Janu Tokyo, the contemporary luxury hotel brand from Aman, is turning its Azabudai Hills property into an interactive art space this summer. From 1 July to 30 September 2026, the hotel will host The GUESTS, an exhibition by French artist Jean Jullien featuring his signature PAPER PEOPLE—ten life-sized, vividly coloured figures placed throughout the hotel's public areas.
Jullien's flat yet expressive characters appear in unexpected spots: one gazes toward Tokyo Tower from Janu Grill, another lounges poolside at the wellness centre. The figures, crafted from Pyrex to preserve the delicacy of paper while adding sculptural presence, create a striking contrast against Janu Tokyo's contemporary interiors. "They're flat but colourful. And a bit lost," Jullien notes. "If you see one, don't be a stranger."
Art as Hospitality Experience
The exhibition marks a return for Jullien's PAPER PEOPLE, which first debuted in Tokyo in 2021 before appearing in Paris and Seoul. This iteration feels like a homecoming, now elevated within one of Tokyo's most design-forward luxury hotels. Janu Tokyo's architecture, part of the Azabudai Hills development, provides a minimalist backdrop that lets the playful figures pop.
For guests, the experience extends beyond observation. Janu Tokyo's "Hide and Seek" accommodation offer transforms the exhibition into a fully immersive stay. Over two nights, guests receive a curated surprise gift inspired by Jullien's work, exclusive collaboration cookies from Janu Patisserie, and a seasonal multi-course dinner at Janu Grill themed around the exhibition. It is a thoughtful layering of art, gastronomy and hospitality—designed to feel personal, not performative.
Janu, Aman's more contemporary sibling brand, is built on connection, energy and cultural immersion. This collaboration captures that spirit effortlessly, offering a sense of lightness that feels refreshing in the luxury space: less formality, more curiosity. Guests might arrive expecting a refined Tokyo stay—and leave having shared it with a cast of quietly joyful, slightly mysterious characters.
For travel professionals, this initiative highlights a growing trend in luxury hospitality: using art installations to differentiate properties and create shareable, immersive guest experiences. Similar approaches have been seen at properties like The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, which blends dining and wellness packages, and Four Seasons Bora Bora, which added private plunge pools to overwater suites. Janu Tokyo's approach, however, leans into playful, temporary art rather than permanent infrastructure.
The exhibition also taps into the broader appeal of Tokyo as a destination for art-focused travel. With the city hosting major events like the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan is seeing increased interest from luxury travellers seeking cultural depth. Janu Tokyo's collaboration with Jullien positions the hotel as a must-visit for design-conscious guests, potentially driving bookings during the summer season.
For agents and tour operators, the Hide and Seek package offers a unique selling point—a curated, art-infused stay that combines accommodation, dining and a collectible souvenir. It is the kind of experience that resonates with high-net-worth clients looking for something beyond standard luxury. As dnata Travel's Secret Stays revival shows, surprise and delight elements are increasingly popular in the travel industry.
Janu Tokyo's exhibition runs through September 2026. Bookings for the Hide and Seek package are available now via the hotel's website. For more on how luxury hotels are leveraging art and design, see our coverage of Oceania Cruises' 2027 specialty sailings, which similarly blend curated experiences with travel.
