The coolest hotels in Tokyo: 14 unique locations for an unforgettable Japanese journey
Tokyo is a truly unique travel destination that offers tourists a plethora of fascinating experiences not found anywhere else in the world. Each year, the capital of Japan introduces numerous new attractions and sights, and the hospitality industry continuously evolves, providing unparalleled places to stay. However, for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the area, finding the most unconventional and interesting accommodation option can be a daunting task. To alleviate this, the following selection presents the top 14 most unique hotels in Tokyo catering to every taste. From luxurious suites with private saunas and apartments adorned with adorable Hello Kitty decor to beds in rooms doubling as art installations, there's an option to suit every style and preference.
OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts
Recently, a trendy new hotel from Hoshino Resorts debuted in Asakusa, boasting an exceptional location. OMO3 Asakusa is situated adjacent to the renowned Sensoji Temple, one of the capital's most iconic landmarks. Also within walking distance are Sumida Park and Tokyo Skytree, providing stunning views from the hotel rooms. Some rooms offer vistas of the temple, while others overlook the Tokyo Skytree. Another notable feature is the stylish and atmospheric OMO Base Lounge on the 13th floor.
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
For those seeking a modern twist on the traditional Japanese ryokan experience, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku offers a perfect blend of old and new. The rooms in this delightful Tokyo hotel are elegantly simple yet stylishly appointed. Noteworthy features include expansive windows offering views of the bustling metropolis, tatami flooring, low tables, futon bedding, and bonsai decor. Conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, the hotel's crowning jewel is its onsen area on the 18th floor. Here, guests can relax in natural hot spring water sourced from Hakone, while enjoying panoramic city views and indulging in the open-air Rotenburo bath.
Toggle Hotel
This stunning hotel was designed by Tokyo-based architectural firm Klein Dytham, which opted for a two-color blocking technique throughout the property. The bright yellow facade was chosen to complement the Chuo-Sobu line trains passing in front of the Toggle Hotel, while the pale gray shade harmonizes with the surrounding concrete buildings.
Inside, the design is equally striking, with only two colors used to adorn both the corridors and the rooms. The vibrant apartments are adorned in a single hue, contrasting particularly with the bathrooms, creating a unique visual delight. You'll certainly want to capture some souvenir photos perfect for social media.
Toggle Hotel boasts a total of 84 rooms decorated in five color combinations, ranging from pink and gray to green and light beige. You can select the best option available during check-in.
Hotel K5
One of Tokyo's most renowned hotels is Hotel K5, housed in a majestic 1920s former bank building. The interior, designed by Stockholm-based Claesson Koivisto Rune, seamlessly blends Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. The corridors seamlessly extend the room design, evoking the atmosphere of an impeccable mansion rather than a typical hotel. The rooms, located on the second to fourth floors, offer a variety of trendy dining options on the lower floors and in the basement, including:
- Brooklyn Brewery
- Caveman, offering Japanese-European cuisine
- Switch Coffee
- Ao Bar cocktail bar
Accommodation options range from cozy studios to spacious lofts, equipped with a minibar, a record player with a vinyl record collection, bookshelves, and romantically lit bathrooms in red.
Sorano Hotel
If a swimming pool is a must during your vacation, Sorano Hotel in Tachikawa is worth considering. This incredible hotel is just a half-hour train ride from Shinjuku. "The Sorano offers an extraordinary outdoor pool, where you can enjoy stunning views unobstructed by tall skyscrapers. Showa Kinen Park is perfectly visible from the rooftop, and on clear days, Mount Fuji is even visible in the distance. In addition to the pool, the hotel offers morning yoga and meditation classes.
Accommodation options range from standard to luxury suites for three adults and two children. You can also book pet-friendly apartments with balconies.
Van@Tokyo
ONE@Tokyo is primarily distinguished by its unique exterior, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, featuring his signature wood paneling on the property's facade. The main attraction of this trendy Tokyo hotel is its rooftop, offering panoramic views of Tokyo SkyTree.
The complex comprises 142 rooms, including "reader's room" and "artist's atelier" suites, each uniquely decorated. In the spacious lobby, guests can find a cozy cafe, popular among guests and locals from the Oshiage area. Another advantage is the relatively affordable pricing for the Japanese capital, starting at ¥6000.
BnA Wall
Several art hotels already exist in the Akihabara and Koenji districts, and now an exceptional establishment has emerged in Nihonbashi thanks to BnA (which stands for Bed and Art). Formerly considered Japan's answer to Wall Street, this location is undergoing a dramatic transformation.
