The best hotels in Japan 2026, for the ultimate bucket list trip
Japan holds an undeniable allure, where pioneering, neon-lit cities meet centuries-old tradition, and a world-renowned culinary scene is matched by an unwavering attention to detail. It was recently named the number one destination for a third consecutive year by Condé Nast Traveller readers, and it’s easy to see why – especially when a Japan hotel stay can be as memorable as the destination itself.
Of course, there’s the vibrant, futuristic capital city of Tokyo, home to thousands of contemporary sushi restaurants, effortlessly cool listening bars and endless options for quality vintage shopping. Yet, travel beyond the metropolis and there's so much more to uncover. Kyoto offers a window into Japan’s past through centuries-old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, while Osaka, better known as Japan’s kitchen, delivers on bold flavours and a lively street food culture.
Mount Fuji rises as an iconic backdrop, particularly during cherry blossom season, while lesser-known places such as Japan’s art island Naoshima see contemporary installations and striking architecture set against an achingly beautiful backdrop of sea and sky. Hokkaido’s powdery slopes draw skiers each year, while further south, Okinawa’s island chain surprises with its white-sand beaches and clear, tropical waters that could pass for Hawaii.
Truly, Japan is a destination that has it all. Whether you’re seeking culture, cuisine, adventure or relaxation, the country offers a richness that makes every visit feel entirely fresh. Better still, with the Yen being weak to the Pound, 2026 is a prime time to tick this dream destination off your bucket list.
From design-led city stays to tranquil ryokans, these best Japan hotels offer a compelling reason to start planning your trip now.
How we chose the best hotels in Japan:
Every hotel featured here has been independently selected by our well-travelled editors, many of whom have visited Japan and experienced these stays first-hand, or have conducted extensive research into each property.
When compiling our edit of the best Japan hotels, we’re on the lookout for standout locations, exceptional service, and design that leaves a lasting impression. We also look for thoughtful amenities our readers value – such as spas and wellness facilities – alongside refined dining to considered mixology. We are constantly updating this list as and when new exciting hotels launch or one of our editors stay at a hotel worthy of inclusion.
Ahead, we've reviewed all the best hotels in Japan for 2026.
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Hoshinoya Tokyo
Blending ryokan-style elements with contemporary comforts, Hoshinoya Tokyo offers a stay that feels deeply attuned to its setting yet steeped in Japanese traditions. Shoes are removed on arrival and guests walk barefoot on tatami mats, immediately shifting the pace to something slower and more considered.
Each floor functions as a private Japanese inn, housing just six rooms that are arranged around a central ochanoma lounge to create a homely atmosphere for guests to unwind in. Rooms feel like private sanctuaries, featuring low-set furniture and sliding screens that offer a sense of quiet detachment from the bustle of central Tokyo. Each detail feels like an intentional invitation to pause and settle into the rhythm of the space – even the elaborate kimono-inspired metal-lattice facade that encases the hotel.
At its heart is the rooftop onsen, fed by mineral-rich water drawn from 1,500 metres underground. Open late into the evenings, the baths are a true highlight, allowing you to soak beneath Tokyo’s night sky, followed by the simple, nostalgic ritual of cold milk.
During a visit, guests are also able to experience everything from a morning Japanese martial art session above Tokyo’s skyline to a mindful tea ceremony, meaning that even a brief visit to the country’s capital can still be a richly cultural one.
Dining is equally thoughtful at Hoshinoya Tokyo. Set in private and semi-private rooms inspired by Edo castle walls, meals feel both intimate and ceremonial. Dishes emphasise balance, with this being reflected in presentation through circular and square motifs.
Immersive, restorative and unexpectedly transporting in the middle of the city, this is a stay unlike any other you will have experienced.
Price per night: From £282
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Waldorf Astoria Osaka
Though it only opened in April 2025, Waldorf Astoria Osaka has quickly become one of the city’s most coveted stays. Set in the vibrant Umekita district a short walk from JR Osaka Station, the hotel offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city from the 252 rooms and suites that span the 28th to 38th floors. Each guest room features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer impressive vistas of the Osaka city skyline, meaning you’re sightseeing from the convenience of the hotel at any given moment, even when curled up in your plush bed.
