Japan’s borders have reopened a few months ago, making it the perfect moment to finally embark on your much-anticipated journey to this sunrise nation. Whether it’s contemporary resorts featuring their own thermal baths or architectural masterpieces, accommodations in Japan are synonymous with ‘omotenashi’—the art of genuine and warm hospitality. Each top-notch hotel in Japan offers a unique celebration of local culture, cuisine, and heritage.
To facilitate your quest for the ideal lodging in Japan, I’ve compiled a list featuring both emerging gems and timeless classics in the hospitality scene. From navigating the bustling alleys of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood to finding tranquility amidst Niseko’s mountainous beauty, here are the premier destinations to rest your head in Japan.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Secure your stay at the Park Hyatt, situated in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, a timeless bastion of the city’s rich heritage. Nestled on a scenic hillside, this opulent retreat serves as a haven offering exceptional wellness amenities and an unforgettable tea ceremony. In essence, the Park Hyatt seamlessly blends the splendors of traditional Japanese culture with the high-caliber five-star luxury that the Hyatt brand is globally acclaimed for.
Aman Kyoto
If the notion of a hidden oasis featuring a thermal bath amid a forested sanctuary strikes you as the ultimate idyllic retreat, you’re not alone. Situated in Kyoto, the Aman exemplifies the minimalist aesthetics of a Ryokan to perfection, capturing every nuance of a tranquil, authentic Japanese lodging experience.
Park Hyatt Niseko
Niseko, an alpine sanctuary in Hokkaido, epitomizes a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise, and the Park Hyatt elevates the locale’s allure even further. Offering breathtaking vistas of the neighboring, frost-covered peaks, this lavish Hyatt establishment enhances your experience with premium outdoor excursions and a standout dining venue, spearheaded by a chef of Michelin-star caliber.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Resplendent and sophisticated, this fresh addition to the Four Seasons portfolio is poised to become an essential lodging destination in Tokyo. The hotel is prized for its unparalleled vistas of the Imperial Palace Gardens, which can be savored from either the guest rooms or the elevated rooftop terrace. Moreover, its proximity to Tokyo Station and the bullet train makes regional hubs like Yokohama and Osaka conveniently within reach.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
In search of a sumptuous haven amidst the energetic heart of Japan’s metropolis? The Palace Tokyo delivers, featuring chic modern decor, stylish dining and drinking venues, and an unparalleled spa journey. The expansive, wall-to-wall windows ensure captivating panoramas of both Tokyo’s cityscape and the adjacent Imperial Palace gardens.
Aman Tokyo
In this unique Aman property, classic Japanese aesthetics harmoniously blend with contemporary elegance, showcased in rooms designed in the Ryokan tradition. The on-site spa specializes in customized herbal treatments and soothing massages for a bespoke wellness experience. Further elevating the ambiance is Musashi, an intimate Edomae-style sushi eatery that accommodates just eight patrons, delivering an authentic Japanese omakase gastronomic adventure.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Nestled along the banks of the Kamogawa River and framed by the scenic Higashiyama mountain range, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto serves as a sanctuary of subtle opulence, deeply rooted in Japanese wellness traditions. Visitors here can luxuriate in massages that incorporate indigenous ingredients like green tea leaves and bamboo for a truly localized restorative experience.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Situated in Kyoto’s revered temple quarter, this tranquil retreat is enveloped by an 800-year-old garden, evoking a rich tapestry of historical and cultural connections. The Four Seasons provides a visually arresting setting: take in the verdant surroundings through expansive, wall-to-wall windows.
Amanemu
Perched above Ago Bay to the southeast of Kyoto, Amanemu epitomizes the quintessence of a natural retreat, offering breathtaking landscapes that span both terra firma and the ocean’s expanse. This particular Aman ranks among the finest, and the unique chances to engage with the ‘ama’—local female freedivers—are incomparable experiences.
Tokyo Toranomon EDITION
Discover a luxurious sanctuary towering above Tokyo’s expansive cityscape in the Edition skyscraper, a stunning collaboration between Ian Schrager and architect Kengo Kuma. Highlights of this opulent edifice include an idyllic terrace with panoramic views, a gourmet dining venue, and an indulgent spa experience.
Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection
The avant-garde Mesm stands as an architectural marvel, dramatically juxtaposed against the cityscape, and affords breathtaking panoramas of Tokyo Bay. Adding a distinct layer to the Mesm experience are digital pianos featured in each of the hotel’s elegantly appointed rooms.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
If you’re in search of a trendy lodging experience in Japan, consider a stay at the Ace Hotel Kyoto. Housed in a repurposed structure dating back to the 1920s, the hotel exudes a vintage charm. This ambiance is further elevated by design elements peppered throughout the premises, all born from partnerships with local artisans.
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko
Situated to the north of Tokyo, Nikko is an area replete with scenic splendor and cultural richness. The Ritz-Carlton elevates this experience in its signature style, serving as a genuine tribute to the region while harmoniously integrating with its unspoiled natural surroundings. Be sure not to forgo an invigorating soak in the hotel’s on-site thermal baths.
Zentis Osaka
Tucked away in Osaka’s vibrant port area, Zentis marks the inaugural installment in the custom-curated Design Hotels collection. Tailored for the aesthetically discerning traveler, Zentis showcases furnishings and art pieces by local creatives. The synergy between the hotel’s inviting, organic interiors and its verdant garden cultivates an ambiance akin to a metropolitan sanctuary. Complementing its exceptional design is UPSTAIRZ, a multifunctional space that serves as a lounge, bar, and restaurant. Masterminded by a team boasting Michelin-star credentials, UPSTAIRZ offers an intriguing blend of Japanese and French culinary influences.
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Boasting a coveted location, the Hyatt Centric is situated just a short stroll from Kanazawa’s iconic Geisha and Samurai quarters. While it may not possess the flamboyance associated with some other Japanese accommodations, it stands as a dependable choice. It serves as an ideal layover for voyagers en route to locales around Kyoto, including Osaka.
Mitsui Kyoto
Positioned right next to the renowned Nijo-jo Castle, a historic sentinel of the ancient metropolis, The Mitsui Kyoto serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of classic Japanese tea rooms. The hotel features a hot spring spa, a culinary haven of a restaurant, and guest rooms that exude authentic charm.
Azumi Setoda
Situated within the stunning, century-and-a-half-old Horiuchi-tei estate in Hiroshima, this hotel garners admiration from both tourists and residents for its one-of-a-kind lemon-infused baths and rejuvenating spa treatments. This ryokan is truly a destination worth raving about in your travel correspondence.
Roku Kyoto
Tucked away in the gentle slopes near Kyoto, Roku delivers unparalleled vistas of the Takagamine mountain range while presenting a refined, minimalist take on luxury. Visitors have the option to relax in the thermal pool or wander through the picturesque riverside terrain.
Okura Tokyo
In this luxurious Tokyo hotel, housed within magnificent glass structures, even the simple act of checking in becomes a memorable encounter. The original lobby stood as a hallmark of Japanese-inspired modernism; its recent reconstruction faithfully replicates that iconic design. Additionally, the on-site dining establishments are culinary jewels, serving masterfully prepared dishes that span French, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines.