Luxury Hotels in Japan: A Guide to Luxury Vacations and the Best Locations

Looking for true luxury in the land of the morning calm? Japan's luxury hotels combine impeccable omotenashi service, fine dining, private onsen, and impressive design—from Tokyo's skyscrapers to Kyoto's intimate ryokans and Okinawa's relaxing resorts. Below, we've rounded up the best options, along with tips for choosing and booking, and top life hacks for premium travel.

Luxury accommodation formats in Japan.

• Five-star city hotels: panoramic views, club floors, spas and restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs (Tokyo, Osaka).
• Luxury ryokans: traditional Japanese inns with tatami mats, kaiseki dinners, and private onsen/rotenburo.
• Beachfront Spa Resorts: Villas and Suites with Terraces and Ocean Views (Okinawa).
• Ski chalets and spa lodges: powder snow of Niseko + hot springs (Hokkaido).
• Design hotels and art spaces: minimalism, art and world-class architecture (Naoshima, Karuizawa).

Where to stay: cities and regions.

Tokyo - Best Luxury Hotels.

• Aman Tokyo – ultra-minimalism, a top-notch spa, and a pool with views of the skyscrapers.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – panoramic views from the upper floors of Midtown, premium restaurants.
• Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – an iconic spa and gastronomy destination in Nihonbashi.
• Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi - suites with views of the Imperial Palace.
• The Peninsula Tokyo is the flagship service located near Hibiya Park and Ginza.
• Bulgari Hotel Tokyo (2023) – Italian luxury in the heart of business Yaesu.
• HOSHINOYA Tokyo is an “urban ryokan” with onsen and tea rituals.
• Note: Park Hyatt Tokyo is undergoing a long-term renovation until 2025.

Kyoto - ryokans and luxury hotels.

• Aman Kyoto – a hidden forest retreat, Japanese baths, seasonal cuisine.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto - Kamo Embankment, contemporary art, tatami suites.
• Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – a pond and garden, atmospheric te-house, spa.
• Park Hyatt Kyoto - traditional architecture and views of Yasaka Pagoda.
• HOSHINOYA Kyoto – river access, intimacy and privacy.
• Tawaraya/Hiiragiya - famous historical ryokans (book in advance).

Fuji and Hakone - onsen and views.

• Gora Kadan (Relais & Châteaux) is a legendary ryokan with private onsen.
• Hakone Ginyu - rooms with open-air baths on terraces.
• FUFU Hakone — boutique format, kaiseki dinners.
• HOSHINOYA Fuji - glamping near Kawaguchiko with a view of Fuji.

Hokkaido and Niseko – ski luxury.

• Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a rare level of Reserve service.
• Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono — ski-in/ski-out, large suites.
• Zaborin - secluded villas with private hot springs.
• Sansui Niseko is a new minimalist suite with an onsen spa.

Osaka and Kobe – gastronomy and business.

• The St. Regis Osaka — signature butler service, address on Midosuji.
• Conrad Osaka - views of the “sky lobby”, designer rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka - Classic Suite and Wine Rooms.
• Nearby: Arima Onsen (Kobe) - Arimasansou Gosho Bessho, Tocen Goshoboh.

Okinawa - ocean and relaxation.

• Halekulani Okinawa - infinity pools, white beaches.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa – golf and tropical spa.
• HOSHINOYA Okinawa – villas and privacy on the beach.
• The Busena Terrace is a tried and true seaside classic.

Other notable places.

• Amanemu (Ise-Shima) is a hot spring sanctuary spa.
• Benesse House (Naoshima) is a hotel-museum on the island of contemporary art.
• Hoshinoya Karuizawa is a mountain eco-retreat near Tokyo.
• Arcana Izu - gastronomy and private rotemburo in Izu.

How to choose a luxury hotel in Japan.

• Location and transportation: proximity to JR/subway in cities; transfers to ryokans and resorts.
• Room type: corner suites, tatami rooms, private rotenburo/ofuro on the terrace.
• Meals: Kaiseki dinners are often a must at ryokans; city hotels offer Michelin-starred restaurants and a Japanese/Continental breakfast.
• Onsen and tattoos: Some onsen have restrictions; many luxury hotels offer private baths or tattoo-covering stickers.
• Families with children: Ryokans may have age limits; check in advance.
• Concierge and language services: English-speaking team, restaurant reservations, private tours, tea ceremonies.

Budget and seasonality.

• Tokyo/Kyoto: $450–$1,500+ per night; suites are higher.
• Ryokans with dinner and breakfast: USD 600–2,000+ per room (sometimes charged per person).
• Niseko (peak season): +20–50% of base rates.
• Okinawa: High prices in July–September; typhoons possible.
• Best seasons: sakura (late March–April), momiji (late October–November), winter for onsen and skiing.

Booking tips.

• Plan 3-6 months in advance (ryokans and small boutiques book out first).
• Use privileges: Amex FHR, Virtuoso, Marriott STARS/Luminous, Hyatt Prive - breakfast, upgrade, credit for spa/restaurants.
• Request in advance: private transfer, private onsen, kaiseki dinner, personal guides.
• Onsen etiquette: no swimsuits, shower before entering, do not put your towel in the water.
• Cancellation/Deposit: Ryokans have strict policies; please read the rules carefully.

“Japan Luxury” itinerary for 7–10 days.

• 3 nights Tokyo: Aman Tokyo / Mandarin Oriental / Bulgari + high-end restaurants.
• 2 nights Kyoto: Four Seasons / Ritz-Carlton + private temple guide.
• 2 nights Hakone or Gora: Gora Kadan / FUFU Hakone with private onsen.
• By season: 2-3 nights Niseko (winter) or Okinawa (summer/fall).

FAQ: Luxury Hotels in Japan.

• How much do they cost? 5-star city hotels start from $450–$600; top-class luxury and suites range from $1,000–$3,000+. Kaiseki ryokans range from $600–$1,500+ per night.
• Ryokan or classic hotel? Ryokan is about tradition, onsen, and dining; city hotels are about views, infrastructure, and amenities.
• Tipping? Tipping is not customary in Japan; service is included.
• Tattoos and onsen? Check the hotel's policies; book a private onsen or use covering patches.
• Electrical and adapters? 100V, plugs types A/B.
• How many nights in a ryokan? One to two nights is optimal, considering the kaiseki dinner and relaxed pace.