The best hotels and ryokans in Japan range from charming traditional inns in the countryside, to stylish design hotels and some of the world’s most luxurious accommodations.
As experts in Japan luxury travel, one of the “hardest” parts of our jobs is visiting our favorite destinations in Japan — from Tokyo and Kyoto, to off-the-beaten-path gems — to check out unique and luxurious accommodation options around the country.
Based on our firsthand experience, and feedback from our clients, we’ve curated this short list of Japan’s best and most splurge-worthy boutique and luxury hotels and ryokans.
Before you dive in, keep in mind that the “best” hotel or ryokan is ultimately one that matches your personal travel style. What may be the perfect property for one traveler may not be quite right for you (this is why we believe in highly personalized trip planning).
We hope our list, which features both small properties and larger luxury hotels (not to mention an incredible boutique cruise), helps you decide where to stay during your Japan trip.
Originally written in 2014, this post was last updated in August 2021.
Table of Contents: Japan’s Best Hotels & Ryokans
For context we suggest reading (or at least scanning) each section, but if you’re ready to skip ahead here are helpful links:
Tokyo’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels
- Aman Tokyo
- The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
- TRUNK Hotel Tokyo
- Palace Hotel Tokyo
- Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
- K5
- Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
- Conrad Tokyo
- HOSHINOYA Tokyo
- Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
- Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
- Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
- The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
- The Peninsula Tokyo
- The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
- The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
- Hotel Niwa Tokyo
- Kimpton Shinjuku
- Four Seasons Tokyo Hotels at Otemachi and Marunouchi
Kyoto’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
- Hotel Kanra Kyoto
- Ace Hotel Kyoto
- Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto
- Aman Kyoto
- Park Hyatt Kyoto
- Hyatt Regency Kyoto
- Sowaka
- node hotel
- Four Seasons Kyoto
- Machiyas (Traditional Townhouses)
- HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Best Hotels & Ryokans Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
- Beniya Mukayu
- Ryokan Kurashiki
- Asaba
- guntû
- Masuichi Kyakuden
- Benesse House
- Nishimuraya Honkan
- kishi-ke
- Zaborin
- Gora Kadan
- Azumi Setoda
- HOSHINOYA Fuji
- Takefue
Tokyo’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels
The city of Tokyo is a hotel lover’s dream, full of properties that will make you want to simply stay in your room and enjoy the view.
The Tokyo metropolis is blessed with some top-notch luxury properties, and one thing they all have in common is impeccable service (Japanese hospitality is one of our favorite things about Japan).
Here is a short list of Tokyo’s best and most unique boutique and luxury hotels.
Aman Tokyo
A minimalist’s dream, Aman Tokyo is truly a stunning property. Featuring an unbelievably spacious lobby with sweeping views over the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo metropolis, Aman’s rooms are also extremely spacious, with roomy suites and the largest entry-level rooms in the city.
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
One of Tokyo’s most exciting hotel openings in recent memory, The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon was designed by superstar hotelier Ian Schrager and iconic Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. While the Toranomon district remains rather sleepy itself, the location is highly central and convenient, with great access to all of central Tokyo and beyond. Enjoy spectacular views, and consider booking a room or suite with private terrace.
TRUNK Hotel Tokyo
TRUNK is about as hip as it gets. This small boutique hotel is located on a charming backstreet right in between the fashionable Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods. It tends to have a bit of a party atmosphere, which will come as no surprise when you pop in for a coffee or cocktail at its uber-stylish bar.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
One of our perennial favorites in Tokyo, the Palace Hotel (which was beautifully renovated and reopened in 2012) features bright, elegant rooms with splendid balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens. The Palace Tokyo should be a top contender for travelers seeking a luxury property not run by one of the major international hotel chains.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
The sleekest Hyatt property in the city, Andaz Tokyo is housed in the gleaming Toranomon Hills complex, right in the heart of the city. Enjoy beautiful city vistas (we love Tower View, but all rooms and suites feature views), and complimentary extras such as wine in the evenings.
K5
One of Tokyo’s newer boutique hotels, K5 is also one of Tokyo’s few Design Hotels members (along with TRUNK, featured above). The rooms — there are 20 in all — range from very compact and cozy, to luxuriously spacious. K5 features colorful style conceived by a Swedish design team, and a location in the very heart of Tokyo, in the sophisticated Nihombashi district.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Cerulean Tower has an amazing location in the heart of Shibuya. Unlike most of Tokyo’s luxury hotels, which tend to be situated in and around the Ginza/Tokyo Station sections of the city, Cerulean Tower is conveniently located near so many of Tokyo’s most stylish neighborhoods, such as Naka-Meguro, Daikanyama, Aoyama, and Omotesando. (Read more about Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.)
