Best Hotels in Japan: Luxury, Boutique & Traditional Ryokan Stays

Best Hotels in Japan is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations—blending cutting-edge innovation with deep cultural traditions. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the culinary treasures of Osaka, Japan offers travelers an unforgettable experience. But what truly elevates a trip to Japan is its incredible hospitality culture, known as omotenashi, which emphasizes flawless service, attention to detail, and warm, genuine care.

This guide explores the best hotels in Japan for 2025, including luxury city hotels, boutique design stays, traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), onsen resorts, and budget-friendly options. Whether you’re planning a business trip, honeymoon, cultural adventure, or family vacation, Japan has a hotel tailored to your needs.

Let’s explore the top properties that deliver unmatched comfort, style, and hospitality.

Why Japan Has Some of the Best Hotels in the World

Japan is globally recognized for its hotel excellence thanks to:

Impeccable Service (Omotenashi) – hospitality taken to its highest level
Diverse accommodation styles – luxury towers, ryokans, capsule hotels, onsen resorts
Unmatched cleanliness and comfort
Advanced technology integration
Convenient locations near public transport
Exquisite culinary offerings, including Michelin-star dining

Whether staying in a futuristic Tokyo skyscraper or a centuries-old ryokan in Kyoto, Japanese hotels create unforgettable experiences.

Quick Overview: Best Hotels in Japan

⭐ Top Luxury Hotels in Japan

Aman Tokyo
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Hoshinoya Tokyo
The Okura Tokyo

⭐ Best Boutique Hotels

Trunk Hotel (Tokyo)
Hotel K5 (Tokyo)
Hotel Kanra Kyoto
Ace Hotel Kyoto
The Lively Osaka

⭐ Best Traditional Ryokans & Onsen Stays

Gora Kadan (Hakone)
Hoshinoya Kyoto
Tawaraya Ryokan (Kyoto)
Yufuin Gettouan (Oita)
Zaborin (Niseko)

⭐ Best Budget Hotels

APA Hotels (Nationwide)
Tokyu Stay (Tokyo, Osaka)
Hotel Mystays (Nationwide)
First Cabin (budget capsule)
Super Hotel Premier

Top Luxury Hotels in Japan (2025’s Best Picks)

Japan’s luxury hotels combine world-class design, Michelin-star cuisine, and flawless hospitality. These top-rated properties offer the finest stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

1. Aman Tokyo – The Ultimate Urban Sanctuary

Location: Otemachi, Tokyo
Category: Ultra-luxury
Best For: Honeymooners, wellness travelers, luxury seekers

Aman Tokyo is widely considered the best hotel in Japan, offering minimalist luxury inspired by traditional ryokan aesthetics. Located high above the city skyline, it offers cinematic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji.

Highlights:

Massive suites showcasing Japanese craftsmanship
One of the largest luxury hotel spas in Japan
Infinity pool with skyline views
Serene, zen-inspired architecture

Aman Tokyo is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, elegance, and premium service in the heart of Tokyo.

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto – Traditional Luxury on the Kamogawa River

Location: Kyoto
Category: 5-star luxury
Best For: Cultural travelers, romantic getaways

Blending modern design with traditional Japanese elements, The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto sits along the riverbank with spectacular mountain views.

Highlights:

Spacious rooms with seasonal décor
Michelin-star dining
Private cultural experiences (tea ceremony, kimono art)
Convenient access to Gion and Higashiyama

Ideal for travelers wanting luxury with authentic Japanese charm.

3. Park Hyatt Tokyo – Japan’s Most Iconic Hotel

Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Category: 5-star
Best For: Business travelers, style enthusiasts, movie fans

Famous from the film Lost in Translation, Park Hyatt Tokyo delivers sophisticated glamour and fantastic views from its top-floor lobby.

Highlights:

Panoramic views of Shinjuku and Mount Fuji
New York Grill – one of Tokyo’s top dining spots
Large, elegant rooms
Excellent indoor pool and spa

A timeless icon and one of Tokyo’s must-experience hotels.

4. Hoshinoya Tokyo – A Modern Luxury Ryokan in the Capital

Location: Otemachi, Tokyo
Category: Ryokan-style luxury
Best For: Cultural luxury seekers

A unique blend of traditional ryokan concept with modern skyscraper living.

Highlights:

Tatami-style rooms
Rooftop onsen (hot spring bath)
Multi-course kaiseki dining
Intimate, authentic atmosphere

One of the most authentic cultural luxury experiences in Tokyo.

5. The Okura Tokyo – Japan’s Most Historic Luxury Hotel

Location: Toranomon, Tokyo
Category: 5-star
Best For: Design lovers, business travelers, luxury stays

Rebuilt with respect for its original 1960s design, The Okura Tokyo blends elegance, heritage, and world-class hospitality.

