Japan is a fascinating country of contradictions: at once famed for its forward-thinking design and creative technology, yet continuing to pride itself on preserving its rich, ancient traditions. With a varied landscape of hot springs, snow-clad mountains, beautiful beaches and cities studded with skyscrapers, Japan is set to dazzle and delight travellers. It’s also a top foodie destination — and with good reason; Tokyo alone boasts 200 establishments with Michelin stars! Accommodation options, too, range from traditional inns with hot spring baths to cutting-edge design hotels and everything in between. In a land where the possibilities are seemingly endless, our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Japan is the perfect starting point to planning the trip of a lifetime.

Japan’s big-hitters are its vibrant cities. Tokyo and Osaka are particular standouts, whilst charming Kyoto is the place to go for teahouses, shrines and the legendary entertainment district. Culture buffs will also adore Nara, Japan’s first capital. Venture to the island of Kyushu to discover active volcanoes, tranquil hot spring towns such as Yufuin, and a plethora of outdoorsy activities. Keen skiers and hikers should consider the resort towns of the northern Japanese Alps — Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and others — which fuse snow-clad peaks with restful onsen baths. Still further north, the island of Hokkaidō boasts the ever-popular winter sports hub that is Niseko.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends and family, you’ll find Japan brimming with superb hotels offering warm hospitality, mouth-watering cuisine and a charming blend of old and new. The best places to stay in Japan await!

The Best Places to Stay in Japan

For City Style

• Aman Tokyo has minimalist interiors designed by Kerry Hill, featuring pale wooden furnishings, slate-grey upholstery and crisp white linens. Suites are soothing and contemporary, the spa is sensational, and Venetian-trained chef Masakazu Hiraki promises some of the best Italian food in the city.
• Conrad Osaka brings sophisticated minimalist design to the top floors of the Nakanoshima Festival West Tower. Spacious guestrooms and suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city's skyline, and there's a chic spa and indoor pool. Dining options include delectable KURA. One for well-heeled design lovers.
• The Four Seasons Kyoto promises a five-star stay in the heart of the historic city. Highlights include the sumptuous spa, sophisticated guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Michelin-starred Sushi Wakon Restaurant. Pure luxury.
• Hotel K5 merges Scandi & Japanese styles in 20 hip rooms. One of Nihonbashi's trendiest boutique boltholes, this little hotel is also known for its terrific restaurant: Caveman. In addition there's a coffee shop, cocktail bar and brewery. A romantic pad in a Tokyo building dating back to 1924.

For a Charming Ryokan

• Yuen Bettei Daita invites guests to unwind in communal hot spring onsen baths (indoor & outdoor) and the soothing Sojyu Spa. Elegant rooms are compact, drawing on typical Japanese elements — tatami flooring, rock gardens and wooden furnishings — and romantic. With Tsukikage serving mouth-watering Japanese fare, this is a very special Tokyo choice.
• Yoshida Sanso has just five guestrooms set within manicured Japanese gardens in Kyoto. Kaiseki dinners are excellent, there are temples within walking distance and the vibe is low-key and tranquil. Brilliant for couples seeking traditional charm.
• Hoshinoya, Tokyo’s first five-star ryokan, has 84 rooms on 17 floors, each of which acts as its own luxurious guesthouse. Take a soak in a traditional onsen, feast on exceptional Japanese cuisine, savour a sophisticated tea ceremony and retreat to atmospheric rooms and suites. A wonderful experience.
• Yufuin Rikka has just six luxurious rooms and suites. The hotel fuses classic Japanese style with modern minimalism to create a more contemporary take on the typical ryokan. Expect crisp white sheets, ergonomic chairs, small balconies and wood-clad walls. Add the gourmet cuisine and onsen baths, and you're in for a romantic treat.

