Japan boasts numerous luxury hotels offering breathtaking views, relaxing hot springs, and exquisite Japanese cuisine made from local ingredients.
In this edition, we present the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Japan, renowned for providing the ultimate experience.
Be sure to use this list as a reference when choosing a hotel to spend a special occasion with your loved ones.
How is the quality of hotels in Japan?
When looking at reviews from international tourists on travel websites, many comments highlight the excellent service and heartfelt hospitality of Japanese hotels.
Luxury hotels in Japan offer breathtaking views of vast natural landscapes such as the sea, mountains, highlands, and islands from the guest rooms.
They are equipped with indoor and outdoor baths that use natural hot spring water, providing an exceptional level of relaxation.
These hotels also feature top-notch facilities, including private beaches visible from relaxing terrace spaces, golf courses under the blue sky, fine dining restaurants, and 24-hour luxurious spas, ensuring a truly elevated experience.
Introducing Japan’s Finest Hotels
The hotels we are about to introduce offer a perfect blend of modern luxury and traditional Japanese ambiance, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of a ryokan.
One of the highlights is the exquisite cuisine, made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in an extraordinary experience?
HOSHINOYA Tokyo / Tokyo
Hoshino Resorts operates luxurious hotels in various resort areas such as Karuizawa, Fuji, Kyoto, and Taketomi Island, each boasting expansive grounds.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo, which opened in July 2016 near Tokyo Station, is designed to resemble a traditional Japanese inn throughout the entire building.
As an urban oasis, it has quickly garnered high praise from many tourists.
The guest rooms, reminiscent of Japanese ryotei (traditional restaurants), feature tatami sofas, allowing international visitors to experience the charm of old Japan while staying in the city.
On the top floor, the “Otemachi Onsen” offers natural hot springs until 3 AM, providing a perfect way to unwind and soothe travel fatigue.
Phone Number:0570-073-066
Access:Marunouchi Line, Otemachi Station, Exit A1 Limousine bus available from the airport to HOSHINOYA
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyatokyo/
Amanemu / Mie
Operated by Aman Resorts, Amanemu is a luxurious hotel located in Ise-Shima, overlooking the coastline of Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture.
The name “Amanemu” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Aman,” meaning peace, and the Japanese word “Nemu,” meaning joy.
Mie and Shima, known as sacred places with ancient legends of Japanese gods, are surrounded by tranquil forests and a sea rich in pearl cultivation culture.
At Aman Spa, you can enjoy a wellness experience on a vast 2,000 square meter site with stunning views of Ago Bay, featuring outdoor bathing facilities, thermal springs, treatments, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
Phone Number:0599-52-5000
Access:About 20 minutes by taxi from Kintetsu Line, Kashikojima Station
https://www.aman.com/ja-jp/resorts/amanemu
Setouchi Retreat Aonagi / Ehime
Located in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Setouchi Retreat Aonagi is a luxurious hotel designed and built by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.
With only seven suites, each room offers expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea through large glass windows, providing a sense of openness with outdoor pools and hot spring jacuzzis.
The hotel features rooms with open-air baths, Matsuyama hot springs, and spa facilities, offering a relaxing environment.
In 2018, it was recognized as a top-tier hotel in the “Michelin Guide Hiroshima & Ehime,” gaining instant fame.
Phone Number:089 977 9500
Access:35 minutes by car from JR Matsuyama Station
https://setouchi.by-onko-chishin.com/
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto / Kyoto
Located near the bustling districts of Gion and Pontocho in the ancient city of Kyoto, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto is a premier luxury hotel that represents the essence of Kyoto.
The hotel features traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship, creating an authentic Kyoto atmosphere.
It boasts 134 spacious rooms, the largest in the city, including suites with views of Japanese gardens and moon-viewing terraces.
Nestled quietly along the banks of the Kamogawa River, the hotel offers a serene environment where guests can enjoy the scenic views of the Higashiyama mountains from their rooms.
Guests can also indulge in Kyoto’s traditional cuisine at the hotel’s kaiseki restaurant, savor classic modern Italian dishes, and enjoy gourmet dining and bar experiences.
Phone Number:075-746-5555
Access:About a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/ja/hotels/ukyrz-the-ritz-carlton-kyoto/overview/
The St. Regis Osaka / Osaka
Located in a prime spot along the bustling Midosuji Avenue, The St. Regis Osaka combines the world-renowned tradition of St. Regis with Japanese hospitality, making it a top-tier hotel.
As the only St. Regis in Japan, it is the perfect choice for those looking to make their visit to Osaka truly memorable.