Rooms are spacious and serene, blending Art Deco elegance with subtle Japanese touches, while service is warm, polished and effortlessly intuitive. The hotel’s 30th floor pool overlooking Osaka Bay is the perfect place for a quiet moment in the mornings, while by night you need only head down to 28th for a tipple at Cane and Tales, Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s speakeasy-style cocktail bar exuding Gatsby-like glamour.
Dining here is a standout. From Tsukimi, the hotel’s intimate omakase restaurant where the focus is on delicate, precise flavours, to Jolie Brasserie which delivers on breakfast with all the trimmings in the morning and equally more-ish comforting French classics for lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea at Peacock Alley is also a must, particularly if you’re lucky enough to visit during strawberry season, though it’s their wonderfully soft signature red velvet cheesecake that steals the show.
Overall, Waldorf Astoria makes for the perfect base when staying in Osaka - promising sleek interiors, top-quality service, a buzzy surrounding neighbourhood and convenient transport links to boot.
Price per night: From £391
Address: 5-54 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Sowaka Kyoto
The spirit of the Sowaka brand is rooted in its ethos of being “nostalgic but new”, striking a careful balance between contemporary comfort and a deeply authentic Japanese experience.
Set within a beautifully restored, 100-year-old former tea house in Kyoto’s historic Gion district, the property has been thoughtfully transformed into a refined ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that honours its heritage at every turn. Intricate woodwork, sliding shoji doors and traditional tatami flooring, paired with considered modern touches like plush cashmere mattresses, seamless service, high-speed WiFi and even a discreet Bluetooth speakers ensure that comfort never feels compromised.
There’s an undeniable sense of calm throughout the property, with each space designed to feel intimate and restorative, echoing the quiet elegance of old Kyoto. Rooms are minimalist yet warm, allowing the craftsmanship and materials to take centre stage, while the overall atmosphere feels both exclusive and inviting.
The food here has just as much wow-factor as the design, with their on-site restaurant La Bombance Gion, coming from the team behind the award-winning restaurant in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Expect a ten course interpretation of traditional Kyoto cuisine. Think ginger hotpot with deep fried soba and wagyu beef. Divine!
It’s the kind of place where every detail - both in design and dining - feels intentional, making Sowaka a standout stay.
Price per night: From £661
Address: 480 Kiyoicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0821, Japan
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
If you’re looking for a Japan hotel with a view, this is undoubtedly it. Spanning the 45th to 53rd floors of Midtown Tower, The Ritz-Carlton occupies its highest levels, providing panoramic views of the city that stretch as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Beyond the impressive views, however, the hotel more than delivers on the luxe that The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with. Grand yet refined, interiors here lean into a classic sense of luxury, from rich woods and polished marbles to a gold palette that creates a sense of occasion. Service is attentive while rooms are plush and elegant, making for the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Of course, there's a state-of-the-art fitness centre and sleek swimming pool in addition to a spa that would make anyone forget they’re in the centre of Tokyo’s bustle.
If you’re after a little extra glamour during your stay, we recommend you upgrade with Ritz-Carlton Club access which allows you to benefit from a dedicated concierge, private lounge access (where there are five complimentary dining settings per day, not that we’re counting) and other perks such as a shoeshine and clothes pressing. If you need one more reason to upgrade, though, let it be the wonderfully fluffy breakfast omelette served in the lounge, best enjoyed when admiring the sweeping views on the 53rd floor.
When it comes to dining beyond the lounge, however, Héritage by Kei Kobayashi is a real treat for the senses. Bringing Michelin-starred French dining to the hotel, the delicate, detail-oriented dishes here make a special occasion even more memorable. Towers is your go-to for a more understated, modern à la carte meal with a focus on high-quality ingredients, while Hinokizaka draws together four quintessential Japanese dining styles: kaiseki, sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. Of course, the Lobby Lounge and bar are equally stunning settings to enjoy an afternoon tea, evening tipple and everything in between. For those after timeless elegance and service of the highest standard, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo is the obvious choice.
Price per night: From £505
Address: Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan
Benesse House
Set on Japan’s ‘art island’ of Naoshima, Benesse House is less a hotel and more an immersive experience where art, architecture and nature converge in harmony. Designed by Tadao Ando, the space is defined by clean concrete lines, soft natural light and shapes that complement their surroundings. Rooms are minimalist yet bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering uninterrupted views of the Seto Inland Sea that leave you with no choice but to surrender to the present moment, particularly at golden sunset hour.
