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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.