BnA Wall is not just a place to relax after a busy day exploring Tokyo. Each of its 26 rooms is unique, designed and decorated by Japanese artists and art directors. Some rooms boast a minimalist style, while others draw inspiration from board games or resemble architectural installations. Certain rooms even feature hidden devices and interactive gadgets. Guests staying at this extraordinary Tokyo hotel feel as though they are in an independent art gallery, where exploring every nook and cranny is essential to avoid missing small yet significant details.
Changing exhibitions are periodically organized in the basement, and the lobby bar features a huge six-meter mural showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Miju Hotel Ginza
Now, guests can fully experience and enjoy the Muji style by staying at the modern Muji Hotel Ginza in Hong Kong. The complex is housed within an impressive flagship store in the Ginza district, which also includes two restaurants, a bar, a bakery, galleries, and various retail shops spanning five floors.
The stylish rooms perfectly reflect Muji's minimalist aesthetic, comprising 79 elegant and luxurious suites furnished with Muji furniture, various accessories, and souvenirs, including the brand's popular mattresses. The hotel also prioritizes inclusivity by offering special rooms for people with disabilities. Each room is equipped with a tablet for easy control of lighting, air conditioning, curtains, and more.
The Masterpiece Hotel Shimokitazawa
Located in Tokyo's trendiest neighborhood, this chic, minimalist hotel was designed by architect Shin Ohori. Featuring a clean, modern aesthetic with comfortable seating areas and abundant greenery, Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa offers 60 rooms in various configurations, from standard bunk bed rooms to deluxe apartments with spacious open balconies. Each room comes equipped with a vinyl player, and records can be rented free of charge from a special shop in the lobby.
On the ground floor of Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa, guests can find an outpost of Sidewalk Coffee Roasters, offering delicious coffee and fresh bagels with various fillings. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a visit to the Kurage shochu bar, which boasts a selection of 40 liquors.
Book and Bed Shinjuku
If "BnB" typically means bed and breakfast for you, it's time to reconsider your stereotypes with Book and Bed Shinjuku. This unique Tokyo hotel offers an experience with the motto "book and bed." If you adore reading and everything related to it, Book and Bed Shinjuku will undoubtedly provide you with a delightful experience and sweet dreams—although, as the owners joke, the books here are so engrossing that you may find it difficult to stop reading.
Guests have access to endless shelves throughout their stay, enabling them to lighten their luggage load when traveling.
Manga Art Room Jimbocho
Manga enthusiasts will delight in the all-white Manga Art Room Jimbocho. This subsidiary of a capsule hotel in Tokyo offers only two rooms, both featuring a special design inspired by Japanese comics. The rooms showcase a rotating manga exhibition featuring some of the most popular series, such as "Dandadan" by Tatsuyuki Shin. Additionally, shelves are stocked with comics for guests to enjoy. Another feature of the rooms is the inclusion of a private sauna designed for two people.
Henn on Hotel Ginza
From instantly purchasing ramen through a vending machine to owning a mechanical pet, the Japanese have long embraced various gadgets. Now, guests can even stay at the world's first hotel chain staffed by robots—a fact recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
At Henn na Hotel, whose name means "strange" and "change" in Japanese, guests are greeted and checked in by androids. Other robots perform various functions, and each room is equipped with an LG Styler, similar to a steamer, to freshen clothes. Can technology replace human hospitality? Guests can find out by staying at this unique Tokyo hotel.
Ewan Betty Daito
Among the finest hotels in Tokyo is Yuen Bettei Daita. This ryokan, located in the city center, manages to create a serene oasis in the bustling metropolis. Situated on the outskirts of Shimokitazawa, just one stop from Shibuya by bullet train, this establishment combines comfortable accommodations, a spa, and a traditional teahouse. The onsen baths use alkaline water sourced from the natural springs of Ashinoko Onsen in Hakone. Even day visitors who do not stay overnight can enjoy the facilities, with several day packages available.
Kiyo Plaza Hotel Tama
To experience a night in one of Tokyo's most charming hotels, head to Sanrio Puroland, home to Keio Plaza Hotel Tama. Guests have the opportunity to book a room adorned with their favorite characters, such as Little Twin Stars Kiki, Hello Kitty, My Melody, and others. Each room features special Sanrio illustrations covering the walls, furniture, and carpets. Additionally, guests receive a soft toy and shopper as a gift. Don't forget to take a photo in the exclusive photo zone in the lobby on the second floor.
