Best Luxury Hotels in Japan

With high-tech meeting rooms, the AC Hotel by Marriott is popular with business people, while its proximity to two subway stations (five minutes away) and location in buzzy Ginza, makes it ideal for tourists. Twin and king-size rooms are available, with the larger categories providing separate sitting areas. All have a minimal, soothing decor with amenities created to make the best use of the space and to reduce clutter. Guests can dine in the onsite AC Kitchen (inside and terrace seating is available with a leafy outlook), or in the AC Lounge. The fitness centre is open around the clock, ideal for those wanting a workout in the wee small hours, when still on British time.

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.

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.

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.

Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is Hilton’s first lifestyle brand hotel in Japan, opened in September 2024 within the new Grand Green Osaka development. This is not traditional luxury. This is personality, playfulness and connection to place. The design concept, ‘Hack Osaka’ sees the city’s energy and culture through the creative lens of art installations, bold graphics and clever details throughout.