Japan is home to some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, renowned for their impeccable hospitality and elegant spaces. In vibrant cities like Tokyo, Sapporo, and Kyoto, these high-end accommodations serve as convenient bases for both sightseeing and business, offering guests a comfortable place to unwind amidst their busy schedules.
In this article, we present nine of Japan’s premier luxury hotels, each promising a truly memorable stay. Whether you’re seeking luxurious comfort, world-class service, or authentic cultural experiences, our top picks are sure to provide the ideal retreat to match your travel style and preferences.
3 Luxury Hotels in Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo is a globally acclaimed luxury hotel, consistently awarded the highest five-star rating by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide. As of 2024, its accommodations have earned this honor for nine consecutive years and its spa for ten.
The hotel rooms are among the most spacious in the city, beautifully blending contemporary flair with touches of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Guests staying in the suites and Grand Deluxe rooms are treated to breathtaking views of the Imperial Palace gardens and Hibiya Park.
The hotel’s exceptional in-room dining service allows guests to savor delicious meals in privacy, while basking in natural morning light and admiring the majestic Tokyo skyline through their window. Additionally, the hotel features a world-class spa and modern fitness center, along with a comprehensive wellness program focusing on physical health, mindfulness, and nutrition. It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to rejuvenate both body and soul in a refined, tranquil setting.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Imperial Hotel Tokyo, established in 1890, is one of Japan’s most prestigious and historic luxury hotels. It delivers premium comfort and genuine Japanese hospitality, promising an unforgettable, indulgent experience. Ideally located near the Imperial Palace and the fashionable Ginza district, the hotel has a rich history of hosting prominent figures, including Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, and Helen Keller.
The hotel’s décor features classic European-style carpets and furnishings, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. On the fourth floor of the main building, guests can visit a traditional Japanese tea room, where matcha and seasonal wagashi are served in a peaceful setting.
The Imperial Hotel Tokyo also boasts a fine selection of restaurants and bars, offering everything from delectable Japanese cuisine to exquisite French dining. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while taking in the spectacular views of Tokyo.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a luxury hotel that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. It’s located in the iconic Nihonbashi district, an area that still reflects the historic atmosphere and cultural heritage of the Edo period. From the hotel rooms, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tokyo Skytree and, on clear days, even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, presenting a dynamic cityscape.
The hotel’s design is inspired by the theme “Forest and Water,” incorporating the natural beauty of Japan into its interiors. Guest rooms are adorned with custom fabrics and furnishings that showcase refined Japanese craftsmanship, creating a calm, elegant atmosphere reminiscent of a work of art.
The Mandarin Oriental philosophy is built around “Sense of Place”, a commitment to reflecting the culture and character of each destination. In Tokyo, this means artfully expressing the beauty of Japanese nature through its original decor.
For those seeking a restful and culturally rich experience in the heart of Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo makes for the perfect, memorable stay.
3 Luxury Hotels in Sapporo
The Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei
The Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei is a luxurious resort nestled in one of Hokkaido’s most renowned hot spring regions. Surrounded by deep valleys and lush green forests, the hotel is a relaxing, peaceful retreat where guests can enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery along with a soothing onsen experience.
The hotel has a variety of exquisite accommodations, including Japanese-Western rooms and spacious luxury room with private onsen with view. Each room offers breathtaking views of the Jozankei valley, allowing guests to unwind comfortably while surrounded by nature.
The onsen facilities feature both indoor and open-air baths filled with natural hot spring waters known for their healing properties. The soothing waters provide a refreshing break from everyday life, promoting relaxation and well-being.
The hotel also offers support in both English and Chinese, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for international guests. For those eager to explore Hokkaido’s majestic natural beauty, sincere hospitality, and therapeutic hot springs, the Grand Blissen Hotel Jozankei guarantees a truly unforgettable stay.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is a luxury hotel directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, making it easily accessible. Its prime location takes the hassle out of travel, making it a convenient base for both sightseeing and business.
Located within the JR Tower complex—a 38-story multi-use skyscraper—the hotel occupies the 1st floor as well as the 22nd to 36th floors. From these upper levels,, the hotel rooms offer panoramic views of the expansive Sapporo skyline and surrounding mountains. At night, the dazzling city lights make for a mesmerizing display.
The rooms are modern and refined, thoughtfully designed to balance comfort and tranquility. The standout feature of the hotel is its signature “Sky Resort Spa,” a scenic public bath with spectacular views, perfect for relaxation and restoration.
Dining at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo brings out the best of Hokkaido’s rich food culture. Guests can savor seasonal dishes crafted with the freshest local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of the region.
Additionally, the hotel provides multilingual support in Japanese, Mandarin, English, and Korean, ensuring international guests feel welcomed and at ease.
