Best Luxury Hotels in Japan

Marking Rosewood’s debut in Japan, Rosewood Miyakojima offers an ultra-luxury escape on a secluded peninsula in Miyakojima, an island renowned for its pristine beaches and rich Ryukyu culture. Featuring 55 beachfront and ocean-view villas, the resort blends seamlessly with nature through sustainable design by Studio Piet Boon. Guests can indulge in four distinctive dining venues, including the oceanfront seafood restaurant MAAS and the Japanese-Italian fusion eatery NAGI, as well as a wellness sanctuary at Asaya Spa, which offers Okinawan-inspired treatments and holistic experiences. A range of nature-inspired adventures, from snorkeling with sea turtles to traditional Japanese crafts, immerse guests in the island’s unique heritage. Designed for both families and couples, the resort features the Rosewood Explorers Club for young guests, while its private pavilions and infinity pool provide the ultimate sanctuary. Combining spiritual tranquility with bespoke luxury, Rosewood Miyakojima sets a new standard for hospitality in Japan.

Within walking distance of the station, subway and buses (all reached within 15 minutes on foot), the Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel is a convenient place to lay your head while discovering Sapporo. A popular feature is the steamy hot bath in the basement, enabling tourists to ease aching muscles after a day’s pounding the streets or a long journey. 318 double, twin and triple bedrooms and stateroom suites with separate living areas are available to book, each decorated in earthy, muted tones. There’s also a gym, a full-service spa and a buffet restaurant onsite.

The Hilton places you just five minutes on foot from the Peace Park and ten minutes from the vibrant Heiwa-Odori district. Contemporary bedrooms and suites have views that include the Miyajima Islands, Ogonzan Mountains, the ocean and the city skyline and all offer the brand’s Sweet Dreams Sleep Experience (serenity beds, signature bedding, blackout blinds and pillow menus). Flexible workstations ensure the property is popular with business travellers. Plus you’ll find four stylishly designed places to eat and drink onsite: Flow Lounge, Sensui (for sushi, teppanyaki and kaiseki by a Michelin-starred chef), Mosaik and Zatta.

Right beside the bullet train station and bus terminal, the Sheraton is handy for onward travel and sightseeing. It accommodates 238 bedrooms in a skyscraper building, where Western decor is fused with contemporary Japanese style; many floor-to-ceiling windows provide an airy feel and wood-clad walls create an inviting warmth. Guests can dine all day on a wide variety of dishes at Bridges, or on authentic national cuisine at Miyabi-Tei and indulge in some treatments, or go for a swim at its Shine Spa for Sheraton. Book a Club Suite for access to its treat-filled Club Lounge.

Rising from between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, the Conrad’s home (Nakanoshima Festival West Tower) soars upwards, affording its inhabitants some impressive vistas. Service is tailored and room controls are all digital (even the drapes), for a thoroughly modern experience surrounded by classic comforts; USB ports, speakers, espresso machines and multi-language alarm clocks are all available in your bedroom or suite. The Conrad in Osaka has six swish dining options, including a skybar, a grill specialising in crustaceans such as Alaskan king crabs, a “food library” and a sleek 40th floor teppanyaki eatery. Visit the spa for detoxifying baths, facials, body therapies and massages inspired by ancient rituals.

Pay a visit to the InterContinental for some Michelin starred cuisine at the Pierre restaurant or for some time soaking in the waters of its traditional bathhouse. Then stay awhile in one of the 272 bedrooms with a Bose sound system and Nespresso machine, or for an extended period, check into a multiple bedroom residence. The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool, a jet bath and a sauna, with immersive spa treatments and holistic packages, as well as further eateries; Noka Roast and Grill, the 3-60, Adee and the Stressed Patisserie.

The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is a modern take on the Japanese Ryokan, a traditional inn, and it does not disappoint. The hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese tranquillity with modern touches to make it not only a luxury hotel but an experience. The hotel’s rooms and suites have spectacular views of the city and are spacious yet comfortable. The rooms are equipped with king size beds, marble bathrooms and luxury amenities. The hotel’s spa is on its 36th floor and gazes out over the city below, it is home to the panoramic swimming pool, sauna, gym, and treatment rooms. The hotel’s dedicated concierge team are also always on hand to arrange experiences for guests, taking any stress out of your time in Osaka. The hotel is home to a variety of dining options which include the Jiang Nan Chun Chinese restaurant, a Sushi restaurant and the Farine, an exquisite tea shop and bakery.

Guests from all over the world are invited to embrace a unique luxury getaway at Ace Hotel Kyoto where a range of deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites are waiting to offer peace and quiet in the ancient capital of Japan. The hotel’s rooms are designed to blend classic and contemporary as well as incorporate Eastern and Western charm. This functional hotel boasts a unique selection of eateries which offer delicious international dishes made specially from local produce – guests are welcome to choose from Kosa, Piopiko, and Mr. Maurice’s Italian. There is also a  chic rooftop bar, afternoon tea room and Japan’s first Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Ace Hotel Kyoto features stylish event spaces for you to choose from which are suitable for any event and make for the perfect wedding venue. This hotel frequently offers packages and special offers so be sure not to miss out!

THE THOUSAND KYOTO is ideally located just two minutes from the city’s JR Kyoto Station Central Gate and makes sightseeing a breeze thanks to numerous convenient transport links. There are a range of guestroom options, including seven suite types, which all offer a minimalist haven for guests to unwind in contemporary comfort. THE THOUSAND KYOTO restaurant serveslocal and international dishes while there are a range of beverages waiting to be tasted at café TEA & BAR. There is also an extensive in-room dining menu which allows guests to indulge in Japanese and Italian cuisine from the comfort of their own room or suite. Authentic, traditional Japanese spa treatments are featured in THE THOUSAND SPA where ancient practices based on the principles of Buddhism and incorporating tea can be enjoyed. This hotel is an idyllic and modern venue for hosting a fairy tale wedding thanks to stunning event and banquet spaces and sensational catering options.

In 2019 the InterContinental opened its second property in the port city of Yokohama, with 173 guestrooms and suites ranging from 45 to 133 square metres and providing great port views. The hotel echoes its location with a gentle nautical theme. Ascend to the Pier 8 rooftop and you may feel like you’re on one of the cruise ships you can see sail past. Dine in the Larboard Restaurant and Bar on yōshoku (local versions of European dishes). It serves a half-buffet style breakfast, an à la carte lunch and a table d’hôte dinner menu. Or pop into the Katabami sushi bar for food. There’s also a spa, courtyard and fitness centre.

The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama is in the Minato Mirai 21 neighbourhood and launched in 2020. A gleaming mirrored glass exterior is complemented by modern interior design, incorporating both geometric patterns and alternative, curved aesthetics. Omotenashi (the commitment to wholeheartedly look after guests) runs deep here, so you can expect attentive five-star service. There are 137 bedrooms, restaurants serving Italian and Japanese meals, special excursions for guests, a spa and fitness centre and a pool looking over Rinko Park and the tree-lined boulevard towards the port.

Coming from an international brand that places an emphasis on wellness, this hotel is just a year old and the sixth Westin in Japan. Naturally, the spa, with its indoor pool area is a draw. There are five places to eat onsite; Brasserie du Quai serving French cuisine, Kissui-sen for contemporary Japanese food, the Iron Bay grill on the 23rd floor, Code Bar and Sugar Merchant overlooking Mount Fuji (do try the themed afternoon teas and arrive early for the best window seats). 373 bedrooms are bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, ultra-modern bathrooms and tea/coffee-making sets.