What sets Benesse House apart, however, is its seamless integration with contemporary art. Guests also benefit from after-hours access to the museum spaces, meaning that once the last ferry departs and the crowds leave the island, you’re free to experience the artworks in near silence – a rare, almost secretive privilege shared only with fellow guests.
In addition to the fine art, however, is the fine dining which you can indulge in at the hotel’s Japanese restaurant Issen. Here, guests are able to experience kaiseki, a traditional multi-course haute cuisine focusing on high-quality seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation, from a nourishingly aromatic sea bream soup to expertly cooked beef steak.
When we think back on our visit to Japan, this was undoubtedly a highlight of the trip because it offers so much more than a typical luxury stay. Naoshima Island is an inherently magical place, and it’s hard to think of somewhere more special to stay when visiting the island than Benesse House Museum.
Price per night: From £223
Address: Kotohikiji, Naoshima, Kagawa District, Kagawa 761-3110, Japan
Miyuki Kaneko (Nacasa & Partners inc.)W Osaka
If you scan the urban jungle of Osaka, W Osaka is likely to be the first thing that catches your eye. Its sky-scraping, all-black glossy exterior cuts a striking silhouette against the city’s more traditional skyline, making it something of a landmark in its own right. The hotel sits on Midosuji, Osaka’s premier luxury shopping boulevard, placing designer boutiques, flagship stores and some of the city’s best dining spots right on your doorstep. Just a short stroll away lies the ever-energetic Dotonbori district, home to the best street food in Japan.
Step inside, however, and the mood shifts entirely. True to the global W brand, interiors are a bold, high-energy mix of colour, light and texture, with a kaleidoscopic palette that feels playful yet polished.
A dedicated wellness floor features a striking indoor pool bathed in neon light, alongside a well-equipped gym and spa spaces designed for post-city unwinding. Elsewhere, guests can move between two lively bars and three distinct restaurants, each offering its own take on modern dining. The real highlight, however, is the elusive Edomae sushi counter - an intimate, reservation-only experience that’s advertised only by recommendation. Clue: look for the fish. Good luck finding it!
Price per night: From £299
Address: 4 Chome-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan
Hoshinoya Fuji
Set in the atmospheric alpine slopes that overlook Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji, this hotel redefines luxury glamping with a quintessentially Japanese feel. Minimalist cabins let the landscape take centre stage, while private terraces with heated tables mean you can enjoy the soaking up the setting even in cooler weather.
At check-in, guests are invited to choose their own backpack, setting the tone for a stay rooted in exploration. Days feel restorative and unfold slowly, being shaped by the stunning scenery. Set within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hoshinoya Fuji is surrounded by forests of hinoki, cedar and tsugi – a legacy of post-war replanting. Most of our time at the hotel was spent simply sitting in nature, be it reading or gazing at Fuji in pure awe – a novelty that genuinely never got boring.
Yet even on days when Fuji is playing hide and seek in the clouds, the thoughtful team here make each quiet moment in between feel special, from pizza making in the forest to toasting a marshmallow over the fire on the cloud terrace.
Meals at Hoshinoya Fuji are exceptional, with guests being able to enjoy sukiyaki hotpot from the comfort of their own terraces for dinner or having the option to visit Gastronomic Wild, the hotel’s restaurant where carefully curated, high-quality seasonal ingredients speak for themselves. Every meal we had during our visit was memorable, from the warm, fluffy dutch oven bread at breakfast to the incredibly tender flame-grilled venison at dinner.
Hoshinoya Fuji isn’t about traditional notions of luxury, but something far more considered: a stay deeply connected to its surroundings, where nature ensures that you leave feeling much more grounded than when you first checked in.
Price per night: From £192
Address: 1408 Oishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa is the second outpost of Hawaii’s revered Halekulani brand, with its name translating to “a house befitting heaven”, a title it more than lives up to. There’s no wonder Okinawa resembles Hawaii so much – its climate is almost identical, both adorned with powdery white beaches with surrounding turquoise waters.
Stretching nearly a mile down the coast, every room boasts sweeping ocean views, with many featuring private terraces and some even offering their own plunge pools - ideal for watching the sun dip below the horizon in total privacy. Interiors are light, airy and understated, allowing the natural beauty outside to take centre stage while maintaining a sense of quiet luxury throughout.
You can choose from an array of different restaurants offering Japanese, Hawaiian or Western cuisine, so whether you want authentic sashimi, a poke bowl or eggs benedict – this place has got you covered.