Highlights:

Renowned tearoom
Spacious suites
Art-filled interiors
Award-winning restaurants

An excellent choice for travelers wanting classic Japanese refinement.

Best Boutique Hotels in Japan (Trendy, Stylish & Unique)

Japan’s boutique hotel scene is thriving, especially in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Expect artistic interiors, innovative design, and a youthful, urban vibe.

6. Trunk Hotel Shibuya – Trendy Lifestyle Boutique

Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
Best For: Millennials, creatives, fashion lovers

This stylish boutique hotel is designed with sustainability and local culture in mind.

Highlights:

Minimalist yet warm design
Popular bar and terrace
Strong community-focused vibe

A perfect base for exploring Shibuya’s trendy neighborhoods.

7. Hotel K5 Tokyo – Scandinavian-Japanese Elegance

Location: Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Best For: Design enthusiasts, couples

Hotel K5 transforms a former bank building into one of Tokyo’s most stylish boutique stays.

Highlights:

Nordic-inspired design
Cozy, atmospheric rooms
Popular cafés and wine bars

A hidden gem for design lovers.

8. Hotel Kanra Kyoto – Modern Japanese Design at Its Finest

Location: Kyoto Station area
Best For: Boutique luxury, couples

Hotel Kanra offers a stylish blend of modern design and traditional Japanese elements like hinoki bathtubs and tatami floors.

9. Ace Hotel Kyoto – Trendy & Artistic

Location: Downtown Kyoto
Best For: Young travelers, creatives

10. The Lively Osaka – Vibrant & Social

Location: Honmachi, Osaka
Best For: Social travelers, nightlife lovers

Features rooftop bars, modern rooms, and a lively community atmosphere.

Best Traditional Ryokans and Onsen Hotels in Japan

A stay in a ryokan is essential for experiencing true Japanese culture.

11. Gora Kadan – Japan’s Most Prestigious Ryokan

Location: Hakone
Category: Luxury ryokan
Best For: Romantic escapes, cultural immersion

Formerly a retreat for the Japanese imperial family, Gora Kadan offers the ultimate ryokan experience.

Highlights:

Private outdoor onsens
Multi-course kaiseki dining
Tatami rooms with modern comforts

A once-in-a-lifetime stay for luxury travelers.

12. Hoshinoya Kyoto – Riverside Ryokan Paradise

Location: Arashiyama, Kyoto

Accessed by boat, this ryokan sits along a peaceful river surrounded by lush mountains.

13. Tawaraya Ryokan – Kyoto’s Most Famous Traditional Inn

A centuries-old inn known for impeccable service and old-world charm.

14. Yufuin Gettouan – Onsen Luxury in Kyushu

Private open-air baths and stunning mountain views.

15. Zaborin – Modern Luxury Ryokan in Hokkaido

Located in Niseko, Zaborin combines minimalist design with volcanic hot springs.

Best Budget Hotels in Japan for Affordable Comfort

Japan offers clean, comfortable, and well-located hotels even for budget travelers.

16. APA Hotels – Affordable & Everywhere

Reliable, simple, and conveniently located across Japan.

17. Tokyu Stay – Perfect for Longer Trips

Spacious rooms and in-room laundry machines make it ideal for extended stays.

18. Hotel Mystays – Modern Budget Chain

Comfortable rooms and great locations at excellent prices.

19. First Cabin – Premium Capsule Hotel

Stylish capsules designed like airplane first-class cabins.

20. Super Hotel Premier – Affordable Onsen Experience

Many branches include natural hot spring baths.

How to Choose the Best Hotel in Japan (Expert Tips)

✔ Consider Location First

Japan’s cities are large—book hotels near major stations like:

Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Tokyo Station
Kyoto: Gion, Kawaramachi, Kyoto Station
Osaka: Namba, Umeda

✔ Decide Your Experience Style

Luxury: Aman, Ritz-Carlton, Okura
Boutique: Trunk, K5
Traditional ryokan: Gora Kadan, Hoshinoya
Budget: APA, Mystays

✔ Book Early

Hotels in Japan fill up fast, especially:

Cherry blossom season (March–April)
Autumn foliage (October–November)
New Year holiday

✔ For Ryokans, Choose Dinner Included

A multi-course kaiseki dinner is a highlight of the ryokan experience.

Conclusion: Japan Offers Some of the World’s Most Extraordinary Hotels

From the serene luxury of Aman Tokyo, to the traditional beauty of Gora Kadan, and the trendy energy of Trunk Hotel, Japan delivers accommodation experiences like no other. Whether you’re seeking ultra-luxury, boutique style, or authentic ryokan hospitality, Japan’s hotel scene ensures that every traveler finds the perfect stay.

With world-class service, breathtaking design, and unforgettable cultural touches, the best hotels in Japan turn every journey into a meaningful travel story.