For Families or Groups

• Ritz-Carlton Okinawa is moments from Kise Beach. A big resort brimming with activities for guests of all ages, the Ritz has a great kids club, wonderful, earthy-toned family suites and three dining options. Grown-ups can kick back at the spa or the atmospheric bar.
• The Old Modern sleeps up to 14 guests, making it a great family or group choice. Located in Kyoto's Gion neighbourhood and bursting with history, this is an excellent spot for those looking to explore the geisha district on foot, and to benefit from the self-catering facilities of a private house.
• Suginoi Hotel is a big high-rise hotel in the hills overlooking Beppu and the sea. Spacious rooms, multiple swimming pools, a bowling alley, hot springs and a spa make this a top pick for families, groups or business travellers. Imposing, impressive and brimming with activities for little ones and grown-ups.
• Arimasansoh Goshobessho offers sumptuous private villas alongside a tranquil stream. Inland from Kobe, this rural retreat invites guests to reconnect with nature whilst staying with friends and family. Feast on gourmet Japanese cuisine, enjoy long leafy walks or soak in the hotel's hot spring bath. Villas feature traditional Japanese woodwork, contemporary design and forest views. For fans of the great outdoors.

For Romance

• Nanzenji Sando Kikusui is a recently restored heritage hotel in Kyoto with just five suites. Expect slate and wooden accents, gorgeous views of the hotel gardens, and flavoursome cuisine in a restaurant headed by a Michelin-starred chef. Romantic luxury.
• Hoshinoya Okinawa has minimalist rooms and suites overlooking the ocean in Okinawa, perfect for guests dreaming of a romantic hideaway. Enjoy nature-led spa treatments, hone your karate skills, go horse riding on the beach, or embark on a whale watching tour. An indulgent, exclusive hotel for couples.
• Setouchi Retreat Aonagi is a beautiful design-led property with chic, minimalist suites overlooking the forest. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of polished concrete and cool, earthy tones. Superb spa treatments and top-notch kaiseki cuisine complete the romantic picture. For architecture buffs, near Matsuyama.
• Zaborin sits just above the Zabo natural spring in Niseko. A luxurious choice for romantic couples, the property's 15 villas offer minimalist decor and private onsens with stunning views. Feast on traditional cuisine at the elegant restaurant. Exceptional.

For Ski Holidays

• Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse offers a hip take on the traditional Japanese townhouse, with multi-bedroom chalets promising a chic stay for groups or families. With a dedicated concierge service, ski storage and well-equipped kitchens, these are a brilliant choice for a private, upmarket stay.
• Snowball Chalet at Madarao Mountain is a cosy boutique lodge in the heart of Madarao village. Expect atmospheric, alpine-inspired interiors with Japanese accents, and romantic rooms for couples as well as larger spaces for families. Gather around the fire for après-ski drinks in the evening before heading out to dinner. Warm and welcoming.
• Chatrium Niseko is a chic hotel offering contemporary rooms, suites and apartments with mountain views. Michelin-starred Kamimura specialises in Japanese-French fusion cuisine, perfect for keen foodies to savour after days out on the slopes. Set in Upper Hirafu Village.
• Sierra Resort Hakuba is a swish property with contemporary rooms yielding forest views and beds topped with crisp white linens. Unwind in spoiling onsens or a refreshing outdoor pool after enjoying easy access to the slopes. Set on 25 acres of grounds near Hakuba, this is a luxurious choice for guests of all ages - and particuarly for keen skiiers.

For an Island Escape

• Sankara Hotel & Spa offers gourmet cuisine and expansive luxury suites in a gorgeous seaside setting on Yakushima. Set near the south-eastern corner of the island, this boutique hotel also offers beautiful views and rejuvenating massages. Very special.
• Benesse House is both a hotel and a museum on Naoshima Island. Designed by a reputed architect in 1992, the property is made up of a series of modern buildings with chic, minimalist rooms, some of which offer striking coastal views. Don't miss the museum itself, the burgeoning art collection or the excellent French restaurant. For design-minded couples or families.
• The Shigira boasts sensational private villas with hot tubs, swimming pools and dramatic coastal views. With seven restaurants to choose from, bicycles and segways for hire, plus snorkelling and golf on your doostep, this is a magical Miyakojima spot. For honeymooners or families, who will appreciate the larger villas.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport, both in Tokyo. Most Japanese destinations can be reached by connecting flight or high-speed train from the capital.
• Tokyo is best navigated by public transport, but you may want to drive if you're exploring beyond the city itself. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Japan is a year-round destination. Summers can be hot and humid, so we'd recommend travelling in spring — famous for the pink blossoms on the country's cherry trees — or in autumn. Winters are brilliant for skiing at mountain resorts such as Niseko or Hakuba.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Tokyo.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Japan.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.