The Best Hotels in Japan

Image courtesy of Amanemu

The doors to Japan have been (re)open for a few months now, and there's no better time to plan your long-awaited trip to ​​the Land of the Rising Sun.

From sleek resorts with on-site hot springs to architectural icons, Japanese hotels are known for their omotenashi – a colloquial term for warm, authentic hospitality. And the best hotels in Japan celebrate their region’s culture, food and heritage in their own special way. 

To aid in your search for where to stay in Japan, I've rounded up the best Japan hotels, including relative newcomers and all-time favorites. Whether you're exploring the frenetic Shinjuku district of Tokyo or the serene mountainscapes of Niseko, these are the best places to stay in Japan.

Park Hyatt Kyoto

Image courtesy of Park Hyatt Kyoto

Check in at the Park Hyatt in the Higashiyama neighborhood, an iconic enclave of the ancient, storied city of Kyoto. This luxury hillside resort is a veritable sanctuary, with delightful wellness treatments and an unmissable tea experience. All in all, the Park Hyatt is a beautiful melange of Japanese culture and the Hyatt brand’s renowned five-star luxury.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Aman Kyoto 

Image courtesy of Aman Kyoto

If a secret garden with an onsen in the heart of a forest sounds like the epitome of paradise, that's because it absolutely is. In Kyoto, the Aman embraces the minimalist Ryokan aesthetic to a T, with all the markings of a traditional and utterly serene Japanese inn.

Fora Perks:

• $100 food / beverage credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Park Hyatt Niseko

Image courtesy of Park Hyatt Niseko

Niseko, a mountain retreat in Hokkaido, is a skier's dream, and the Park Hyatt only adds to the region’s appeal. With out-of-this world views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the luxury Hyatt hotel offers top-notch outdoor adventures and an exceptional restaurant (led by a Michelin-starred chef, no less).

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi 

Illustrious and elegant, this new Four Seasons is sure to cement itself as one of Tokyo's must-stays. The hotel is coveted for its enviable views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, from guest rooms or the rooftop terrace. Plus, it’s a short walk to the bullet train in Tokyo Station – meaning cities like Yokohama and Osaka are extra accessible.

Fora Perks:

• When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I will be pleased to give you more details.

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Image courtesy of Palace Hotel Tokyo

Looking for a comfortable, luxurious escape in the bustling Japanese capital? The Palace Tokyo has you covered, with its delightfully contemporary interiors, sleek bars and restaurants and enviable spa experience. The floor-to-ceiling windows guarantee fantastic views of Tokyo and the nearby Imperial Palace gardens.

Fora Perks:

• $100 food / beverage credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Aman Tokyo

Image courtesy of Aman Tokyo

Traditional Japanese design meets exquisite modernity in this special Aman, comprised of ryokan-style rooms. The spa on-site offers tailored therapeutic herbal concoctions and relaxing massages. And don't miss the Edomae-style sushi restaurant, Musashi, which seats just eight and provides an authentic Japanese omakase fine dining experience.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Daily breakfast.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

On the shores of the Kamogawa River and with views of the Higashiyama mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto offers understated luxury with a dutiful homage to Japanese wellness. Here, guests indulge in massages that use locally harvested green tea leaves and bamboo.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto 

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

This serene sanctuary is nestled in the temple district of Kyoto, in an ancient 800-year-old garden, a testament to the hotel’s deep roots in both history and culture. The Four Seasons is picturesque: marvel at the lush environs through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Fora Perks:

• When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I will be pleased to give you more details.

Amanemu

Image courtesy of Amanemu

Southeast of Kyoto, sitting high on Ago bay, Amanemu encapsulates everything you might want from a nature resort, with its sparkling scenery of both land and sea. This Aman is one of the best, and the opportunities to interact with the ama (female freedivers) are unlike anything else.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Tokyo Toranomon EDITION 

Image courtesy of Tokyo Toranomon EDITION

Find yourself perched in a nest of luxury above Tokyo’s sprawling urban space, in the marvelous Ian-Schrager-directed, Kengo-Kuma-designed, Edition skyscraper. Favorite elements include the scenic terrace, the specialty restaurant and the luxe spa.

Fora Perks:

• $100 resort / hotel credit.

• Daily breakfast.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection

The stylish Mesm is an architectural wonder that is striking against its urban backdrop, and offers stunning views of Tokyo Bay (pictured above). Making the Mesm experience all the more unique are the digital pianos found in each of the hotel’s sophisticated rooms.

Ace Hotel Kyoto

For those looking for a hip Japanese hotel, check in at the Ace Hotel Kyoto. Located in a converted building from the 1920s, this spot has a retro feel. The vibe is enhanced by the design pieces throughout the Ace Hotel Kyoto, all a result of collaborations with local artists.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

Just north of Tokyo, Nikko is a region abundant with natural beauty and rich culture, but The Ritz-Carlton, in true fashion, finds ways to enhance the experience. The hotel is a true celebration of the region, and dutifully blends with its pristine natural setting. Don’t miss a dip in the on-site hot springs. 

Zentis Osaka

Image courtesy of Zentis Osaka

Nestled in the bustling port city of Osaka, Zentis is the first edition of the bespoke collection of Design Hotels. Featuring furniture and artwork by local artists, Zentis is for the design-conscious traveler. The interplay between the hotel’s warm, natural interior spaces and its own garden make the hotel feel like an urban oasis. Adding to its impressive design is UPSTAIRZ, the lounge, bar and restaurant – conceived by a team with a Michelin-star track record – featuring Japanese and French-inspired dishes.

Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

With a prime location, the Hyatt Centric is steps away from the famed Geisha and Samurai districts of Kanazawa. It doesn’t necessarily have some of the glitz of other Japan hotels, but it is a reliable option, and makes a great stop for travelers bound for destinations surrounding Kyoto (including Osaka).

Mitsui Kyoto

The Mitsui Kyoto is directly adjacent to Nijo-jo Castle, the famed safeguard of the ancient city. As a modern take on traditional Japanese tea rooms, this hotel offers a thermal spring spa, gastronomic restaurant and gorgeously authentic guest rooms.

Azumi Setoda

Located on the exceptionally beautiful, 140-year-old Horiuchi-tei estate in Hiroshima, this hotel is beloved by travelers and locals alike for its unique lemon baths and spa experiences. This is a ryokan to write home about.

Roku Kyoto

Image courtesy of Roku Kyoto

Nestled in the foothills of Kyoto, Roku provides unbeatable views of the Takagamine mountains and offers a polished and minimalist luxury experience. Guests can unwind in the thermal pool, or explore the scenic grounds by the river.

Okura Tokyo

At this luxe Tokyo hotel set in sublime glass towers, the mere act of checking in is an experience. The original lobby was an icon of Japanese-style modernism, and when the lobby was rebuilt, the result was an exact replica. What’s more: the restaurants on site are true culinary gems, offering expertly crafted French, Japanese and Chinese fare.