Best Luxury Hotels in Japan

This was the first hotel in the country to become a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World™. It can be seen listed in the Michelin Guide Kansai, awarded 4 Red Pavilions (the highest rating possible in this division). Take a dip in the carbonated springs, detox in the nano mist sauna and take a rain mist shower at SPA＆ ESTHETIC La Chère. And dine at the French-style Restaurant Le Cœur Kobe, in Teppanyaki Kokoro and to the sound of jazz in Lounge and Bar Grand Bleu. The hotel’s name references musical suites, a theme that runs through the property. All 70 bedrooms feature an ocean-view terrace.

Guests got a first look at this new EDITION property at its opening on December 19th 2023. At the heart of fashionable Ginza, it has 86 bedrooms including 10 suites across 14 floors. The design has been created by Ian Schrager and Kengo Kuma, incorporating clean lines, cream tones, bespoke furnishings, curated artworks and glossy fixtures. There are four dining venues onsite; the Lobby Bar, Japan’s first-ever cocktail bar to major in punch (The Punch Room), a modern brasserie (Sophie at the EDITION) and an oasis-like rooftop bar (The Roof). The Tokyo EDITION also has a Technogym.

There’s so much to do at this Renaissance resort; its marine location is perfect for watersports and scuba diving and the programme of daily entertainment includes cultural performances by the likes of Okinawan Taiko Drummers, Ryukyu Koto players and local performing arts groups, plus there’s a range of activities, especially for kids. With no fewer than 10 restaurants and bars, guests have their choice of sushi, BBQ food, teppanyaki grills, Japanese specialities and French cuisine. Indoor and outdoor pools are available, plus there’s an onsite shop, fitness centre and enticing selection of excursions.

A single road curves across the beach to reach this hotel which appears to float on the sea. Its Seragaki Island location affords 360-degree views of the ocean. There are 343 guestrooms with open-air balconies (23 are in The Beach House with the remainder in The Island wing), six restaurants and a Hanari Spa offering treatments and activities based on the tenants of the physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual dimensions. Hyatt Regency is right beside the beach, but also has a private lagoon and a huge oceanside freeform pool that’s penned in by stone walls inspired by ancient Okinawa castles.

See Okinawa’s attractions via a complimentary driver service, when you stay at The Ritz-Carlton. The resort hotel benefits from being in the verdant grounds of the Kise Country Club, overlooking a large lagoon and the sea. Dine inside, or out on the terrace at Chura Nuhji, whose menu intrigues with Italian recipes made using Japanese ingredients, for a fusion effect. Or opt for teppanyaki prepared before you at Kise, and all-day international cuisine at Gusuku. There’s also a swimming pool and a spa, and you’ll be close to the beach and golf courses.

Hotel Indigo has introduced its fourth property in Japan, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, in the bustling capital city of Tokyo in collaboration with Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation. This neighbourhood-inspired hotel takes inspiration from Shibuya’s vibrant urban environment, with a ‘Kaleidoscopic Urban Jungle’ theme evident in its design, featuring fashion-led artworks adorned with denim and leather motifs reflecting Shibuya’s fashion culture. The 272-room hotel offers guests a unique selection of vinyl records in each room, celebrating Shibuya’s music culture, along with stunning views of Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji. The newly opened restaurant, Gallery 11, showcases Shibuya’s rich culture through captivating artworks and serves a fusion of Mediterranean cuisine with a Japanese twist, using fresh local ingredients. The hotel also features Shibrewya, a neighbourhood café offering freshly brewed coffee and Instagram-worthy waffles in the shape of Hachiko, Shibuya’s iconic Akita dog statue. Situated within walking distance of Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya provides a prime location for exploring the city’s popular shopping and dining districts, offering a blend of architectural wonders, cultural experiences, and urban parks.

Marunouchi’s big sister hotel occupies the top six floors of a 39-storey skyscraper and accommodates 190 bedrooms. Within a stone’s throw of the Gardens of the Imperial Palace, it has an especially regal, and green outlook. Inside are two restaurants with outdoor terraces and a 1920s-era bar; a spa featuring a 3-D installation that was inspired by Issey Miyake textiles; a 20-metre swimming pool; and traditional soaking baths. For the best suites, book one on the 34th to the 38th floors — these were artfully designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston.

This Pan Pacific Hotel provides jaw-dropping bird’s eye views from its perch on floors 39 to 47 and with bedroom windows seven meters wide. It’s a brand new arrival, opened in the forward-thinking and vibrant district of Shinjuku on the 19th May 2023. Its highlights include a three-storey restaurant and a spa that celebrates the country’s four seasons and terroir. The decor is seductive, with dark interiors contrasted by crisp white bedding. If arriving by air, the hotel will gladly send their limo along to whisk you here with ease.

Set on the 40th to 45th floors of Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, this latest offering from Bulgari launched with a star-studded event. Celebrities, including brand ambassador Anne Hathaway, graced the opulent new spaces and the hotel was linked to the pink diamond (it’s customary for each of the Maison’s properties to be linked to a precious gem) as a nod to Japanese culture and specifically, pink blossom. Highlights here include the spa, the rooftop Bulgari Bar and Terrace Gardens with wonderful views of the city. For the best room in the house, book the impressive 400 sqm Bulgari Suite.

Japan’s first EDITION hotel is the work of Ian Schrager and architect Kengo Kuma. Housed in a 38-story skyscraper, it’s a funky international property that’s ready to party. There are three places to eat a drink; The Gold Room (a funky setting for drinks and snacks), The Blue Room (all-day dining) and The Jade Room (for fancy food and discovery wine pairings). At the centre of the property lies the swimming pool, but rather than muted tones and spa sounds, it’s equipped with disco lighting. Appealing to a hip crowd of residents, and locals visiting for the cool DJ beats, it has a relaxed and 21st-century vibe.

Marunouchi’s big sister hotel occupies the top six floors of a 39-storey skyscraper and accommodates 190 bedrooms. Within a stone’s throw of the Gardens of the Imperial Palace, it has an especially regal, and green outlook. Inside are two restaurants with outdoor terraces and a 1920s-era bar; a spa featuring a 3-D installation that was inspired by Issey Miyake textiles; a 20-metre swimming pool; and traditional soaking baths. For the best suites, book one on the 34th to the 38th floors — these were artfully designed by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston.

Choose the Roppongi and Akasaka districts as your base for your time in Tokyo, with a stay at the Grand Hyatt. It’s been around for two decades, catering to a wide clientele with its global approach to hospitality. Food is a highlight here; on the sixth floor, you’ll find a great sushi restaurant, Roku Roku. But there are many other options besides, including Maduro and the French Kitchen. There’s also a pool (and suites with private pools if you’d rather not share). The Grand Hyatt is set in Shinjuku Park Tower, Tokyo’s second tallest building soaring 52 storeys.