Conrad Tokyo
Yet another beautiful luxury property, Conrad Tokyo is particularly remarkable for its one-of-a-kind views over Tokyo’s skyline and Tokyo Bay. Located in the modern Shiodome district, Conrad Tokyo also offers super convenient access to the nearby Ginza district and Tsukiji Market, along with the booming Odaiba area.
HOSHINOYA Tokyo
Hoshino Resorts is a major player in the Japanese accommodations world, and their Tokyo property is a stunner. Styled to feel like an urban ryokan, HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a great choice for travelers seeking a highly Japanese aesthetic when visiting the city.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Legendary for its role in Lost in Translation, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a classic luxury hotel in the city, though some travelers may find its location (deep in Shinjuku) on the inconvenient side. Whether you stay at Park Hyatt Tokyo or not, it’s always fun to enjoy a whisky at the New York Bar, which offers wonderful city views.
Hotel Ryumeikan Ochanomizu Honten
Another of Tokyo’s few true boutique hotels, Ryumeikan is a small hotel with impeccable Japanese hospitality. Located in the non-touristy Ochanomizu district, Ryumeikan Honten is nevertheless quite convenient. Ochanomizu is right in the heart of Tokyo, within easy reach of most of the city’s points of interest.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo is a nice upper mid-range hotel with a very convenient location in the heart of Ginza. Even the smaller, entry-level rooms here are fairly spacious by Tokyo standards, and all rooms and suites feature a pleasant if relatively basic modern style. While certainly not as luxurious or unique as many of the other hotels on this list, Hyatt Centric Ginza can be a great practical option for travelers not looking to splurge all the way.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
No article on Tokyo’s best luxury hotels would be complete without mention of the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. One of the city’s most renowned high-end properties, the Mandarin Oriental also has a legendary concierge team (though most of the city’s luxury hotels have excellent concierges).
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
A member of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a nice high-end hotel in the business district of Akasaka (not to be confused with historic Asakusa!). We are not especially drawn to its location or style (which is attractive but not standout), but it’s a good property and fairly popular with travelers using Marriott Bonvoy points.
The Peninsula Tokyo
Certainly one of Tokyo’s most famous luxury hotels, The Peninsula Tokyo is blessed with a convenient location by the Ginza district. While not our favorite hotel in the city (there are so many other great properties), The Peninsula Tokyo remains popular among visitors to Tokyo.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Another high-end hotel from the Tokyu Hotels group (see Cerulean Tower above), The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is a sophisticated, slightly understated luxury hotel in a quiet section of central Tokyo near the National Diet Building. On the map, the location would appear to be quite central and thus convenient, though in reality it can feel a bit isolated. Nevertheless, the Capitol Tokyu is a very nice and comfortable hotel with excellent service, and suitable for travelers not in need of a cutting-edge vibe.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Located atop the Tokyo Midtown complex in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is as opulent as you might expect. Since its renovation (completed in 2015), it has become a favorite of ours. It’s worth splurging on Club Floor rooms to be able to savor the Club Lounge. The surrounding Roppongi area is full of dining options, not to mention some of Tokyo’s best art offerings.
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Hotel Niwa Tokyo is one of our favorite mid-range properties in Tokyo. Not quite a luxury or boutique hotel, Hotel Niwa is ideal for travelers seeking a pleasant stay in a convenient, comfortable hotel with helpful staff.
Kimpton Shinjuku
It’s hard to call this a “favorite,” but if you must stay in the Shinjuku area (not something we would usually recommend) then Kimpton Shinjuku is a nice and relatively reasonable option (and a go-to for pet-toting locals). On the other hand, if you are staying in Shinjuku then our top choice would be the classic Park Hyatt Tokyo featured above.
Four Seasons Tokyo Hotels at Otemachi and Marunouchi
Four Seasons’ original hotel in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, was always a little “controversial” to us. Some travelers praised its location and small size, but to us the location — while central — always felt too hectic to be pleasant. And while some rooms were very nice indeed, others had disappointingly uninspiring views of nearby office buildings (unlike many of the city’s high-end accommodations, it is a low-rise hotel).
On the other hand, the brand’s newest property, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, is a welcome addition to Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene. Walking distance from other top-tier hotels such as Aman Tokyo and Palace Hotel Tokyo (both featured above), this new oasis offers beautiful city views and has one of Tokyo’s very few open-air rooftop terraces.
Kyoto’s Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels
The hotel scene in Kyoto is booming, with exciting new openings every year.
The city is also home to some renowned traditional ryokans, however for most travelers we typically suggest staying at a comfortable and convenient hotel while in Kyoto, and saving your ryokan experience for a sublime stay in the countryside (some of our favorites are below).