Surrounded by business buildings, luxury brand boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants and cafes, all within walking distance, the hotel offers a convenient and vibrant environment.
Experience the luxurious butler service that St. Regis is famous for, catering to the world’s most distinguished guests.
Phone Number:06-6258-3333
Access:Directly at Exit 7 of Honmachi Station on the Midosuji Line
https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka/overview/
The Tokyo Station Hotel / Tokyo
With a history spanning over 100 years since its establishment in 1915, The Tokyo Station Hotel is directly connected to the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station, offering a convenient location within the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building.
This hotel, housed within the red-brick station building designated as an Important Cultural Property, is beloved by celebrities and literary figures for its elegant stay and top-notch service.
The hotel features 150 rooms, including maisonette-type and dome-side rooms, spread across the 2nd to 4th floors of the station building.
Even the standard rooms offer a spacious area of approximately 40m², providing a quiet space to unwind and rejuvenate from your travels.
Phone Number:+81-3-5220-1112
Access:Directly connected to JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit.
About a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station.
https://www.tokyostationhotel.jp/
Hoshinoya Karuizawa / Nagano
Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a luxury hotel proudly operated by Hoshino Resorts, is a premier destination in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, the guest rooms are designed like individual cottages, offering views of Japan’s picturesque landscapes from their terraces.
The hotel boasts multiple hot spring facilities, including natural hot springs sourced from Mount Asama, a luxurious spa, and a nature trail through the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary, providing numerous spots for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Phone Number:+81-267-45-6000
Access:About a 15-minute shuttle bus or taxi ride from Shinano Railway Nakakaruizawa Station
About a 30-minute drive from Usui-Karuizawa IC.
https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/
Park Hyatt Tokyo / Tokyo
Located near Shinjuku Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Park Hyatt Tokyo is a luxurious hotel occupying the 39th to 52nd floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower, featuring 177 stylish and urban-sophisticated rooms.
With an excellent location just a 12-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, guests can enjoy a pool with stunning night views, a bar with live jazz performances, spa and fitness facilities, and the Japanese restaurant “Kozue.”
Phone Number:+81-3-5322-1234
Access:About a 12-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station South Exit or a 5-minute taxi ride.
https://restaurants.tokyo.park.hyatt.co.jp/pbq.html
THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Atami / Shizuoka
Located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS Atami is a small luxury hotel surrounded by the rich natural beauty nurtured by Sagami Bay.
The architecture, crafted by master carpenter Koichi Kinoshita, is divided into a new building and an old building, both designed in the traditional sukiya style.
The hotel’s authentic French cuisine, awarded by Michelin, is highly acclaimed for its exquisite dishes made with fresh seafood.
Atami, historically known for its therapeutic hot springs, offers high-quality onsen with panoramic views of the Izu Peninsula, Oshima, and the Miura Peninsula.
Phone Number:+81-557-52-3301
Access:About a 10-minute drive from JR Tokaido Main Line Atami Station.
https://www.hiramatsuhotels.com/atami/
Hakone Honbako / Kanagawa
Opened in August 2018 in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone Honbako is a concept hotel themed around books.
The hotel boasts a collection of over 10,000 books, including photo books and manga.
Unique chairs and Instagram-worthy interiors enhance the reading experience.
After enjoying a good book, relax in the open-air bath while taking in the stunning views of Hakone.
Phone Number:+81-460-83-8025
Access:A 5-minute walk from Naka-Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car.
https://hakonehonbako.com/
What is Japan’s unique hospitality service?
Japanese hotels are known for their distinctive customer service culture, known as the “spirit of omotenashi.”
For example, you might find origami or handwritten messages on the table in your room, or fresh flowers in a vase—these are all examples of the meticulous attention to detail.
Omotenashi is built on a foundation of mutual trust between the hotel and its guests.
Recently, there have been issues with guests making excessive demands for amenities, which can be seen as lacking consideration.
It’s important to be aware that making complaints when your requests aren’t met can be considered bad manners, so please be mindful.
Things to Keep in Mind During Your Stay
If you’re driving your car to the hotel, it’s a good idea to call ahead and check the availability of parking spaces when you make your reservation.
If you expect to arrive significantly later than planned, informing the hotel in advance is courteous.
Otherwise, you might not be able to check in or your reservation could be canceled.
Also, avoid storing your luggage in the closet of a Japanese-style room.
Be mindful that luggage with wheels can damage the tatami mats.
Summary
Compared to luxury hotels overseas, Japan’s long-established hotels are renowned for their exceptional hospitality, as praised in many reviews.
In life, for special occasions like birthdays, graduation celebrations, or promotions, why not spend a memorable moment at one of Japan’s famous hotels?