K5

More than a hotel, K5 emerges full force as a micro-complex of creative eateries, unique drinking spots, inspiring gathering points, and Swedish-minimalism-meets-Japanese-heritage design, all interlaced to fully express the notion of “Aimai”—a poetic term denoting the benefits of erasing borders. Here, in a former bank from the 1920s, spaces purposefully intermingle, adapting to the flow of activity: The library is the bar, while the coffeeshop doubles as a lounge, which flows into a wine bar and a restaurant. Set beside the Tokyo Stock Exchange and serving as the connecting point between the traditional area of Imperial Palace and hip Eastern Tokyo, K5 presents 20 generously sized rooms; progressive Japanese cuisine; Brooklyn Brewery’s first taproom outside of New York; a Chinese-medicine-meets-mixology philosophy that produces natural cocktails; the aroma of specialty coffee; and an infusion of greenery that defines the hybrid flower-shop/reception-lounge area. This is Tokyo reimagined—a creative microcosm of the city, crafted by those not afraid to break barriers. Independent minds welcome.