What inspired you to create a new brand of hotel apartments focused on neighborhood discovery in Tokyo?
We believe that authentic travel is about more than just ticking off famous landmarks; it’s about embracing the soul of a city, understanding its nuances, and forming a meaningful connection with the city’s residents. We want to help our guests get a deeper appreciation of the captivating essence of city exploration and the charming allure found within each neighborhood.
How do you envision Section L contributing to a more immersive and authentic experience for your guests?
In a world that sometimes rushes past the details, our brand stands for taking the time to truly absorb the beauty of a place and its people. By fostering a genuine connection with the neighborhoods of Tokyo and other like-minded travellers, our guests will not only enrich their own lives but also contribute to the preservation and appreciation of the city’s distinctive charm for generations to come.
Could you elaborate on the unique features or amenities that Section L offers to guests?
We consciously stepped away from the traditional centralized hotel model with our distributed network of accommodations across various neighborhoods. Section L properties are like a springboard to the unknown, and through playful and retro aesthetics, we want to pique the curiosity of our guests. We have curated City Gems, an insider guide that introduces our guests to these neighborhoods, InterSection, our in-house social app, and friends you never knew you had (Section L crew).
I’ve spent many afternoons cycling around the neighborhood to connect with local business owners whom we want to feature in our ‘City Gems’ recommendations. Activities and events are planned to match the modern travellers’ desire for authenticity, personalization, and connection. We hold weekly happy hours for guests to meet their neighbors, and we came up with a bingo game that introduces various spots along the Yamanote line.  For groups (up to 6 persons) seeking something different, we even designed two Sauna Suites at Ueno-Hirokoji, equipped with a Finnish-style Sauna in the apartment.
Additionally, we’ve commissioned local artists to create unique artworks for each location.
Can you tell us about the Section L commissioned artworks?
We worked with artists like Miwa Goto and Asami Watanabe, both extremely talented artists with their distinctive artistic styles to capture the neighborhoods’ identities: Kuramae and Ueno-Hirokoji respectively. Both artists designed 5 illustrations each, and every artwork portrays Tokyo’s storied past juxtaposed against modern day popular culture. We hope that these imagery that are in each of our rooms will spark curiosity about these characterful neighborhoods.
Miwa is a Japanese illustrator based in Paris, and she infuses her artworks with a unique blend of cultural influences drawn from her upbringing in Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as her experiences living in Europe. Her recent projects such as UNIQLO’s “Blue Japan” limited edition collection and illustrations for the DK Eyewitness “Be More Japan Travel Guide” highlight her versatility and ability to capture the essence of Japanese culture in her work.
Miwa created a “Denim Collection” depicting five Kuramae neighborhood scenes, and adding intricate denim layers that beautifully encapsulate the enduring charm and evolving narrative of Kuramae. Her talent for blending nostalgia with modernity to create captivating pieces will intrigue you to want to discover more about Kuramae (Tokyo’s Brooklyn)
Miwa Goto’s illustrations for Section L
Kuramae was an old storage district for rice warehouses.
The illustration depicts a bandit peddling away by bicycle.
We also asked Miwa to draw the hipster side of Kuramae, so for another illustration, she chose to focus on the up-and-coming cafe scene of Kuramae. There are many artisan coffee shops that opened in the past few years (especially the alleyways near to Sumida River, and specifically along Kokusai Dori street).
Kuramae has been known as an artisans’ town since the Edo period
Asami Watanabe is a Japanese illustrator (and former professional hairstylist) based in Vancouver, where she creates whimsical digital still-life illustrations. As a self-taught artist, she gets inspiration from nostalgic items such as vintage glassware, old book covers and film photography. Her work is colorful, vibrant, and has a dream-like quality.
For our newest hotel-apartments in Ueno-Hirokoji , we wanted Asami’s artworks to reflect Japanese Shitamachi culture. She created 5 interconnected artworks with gorgeous watercolor textures and shadow elements that feature famous landmarks in Tokyo. From dusk until dawn, day and night, Tokyo offers lots of entertainment – you’ll never get bored.
One can find so many cheap but high-quality eats in Ueno-Hirokoji – Okachimachi area. Asami’s food elements in her designs highlight the gastronomical diversity of Ueno-Hirokoji.
Born in Japan, raised in China, and educated in the US. Akihiro started his career in corporate management strategy. With a background in hospitality management and a global perspective, Akihiro curates meaningful connections between travelers and local businesses. Through Section L’s “City Gems”, Akihiro seeks to reshape the way travelers explore Tokyo, fostering appreciation for its diverse neighborhoods and promoting sustainable tourism.
About Section L
Section L’s vision is to create a borderless community through flexible, tech-savvy, and community-driven spaces. Section L combines unique design with thoughtful amenities, providing an unparalleled extended-stay experience. Founded in 2020, the company is led by a team of seasoned international hoteliers, bringing a unique blend of expertise to the industry.
www.section-l.co
