Best hotels in Japan

Famous the world over, Hiroshima is a city of great poignancy and determination, traits that are at the forefront of nearly every excursion. Nestled in the heart of the city, the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel is a well-established spot with fantastic access to some of Hiroshima's most iconic sights. It happens to be just a five-minute walk from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Unlike many chain hotels, the ANA Crowne Plaza exudes warmth and hospitality that instantly makes you feel at home. After a day of taking in the sights and shopping up a storm, head to the lounge for afternoon tea or evening cocktails.

After rolling amongst the hills and rivers, temples and shrines on the train ride to Takayama, regarded as one of the most scenic in Japan, you’ll be delighted to enter the serenity of Hidatei Hanaougi. Surrounded by lush Zen gardens where vines and flowering trees are reflected in koi ponds, comfort is of the utmost importance here… Upon arrival, you’ll meet your personal host who will take care of you from welcome drinks until the moment they wave you off. When you’re not relaxing, take the opportunity to explore Takayama. Hidden deep in the Japanese Alps, the city offers a fascinating glimpse into life as it was hundreds of years ago.

Enveloped by a sea of greenery in the foothills of the misty Hakone Mountains, the Ginyu Spa Resort feels far, far away from reality. And yet, you can still reach the central town in a few minutes to enjoy Hakone's museums and art galleries. The resort blends the classic architecture of Japan with the blissful atmosphere of a Balinese spa. Upon arrival, you'll be charmed by the waiting staff before changing into your yukata (kimono-style outfit) and making a beeline for the infinity onsen (bath) where you can soak for a few hours, revived by cups of tea and sake.

A spirit of hospitality and culinary dedication that has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 400 years.

Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto gives you direct access to the history, activities, and nature of Miyajima, allowing guests to enjoy a reinvigorating and relaxing time away from everyday life. At Arimoto, the oldest traditional Japanese inn in Miyajima, you will receive genuine hospitality from the moment you arrive until you depart.

Deep in the Kiso Valley, a centuries-old farmhouse perches on a hillside above rice paddies and thick forest, looking much as it has since samurai walked the trails below. This is Zenagi, Japan's first 'expedition hotel', and it operates on a beautiful, simple premise: one group at a time, with a private chef, butler and guide dedicated entirely to you. The restored kominka is filled with black lacquer floors, washi-paper walls and furniture carved by locals, turning the whole place into a living gallery of Kiso craftsmanship. By day, former Olympic athletes lead you through gorges, along ancient samurai trails and into forests that are otherwise off-limits. It's deeply personal, wildly adventurous and utterly unlike anything else in Japan.

Enjoying a prime location beside the peaceful Dojima River, the Mitsui Garden Hotel is a retreat from Osaka's frenetic energy. Although, it is just a short walk away from prominent subway stations meaning the sights of Osaka are perfectly within grasp. From the rooftop lounge at the hotel, the cityscape is laid out like a 3D map, and you'll enjoy plotting out the next day's exploits over an evening aperitif. From head-spinning museums and beautiful gardens to the famous neon lights of Dotonbori, there is a million things vying for your attention - and after a fulfilling day, what could be better than an in-room massage to wind down with?

Forming part of the ancient Nakasendo route, one of the main connections between Edo and Kyoto, the Kiso Valley is a stunning location from which to explore Alpine Japan. With a name inspired by the beauty of its rivers and mountains, Yama Mizuki Urara Tsutaya is, needless to say, surrounded by astonishing scenery. The ryoken's design celebrates these views from every corner including the large, spring-fed onsen, which looks out across the mountains. It is authentic in every sense of the word, from the dining to the array of activities on offer – and you can even learn about local crafts and cooking, among other things.

Sapporo is one of Japan's most liveable cities – spacious, grid-planned, and blessed with excellent food, craft beer, and easy access to both ski slopes and seafood markets. Opened in December 2025, the hotel sits just a four-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station, with direct access to the underground walkway that keeps you sheltered from winter's bite. The design threads Hokkaido's earthy tones throughout, and facilities punch above typical city-hotel weight: a grill restaurant showcasing local produce, a guest-only public bath, and a Premium Lounge with terrace views for those in higher-tier rooms. It's a polished base for exploring the city's ramen alleys, craft breweries, and – come February – the famous Snow Festival.

Perched on a forested hilltop overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, this is a refreshingly relaxed base for exploring one of Japan's most extraordinary corners. The Shiretoko Peninsula – whose Ainu name means 'the end of the earth' – earned UNESCO status for good reason: brown bears patrol the coastline, orcas cruise the waters, and drift ice transforms the sea each winter. Back at the resort, the approach is decidedly Scandinavian-inspired, embracing 'hygge' – that cosy, unhurried contentment the Danes do so well. With all-inclusive drinks, a recently renovated onsen, excellent buffet dining and genuinely warm service, it's a comfortable cocoon from which to venture into the wild.

