Petals Tokyo

Become a swashbuckling, steampunk pirate on the high seas of Shinagawa. The floating rooms of Petals Tokyo are more of an experience than a simple hotel stay.

Pro tip: The hotel currently has a great offer in partnership with the latest Tokyo Studio Ghibli Exhibition (which is right next door).

What’s the hotel like?

The hotel consists of four pier-attached houseboats, each with its own style and design. The reception is a minute’s walk from the rooms. Having only opened in 2020, the boats have a fresh, colorful look, with embellishments inspired by the sea. We spotted lifebuoys and outside tiles mimicking the reflected light of the ocean floor.

Note that the reception is not 24 hours, but you do always have access to a staff member through a room phone.

What facilities and experiences does the hotel have?

What Petals lacks in facilities — there’s no gym or library — it makes up for in experiences. The staff are locals to the area and can provide knowledge and connections unheard of in other hotels. Throughout the year, they have opportunities for guests to join traditional festivals, and at the moment offer a zazen (Zen Buddhist meditation) experience. A great way to look through the keyhole of the local community.

We tried this ourselves at the neighborhood temple (Isshin-ji) in the early morning. We were joined by locals in the area who attend regularly. English explanation was provided beforehand, so we knew what to expect as we went through the exercises, which included work on breath and mindfulness. Afterward, we were provided with a small traditional Japanese Buddhist meal — rice, pickles, miso soup, and tea.

Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?

There is no designated area to hang out, though the reception does have some chairs. Luckily, the rooms are spacious enough and are equipped with bouncy lounge sofas and comfortable desks — plus the all-important coffee machine with capsules to keep you going.

What are the rooms like?

There are four types of houseboats/rooms to choose from. Each are spacious and range from 40 to 45m². A maximum of two people can stay in each room, although three may be accommodated in Petal 4 upon request.

Petal 1: Modern and Stylish

We were lucky enough to stay in Petal 1 — it’s obvious why it’s one of the most popular. The modern centered bed and surrounding windows with canal views open up the space. It gets a lot of light, making it perfect during the day, and boasts a shining night view in the evening. The circular shower dominates the bathroom (it also has a sauna option).

Petal 2: Elegant and Luxury

Elegant is correct. Classic touches complete the room — the purple padded headboard, marbled bathroom with dark wood elements, and enough windows to be bright, but not too many to feel exposed. The most iconic features are the portholes overhead that make you feel like you’re below deck on a wondrous cruise.

Petal 3: Charm and Cozy

This is the most sought-after room due to its private rooftop terrace. The terrace can be used for sunning yourself during the day, a pleasant breakfast, drinks in the evening, or as a place to pop the question.

Petal 4: Light and Classy

The only room with two single beds instead of a king, Petal 4 is a favorite among friendship groups. It highlights pastel colors and cute, paneled windows. It’s like stepping into a floating cottage rather than a houseboat.

Are the rooms comfortable?

All rooms are equipped with life jackets — as required by law — to give you peace of mind. The rooms are generally still, despite being on the canal, but do rock gently when watercrafts go past, so don’t be alarmed. The beds have perfectly balanced Simmons mattresses and the bathroom is topped up with Aesop soap, shampoo, and conditioner — we took many showers over our one-night stay.

Other amenities include pajamas, umbrellas, capsule coffee machine, mini bar, TV with streaming (including their own Netflix account), and speaker.

What’s the view like?

The boats offer canal views and the twinkling lights of Tennōzu Isle at night. The view is especially pretty in Petals 1 and 3.

Should I order the breakfast?

Breakfast can be arranged in your room or on the canal side. There are both Japanese and Western options, and advance reservations are necessary.

We had the package that included a small, Japanese-style breakfast after a meditation experience at the local temple. If you’re looking to fill yourself up, then there are plenty of quaint cafés along the road near the temple — the staff recommend Kaido Books and Coffee.

What’s the location like?

The hotel is a great option for access to Haneda Airport, and many guests often stay a night or two when they arrive or depart Japan. It’s not in the center of Tokyo, so it can take a bit of time to get to the main hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa, but it’s only a 5-minute bus ride to Shinagawa Station (a Shinkansen stop on the way to Kyoto and Osaka).

How is the access to trains and subway?

The closest station to Petals Tokyo is:

• Tennōzu Isle Station (6–8-minute walk): Take the Rinkai Line directly to Shibuya and Shinjuku as it links with the Saikyō Line.

How do I get there from Tokyo’s airports?

• From Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail around 15 minutes to Tennōzu Isle Station and walk for 6 to 8 minutes. Alternatively, take a 20 to 40-minute taxi.
• From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express to Shinagawa Station (1 hour and 5 minutes) and get a 5-minute taxi or bus.

What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?

The area of Tennōzu Isle in Shinagawa is newly developed and artsy. The hotel is situated in the Terrada Art Complex, which houses exhibitions and classy art galleries. For a more downtown feel, head to Kyu-Tokaido Road, a 10-minute walk away.

Are there many good places to eat nearby?

The main place to eat near the hotel is T.Y. Harbor (ask the reception to make you a reservation as it can get busy), famous for its craft beer and canalside terrace. For a lighter meal, there’s also Breadworks, serving deli dishes and bread.

What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?

Some attractions within walking distance are:

• Terrada Art Complex 1 and 2 (8-minute walk)
• Warehouse TERRADA (2-minute walk)
• Tennōzu Park (5-minute walk)
• What Museum (5-minute walk)
• Shinagawa Shrine (15-minute walk)

Who should stay here?

This is a great spot for couples looking for a romantic getaway and those who like atypical hotel designs. Note that you need to be over the age of 15 to stay, and the hotel is not recommended for those with mobility issues due to steep slopes and the unexpected movement of the boats.

What sustainability measures do they have?

The hotel has eco-friendly and organic amenities, such as bamboo and wood products, and beverages in paper cartons.

Tips and tricks for the best stay

The Petals Tokyo reception is a minute’s walk from the actual houseboats. We’ve used the address and location of reception, as that is where you’ll first need to check in.

Petals Tokyo often partners with nearby exhibitions and local activities, so make sure to check out their current plans.