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As a hotspot for luxury travel, Japan’s hotels offer an exclusive look into its captivating blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re seeking out culture, cherry blossoms or some of the world’s finest snow, here’s our pick of the best hotels in Japan.
The best hotels in Tokyo
Hotel Groove Shinjuku
With Shinjuku’s neon playground right outside, sky-high rooms and interiors cooler than a Sake martini, this is the ultimate Tokyo crash pad. Perched high above it all, JAM17 restaurant is your go-to for Italian–Japanese flavours and live music, while its funky rooftop terrace provides the perfect spot for late-night tipples with a side of city glam.
Bellustar Tokyo
A slice of tranquillity nestled worlds above the city’s bustle, Bellustar Tokyo puts the zen in luxury travel. Japanese culture is seen throughout the oh-so-elegant interiors, while soaring seven-metre-wide windows frame panoramas of Tokyo’s cityscape from every corner. The views can be seen through the heavenly Tenku Spa (translating to Sky Spa, and with good reason) and across three glamorous restaurants, including Sushi JIN-È, where Edomae sushi is prepared right before your eyes.
The Okura Tokyo
Set across two soaring towers, The Okura Tokyo is where Japanese hospitality and quiet opulence are perfected to an art form. Each tower offers an entirely different experience – the Heritage Wing beckons with old-school refinement and artisan finishes, while the Prestige Tower shouts modern glam from 40 floors up.
The best hotels in Kyoto
FAUCHON Hotel Kyoto
A bold splash of Parisian glamour in the heart of Kyoto, FAUCHON Hotel masterfully blends two cultures under one roof. Authentic Japanese elements and French sophistication weave side by side through the property’s interiors, eateries and even its specially curated playlist that floods the public spaces. The Grand Cafe FAUCHON invites with city vistas and casual French cuisine, meanwhile Salon de Thé FAUCHON pairs classic Parisian afternoon tea with a nod to Japan’s refined artistry in dessert making.
Six Senses Kyoto
Minimalist design, signature Six Senses luxury, a sensory spa and a focus on eco-luxury make this boutique hotel the ideal spot to sink into serenity in Kyoto. With locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, sustainability leads the way at Sekki restaurant, and more than 100 Japanese spirits are waiting to be discovered at Nine Tails speakeasy bar.
The best hotels in Osaka
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Above the neon frenzy of Osaka, the glass-encased Swissotel Nankai offers a contemporary retreat in the clouds. Lazy afternoons are best spent at the Japanese bath and sauna or in the sprawling lap pool that’s framed by towering windows, flooding the space in natural light. For a spot of gourmet indulgence, dim sum, teppanyaki and modern European cuisine delight across the hotel’s five restaurants.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
If urban glam is what you’re after, then look no further than Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, soaring 33 floors above the city’s buzzing Namba entertainment district and featuring Japan’s very first SPA Cenvaree, complete with the brand’s signature Thai touch and award-winning reputation. Seven showstopping restaurants, floor-to-ceiling windows in every room and a rooftop oasis that calls for sunset cocktails crown this high-end retreat.
The best ski resorts in Japan
Hinode Hills Niseko Village
Kitted out with chic self-contained suites and a natural hot spring to soothe the muscles, this retreat is what ski-in, ski-out luxury is all about. Located in Hokkaido (Japan’s ski capital), Hinode Hills Niseko Village brings the slopes right to your door, without compromising on comfort or style. The onsite bistro provides tasty meals in between fun in the snow, and the nearby village boasts boutique shops and cosy eateries.
Chatrium Niseko Japan
Tucked away in Niseko’s powdery paradise, this is the crème de la crème of Japan’s ski hotels. There’s nothing better than warm comfort and luxury after a day in the snow, and Chatrium Niseko offers just that. Soothing colours, cosy fireplaces and fur details welcome you with open arms to the ultimate apres ski setting. Taste your way through the four onsite restaurants and enjoy easy access to the Grand Hirafu slopes.
Lotte Arai Resort
For a resort that pairs world-class powder with a treasure trove of onsite facilities, it doesn’t get much better than Lotte Arai. Here, you can shred some of the deepest snow in the country and return to unwind at the onsen; hop between the indoor and outdoor pools; indulge at one of 12 bars, restaurants and cafes; or experience Asia’s longest zip line.
Yu Kiroro
This winter haven offers something for all ages with indoor and outdoor onsens, a stone sauna and an inviting lounge area for parents, plus a dedicated kids’ space to keep the little ones occupied in between family outings on the slopes. Dedicated childcare services are on hand for that extra bit of freedom, and Yukashi Restaurant keeps guests fuelled all day long.