Direct beach access, excellent food and thoughtful service result in a resort as indulgent as it is calming and making for the perfect escape for those seeking sun, sea and a softer pace of travel from their Japan hotel.
Price per night: From £283
Address: 1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0401, Japan
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Set high above Otemachi, Four Seasons Tokyo feels worlds away from the pace below – all clean lines, soft light and uninterrupted views that span the Imperial Palace gardens and city skyline. Rooms are expansive, sleek and contemporary, with plush king size beds that you can melt into and soaking tubs to unwind in after a long day exploring the city.
As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of excellent dining options on offer at Four Seasons Tokyo. From its Michelin-starred French restaurant Est. which delivers on delicate seasonal tasting menus to PIGNETO for a foolproof, relaxed Italian vibe, guests are well catered to. Meanwhile, Virtù, the hotel’s Paris-meets-Tokyo cocktail bar is perhaps one of the most stunning we have ever visited, nailing the moody, intimate brief. It’s the kind of place you plan to stop by for one drink and inevitably end up staying far longer.
Its wellness offering is equally strong, featuring an indoor pool set against the stunning backdrop of the Tokyo skyline (particularly atmospheric at night), while the spa and fitness spaces are equally sleek yet serene, making for the perfect place to reset and recharge.
One of the best possible bases you could hope for in Tokyo in both location and ambience, every element here has been thoughtfully designed to allow guests to relax fully into their stay.
Price per night: From £283
Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Six Senses Kyoto
The iconic Six Senses name – famous for its sustainable and sumptuous resorts – lands itself perfectly, downtown in the ancient capital city Kyoto.
With nearly four thousand temples and shrines, many still consider Kyoto to be the cultural and historical centre of Japan. Choose from one of 81 rooms with views of the city, the internal courtyard or the 16th-century Toyokuni Shrine just opposite.
The Six Senses spa experience (let us tell you – it’s an experience) takes you on a holistic wellness journey where smart technology meets traditional Japanese healing methods.
The sustainable Eat With Six Senses ethos gives you the ultra-seasonal dining experience, rooted in local ingredients from farm to table at their all-day dining restaurant, Sekki.
Price per night: From £530
Address: 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Known for both the quality and quantity of its powdery white snow, the Niseko region has long been a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. Set at the base of the striking Mount Yōtei - often compared to Mount Fuji - Higashiyama Niseko Village offers true ski-in, ski-out access, with lifts quite literally on your doorstep. But this is more than just a winter sports base; it’s an intimate alpine retreat that invites guests to experience the landscape in every season.
In winter, the focus is firmly on the slopes, with some of the lightest, driest powder in the world. Come spring and summer, the same terrain transforms into a haven for hiking, cycling and nature-led exploration. Back at the hotel, the pace slows. Interiors are warm and cosy, designed as a comforting contrast to the crisp air outside, with rich walnut wood, soft linen textures and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding scenery.
You can dine in one of their two restaurants that celebrate seasonal Japanese ingredients, served against a backdrop of sweeping mountain views. After a day outdoors, the experience is best rounded off with a visit to the onsen, where you can soak in natural hot springs while looking out across Niseko’s snow-covered landscape - an undeniably restorative end to the day.
Price per night: From £253
Address: 919-28 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan
Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima
Nestled deep within the subtropical, ancient forests of Yakushima Island, Sankara is a secluded luxury boutique Japan hotel that feels worlds away from the pace of modern life. The island itself is considered to be one of Japan’s natural wonders – a UNESCO World Heritage island famous for its ancient cedar forests. While it has long been a cherished escape for Japanese nature lovers, it remains relatively under the radar for international visitors, adding to its sense of untouched tranquillity.
Days can be spent hiking through dense forest trails beneath towering trees that are thousands of years old, or exploring the island’s rugged coastline where waterfalls tumble into the sea. In warmer months, the beaches become a nesting ground for sea turtles, offering the rare chance to witness them come ashore.
Sankara itself is intimate, with just 24 beautifully designed guest rooms. Interiors are calm and understated, while a tropical spa offers tailored treatments inspired by the island’s elements. Dining is another highlight, with two restaurants led by executive chef Chiharu Takei, whose expertly prepared wagyu beef is a standout. Altogether, it’s a place that feels both grounding and indulgent, making for a perfect retreat for those wanting to explore a lesser known side to Japan.