Here is a selection of our favorite boutique and luxury properties in the ancient capital.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Located along the picturesque Kamogawa (Kamo River) in the center of the ancient capital, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto elegantly infuses its highly modern property with tasteful Japanese style. In addition to its spacious and modern rooms, The Ritz has arguably the best location in the city, within easy walking distance to all of central Kyoto. We recommend splurging on a Grand Deluxe Kamogawa River View room — the views are worth it.
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Hotel Kanra Kyoto is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Kyoto, with incredible staff and service. Kanra’s rooms and suites feature an elegant blend of Japanese aesthetics with ultra-modern conveniences. The Kanra is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a high-end (yet boutique) experience, and prefer a Japanese hotel rather than an international chain.
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto’s modern design scene continues to experience an inspiring boom, and Ace Hotel Kyoto is a welcome addition to the city’s ever-exciting hotel offerings. The stylish common spaces, dining areas, and guest rooms exquisitely blend quintessential Ace aesthetics with brilliant Japanese design (legendary architect Kengo Kuma was a key collaborator).
Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto
For travelers averse to international chains, considering a property from Marriott’s Luxury Collection may seem counterintuitive, but don’t discount the lovely Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, which features awe-inspiring design from André Fu, luxurious accommodations, soothing onsen, and a fairly central location by Kyoto’s Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo).
Aman Kyoto
Aman Kyoto is a stunning retreat in a quiet, secluded area of northern Kyoto, just a 15-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). The Kerry Hill-designed pavilions feature a breathtaking blend of modern and traditional aesthetics. Wellness options include spa treatments, rejuvenating onsen — including open-air hot springs — and more.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto is a luxurious oasis in the heart of the Higashiyama district, overlooking the beautiful Yasaka Pagoda and just steps from the lively Ninenzaka street. In the morning, choose between a healthy and delicious Japanese breakfast or fantastic western options, and in the evening visit the dining floor for sweeping views over cocktails at the bar.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Long Kyoto’s most luxurious western hotel, Hyatt Regency Kyoto has in a way been eclipsed in recent years with the opening of so many new luxury hotels. Yet it has continued to age well, and remains one of our favorite high-end properties in Kyoto. To be clear, it’s not as extravagantly luxurious as properties like Park Hyatt, Ritz, or Four Seasons. It is, however, a classic luxury hotel deep in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, and we continue to recommend it.
Sowaka
A high-end boutique hotel with a lovely location in the backstreets of Gion, Sowaka has a variety of rooms blending Western and Japanese style. Referred to by some as a ryokan, this attractive Kyoto hotel features countless ryokan-inspired elements, from its garden and architecture to its impeccable cuisine. An excellent option for travelers seeking a ryokan-esque experience with modern comforts and convenience.
node hotel
The only official member of Design Hotels in Kyoto, node hotel is an uber-stylish yet quite reasonable hotel, ideal for lovers of modern art and design. If node’s aesthetic matches your taste, consider staying at this well-located 25-room boutique hotel.
Four Seasons Kyoto
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district (near the Hyatt Regency), the Four Seasons Kyoto is more or less on par with The Ritz-Carlton when it comes to luxurious hotels in Kyoto. In many ways the Four Seasons feels like a resort in the heart of the ancient capital, though you’re also within easy reach of so many of the historic Higashiyama’s highlights.
Machiyas (Traditional Townhouses)
A machiya is a traditional Kyoto-style townhouse, and all over the ancient capital there are beautifully renovated machiyas where you can temporarily experience “living” in Kyoto. Most machiyas are private and run by small, independent operators. For our clients, we typically suggest specific machiyas depending on party size, accommodation priorities, and desired location.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto
Located deep in Kyoto’s outskirts, a short boat ride from the center of the Arashiyama district, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a relaxing retreat. While not necessarily ideal for travelers who plan to spend time actively exploring Kyoto, HOSHINOYA is a beautiful, rejuvenating resort.
Best Hotels and Ryokans in Japan: Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto
Of course, many of Japan’s best boutique and luxury properties are not in Tokyo or Kyoto.
So to give you a taste of what to expect elsewhere in Japan, here is a short list of our favorite hotels and ryokans around the country.
A note about ryokans: while Japan has no shortage of amazing hotels, we highly recommend the ryokan experience for at least one or two nights. It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and a lovely way to experience Japan’s legendary hospitality.
Beniya Mukayu
Located in the beautiful Hokuriku region (about an hour from historic Kanazawa), the modern-yet-traditional Beniya Mukayu is a wonderful option for travelers seeking an appealing balance of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comforts. Enjoy splendid cuisine, soothing onsen (hot springs), and the option to relax or partake in authentic cultural activities.
Ryokan Kurashiki
Ryokan Kurashiki is a small and luxurious ryokan in western Japan. The charming town of Kurashiki has a beautiful historic district, and is known for its textiles and pottery. Ryokan Kurashiki is rightfully renowned for its cuisine and heartwarming hospitality.
