From the blooming of cherry blossoms to the iconic cuisine and selection of head-turning destinations, there are countless reasons to fall in love with Japan. And in such a diverse country comes an equally varied collection of bucket list-worthy accommodation. Whether it’s a sky-high cocoon sitting high above the flickering city lights or an authentic ryokan tucked away in the wilderness, we’ve picked out a selection of the best hotels in Japan to get you inspired.
Aman Tokyo Spa
Tokyo
Boasting the largest hotel spa in Tokyo (and that’s quite a feat), the Aman Tokyo Spa is impressive in every way. The spa itself is two floors and 2,500 square metres of pure relaxation complete with onsen-style stone baths and a range of treatments that will leave you floating. The heavenly atmosphere also extends to the rooms with their enormous bathtubs and wonderfully un-hotel-like interiors — think delicate calligraphy scrolls, tatami floors and earthy ceramics. In the lobby, discover an Eden of flowing water and rock gardens (despite being 30-plus storeys above the city), and then settle into one of the spectacular dining experiences. Choose from Michelin-starred flair with ingredients fetched fresh from Tokyo’s famous fish market every morning to the Black Afternoon Tea of black bamboo meringues, dark chocolate creations, and black sesame scones.
Four Seasons Hotel
Kyoto
Surrounded by the stars of Kyoto’s historic temple district, the Four Seasons is a ravishing retreat beneath the mountains. The delights are in the details, from the subterranean swimming pool to one of the finest sushi restaurants in Kyoto, as well as exclusive access to a picturesque 800-year-old pond garden. You can even visit a tea house right on the water! The rooms are beautifully finished with hand-painted panels, fusama screen doors and huge bathrooms with even larger tubs. Hop in for a yuzu-infused bath, or head to the spa for delicious Japanese treatments like their specialty Sodashi gold-leaf facial. Outside, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Kyoto in the Four Seasons rickshaw, zipping from art museums to markets and trying your hand at calligraphy or flower arranging.
Iwaso Ryokan
Hiroshima / Mayajima Island
Just a boat ride away from Hiroshima, Mayajima Island and its famous ‘floating’ Torii Gate is one of the most scenic spots in Japan, and the Iwaso Ryokan one of the most charming and authentic places to stay. Set amongst wild and beautiful gardens, the architecture and decor is classically lovely and expansive windows reveal views of the Momijidani Valley, the Seto Inland Sea or the gardens. One of the most stand-out features is the spring-fed onsen with its indoor and outdoor baths. Deer have even been known to wander past the latter. Impeccably curated kaiseki meals are served at the low-slung tables in your room and the menus showcase freshly caught oysters, conger eel and grilled fish. And whilst you may not want to leave the comfort of your kimono and slippers, it’s worth venturing out to see the ancient Itsukushima Shrine or take a ride up the ropeway to the top of Mount Misen.
Conrad Osaka
Osaka
Glossy and chic, the Conrad is a hotel-cum-art-gallery with over 380 works scattered throughout its polished floors. As the lift doors open on the 40th-floor, you’ll step into a glow of cascading white orbs, the first of the installations — and the fun simply continues from there. The Conrad treats all of its guests like royalty, whether you’re enjoying a sake-infused bath or bamboo scrub at the spa, sipping a cocktail at the Sky Bar, or dining in one of the many fabulous restaurants (the wood-grilled seafood is always a favourite). The hotel enjoys pride of place on the urban island of Nakanoshima, where you can take your pick of art museums, concert halls and world-class restaurants before retreating back to your room, thoroughly stylish and uncluttered havens of Japanese aesthetics.
