With 34 spectacular national parks protecting ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, steaming hot springs and tranquil lakes on one of the world's most captivating collections of islands, Japan is a wonderful destination for outdoorsy travellers. Keen birdwatchers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find landscapes criss-crossed with picturesque woodland and rocky promontories. Our Gurus have put together a selection of the top hotels in Japan's national parks, perfect for magical escapes with family and friends, or as a couple. From five star luxury hotels to traditional ryokans we've uncovered a range of properties for all tastes and budgets. The beautiful Ise-Shima National Park, the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and the Akan-Mashu National Park await!
Hokkaidō (Abuta gun)
The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort enjoys a lakeside location and offers chic, contemporary accommodation boasting spectacular views. Unwind in their open air bath and make the most out of the on-site duty-free shops. Enjoy exquisite meals at each of their restaurants. A truly magnificent escape!
Hokkaidō (Kitayuzawa)
Located a minute away from Shikotsu Toya National Park, Kitayuzawa Mori no Soraniwa offers chic rooms with Western-style beds and traditional tatami (woven-straw) seating areas. Rooms also features TVs and fridges. Bask in the sun as you relax by the pool!
Hokkaidō (Akankohan)
An elegant property on the shores of Lake Akan. Expansive rooms enjoy spectacular views and are designed in a traditional Japanese style complete with tatami mats, paper shutters and beds at floor level. The restaurant makes the most of the island's quality seafood and restful onsens await. Superb.
Hokkaidō (Akankohan)
A boutique property comprising of 25 individually designed suites. Rooms are contemporary yet the style is traditional. Find floor to ceiling windows, large terraces with outdoor free standing baths, tatami mats and shoji paper screens besides all the mod-cons. An utterly spoiling stay.
Shima (Shima-shi)
Set amongst the rolling hills of Ise-Shima National Park, the upmarket Amanemu provides spacious and luxurious accommodation boasting splendid views. Explore the scenic area or unwind in the onsens. Meals at the restaurant are an absolute must! Get the celebrity treatment at this lovely rural spot.
Unzen (Unzen-shi)
Unzen Fukudaya is located a few miles outside Unzen, just a short distance from the National Park. This ryokan offers smart traditional accommodation and you can choose between rooms with Western beds or Japanese futon bedding. Cosy communal areas complete with wood-burning stoves.
Nagahama (Shiga)
L'Hotel du Lac enjoys a tranquil setting on the banks of Lake Biwa. This property's private villas offer sleek contemporary accommodation, as well as a fine dining restaurant that reflects the produce and food culture of the Kohoku area. A wonderful retreat for a family trip or romantic break!
Fujikawaguchiko (Fujikawaguchiko)
A striking design hotel offering an unbeatable location deep in the woodlands with views of Mount Fiji. Interiors are spacious and contemporary with the minimalist design highlighting the epic views. Rooms are individual cabins giving complete quiet and privacy. A luxury nature escape.
Hakone (Hakone)
This traditional Japanese guesthouse is nestled on a suspension bridge across a mountain stream in Hakone. Guestrooms have classic tatami areas with the option of futon beds and a terrace where you can hear the murmuring of the water below. Relax and rejuvenate with a spa aromatherapy treatment.
Unzen (Obama-cho)
This stylish resort is nestled in Japan's first national park in Unzen. A grand, pillared entrance gives way to contemporary guestrooms and a selection of private villas with exposed stone walls and valley views from a terrace. Eat at the classic Japanese dining room after park exploring.
Okinawa (Kunigami-gun)
A luxury hotel boasting a spectacular coastal setting on Okinawa island. Light and spacious rooms, suites, and villas all have ocean views. The best have private pools and natural hot springs. From gourmet dining to island-specific wellness programmes, this is an indulgent getaway.
Shima (Shima City)
A luxurious all-suite hotel set within Ise-Shima National Park. Capacious suites boast spectacular views from floor-to-ceiling windows and the best come with in-room spas. For foodies, the restaurant options range from Michelin-starred dining to a kaiseki-ryori culinary voyage. A spoiling stay.
Hakone (Kanagawa)
A stunning adults only hotel in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Accommodation in eleven independent cottages features rustic chic, minimalist decor, with wood-burning stoves and lovely woodland views. Relax in private hot spring baths or at the Konosha Spa and enjoy delicious cuisine. Dreamy.
Nikko
A glamorous property on the shores of Lake Chūjenzi. Elegantly designed rooms blend minimalist and traditional styles and large windows lead to private porches with either lake or mountain views. The Western fusion cuisine is superb, plus there's the Ritz-Carlton's only onsen! Fabulous.
Hokkaidō
An upscale resort hotel with stunning views of the Sea of Okhotsk. Exposed wooden beams and earthy colours give the rooms an authentic feel, designed to emulate the natural beauty of Shiretoko; the best offer both private sauna and onsen! Plus sophisticated fusion buffet dining. A crowd pleaser.
Shikoku (Shikoku)
An enchanting coastal resort in the Ashizuri Uwakai National Park, offering a unique blend of natural beauty & luxury. Its design harmonises with the surrounding landscape, with serene decor & breathtaking views. A renowned Italian restaurant, hot springs and an organic farm set it apart!
Nikko (Tochigi)
A modern ryokan set in the beauty of Nikko National Park. Warm, spacious rooms are stylishly decorated, overlooking the woodland beyond. There's a restaurant boasting wonderful views, plus a hot spring bathhouse with open-air soaking tubs. A lovely peaceful setting yet close to many city highlights.
Hokkaidō (Hokkaido)
A food-focused hot spring inn in the Shikotsu-Toya national park. Simply designed Japanese & western style rooms are created with relaxation in mind, blending modern luxury with traditional charm. Plus there's an open-kitchen restaurant where interaction with the chef is encouraged! Unwind in style.
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