Imperial Hotel, Tokyo Facts for Kids

Hotel facts and statistics
Imperial Hotel
Quick facts for kids The Imperial Hotel in Tokyo

Location	1-1, Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558, Japan
Management	Imperial Hotel, Ltd.

The Imperial Hotel, Tokyo is a famous hotel located in Tokyo, Japan. It was first built a long time ago, in the late 1880s. Important Japanese families, known as the aristocracy, wanted to build it. Their goal was to welcome more visitors from Western countries to Japan.

The hotel was designed by a very famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. Its location is special, right next to the Imperial Palace grounds. It is also close to where the old Palace moat used to be.

Today, the modern Imperial Hotel offers great views. You can see the Imperial Palace, the large Hibiya Park, and the busy Ginza area. Over the years, three different hotel buildings have stood on this same spot. Each one was a great example of the best Western design of its time.

Eventually, the older hotel buildings started to show their age. A big decision was made to tear down the old hotel. A new, tall building was put in its place. This was done to make the best use of the land.

The Entrance Hall, rebuilt in the Meiji Mura Museum

Connecting corridor (Lobby)

History of the Imperial Hotel
What Makes the Hotel Special?
Images for kids
See also

History of the Imperial Hotel

The First Imperial Hotel (1890)

The very first Imperial Hotel opened its doors in 1890. It was designed by a Japanese architect named Yuzuru Watanabe. This building had a mix of Japanese and Western styles. It was a grand place for visitors from other countries.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel (1923)

The second Imperial Hotel was designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This building was very unique. It had a special design that looked a bit like ancient Mayan temples. Wright's hotel was built to be very strong. It was made with a special floating foundation. This design helped it survive earthquakes.

Surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake

In 1923, a huge earthquake, called the Great Kanto Earthquake, hit Tokyo. Many buildings were destroyed. But Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel stood strong! It was one of the few large buildings that survived the quake. This was a big surprise and made the hotel even more famous. People called it a "miracle."

The hotel's design helped it sway with the earthquake. This stopped it from breaking apart. It even became a safe place for people after the disaster.

The Modern Imperial Hotel (1970)

Even though Wright's hotel was strong, it eventually became too small. It also needed many repairs. In the 1960s, a decision was made to replace it. This was a bit controversial because many people loved Wright's design.

The third and current Imperial Hotel opened in 1970. It is a tall, modern building. It continues the tradition of being a top hotel in Tokyo. Some parts of Wright's original hotel were saved. You can see them at the Meiji Mura Museum in Japan. This way, a piece of its unique history lives on.

What Makes the Hotel Special?

The Imperial Hotel is known for its excellent service. It has hosted many important guests over the years. These include presidents, kings, and famous artists. It is a symbol of luxury and Japanese hospitality. The hotel continues to be a popular place for both business and leisure travelers.

Images for kids

The original Imperial Hotel, designed by Yuzuru Watanabe (1890)
The entrance courtyard of Wright's Imperial Hotel designed in the Maya Revival Style.
Peacock Chair, designed for the hotel.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo plans design by Wright
Imperial Hotel Sign
The hotel (left) shortly after the 1923 earthquake (on the right burning is the Kangyō Bank)
Shortly after the earthquake (the Imperial is seen in the top right)
The current Imperial Hotel
Full view from Hibiya Park
Connecting corridor (Lobby)
Entrance
Imperial Hotel, Lobby Entrance
Lobby Entrance
Stone urn viewed from Lobby Entrance
Stone urn at the Lobby Entrance
Entrance Hall
Interior Lobby Entrance
Inside Lobby
Overhead view of Hallway
Inner Courtyard
Guest room
Peacock Room
Peacock Room
Peacock Room
Peacock Room (1935)
Theater
Theater During a Performance
Theater and Audience
Original chairs by Wright, now in the Meiji Mura Museum
Detail of Interior Stonework
Ceiling of the Banquet Hall
Banquet Hall
Detail of Exterior Stonework
Stone Column
Wall and Stone Urn
Exterior View of Wing
Wall with Decorative Stonework
Side Entrance
Imperial Hotel Sign