Sleep Like Royalty at Japan's Crème de la Crème of Hotels
If you think you know luxury, think again, as we’re about to take you on a tour of Japan’s most jaw-droppingly luxurious hotels. Beyond just luxury, this is the experience of a lifetime.
These are the spots where architectural marvels meet unparalleled service and where local culture isn’t just a decorative afterthought—it’s the main event. The kind of place that excels in service, embraces local culture, and pays attention to the details that elevate a stay from good to exceptional. So let’s get started on a journey that will redefine your understanding of what a hotel can be.
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1. Aman Tokyo
Prepare to be swept off your feet the moment you step into Aman Tokyo, a sanctuary of luxury atop the Otemachi Tower. Aman Tokyo is a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring tatami mats and washi paper alongside sleek, contemporary furniture.
With 84 rooms offering panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the city. The hotel’s spa spans two floors and includes a 30-meter pool, perfect for a rejuvenating dip. And let’s not forget the fine dining restaurant, Arva, which serves Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist. Aman Tokyo is not just a hotel; it’s an experience that sets the gold standard for urban luxury.
<<Book “Aman Tokyo” at the best price!!>>
Access | 5min walk from Tokyo Station |
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Official Website | https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo |
2. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Within the historic Higashiyama district, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is where tradition meets luxury.
The hotel is built around an 800-year-old ikeniwa (pond garden), offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. With 123 spacious rooms and suites, each designed to reflect Kyoto’s rich heritage, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time—albeit with all the modern amenities you could wish for. The hotel also features a tea house where you can experience a traditional tea ceremony, as well as a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant.
Whether you’re exploring the nearby temples or simply relaxing in the spa, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto offers a uniquely luxurious experience.
<<Book “Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto” at the best price!!>>
Access | 7-minute car ride from Kyoto Station (Shuttle service available). Shuttle service from Kansai Airport and Osaka Airport is also available. |
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Official Website | https://www.fourseasons.com/kyoto/ |
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Roppongi district, The Ritz-Carlton offers a luxurious experience that’s second to none.
Occupying the top nine floors of the 53-story Midtown Tower, the hotel offers jaw-dropping views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji. With 245 rooms and suites, each furnished with high-quality linens and state-of-the-art technology, comfort is the name of the game. The hotel features seven dining options, including a Michelin-starred French restaurant, Azure 45. But the pièce de résistance has to be the hotel’s spa, which offers treatments using precious stones and minerals.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself.
<<Book “The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo” at the best price!!>>
Access | 5-min walk from Roppongi Station |
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Official Website | https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/tyorz-the-ritz-carlton-tokyo/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 |
4. St. Regis Osaka
When it comes to luxury in Osaka, the St. Regis is in a league of its own. Located on the city’s famed Midosuji Avenue, this hotel is all about personalized service—think butlers available at the touch of a button.
The 160 rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, blending modern design with traditional Japanese elements like cherry wood and silk fabrics. Dining is an experience here, with options ranging from classic French cuisine to authentic Japanese dishes. The hotel’s spa offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, making it the perfect urban retreat.
<<Book “The St. Regis Osaka” at the best price!!>>
Access | 2-min walk from Honmachi station |
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Official Website | https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka/overview/ |
5. Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto is a masterclass in understated elegance. Situated along the banks of the Kamogawa River, the hotel offers stunning views of the water and the Higashiyama Mountains.
The 134 rooms and suites are designed with a minimalist aesthetic, incorporating traditional Japanese elements like tatami mats and shoji screens. The hotel’s dining options include a Michelin-starred restaurant, Mizuki, which serves exquisite kaiseki, sushi, and tempura.
For those looking to relax, the spa offers a variety of treatments, including a signature “Sake Bath” that uses sake lees from a local brewery.
<<Book “The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto” at the best price!!>>
Access | 4min walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae station |
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Official Website | https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/kyoto |
6. Hoshinoya Tokyo
Hoshinoya Tokyo is a rarity—a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) situated in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
Located in the Otemachi district, this hotel offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The 17-story building houses just 84 rooms, each designed in the classic ryokan style with tatami mats, futons, and deep wooden baths. Guests can participate in traditional tea ceremonies and even enjoy seasonal kaiseki dinners. The top floor houses a hot spring bath, sourced from 1,500 meters below ground, offering a unique onsen experience without leaving the city.
<<Book “HOSHINOYA Tokyo” at the best price!!>>
Access | 1-min walk from Otemachi Station |
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Official Website | https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/ |
7. Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a timeless classic that has captivated travelers for years. Located in the Shinjuku district, the hotel occupies the top 14 floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower.
The 177 rooms and suites offer sweeping views of the city and Mount Fuji, and they’re designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The New York Grill, located on the 52nd floor, is a must-visit, offering not just sumptuous food but also panoramic views. The hotel’s Club on the Park Spa provides a range of treatments and a swimming pool that seems to touch the sky.
<<Book “Park Hyatt Tokyo” at the best price!!>>
Access | 8-min walk from Tochomae Station |
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Official Website | https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-tokyo/tyoph |
8. Hoshinoya Kyoto
In the scenic Arashiyama district, Hoshinoya Kyoto offers a seamless blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern luxury.
With accommodations accessible only by a private boat, the hotel sets the stage for an exclusive experience right from the start. The property features 25 rooms, each thoughtfully designed to incorporate traditional elements like tatami mats and sliding paper doors, alongside modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel’s dining experience is a highlight, offering seasonal kaiseki meals that are a visual and culinary delight.
Beyond the rooms and dining, Hoshinoya Kyoto offers a range of activities designed to immerse guests in Japanese culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to meditative garden walks.
<<Book “Hoshinoya Kyoto” at the best price!!>>
Access | 5-min drive from Arashiyama Station |
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Official Website | https://hoshinoya.com/kyoto/en/ |
9. InterContinental Osaka
Located in the heart of Osaka’s business district, the InterContinental Osaka offers a blend of modern luxury and convenience.
The 272 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary flair, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning city views. Dining options include both Japanese and French cuisine, and the hotel’s bar is a popular spot for both guests and locals. The 24-hour fitness center and spa allow guests to maintain their wellness routine while away from home.
With its prime location near Osaka Station, the InterContinental makes exploring the city a breeze.
<<Book “InterContinental Osaka” at the best price!!>>
Access | 5-min walk from Osaka-Umeda Station |
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Official Website | https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/osaka/osaha/hoteldetail |
10. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Kyoto)
Located in the scenic Arashiyama district, Suiran offers a luxurious experience that’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
The hotel is situated near the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Grove, providing a tranquil setting that feels miles away from urban life. With only 39 rooms, Suiran offers an intimate experience, each room featuring traditional Japanese design elements like tatami mats and wooden baths. The hotel’s restaurant, Kyo-Suiran, serves seasonal kaiseki meals that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
For relaxation, the spa offers a variety of treatments, including a signature matcha facial, making Suiran a sanctuary of serenity and luxury.
<<Book “Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel” at the best price!!>>
Access | 8-min walk from Arashiyama Station |
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Official Website | https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ukylc-suiran-a-luxury-collection-hotel-kyoto/overview/ |
In a country where attention to detail is an art form, these hotels go above and beyond to redefine luxury. They offer not just opulent settings but experiences that stay with you long after you’ve checked out. It’s not just about where you stay; it’s about how you’re transformed by the experience.
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Written by
Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.