Nagasaki is one of those Japanese cities that catches you off guard. Centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese influence have left their mark on everything from the churches to the noodles, and the whole place has a cosmopolitan energy that feels unlike anywhere else in Japan. Perched in the Minamiyamate district at the base of the famous Glover Garden hill, the Crowne Plaza makes its case almost entirely on location. It's a reliable IHG property — clean, well-staffed and recently spruced up — and while it won't win any design awards, having Nagasaki's two UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Gunkanjima tour boats practically on your doorstep is hard to beat.

Fukuoka is Japan's under-the-radar culinary capital – the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen and home to over a hundred yatai food stalls that light up the streets each evening. Sitting right beside Hakata Station (connected by an underground walkway, no less), Miyako Hotel is a polished, modern base with a few tricks up its sleeve. Opened in 2019, the hotel is wrapped in glass and greenery, with natural hot springs feeding a rooftop spa that looks out over the city skyline. Rooms are generous by Japanese standards, the food leans into Kyushu's seasonal produce, and Fukuoka Airport is a mere five-minute subway ride away.

Tucked into the forests above Beppu, Japan's undisputed onsen capital, Showaen is a near-century-old ryokan with a backstory as rich as its mineral-laden waters. The site was once a thriving Edo-era gold mine, and when the diggers struck hot spring water instead of ore, a rather wonderful Plan B was born. Today, nine standalone villas are scattered across a sprawling 6,000-tsubo estate of manicured Japanese gardens, each with its own private onsen fed directly from the old gold veins below. Seasonal kaiseki dinners are served course by course in your room by a dedicated attendant, and the quiet is so complete you'll hear nothing but birdsong and trickling water.

In the pilgrimage town of Kotohira, just at the foot of the forested Mount Zozu in a quiet, unhurried corner of Shikoku, sits a ryokan that's been welcoming travellers since 1627. Originally an inn for pilgrims visiting the revered Konpirasan shrine, Kotohira Kadan has hosted Japan's literary greats, imperial family members and countless souls who arrive to climb the famous 1,368 stone steps to pray. Today, it's a layered property that sprawls across hillside gardens with heritage cottages, renovated guest wings and Konpira Onsen's skin-softening hot spring water known locally as 'The Great Beauty's Bath'.

Located just a 1-minute walk from Uno Station and a 3-minute walk from Uno Port, this conveniently situated location is ideal as a base for exploring the Seto Inland Sea and its islands, expanding the possibilities of your trip. The sea breeze and beautiful scenery are right beside you, as the hotel offers Superior Twin, Premium Deluxe, and Corner Suites that all feature balconies with ocean views. Enjoy the beautiful, ever-changing scenery of the Seto Inland Sea to your heart's content.

On the west coast of Okinawa's Main Island, where the East China Sea shows off its best turquoise, this is the first Halekulani to open beyond Hawaii (the Waikiki original has been going since 1917). It runs along a mile of coastline inside the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, a short hop from the sea-cliff drama of Cape Manzamo. The look is pale and calm, all 'seven shades of white' chosen to throw the blues and greens outside into clarity. Everything carries a noted polish, plus a genuine longevity story: Onna sits in one of the world's original Blue Zones. Aloha, Ryukyu-style.

Kumejima sits a lonely 90 kilometres west of Okinawa's Main Island, reachable by a short hop from Naha or a slower ferry that gives you time to properly check out. Cypress Resort bows in a long curve along Ohara Shinri Beach, so every room, and the infinity pool out front, faces nothing but sea, coral reef and the odd propeller plane taking off from the airstrip next door. Days here revolve around boat trips out to Hatenohama, the seven-kilometre sandbar locals call the most beautiful stretch of water in the East, and evenings on a barbecue terrace with the sunset for company. Kumejima doesn't try hard. It doesn't need to.

Irabu Island sits at the western edge of Okinawa's Miyako group, reached via a 3,540-metre bridge that arcs over water so clear the locals christened it 'Irabu Blue'. IRAPH SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, occupies a coveted stretch of coast, each room facing the sea and several with their own plunge pool. Days unfold around an infinity pool that appears to spill straight into the ocean, a spa drawing on Miyako sea salt and sun, and a French restaurant turning local wagyu and reef fish into something rather special. Sunsets here are dreamy beyond belief – you won't want to miss one.

Ishigaki sits at the southern tip of Japan, where the Yaeyama Islands trail off towards Taiwan and coral reefs turn the sea into something closer to stained glass. On a forested cliff at the island's less-crowded northern end, JUSANDI is a five-villa retreat named after yusandi, the local word for sunset, and it takes watching that sunset seriously. Architect Norihiko Dan built the place in whitewashed curves that somehow don't look out of place against the palms and Ryukyu limestone. A three-minute walk through the forest delivers you to a blue cave that feels more like a secret than a tourist stop. It's become something of a honeymoon institution here, for good reason.

