Tower and designed by architects, Pelli Clarke & Partners. The hotel has eight dining venues, two boutiques and a 43,000-square-foot wellness center. Hotel rooms are on the building’s six through 13 floors.
“Janu Tokyo’s DNA exudes a youthful energy, brimming with liveliness and playfulness that sets it apart from the poised and composed character of Aman,” said Jean-Michel Gathy, the architect responsible for the hotel’s interior design. “The space is a thrilling exploration of textures, colors, and design elements that awakes the senses and ignites imagination.”
The hotel will also have two Japanese restaurants — Iigura, featuring Edomae sushi, and Sumi, a modern interpretation of the traditional sumibiyaki grill.