Top 11 luxury hotels and resorts in Japan that will amaze you with their beauty
For some tourists, the accommodation they plan to stay in while traveling is just a convenient place to sleep and store their belongings while they embark on their next adventure. For others, a hotel is an important part of a trip, where they can relax and unwind, enjoy the aesthetic interiors and exteriors, and forget about everyday worries thanks to the high-class service.
If you are looking for a place worthy of the same attention as the country's most popular attractions, we recommend that you pay attention to a selection of the most beautiful resorts and hotels in Japan that will be the highlight of your next adventure. From traditional ryokans with natural hot springs and authentic décor to elegant modern complexes amidst majestic mountains, everyone will find the perfect option for a vacation in the fantastic land of the rising sun.
Hakone Honbako, Kanagawa
Hakone Honbako is an idyllic location and a true paradise for book lovers. The hotel inspires tranquility and endless bliss that you feel when you are among the shelves of your favorite bookstore with new or old tomes. This place exudes warmth and comfort, offering enough space for all guests. The main attraction of the hotel is the main lobby, which is also a large double-height library. Here you can find cute reading nooks built into the shelves themselves.
The collection of this good hotel in Japan includes about 12,000 books; many of them are presented directly in the rooms. To organize all the treasures, Hakone Honkabo collaborated with a team of architects, prominent photographers, novelists, and even chefs, as some of their favorite cookbooks can also be found on the shelves. Any of the books can be purchased. Even though most of them are in Japanese, there is a large selection of options about photography and art, which overcome any barriers thanks to incredible illustrations.
The interior is filled with gorgeous mid-century classic furniture, and huge picture windows overlook the mountains. The cost of accommodation here starts from ¥33,218 per night. In addition to the excellent library, the hotel can offer other amenities to diversify your stay here. For example, the cozy movie theater shows a changing collection of short films from festivals. We also highly recommend taking an open-air hinoki bath, enjoying a leisurely swim, and contemplating the majestic surrounding mountains.
Like most ryokans, Hakone Honbako also has an on-site restaurant. The upscale establishment specializes in fine Italian cuisine. Guests can also work in the coworking space, open to both hotel guests and everyone else, visit the atmospheric cafe and zakka lifestyle store.
The hotel is located just over half an hour by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, and can also be reached by the local Hakone Tozan cable car from the Naka Gora stop.
Amanemu, Mie
At the top of a beautiful green hill with amazing views of the majestic Ago Bay is one of the most beautiful hotels in Japan. Amanemu is a true gem of the country, located in Mie Prefecture. Located in a tranquil harbor, you can expect a calming and serene atmosphere while being inspired by the picturesque surrounding landscapes that blend harmoniously with modern Japanese architecture.
The hotel has 24 luxurious suites, and you can also book one of the four spacious, bright villas. All rooms are decorated in a minimalist design inspired by Japanese aesthetics, and the windows offer amazing views of the bay. The cost of a package vacation starts from ¥180,000 per night.
The main highlight of Amanemu is its wellness facilities. They include an outdoor infinity pool that seems to merge with the bay and the skyline, and a covered onsen fed by the region's natural hot springs. Here you can order many individualized spa treatments inspired by the surrounding nature and its healing properties.
The hotel's culinary offerings are no less impressive than the wellness facilities. The establishments focus on local products and traditional Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy fine dining in an elegant setting while watching the incredible views of the bay.
Hoshinoya Fuji, Yamanashi
Tucked away among the pine-covered mountains and Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, this beautiful Japanese hotel boasts amazing views, as it overlooks the sacred Fuji Mountains. Hoshinoya Fuji offers a glamping experience, but a step higher than other establishments, providing guests with the highest level of digital detoxification.
The complex features wooden geometric cabins with huge windows so that nothing stands in the way of enjoying the fantastic surrounding landscapes. Hoshinoya Fuji offers a variety of packages starting at ¥31,437 per person per night.
A variety of leisure options are available for guests, so everyone can choose an option to suit their taste. In particular, you can go exploring the picturesque mountains, go horseback riding along the shore, book a guided tour, or go canoeing in the early morning, watching the sun rise over the lake. However, no one will judge you if you decide to just relax in a hammock with your favorite book. In addition, due to its secluded location, guests have the opportunity to simply watch the starry sky at night in a way that is impossible to do in a metropolis.
Roku Kyoto
Roku Kyoto offers a special blend of modern luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality. Featuring a stylish and elegant design, this magnificent hotel is located just half an hour from Kyoto Station, attracting travelers looking for a sophisticated and refined experience in Japan's cultural capital.
The Roku Kyoto is spread over 114 rooms. Each room, regardless of configuration, is elegantly decorated with modern furnishings and traditional Japanese accents such as tatami and shoji sliding doors. Guests can also enjoy extraordinary views of the city from their private balconies.
The hotel is perfect for tourists who want to explore the city and its most famous landmarks, such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Fushimi Inari Temple. Guests staying at Roku Kyoto also have access to exceptional amenities, such as a quiet, picturesque courtyard or onsen hot spring baths. The hotel also stands out in the gastronomic scene with its upscale dining options. In particular, we recommend visiting the French-style restaurant Tenjin. You can choose from a variety of accommodation packages, starting at ¥83,853.
Ochiayro, Shizuoka
Among the best hotels in Japan that demonstrate outstanding aesthetics is Ochiairo. This complex in Shizuoka Prefecture, located among the Izu Mountains, offers a special vacation experience, reinforced by history and culture.
