Hotel Claska, Tokyo
More photosHotel Claska in Tokyo was a landmark of Japanese design, famously known as the city’s first true boutique hotel. Originally built as the Hotel New Meguro in 1967, it underwent a complete transformation in 2003 led by Iku Hirose of Urban Design Systems. Its name, “Claska,” was derived from the Japanese phrase do kurasuka, which translates to “how best to live,” a philosophy that shaped its unique residential and creative spaces.
The hotel was celebrated for its unconventional approach, collaborating with various designers to ensure no two rooms were exactly alike. It functioned as much more than a place to sleep, serving as a hub for art, fashion, and social life. The building featured a gallery space, a popular lounge, and the “Gallery & Shop DO,” an artisanal boutique that became a destination in its own right for those seeking contemporary Japanese crafts.
Tragically for design enthusiasts, the hotel permanently closed its doors in December 2020. The closure was mandated by the need for extensive earthquake resistance upgrades that the aging 1960s structure could not feasibly accommodate.
Before its closure, its location in the hip Meguro district made it a perfect starting point for exploring local antique shops and the nearby Meguro River. While you can no longer stay there, the legacy of Claska remains influential, as it essentially defined the modern “design hotel” movement in Tokyo. Its closure marked the end of an era for Meguro’s creative community.
Expert reviews
“The Claska hotel is for travelers who crave designer digs. Its 18 rooms are divided into four categories: Japanese modern, tatami, weekly residence and “DIY” — the latter being custom creations of Japanese designers.”
“The Claska is hands-down Tokyo’s most stylish hotel, though you might not know it from the retro business-hotel facade. No two rooms are alike: some have tatami and floor cushions; others have spacious terraces and glass-walled bathrooms.”
“Tokyo’s original – and arguably best – design hotel. Located on Meguro Dori, a street famed for second-hand furniture stores, it’s a little off the beaten track, but has impeccable design credentials: in addition to 20 guestrooms, it has several galleries, a beautiful design store and a restaurant.”
What guests liked
- Tatami room
- Friendly staff
- Boutique style
- Local restaurants
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
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