Shiba Park Hotel: Stay At A Unique Library Hotel In Tokyo

In a city as large as Tokyo, it can be difficult to choose a hotel. You might consider the location, hotel amenities, rooms, dining options, and extra features that make a property truly special. We believe we've found the complete package at the Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo.

Located in the quiet Shibakoen neighbourhood, the hotel is steps from Onarimon Station, Daimon Station, Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower. Upon setting foot into the Shiba Park Hotel for the first time, we quickly realized that this was a special place indeed. There are books everywhere.

A Library Hotel for Book Lovers

Shiba Park Hotel is a long running hotel that opened its doors back in 1948. They've always remained devoted to "Omotenashi", the concept of wholeheartedly providing the best hospitality and mindfully looking after guests. Shiba Park Hotel also takes pride in sharing Japanese traditions and culture with their worldwide guests.

The entire hotel was renovated from 2020 to 2023. While retaining their core values of promoting Japanese culture and Omotenashi, Shiba Park Hotel completely transformed into a library hotel. Through their collection of over 1500 books, Shiba Park Hotel invites you to learn more about Japanese history, culture, art, photography, architecture and more.

Much like a library, you're welcome to borrow any of their books during your stay. There are common areas for reading: a large space on the second floor and reading nooks on every floor. You can also bring the books to your room and return them upon checking out.

Curated by Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore, every floor's reading nook has a theme. Read books about travel, craft, art, photography, fashion, and architecture. The bookshelves on the second floor house graphic novels and manga, as well as books about Japan and Japanese culture.

The main staircase of the hotel is truly a sight to behold. The staircase wraps around a peaceful fountain, and a skylight allows the light to flow naturally into the space. Bookshelves extend up to the ceiling spanning the first and second floors, with enticing book covers guiding your way up the stairs.

Shiba Park Hotel: Our Room

Rooms at Shiba Park Hotel are newly renovated in 2022 and 2023. We spent two nights in a standard king room, which was very spacious and comfortable.

Throughout our two weeks in Japan, it was rare to find a room with a king-sized bed (this was the only place we stayed that had one!). We were grateful as this is similar to the size of bed that we have at home. Plus, Justin is tall and could use the extra space.

Each room has a flatscreen TV, a small seating area with a couch and coffee table, and amenities like complimentary coffee, tea, postcards and a small letter writing set. We loved these thoughtful details.

Most hotels in Japan provide you with "yukata" to borrow during your stay. These are unisex cotton pajamas that you can sleep in, wear around your room and the hotel if you'd like. The yukata at Shiba Park Hotel are located in a bottom dresser drawer.

The bathrooms contain environmentally-friendly products. Their Millennium Organics Blue Label hair and body products contain 90% or more plant and mineral-derived ingredients with no artificial fragrances. The razors and hairbrushes contain natural straw, reducing plastic usage by 40%.

In fact, you don't need to bring many of your own toiletries. Their provided bathroom amenities include shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hand soap, body lotion, toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, bath salts, and even a skincare set.

Shiba Park Hotel Amenities

There are many relaxing common spaces throughout the first and second floor of the hotel. These are great places to meet with friends or get cozy with a book.

We stayed right before the festival, Hina Matsuri, the Doll Festival. There was a lovely little display with information about Hina Matsuri with a hina doll display and books. I imagine this changes throughout the year as various cultural celebrations take place.

By the front desk, there is a drinks corner for all guests. Enjoy complimentary coffee and tea any time of the day. There are also paid options, like wine and beer dispensing machines. Take these drinks back to your room or enjoy them around the hotel.

There are a couple of Japanese cultural experiences that we didn't get to experience this time, but we'd love to return for them. First, there's a complimentary table-style tea ceremony that takes place every Thursday from 10:00am - 10:45am. In the lobby surrounded by books, watch a traditional tea demonstration in a calm environment.

Upon request, the hotel can arrange a kintsugi workshop for a fee. This is the Japanese art of repairing broken or chipped ceramics with gold. Ask at the front desk for more information.

Verdant Voyage: The Art of Vegan Cuisine

Shiba Park Hotel's restaurant, "The Dining" has launched a truly unique experience called Verdant Voyage: The Art of Vegan Cuisine. These are chef-prepared vegan dinner courses and a la carte options for a spectacular fine dining experience.

Guests can choose from three different set menus featuring Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisines. Every guest can choose a different set menu; for instance, Justin chose the Western menu and I chose the Japanese menu.

It's also easy for vegan and non-vegan diners to enjoy a meal together as there are non-vegan set courses and a la carte options, too. We were so delighted to see such a creative and inspiring approach to plant-based dishes.

I'll share the Verdant Voyage set menus. Which one would you like to try the most? The only one without photos is the Chinese Vegan Course, which we didn't have the opportunity to try. Next time, we will for sure.

Shiba Park Hotel: The Location

Shiba Park Hotel offers the perfect location for exploring the Shibakoen neighbourhood and all of Tokyo. First, it's within a short walking distance of multiple subway lines:

• 2 minute walk to Onarimon Station
• 4 minute walk to Daimon Station
• 8 minute walk to JR Hamamatsucho Station or Tokyo Monorail Hamatsucho Station

We hopped on the subway from the hotel and got all over the city with ease. You can go anywhere in the city. For instance, venture over to Asakusa and Akihabara, two of our favorite areas of Tokyo.

Conversely, Shiba Park Hotel is situated within a quiet neighborhood where you'll see locals visiting nearby parks and walking their dogs. The nearby Shiba Park is an idyllic greenspace to immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere.

Zojoji Temple is only a short walk away. We loved visiting shrines and temples throughout our trip to Japan. This particular temple was founded in 1393 when Edo (present day Tokyo) was only a small village.

There are a number of structures to see, as well as the 1000 Sentai Jizo (Jizo Statues). These small stone statues of Jizo, a beloved Buddhist figure, serve to protect children, particularly the souls of those who were stillborn or died at a young age. There are around 1300 statues wearing knit caps and bibs, along with offerings of pinwheels or toys.

Just beyond Zojoji Temple, Tokyo Tower is another main tourist attraction to check out that's within walking distance from the Shiba Park Hotel. Another amazing attraction, Teamlab Borderless, is a 15 minute walk away.

We were guests of the Shiba Park Hotel and truly enjoyed our stay. All of our reviews are completely honest and showcase our personal experiences.