The traditional ryokan was founded in 1874 and was named after the two rivers that merge at this point, as the term "Ochiau" means "meeting" in Japanese. The hotel is officially registered as a tangible cultural heritage of Japan, so it boasts fantastic architecture with the main wing made of rare woods such as ebony and black persimmon. For the auxiliary part of the building, the Sukiya style technique inspired by classic tea ceremony houses was used. The rooms themselves also feature sophisticated design and unique décor, so every corner is special and worthy of attention.
Ochiairo offers not only a comfortable place to stay, but also an opportunity to get to know the cultural heritage of the region, relax in the unspoiled nature, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the river. Upon request, the hotel offers a variety of guided tours to dive deeper into the history and features of this ryokan. Packages start at ¥53,850.
Zaborin Ryokan, Hakkaido
This exclusive ryokan located in Hokkaido seamlessly blends old and new, creating a secluded and tranquil place to relax and reset. Modern architectural styles are in harmony with wabi-sabi themes, where elegant wooden tables are decorated with traditional Japanese artwork. The project was developed in collaboration with world-renowned architect Makoto Nakayama and talented creative director Shoya Greig.
A special feature of Zaborin Ryokan is onsen baths filled with natural spring water; they are also available in every room, so guests have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing bath.
The hotel has an excellent restaurant on site, run by award-winning chef Yoshihiro Seno. It specializes in kaiseki cuisine and uses local products for its dishes.
Benesse House, Kagawa
Art lovers who make a pilgrimage to Naoshima Island like to stay at Benesse House. This is not just a beautiful hotel in Japan; the establishment itself can be considered an art installation, and for good reason. The property was built in 1992 by the famous architect Tadao Ando. From the exterior to the furniture, everything here looks like a work of art that you want to look at and explore.
Benesse House is only a ten-minute leisurely walk from the iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama, but the passion for art and all its aspects is palpable in everything around. After exploring the island and its treasures, hotel guests have the opportunity to take part in a special Cultural Melting Bath ritual held every Sunday. As part of this event, you can soak in a traditional Japanese bath in a peaceful garden, contemplating the beautiful views of the sea in the distance.
Guntû, Setouchi
Guntû, located in Setouchi, is an unusual floating hotel and much more than a standard cruise. It perfectly combines the typical warm hospitality of a traditional ryokan with the high-quality modern amenities of a top-class ship. In particular, Guntû includes a large number of unique Japanese luxury items.
The ship is 81.2 meters long, accommodating only a small group of passengers so that everyone gets enough space and privacy. There are 14 chic, minimalist-style cabins on board, designed by renowned architect Yasushi Horibe. Some of the suites are even equipped with private hinoki baths.
You can choose from seven different itineraries as the cruise ship travels through the temperate waters of the Seto Inland Sea. The duration of the trip varies from three to four days, and the cost of a package tour starts from ¥550,000 per person. As part of the travels, you can visit the amazing island of Shodoshima, visit a sake brewery and be inspired by incredible art installations, or head west to see the stunning floating torii gates of Miyajima and explore the fishing island of Iwashima.
During their stay at Guntû, guests have the opportunity to enjoy sumptuous omakase-style sushi dinners or taste Japanese sweets, wagashi, in a traditional teahouse. Other popular leisure options include yoga classes on the deck or a visit to the upscale spa, where you can order a variety of treatments. Although you can just as easily spend your entire vacation contemplating the endless expanse of the ocean, sunbathing on the open deck with your favorite cocktail in hand.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
The list of the top 11 most beautiful hotels in Japan includes the elegant Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, located in the heart of the capital. With regular exhibitions, luxurious restaurants, a charming Japanese garden with a pond on the territory, this complex is popular not only with travelers planning to stay overnight but also with Tokyo art lovers.
Since its completion in 1931, after the city had recovered from a terrible earthquake, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo has become a symbol of luxury and even hope.
A special feature of the hotel is a large number of exhibits of Japanese art dating back to the 20th century, which is difficult to see all at once, even if you stay here for a few days. In any case, we advise you to take advantage of the offer of a free guided tour, where you can learn more about the collection and the most valuable works.
The packages offered by the hotel start at ¥42,000.
Kanaguya, Nagano
Kanaguya is a traditional ryokan with a long history that dates back to 1936. One of the most beautiful hotels in Japan is located in Shibu Onsen, a picturesque mountain town with hot springs. The property has a unique interior with red walls reminiscent of the fictional bathhouse from the popular Studio Ghibli movie Spirited Away, attracting many fans of the famous anime and travelers who value aesthetics.
The main feature of Kanaguya is its eight baths, most of which are private, so you can book one of them to spend time in a quiet, relaxing environment. In addition, there are three public baths available for guests, which are part of the Ryurui open-air complex, combining natural mineral water from two hot springs, Jigokudani Araigawara and Shibu Onsen. The cost of a package vacation in Kanaguya starts from ¥25,000.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, Niseko
One of the most beautiful resorts in Japan is located on the northernmost island of the country - Hokkaido, and has become one of the most popular destinations for discerning travelers, while retaining a trail of mystery. Higashiyama Niseko Village is always a good choice for those who enjoy mountain slopes and luxury vacations. Even when the snow melts, the resort continues to attract visitors with a wide range of leisure options, picturesque mountain forests, and fields dotted with wildflowers.
Higashiyama Niseko Village maintains an intimate, friendly atmosphere amidst a luxurious setting. The focus here is on nature, which is reflected in the design - from plush carpets reminiscent of flower meadows to cherry blossom motifs on fabric panels. The bathrooms are also decorated in Japanese style. If you have the opportunity, we recommend staying in a room with glass walls, which offer fantastic views of the neighboring Mount Yotei.