Traveling to Japan often involves an intriguing mix of contrasts and a bit of culture shock for first-time visitors. But if raw fish dinners, hot spring baths with strangers, anime culture, and tech-obsessed population pique your interest, it might be the perfect place to add to your travel bucket list!
Some of the natural wonders of Japan are Mount Fuji, Mount Komagatake, Lake Ashi, and the Bamboo Forest of Sagano. Buddhist religious sites, like the Kiyomizu Temple and Sanjusangendo Hall, are top tourist draws to Japan as well. And Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more remote villages offer visitors unique insights into what makes Japanese culture so beautiful and unique.
But after long days of sightseeing, shopping, eating, and partying, nothing feels better than a comfortable place to come “home” to relax and recharge. These are some of the best hotels and resorts to consider staying at when you travel to Japan. If you’re looking for luxury, many of the country’s top hotels are affiliated with international brands you’re probably already familiar with.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills, Tokyo
Tokyo is a wildly chaotic city, but the Andaz Tokyo hotel is a blissful retreat high above the madness down below. This is a friendly and welcoming hotel that was designed with Japanese natural materials, textures, and colors. There’s a rooftop bar on the 52nd floor that has both indoor and outdoor seating and seasonal cocktails and teas. This is a place to stay if you’re looking to explore Tokyo’s art scene, as the Mori Art Museum, Suntory Museum of Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and The National Art Center are nearby. It’s also great for business travelers too because it’s located in Toranomon, which is a key business district of Central Tokyo.
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, Tokyo
Another great place to stay in Tokyo is the Prince Park Tower, which stands in a green park in Tokyo. This is a great hotel to stay at if you like to get the full hotel experience and plan to spend some time inside the hotel. There is a natural hot spring and full range of other amenities, such as restaurants, a bowling alley and spa and fitness facilities. Take a dip in the 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool and rent a bicycle from the hotel staff to get active while staying here.
Grand Nikko Tokyo, Minato
You can enjoy the view of Tokyo’s waterfront when you stay at Grand Nikko in Minato. This boutique-style hotel is located in the waterfront area of Odaiba with a great view of the Rainbow Bridge. Located on the top floors (25th, 26th, 27th and 28th floors), there’s a private lounge exclusively for guests, while The Grill on 30th overlooks central Tokyo. This is a great choice for business travelers because there’s a business center, fitness center, fine dining, and meeting rooms onsite. It’s also 15 minutes from Shimbashi/Ginza shopping district via the Yurikamome line.
The St. Regis Osaka, Osaka
But Tokyo isn’t the only amazing place to stay in Japan, as other cities like Osaka have a lot to offer travelers as well. The St. Regis Osaka is known for its personal service and specialty dining, with chic rooms and suites. It’s located in the heart of beautiful Midosuji near many of the cities corporations, institutions, and high-end boutique shops. There’s a lovely rooftop garden reception venue here, which makes it popular for weddings and other special events. Experience fine dining at Rue d’Or, La Veduta or at Teppanyaki WAJO, then get pampered at the spa or take in beautiful vistas of the Osaka skyline from the 12th-floor terrace.
Hotel New Otani Osaka, Osaka
Hotel New Otani is located along the river in Osaka Business Park, near the Osaka Castle and surrounding 264-acre Castle Park. This is an excellent choice for foodie travelers because there are multiple restaurants and bars on site. You won’t get bored with the cuisine while staying here since there are excellent French, Japanese, and Chinese dishes served, as well as a Four Seasons sky lounge. Take a riverboat cruise and soak in traditional Japanese baths to unwind or catch a performance at the theater next door.
Hankyu International, Osaka
Another great place to stay in Osaka is the Hankyu International, which occupies the top 10 floors and the first six levels of a 34-story building called Applause Tower. There are multiple theaters and restaurants inside the tower, as well as a shopping arcade, a library, and a fitness club. You can stay in one of the elegant guest rooms, including the exclusive and luxurious top-floor suites. There are sushi, Chinese and teppanyaki restaurants located onsite, as well as a bar and cocktail lounge.
Hoshinoya Kyoto, Kyoto
If you plan to spend some time in Kyoto, then perhaps a stay at the Hoshinoya is just what you need to feel relaxed and comfortable. This boutique-style hotel was built in 1900 and remodeled in 2009, with a small collection of rooms and suites on site. You’ll take a scenic, private boat ride along a serene river and mountains in the distance to reach this retreat. One of the best ways to beat the heat and crowds during the summer is to spend time in the back parlors, known as Okuzashikis, in the Kibune and Kamogawa areas of Kyoto. Onsite you can try Japanese cuisine prepared by the experienced chef, Ichiro Kubota.
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima, Hiroshima
To be close to all the sightseeing destinations in Hiroshima, consider staying at the Rihga Royal Hotel. This hotel is located near Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and the Hiroshima Convention Center. You can choose between a seaside or castle-side view from your room, and there are department stores and gift shops located inside and next to the hotel. The on-site restaurants serve local specialties and international cuisines and there are various banquet halls here, including one that has standing space for 2,000 people.
Enospa Island Spa, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa
Japanese bathing rituals are considered to be sacred, so make the trip to one of Japan’s hot springs to see what the experience is all about. Enospa Island Spa features indoor waterfalls, whirlpools, a health-food café, and even a Western-style treatment menu. This is a popular tourist spot for couples on vacation. There are several restaurants onsite that serve healthy spa-inspired cuisine. You can treat yourself to everything from the natural hot springs to hot aqua exercise, medical conditioning, bodywork, oral care, and an oxygen capsule here.
