Janu, the new hotel brand from luxury operator Aman, is gearing up to launch its first location this March in Tokyo. The property will feature one of the city's largest gyms.

Part of a 4,000sq m state-of-the-art wellness centre, the 340sq m gym will feature five group exercise studios for spinning, aerial yoga, golf simulation, functional training, Pilates and high-impact circuit training, as well as the first boxing ring in a Tokyo hotel. Specialist workouts and group retreats will be offered alongside Janu’s signature programmes.

Advanced recovery will also be on offer, with cutting-edge technology and science, as well as relaxation spaces including an extensive hydrotherapy and thermal area centred around a 25 metre lap pool.

There will also be a separate lounge pool – traditionally a place for socialising in Japan – two signature private spa houses, hot and cold plunge pools, Banya and Hammam, nine treatment rooms and a recovery studio with hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber.

Named after the Sanskrit word for soul, Janu has been created to deliver a new era of restorative travel and seeks to redefine luxury hospitality by celebrating human interaction, playful expression and social wellness.

Tokyo will be the first of 12 global openings for the Janu brand.

Chair and CEO of Aman, Vlad Doronin, says the launch of Janu Tokyo is a pivotal moment for Aman Group’s progression: “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 wellness hospitality while preserving, upholding and following in the footsteps of Aman.”

Janu will be the first hotel to be located in the Azabudai Hills – an eight hectare city within a city created and managed by Japanese developer Mori Building, which creates urban centres based on the concept of a vertical garden. Other Mori projects include ARK Hills, Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills in Tokyo and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Azabudai Hills features Japan’s tallest skyscraper and 24,000 sqm of green space designed by Thomas Heatherwick, offices, residences, educational institutions, galleries and more than 150 retail and dining outlets, including a Japanese speciality food market.

Janu will be the only hotel within the development – located in the Residence A Tower designed by architects, Pelli Clarke & Partners. Alongside the 122 rooms and suites, there are two boutiques and eight dining venues serving up a variety of global cuisines, including Japanese, Cantonese and Italian.

Architect, Jean-Michel Gathy was responsible for Janu’s interiors, which are Asian-inspired, with contemporary European accents and a strong focus on minimalism and symmetry. Most bedrooms have private balconies immersing guests in the city skyline or Azabudai Hill’s surrounding greenery.

“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,” says Gathy. “The space is an exploration of textures, colours, and design elements that awaken the senses and ignite the imagination.”

Wellness Collective memberships will be available to non-residents and offer access to facilities, programming and a members-only lounge.

Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy

Aman names Maria Sharapova global wellness ambassador and secures US$360 million from UAE investors