Price per night: From £562
Address: 553 Mugio, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4402, Japan
Aman Tokyo
In the heights of the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo epitomises the unparalleled luxury and timeless elegance we love to see from the iconic Aman brand.
It’s one of their very first urban outposts, offering guests a sky high sanctuary above the drumroll of the capital city. It’s located in Otemachi, Tokyo’s financial district, where there’s wonderful views of the Imperial Palace and its gardens.
Naturally, like many other properties in the Aman portfolio, the entrance on the city’s floor is easily missed and discreetly hidden with the intention of exclusivity.
The design of the hotel is very minimal, inspired by Japanese heritage with its floral ikebana displays, cypress wood bedrooms, washi paper doors and its stone-clad chamber that holds one of the largest spas in the city.
Here you can wind down after a day of exploring the bustling city below, by relaxing in the 30-metre pool taking in the city's stunning urban landscape - you may even spot Mount Fuji if it’s a clear day. It’s also home to some of the best Italian food in the city.
Price per night: From £1369
Address: The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
Christopher CypertJW Marriott Nara
Nara is a captivating corner of Japan just waiting to be explored, only a short drive or train from Osaka and Kyoto. Here you can fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture, history and nature.
In Nara Park, surrounded by sacred deer, is one of Japan’s most historic Buddhist Temples, Tōdai-ji. Just a five minute drive from here is the first luxury hotel in the area, JW Marriott Nara. Its design brings contemporary Japanese style together with traditional architecture and multiple nods to the local sacred deer throughout the hotel to create a peaceful and comforting atmosphere.
The lobby is so beautifully grand with an eye-catching nine foot stag mural overlooking the main bar. JW Marriott Nara has two stunning restaurants, including Azekura, where you can choose what style of Japanese dining and seating you’d prefer, Teppanyaki, Sushi or Kaiseki. An outstanding and unmissable option if you’re visiting Japan.
Price per night: From £213
Address: 1 Chome-1 Sanjooji, Nara 630-8013, Japan
Nishimuraya Honkan
This traditional ryokan is set in one of Japan’s most luxurious onsen towns, where the ritual of bathing in natural hot springs is as much a cultural experience as it is a form of relaxation. Known for its abundance of mineral-rich waters, the town is home to several public baths, and Nishimuraya Honkan is perfectly positioned between two of the seven historic onsen that visitors can explore. Wandering between them in a yukata, moving from bath to bath, is all part of the charm—and a defining feature of a stay here.
What makes Nishimuraya Honkan particularly special is its heritage. The inn has been welcoming guests for more than 150 years and has remained in the same family for generations, preserving a deep sense of tradition and continuity. It has the style and feel of a traditional Japanese tea house, built in the classic sukiya-zukuri style often associated with traditional tea houses. Think tatami-matted rooms and tranquil garden views that shift with the seasons.
The experience is intentionally slow and considered, encouraging guests to fully unwind and immerse themselves in Japanese customs. A highlight of any stay is the included kaiseki meal, a carefully crafted authentic multi-course Japanese dinner that showcases seasonal ingredients and regional specialities. Each dish is as visually refined as it is flavourful, offering a taste of Japanese culinary tradition.
Paired with attentive service, Nishimuraya Honkan delivers an experience that feels both deeply authentic and quietly luxurious, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s timeless hospitality.
Price per night: From £735
Address: 469 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island
If a private island experience is what you want from a hotel in Japan, then you might want to consider this. Set on its own small island just off the coast of central Okinawa, Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island feels blissfully removed while still being easily accessible.
The surrounding waters are a major draw. Known for their clarity and vibrant marine life, they provide excellent conditions for snorkelling, with opportunities to spot colourful coral reefs, clownfish, sea turtles and an abundance of tropical species just offshore. It’s the kind of place where days naturally revolve around the sea, whether that’s swimming, paddleboarding or simply soaking up the view.
The hotel itself is expansive yet thoughtfully designed, with all 343 rooms and suites offering ocean views and interiors echoing the coastal setting, being light and contemporary.
There’s six wonderful restaurants serving up the best authentic Japanese dishes. Expect fresh seafood and lighter, sunshine-ready fare served in relaxed yet refined settings. Add to that multiple pools, direct beach access and a calm, resort-style atmosphere, and the Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island delivers a polished take on the private island experience – ideal for those looking to switch off without sacrificing comfort.
Price per night: From £185
Address: 1108 Seragaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0404, Japan
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