Asaba
Asaba is a luxurious ryokan with healing onsen (hot springs) and impeccable service. Located in the charming Shuzenji Onsen, in the Izu Peninsula, it is also featured in our sample itinerary, Luxury Ryokans & the Japanese Countryside.
guntû
guntû is a boutique cruise that leisurely traverses the scenic Seto Inland Sea. The small vessel features 19 lovely cabins with a modern Japanese aesthetic, and dining and sitting areas created to showcase the exquisite views of the surrounding landscape. On board guntû offers mouthwatering local cuisine, and during the day the cruise offers a variety of unique excursions oriented around daily life in the remote and laid-back islands of the Setouchi region.
Masuichi Kyakuden
Deep in Nagano Prefecture, in the charming and historic town of Obuse, you’ll find the lovely Masuichi Kyakuden, a stylish boutique property featuring modern comforts with a tasteful local flair. This is a wonderful property for travelers who love unique, comfortable hotels with highly personalized service. Spend a couple of days or more exploring Obuse’s offerings (which include excellent sake, art museums, secret gardens, and the famed local chestnuts) and savoring the slow pace of life in the Japanese Alps.
Benesse House
The place to stay on Naoshima, Japan’s famous art island. Benesse House doubles as a hotel and modern art museum, and was designed by iconic Japanese architect Tadao Ando. A must for art and architecture lovers.
Nishimuraya Honkan
The most luxurious ryokan in the quintessential hot springs town of Kinosaki Onsen, Nishimuraya Honkan is a luxuriant destination for lovers of elegant kaiseki cuisine, rejuvenating onsen baths, and top-notch traditional service.
kishi-ke
kishi-ke is a modern private ryokan located by the ocean in beautiful and historic Kamakura. The stylish property’s concept is chisoku, being fulfilled in the present moment. Functioning as a private villa, kishi-ke accommodates just one party at a time, giving you the chance to fully unwind as the only guests. Every aspect of the experience — from the thoughtful service (provided by Kishi-san, his wife, and their small team) to the property’s award-winning design and architecture, which complements the surrounding ocean and hills — is geared towards helping guests find tranquility in the now.
Zaborin
An ultra-luxurious modern ryokan in the Niseko area of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Zaborin features minimalist design amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Gora Kadan
One of a handful of Relais & Chateaux properties on this list, Gora Kadan is an old-fashioned ryokan housed in stunning historic surroundings. The property is located in the Gora area of mountainous Hakone on the grounds of a former Imperial summer villa. The architecture is certainly a highlight here, as are the soothing onsen. Along with shared gender-separated hot springs, guests can also reserve the private open-air onsen (with attached steam sauna) on a complimentary basis. The service and atmosphere at Gora Kadan are highly traditional, and kaiseki meals are prepared utilizing strictly seasonal ingredients. Additional facilities include an excellent spa and warm-water swimming pool.
Azumi Setoda
In recent years, Japan’s Setouchi region has become increasingly popular with travelers, thanks in great part to Naoshima (see Benesse House above) and, to a lesser degree, Onomichi and the Shimanami Kaido. The Seto Inland Sea and its many islands are often referred to as “Japan’s Mediterranean,” and with good reason: think citrus and olive oil, fresh seafood, pristine islands, and charming fishing villages.
On the small island of Setoda — a key stop along the Shimanami Kaido cycling route — you’ll find Azumi Setoda, a charming rural property spearheaded by Aman founder Adrian Zecha. Amanjunkies beware: this is a lovely property, but not quite luxurious in the Aman sense. On the other hand, it’s an appealing option for travelers who love unique, off-the-beaten-path properties in rural, traditional surrounds.
HOSHINOYA Fuji
In the scenic if slightly touristy town of Kawaguchiko, local hotels and ryokans are known for touting their views of Mount Fuji, which towers over Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko). While most accommodations line the lake shore, the beautiful HOSHINOYA Fuji is located on a hillside overlooking the lake, with virtually uninterrupted views of the iconic Fujisan. A self-proclaimed “glamping resort,” HOSHINOYA Fuji is perhaps more aptly described as a glamping-themed boutique hotel, offering a fun and peaceful escape to nature.
Takefue
Kurokawa Onsen, deep in a remote section of Kyushu, is a beautiful getaway for onsen enthusiasts. Kurokawa is home to a handful of amazing ryokans, none more luxurious than the magnificent Takefue, which features an irresistible selection of Japanese-style suites.
More of Our Favorite Luxury Ryokans
We hope you’ve enjoyed our selection of Japan’s best hotels and ryokans!
Looking for even more accommodations inspiration? Don’t miss our article on the best luxury ryokans for a short Japan trip.
