Fodor's Expert Review Claska

Hip, modern, and utterly Japanese, the Claska provides a premier boutique hotel experience and the kind of polite, perfect service that will make you feel right at home. The tiered, boxy exterior gives the building a space-age feel. But Western-style guest rooms have a lovely warmth to them, with gorgeous hardwood floors, tall white walls, and minimalist furniture reminiscent of Muji designs; the Japanese accommodations are lighted by paper lanterns and outfitted with small cushions for tea service above a tatami floor. Both keep a subdued color palate of white, gray, and brown, which keeps the space light and airy. For meals, Kiokuh serves contemporary Japanese dishes by day and operates as a cocktail lounge in the evening. An adorable gift shop sells well-crafted eating utensils and acts as a gallery space. The hotel's remote location, however, makes access a challenge (that said, it is convenient to hip neighborhood Nakameguro and all its bars, restaurants, and shopping), and the rooms are limited, so book well in advance.