Hidatei Hanaougi
Takayama
Scenery deserving of an oil painting reaches in every direction as you make the thrilling train journey to Takayama — said to be one of the most scenic in Japan — a handsome town deep in the mountains. And from the moment you enter Hidatei Hanaougi, your host will take care of every detail of this authentic Japanese stay, even talking you through your kaiseki dinner from the local, Hida beef to the freshly-caught fish of the day. Much of your time here will be spent in the indoor or open-air onsen surrounded by pristine zen gardens, but there’s also plenty to see, whether you fancy exploring the Miyagawa morning market, sake breweries or the Hida No Sato Folk Village, or hiking into the bucolic countryside.
Hoshinoya Okinawa
Okinawa
Where the Ryukyu Archipelago meets the lapping East China Sea, and quaint roads pass through fields of sugarcane, you’ll find Hoshinoya. The modernist-style rooms and villas are surrounded by orchards of cherry, palm and papaya trees, all with stunning swathes of glass to let in the ocean view. The beachfront villas are by far the favourite, however, and all come with their own private pool. When you’re not gazing towards the horizon, visit the spa for a nature-infused treatment or enjoy one of the many activities: whale watching, diving and karate lessons, just to name a few. In the evening, Ryukyu music is performed from the centre of the infinity pool whilst you dine from an impressive menu that includes ingredients from Okinawa’s ‘farms of the sea.’
Gora Kadan
Hakone & Mount Fuji
Set amongst the pristine greenery of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Gora Kadan is the site of the Imperial family’s former retreat. Peace and relaxation are at the forefront of your stay, which you’ll experience fully in one of the hot spring baths (the most luxe suites have one all to themselves). The interiors are traditional and wonderful with shoji walls of rice paper, tatami floors and silk textiles, and the scent of cedar and incense mingling in the air. The area boasts a variety of picturesque hiking trails, art and heritage museums, and the famous Hakone Shrine. You can also cruise across the mirror-smooth Lake Ashi, watched over by Mount Fuji, or see it all from the air as you ride the ropeway.
Mandarin Oriental
Tokyo
With its super-slick and artfully-chosen decor, the Mandarin Oriental is a showcase for the handiwork of designer, Ryu Kosaka. Rooms are some of the largest in Tokyo and in a league of their own with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing views of the Tokyo Skytree and all the way to Mount Fuji. The Presidential Suite even has its own telescope to take in the sights from your top-floor perch. The hotel has a dozen stellar restaurants including the Tapas Molecular Bar, a culinary journey of deconstructed dishes, and spectacular private dining experiences in the wine cellar. At the spa, let yourself be lured in by pearl-infused body masks and custom-blended oils before enjoying a rickshaw tour of the area’s authentic, specialist shops, exploring the famous Tsukiji outer market, and taking in Tokyo’s fantastic art scene.
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Kyoto
Reached by a scenic journey both by train and boat, this riverside retreat is hidden amongst the forests fringing Kyoto. Omotenasho – Japan’s coveted tradition of hospitality – is at the heart of the ethos at Hoshinoya, and R&R is an important part of every day. A typical day starts with a morning of stretching in the Hidden Garden, followed by a wander through the flowers where pealing temple bells can be heard and deer canter by. Then, return to your room for a shiatsu massage or a delicious, herb-infused bath in the enormous, cypress-wood tubs. Can’t you just feel your shoulders sinking south? In the evening, kaiseki-style banquets featuring locally-sourced ingredients are served in the restaurant or in the privacy of your room, providing a superb ending to each day.
Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza
Hokkaido
Sitting on the shores of the picturesque Lake Akan, tranquility dwells in every corner of Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza. ‘Hina’ translates to mean ‘home’ and you’ll enjoy incredible hospitality at Hinanoza, whether it’s over a glass of matured sake in the library or at one of the Kaiseki dinners, served in a private dining room and with each course celebrating the seasonal ingredients found throughout Hokkaido. Accommodation-wise, every single room has its own outdoor onsen overlooking the lake where you can spend hours soaking in the thermal waters, and there’s always a footbath ready and waiting to soothe tired feet after a day of exploring. The hiking in particular is glorious, with trails winding through the endless peaks, lakes and valleys.
