Nestled beside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Hyatt Regency Tokyo has long stood watch over the vibrant energy of Shinjuku. Now, after a series of renovations that began last June, its newly reimagined Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar has opened in the hotel’s lobby.
Iconic Chandeliers Shine in a Warmer, Timeless Setting
There’s something captivating about hotel lounges. People from all walks of life pass through, crossing paths, meeting, and moving on. In a city like Tokyo, that flow of encounters feels even more layered, as if each lounge holds a collection of untold stories. During the pandemic, when travel was restricted, luxury hotel lounges in the city became a peaceful retreat for many. Even now, it’s not uncommon to see people drop in without a stay, simply to enjoy the space. For travelers, the lounge remains a special place to step away from the room and settle into the moment.
As part of the hotel’s largest renovation since opening 45 years ago, the lobby had been hidden behind partitions. But on April 24, the newly transformed lounge bar was finally unveiled.
Named for the year the hotel first opened, Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar may be modest in size, but the warm lighting and inviting sofas create a welcoming escape from the rush of Shinjuku.
The hotel’s three iconic Emperor’s Chandeliers remain in place, still gleaming proudly in the soaring 28-meter atrium that spans eight floors. Made with approximately 115,000 Swarovski® crystals, they are nothing short of magnificent. Their sparkle is beautifully mirrored on the glossy tables and polished marble floors, also a design element reflected in the Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar logo.
Shinjuku by Day and Night
Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar’s design brings together pairs of elements that reflect Shinjuku’s contrasting sides, day and night, west and east.
The plants around the lounge and the young trees by the sofas represent Shinjuku’s daytime vibe and its greener, park-rich west side. Meanwhile, the rich red tones of the bar stools and sofas capture the energy of Shinjuku’s nighttime scene, inspired by the neon glow of Kabukicho on the east side.
The table settings change with the time of day. From 11am to 5pm, during lunch and afternoon hours, coasters and menus feature green tones. Then from 5pm to 11pm, for dinner and bar time, the colors shift to red.
London-born designer Adrian Currie created the interior to capture the diverse spirit of Shinjuku all in one place. Reflecting on the renovation, he shared, “I hope this space continues to be a timeless meeting spot for people, honoring its history while remaining unchanged in its role.”
Flavorful Dining with Signature Cocktails to Match
Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar also offers dining with an all-day menu featuring salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, steaks, and plenty more guaranteed to satisfy.
First Image: Salade Niçoise ¥3,200
Second Image: Grilled Tokyo Akikawa Beef Sirloin ¥9,015
Of course, the menu also includes classic cocktails like martinis and negronis along with a wide selection of wines and champagnes. The highlight is the signature cocktails inspired by Shinjuku’s culture, history, and scenery.
Among them are ‘King of Fruits,’ made with melon from the famous fruit parlor Takano in Shinjuku, and ‘SANDO,’ inspired by fruit sandwiches, both colorful and playful in appearance.
First Image：King of Fruits ¥2,900
Second Image：SANDO ¥2,900
©️ Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Another notable series features unexpected pairings of tea with whiskey or rum. Among them, ‘Obi & Ume’ stands out. This refreshing and lightly sweet cocktail blends plum wine with lemongrass Aperol, pomegranate, and soda water. Inspired by Shinjuku Isetan, which originally began as a kimono shop, it is served in an adorable glass wrapped with an obi sash. This unique presentation is sure to enchant visitors from abroad.
Obi & Ume ¥3,300
©️ Hyatt Regency Tokyo
It’s a place that welcomes both rendezvous and spontaneous meetups, an inviting space where you can fully enjoy the refined atmosphere of Shinjuku.
Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar
Address: 2-7-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Location: Hyatt Regency Tokyo, 2nd Floor Lobby
Hours: Breakfast 8:00–11:00, Lunch/Afternoon 11:00–17:00, Dinner/Bar 17:00–23:00 (Cocktails served from 17:00)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Instagram: @hyattregencytokyo