A city filled with ancient and fascinating structures, serene gardens and hundreds upon hundreds of temples, Kyoto is a feast for the eyes. You’ll stroll down quaint alleyways where Geisha hurry from one function to the next in a wave of colour, discover the peace of and splendid architecture of the city’s most famous temples and delve into Japanese cuisine, declared UNESCO Intangible World Heritage at Nishiki Market. Located on Oike Street in the centre of the city, the Royal Park Hotel is well-placed to explore the many facets of Kyoto. Inspired by traditional townhouses, the hotel’s design retains a sense of heritage.

Made infamous by the dropping of the Atomic Bomb during World War II, Hiroshima has been nearly entirely rebuilt, blossoming into a beautiful city filled with tranquil shrines, parks and riverside cafes. Well-positioned right in the hub of the action, the Sheraton is a fantastic hotel that checks every box. We're talking plenty of dining options, an indoor pool and the Sheraton's signature beds that ensure a superb night's rest. But by no means will you spend every moment inside; remember the tragic loss of life at the Peace Memorial Park, take in a Samurai performance, or make a day trip to the sublime Miyajima Island.

Looking distinctly like an abstract art installation peeking out from a pristine red pine forest, Hoshinoya is Japan's answer to glamping. The stacked grey cubes are actually a collection of cabins where light streams in through floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly framing views of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji beyond. Doesn't sound like glamping? Well, think again. On arrival, you'll be kitted out with stylish rucksacks, binoculars and a map, before being led through the forest to your cabin. Most of life takes place outdoors at Hoshinoya, including the food with pizza making in a clay oven. And we haven't even mentioned the activities yet...

Designed by architect Fumihiko Sano, this hotel blends the timeless beauty of traditional Japanese architecture with modern design. The design, where history and contemporary sensibilities resonate, provides guests with a high-quality stay and a deeply moving experience.

The guest rooms, where the warmth of natural wood harmonizes with modern design, feature art and interiors that evoke a sense of Japanese aesthetics. You can spend a relaxing time in a space that is simple yet imbued with the beauty of Japanese style .

Perched directly above Osaka's main train station like a city within a city, Hotel Granvia Osaka has a staggering 726 rooms across a towering complex that's equal parts convenience and controlled chaos. With the Shinkansen just minutes away and underground shopping labyrinths at your feet, you can quite literally plug straight into Japan's famously efficient transport network - both Kyoto and Kobe are a direct 30-minute train ride away. The hotel itself splits its personality between the practical Standard Floors and the rather more polished Granvia Floor suites at the top. Eight dining venues span everything from teppanyaki theatrics to French-Italian fusion, whilst the executive lounge offers a breather from the station buzz below.

Perched as the tallest hotel in the Hokuriku region, this luxurious destination offers an exceptional blend of modern amenities and cultural richness. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of Kanazawa's historic and cultural landscape from the 17th floor and above. The proximity to Kanazawa Station makes it a perfect base for exploring the city's famed gardens, art museums, and traditional neighbourhoods. Its unique location and offerings provide a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and cultural immersion.

Perched at the end of the Nagano Railway line, Yudanaka, a compact hot spring village, has been drawing visitors for over 1,300 years - and Hotel Tsubakino makes a thoroughly likeable base from which to soak it all in. A modern ryokan steps from the station, it pairs traditional Japanese hospitality with rooftop onsen overlooking the Northern Alps, seasonal kaiseki dinners starring Shinshu beef, and easy access to the famous macaques of Jigokudani.

See why so many travellers make Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo their hotel of choice when visiting Chuo. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a quiet setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers and holidaymakers alike.

With centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese influence, Nagasaki is a fascinating blend of cobbled lanes, varied food and architecture. Perched above JR Nagasaki Station with views stretching across the harbour to Mount Inasa, the sleek Nagasaki Marriott makes an excellent base for exploring. The Shinkansen platform is quite literally downstairs, there's a shopping mall next door, and the city's trams rattle past below. It's definitely on the larger side (there are 207 rooms in total), but the genuinely warm staff and thoughtful nods to Nagasaki's seafaring past give it more personality than you'd expect from a big-brand property.

Oita Prefecture pumps out more hot spring water than anywhere else in Japan — and handily, the Hokke Club is right in the centre of it. An eight-minute stroll from Oita Station and slap-bang in the Miyakomachi entertainment district, it's a practical springboard for soaking your way through Beppu's famous onsen (twenty minutes by train) and the gentler ryokan town of Yufuin. The rooms won't win design awards, but the Simmons beds are genuinely comfortable, and the top-floor bathhouse has views across the city. And then there's the breakfast buffet, laden with Oita's regional specialities and a treat every morning!