Lost In Translation's Tokyo: Park Hyatt Tokyo

I am elated to share with you a new series on I Want To Be A Coppola — Lost In Translation's Tokyo in which our delightful editor-at-large Vivian Morelli offers her personal observations as she discovers the parts of the city that Sofia Coppola chose to provide the atmosphere of her film. Lost In Translation inspired Vivian to uproot her life and move across the world to Japan, I cannot imagine more passionate eyes through which to take in the sights of Tokyo... どうもありがとうございました Dōmo arigatō Vivian! 愛 Ai!

Lost In Translation's Tokyo: Park Hyatt Tokyo
By Vivian Morelli

After years spent fantasizing and obsessing over every detail in Lost in Translation, I am now officially a Tokyo resident and watching my favorite movie over and over finally paid off — who would have thought... This series of articles, Lost In Translation's Tokyo, will aim to introduce the different neighborhoods and landmarks that were featured in the film. I'm having such a lovely time exploring Sofia's Tokyo, all these locations she picked, and I'm excited to share them here.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Most of the film takes place in the (now) iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo, located in the lively area of Shinjuku, which is the downtown core of Tokyo and the busiest district. The hotel is modern, stylish, and elegant, with very typical Japanese touches: sleek, minimalist design, wooden Hokkaido elm paneling, and open spaces. I was surprised to find out that the hotel is a little bit out of the way, approximately a fifteen-minute walk from Shinjuku station, tucked deep into the financial district. Then again, if you can afford to spend a few nights at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, you can certainly afford an unlimited amount of taxis to go around.

In the movie, the characters have different types of rooms: Bill Murray's character has a luxurious suite, while Scarlett's character and her husband share a more simple Diplomat's suite, which is still just as gorgeous. Personally, my favorite moment in the movie is when Charlotte is just sitting on the window sill and gazing at the madness that is Tokyo — I feel like this is the most symbolic Lost in Translation moment. I had the chance to visit the Park Hyatt and enjoy swanky cocktails while overlooking Tokyo's skyline, and I could not get that moment out of my head.

The Park Hyatt Tokyo actually offers lots of options for dining and entertainment, as well as a gym and the beautiful swimming pool. The characters can be seen swimming in the hotel's impressive sky pool, which is located on the 47th floor, and with floor to ceiling windows, taking in the views of Tokyo.

Yet, the most spectacular view and atmosphere is to be found on the 52nd floor, at the stunning New York Bar where many key scenes were filmed. The New York Bar is everything Lost in Translation: posh, luxurious, and glamourous... but it comes with the price tag. There is a basic seating charge of ¥2,200, and the price of each cocktail is enough to give me a mini heart attack when I look at the menu.

Still, I'd highly suggest splurging on a night out at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, if only for the view. The New York Bar offers an amazing selection of wine and whisky (not only Suntory), and the customer service and attention to detail is impeccable. It all comes with beautiful singing and jazz performances, in a cozy orange glow. Of course, the beverage of choice would be Suntory Whisky, but I'm more of a fan of the L.I.T. myself (which obviously stands for the film's initials): sake, sakura liqueur, and peachtree. I think that's what Sofia would drink...

Read more in the series:
Lost In Translation's Tokyo: Karaoke
Lost In Translation's Tokyo: Shibuya
Lost in Translation's Tokyo: Sushi in Daikanyama

Lost in Translation film stills © 2003 Lost in Translation Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

[mike]

Nice post. I was thinking as I watched Lost In Translation that this would be a very cool place to be lost.

[kellina]

Mmmm hmmmm... Nice thought.

[Francesca]

I watched the movie the other night! :) Thanks Vivian for this lovely post!

[DARA]

thank you vivian for sharing all your insights on japan....very cool for you to share all this wonderful information. can't wait to see more!

[Vivian Morelli]

Thanks for your lovely comments! To be honest, 'researching' at the Park Hyatt was one of the best assignments I've ever had!! Oh the wonderful drinks and view at the hotel, it was magical. I'm so happy to share... from Tokyo xo

[Kate]

Vivian, this post was so much fun to look at and to read. "Lost in Translation" is such a great film, and this post brings it back.

[Christian]

Vivian, I was so happy to come across your post. "Lost in Translation" has been my favorite movie for a long time, it always brings me back to this great feeling, which i can't seem to explain. It's like a warm melancholia, or a dream like state. Their chance meeting, their time spent in the hotel, it is the only film I can watch over and over for some reason. I've always wanted to visit the Park Hyatt and I'm glad to see someone else who understands what I love so much about this film.

[Tony]

Thanks for sharing.

[jenis bisnis rumahan]

To be honest, 'researching' at the Park Hyatt was one of the best assignments I've ever had!! Oh the wonderful drinks

[Willem van den Hoed]

Yes, I share your fascination!
In 2010 I traveled to Japan twice to reshoot four of the movies filmstills at PHT.
This is one of them: http://vimeo.com/21760606
And another one: http://vimeo.com/19095789
http://wvdhoed.home.xs4all.nl/W2/W2_PHT.html
Extraordinary adventure it was to stay in that Suite!

[Wilson]

I too love this setting. I can't get over the lamps!!! I want one! Anyone know anything about them