Best hotels in Japan

The Hilton Kyoto sits in the vibrant center of the city, just 15 minutes from JR Kyoto Station. Discover nearby world heritage sites, Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as the popular downtown area Gion and the Nishiki market. Head to the hotels seasonal rooftop bar to enjoy stunning views across the city. During your stay enjoy the fitness center, indoor pool, and spa.

As this hotel offers a view of islands floating among the waves, the art in the hotel also focuses on the natural beauty of the Seto Inland Sea. The hotel features art pieces designed for the area, including a carpet in the lobby featuring a sunset view of the Seto Inland Sea, and artwork in the guest rooms featuring oysters and lemons, two of the hotel's specialties.

Azumi Setoda inherits the legacy of Horiuchi-tei, a 140 year old estate that originally belonged to the influential Horiuchi Family. Active in the salt trade from the early Edo Period in the 17th century, the family expanded to become the largest salt barons on Ikuchijima island by the Meiji Period. Their estate’s proximity to the Setoda port, and the island’s location in the middle of the Seto Inland Sea, made for an optimal location to operate ships that carried salt – and later coal – across the Kitamaebune route from the Seto Inland Sea up to Hokkaido.

A village hidden in the mountains of Hida, borrowing the landscape of Mount Norikura

Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture ranks as the city with the largest area in Japan. It has been famous as a city in the mountains with a flourishing culture of town people, but in the south of the downtown there is "Wanosato", embraced by sacred mountains, with the Miyagawa river valley at our feet.

Nature has been left untouched on the most of the vast grounds of approximately 45,000 sqm, allowing guests to enjoy each moment in any season. All the eight unique guest rooms boast a sense of history and Japanese culture, and are built in the ways of Hida region to be cool in summer and warm in winter.

Dinner around the sunken hearth in the main building will feature local people eager to tell you a variety of folk tales. Please enjoy the stories about gassho-zukuri and Hida's history, about various cultural elements concerning plant and food culture, along with our traditional alcoholic beverage "kapposake".

Mercure Hida Takayama is just a 5-minute walk from Takayama Station, giving you exceptionally easy access to tourism in Hida Takayama! At Mercure Hida Takayama you are invited to enjoy the hot spring baths and to relax your muscles in their calming waters. Delight in the hotels cuisine made with seasonal ingredients and enjoy a luxurious experience that is truly unique to this hotel.

Standing on the hill leading to Shiroyama Park and the remains of Takayama Castle, surrounded by greenery, Hoshokaku is about three-minute walk from Jinya early-morning market, the old town and other popular sightseeing spots. An authentic Japanese style inn, it prides itself on its tranquil atmosphere. Upon entering the hotel, visitors’ eyes are drawn to the imposing ceiling beams and the tatami passageway leading off the hall. The Japanese-style rooms display the beauty and skill of Hida architecture and craftsmen, while the western and combined Japanese-western rooms offer luxurious comfort.

Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan is a high-quality relaxing space for adults, nestled in the old townscape of Hida Takayama. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay as they immerse themselves in the hotels peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. Guests can also explore the various areas around the town as well as enjoy local delicacies at the towns restaurants, known for it's Hida beef as well as Takayama ramen.

Gora Hanaougi invites you to spend a luxurious time enjoying the changing seasons of Hakone in your room or at the hot springs. The inside of the hotel is a comfortable space with the slight scent of trees. The tatami floor allows you to relax barefoot after taking a bath or having a meal. Gora Hanaougi is a 3-minute walk from Sounzan Station, the terminal point of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. It is also convenient for sightseeing in Hakone.

This is the closest inn to Hakone's top tourist spot, "Susuki no Hara." All rooms have an open-air bath, so you can enjoy the hot springs whenever and as much as you like without any worries.

Perched on a quiet hillside overlooking the Tonomine peaks, this intimate ryokan offers a proper introduction to Japanese hot spring culture without the eye-watering price tag of Hakone's more famous establishments. Part of the venerable Ichinoyu Group – whose flagship property has been welcoming guests since 1630 – this particular outpost combines traditional ryokan rituals with a few modern comforts. The setting is wonderfully secluded despite being a mere three-minute taxi hop from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to the region. Surrender to the rhythm of ryokan life: soak in natural alkaline waters known for leaving skin silky-smooth, don your yukata, and prepare for a kaiseki dinner that has guests returning year after year. It's the sort of place where the real luxury lies not in marble and gilding, but in the unhurried pleasure of a private hot spring bath on your balcony as dusk settles over the mountains.

Across the sea from Hiroshima, Miyajima has long been known as one of the most scenic places in Japan. Sitting on the island's very popular Omotesando Avenue (the shopping is fantastic!), the Kurayado Iroha Ryokan couldn't have a better view of the island's floating Torii Gate and shimmering water beyond. Staying true to its very authentic roots, a stay at the Kurayado Iroha is all about bubbling, spring-fed baths and kaiseki cuisine prepared with local ingredients, including vegetables from the Chugoku Mountains and seafood caught fresh every day. Become absorbed by the magic of Miyajima Island as you wander from shrine to shrine, and take in the splendid views.