Sapporo Grand Hotel
The Sapporo Grand Hotel, established in 1934, has a long-standing reputation as “Hokkaido’s State Guesthouse”, welcoming distinguished guests from around the world. Its classical elegance and impeccable hospitality continue to reflect its status as a historic landmark in Sapporo.
Ideally situated in the heart of the city, the hotel connects directly to Odori Park and Sapporo Station via underground walkways. This prime location ensures easy access, even during snowy winters, making it a convenient base for both sightseeing and business.
The hotel has a variety of accommodations, from rooms with classic, historically inspired decor to more contemporary rooms on the Comfort and Executive Floors. Spacious suites, some as large as 162 square meters are also available, perfect for extended stays.
Dining at Sapporo Grand Hotel offers a taste of Hokkaido’s delectable flavors, with a diverse selection of restaurants serving authentic Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The breakfast is a favorite, where guests can enjoy either a Western and Japanese buffet breakfast at Northern Terrace Diner or a traditional Japanese set meal at Garden Dining Waraku. The set meal features an assortment of colorful small dishes made with seasonal vegetables.
3 Luxury Hotels in Kyoto
ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts
ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts, set in the tranquil northern district of Takagamine in Kyoto, provides an enriching luxury experience, immersing guests in Japan’s seasonal beauty and rich heritage.
The hotel’s design, inspired by the lush gardens and idyllic scenery of Takagamine, incorporates refined aesthetics and natural textures to create a distinctly elegant Japanese atmosphere. Guest rooms, most of which are spacious suites, offer stunning views of traditional gardens and the beautiful Kitayama mountains. As the day progresses, the softly changing natural light adds to the serene ambiance, perfectly capturing Kyoto’s timeless beauty.
Dining at ROKU KYOTO centers around its signature restaurant TENJIN, which prepares sumptuous meals with fresh, seasonal ingredients using world-renowned culinary techniques. On the other hand, at ROKU KYOTO’s Tea House, they serve original tea blends all day in a space with a modern take on the traditional aesthetic that defines Kyoto’s history, culture, and art. Come relax with a cup of tea to kick off or wind down your stay. The space is occasionally used to host tea ceremony demonstrations as well as a variety of other events and activities.
Guests can also unwind in the natural hot springs and soothing spa facilities, perfect after a busy day exploring the city. This restful retreat lets guests enjoy a lavish stay in Kyoto, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto
HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a luxury hotel nestled in the peaceful natural setting of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, offering a quiet escape from everyday life. Accessible only by boat, this secluded retreat begins with a gentle cruise along the serene Oi River, surrounded by forested mountains and calm waters that bring a feeling of deep relaxation.
The hotel rooms artfully blend traditional Japanese architecture with modern comfort, featuring warm interiors fashioned from washi paper and solid wood. Each room offers captivating views that change with the seasons－cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and glistening snow-covered landscapes in winter－showcasing nature’s beauty throughout the year.
HOSHINOYA Kyoto also provides immersive, authentic cultural experiences, including morning riverside meditation, private tea ceremonies, and seasonal cultural programs that bring Kyoto’s rich traditions to life.
Dining at the hotel revolves around innovative Kyoto kaiseki cuisine crafted with fresh local ingredients. Each dish brings out the unique flavors of the seasons, offering a true taste of the region. The graceful integration of nature and culture at HOSHINOYA Kyoto makes for a refreshing stay, soothing both body and mind.
Sumiya Ryokan
Sumiya Ryokan is a historic luxury inn in the heart of Kyoto, established during the Taisho era. This ryokan embodies genuine Japanese hospitality, passed down through generations. The commitment to service is reflected in the attentive care and thoughtful details that make guests feel at home.
Designed in the classic Kyoto townhouse style, the building offers warm, inviting spaces accented by rich, wood interiors. The serene tatami rooms overlook intimate courtyard gardens that reveal the beauty of Kyoto’s changing seasons.
Dining at Sumiya Ryokan features exquisite Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, delicately prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients. Each dish showcases vibrant seasonal colors and traditional culinary techniques. The ryokan also offers authentic cultural experiences, such as matcha tea ceremonies, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s rich heritage.
The ryokan’s central location provides convenient access to famous landmarks like Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, and Nishiki Market, making it an ideal base for exploring the quiet charm and cultural richness of old Kyoto.
Summary
Across Japan, luxury hotels continue to attract travelers from around the world. In popular destinations like Tokyo, Sapporo, and Kyoto, you’ll find exceptional accommodations that reflect both Japanese aesthetics and culture. In this article, we’ve introduced our top luxury hotel recommendations in each city. Each of these hotels offers a combination of traditional design, modern comfort, heartfelt hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences, making for an indulgent and memorable stay. Find the perfect hotel stay that suits your travel style and purpose, and make your journey to Japan all the more enriching.
