15 best hotels in Japan 2024, for the ultimate bucket list trip
Ah, Japan. That far away place, with the allure of pioneering neon-lit cities and arguably one of the best cuisines in the world. It was recently named the number one destination for 2024 by Conde Nast Traveller, and it’s easy to see why.
Of course, there’s the vibrant future-pushing capital city of Tokyo, home to thousands of contemporary sushi restaurants, underground jazz bars and an innovative gin scene. Then there's the imperial city of Kyoto with an abundance of centuries-old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
There’s the ever-popular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, that’s surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms between late March and early April. The city of Osaka, better known as Japan’s kitchen, is where you can indulge in authentic street food all day long and top it off by belting your heart out in a karaoke bar. Lesser known destinations like the historic city of Nara are also not to be sniffed at – a city, once Japan’s capital, only an hour away from both Osaka and Kyoto, where you can wander freely alongside hundreds and hundreds of sacred deer.
Japan is also home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, like Hokkaido, also known for its volcanoes and natural hot springs. Not forgetting, of course, Japan's tropical sandy white beaches – unexpected I know – but Okinawa, a cluster of 150 islands has an abundance of picture perfect beaches surrounded by crystal clear azure waters that resemble Hawaii. Japan is seriously a destination that has it all.
The best hotels in Japan at a glance:
- Best new hotel in Japan: The EDITION Tokyo Ginza
- Best hotel in Osaka: W Osaka
- Best hotel for ancient temples: JW Marriott Nara
- Best Japanese beach hotel: Halekulani Okinawa
- Best traditional Japanese Ryoka: Nishimuraya Honkan
“Oh shit, I’m really in Japan.”
Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit Japan. It had always been lurking at the top of my bucket list when it came to ultimate travel destinations. My trip had the biggest reaction among friends, family and colleagues – pretty much everyone is desperate to visit Japan. Evidently, it’s one of the top five long-haul destinations among Gen-Z Brits according to Tourism Australia. And travel operators like Travelsphere and Just You have seen bookings to Japan rise by 50% year-on-year. We get it, she's popular! At the moment, the Japanese Yen is weak to the Pound, so 2024 is an opportune time to tick this dream destination off of your bucket list.
How we chose the best hotels in Japan:
Every hotel in this feature has been independently selected by our well-travelled editors who have been to Japan and either stayed at the hotel’s themselves or alternatively deep-dived into the property with research. When GLAMOUR is selecting its best hotels, we’re always on the lookout for a great location, an excellent standard of service, eye-catching design from the outside in, any facilities a GLAMOUR reader would love like a spa or wellness centre and we consider the gastronomy and mixology – and last but not least, we look into each hotel’s sustainability credentials. We are constantly updating this list as and when new exciting hotels launch or one of our editors stay at a hotel worthy of being included.
Save when booking your next Japanese adventure with promo codes from Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
After another destination? Book the best hotels in Puglia, best hotels in Ibiza, best Amalfi Coast hotels, best hotels in Miami and the best hotels in the Maldives.
Ahead, we've reviewed all the best hotels in Japan for 2024.
For more from Glamour UK Senior Visual Editor Chelsea Hughes, follow her on Instagram @chelshughes92.
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 probably 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.
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sowaka Kyoto
The spirit of the Sowaka brand is “nostalgic but new”, giving you the contemporary aura you want from service but simultaneously, it gives you an authentic and traditional Japanese living experience. Housed in a high-end, 100-year-old former tea house, it has been reformed into a beautiful ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) with detailed woodwork, sliding doors, tatami floors and cashmere mattresses, plus a speedy wifi and a bluetooth speaker - because we’re combining the new with the old here. The food here has just as much wow-factor as the design, with their new restaurant, La Bombance Gion, from the team behind the award-winning restaurant in Tokyo and Hong Kong, you can expect a ten course interpretation of traditional Kyoto cuisine. Think ginger hotpot with deep fried soba and wagyu beef. *Drools*.
Price per night: From £559
Address: 480 Kiyoicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0821, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Miyuki Kaneko (Nacasa & Partners inc.)W Osaka
If you scan the urban jungle of Osaka, W Osaka will likely be the first thing you see, since its sky-scraping all-black glossy exterior contrasts to the rest of the city. It’s situated on Mido Suji, Osaka's primary luxury shopping boulevard – and just around the corner from the iconic Dotonbori, home to the best street food in Japan. Once you step inside you’re greeted with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, emblematic of the W style we see all around the world. It has a wellness floor complete with a neon-lit pool, two exciting bars, three restaurants and a secret Edomae Sushi restaurant, advertised only by recommendation. Clue: look for the fish. Good luck finding it!
Price per night: From £276
Address: 4 Chome-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Christopher CypertJW Marriott Nara
Nara is a captivating corner of Japan just waiting to be explored, only an hour drive 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
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
©Stirling ElmendorfFUFU Kawaguchiko
Picture this – you tumble out of bed after your first full night's sleep in Japan, head to your window and pull the curtains apart to be greeted with the monumental Mount Fuji looking back at you. Trust me: the views from FUFU Kawaguchiko are enough to bring a tear to your eye. The resort is in the heart of a forest, offering understated luxury connecting with nature by returning the trees grown and stones that rested on its land as counters and furniture. Their restaurant, Yamanoha, fuses Japanese kaiseki cuisine with local Kawaguchiko ingredients, to bring you the flavours of the forest with a fresh twist. Each room comes with a volcanic stone open-air bath, so you can soak with a glass of sake while the gentle breezes blowing down from Mount Fuji dance all around you - bliss.
Price per night: From £616
Address: 401-0304 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Kawaguchi, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Nikolas Koenig 2021The Tokyo EDITION Ginza
In one of the city’s largest upscale shopping and entertainment areas, where hundreds of luxury brands like Bottega Veneta and Michelin-starred restaurants lie, you’ll find The Tokyo EDITION Ginza. The sophisticated, clean-lined interiors are symbolic of the EDITION signature interior style, with a touch of Japanese flair at every corner. There’s four outstanding dining venues, including the Lobby Bar, Japan’s very first punch-focused cocktail bar, a modern French brasserie named Sophie and the very lucious rooftop bar, Ginza’s first natural wine bar. This hotel has a casual but sociable feel with sexy undertones that make you want to explore every inch of the place.
Price per night: From £648
Address: 2 Chome-8-13 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa is the second outpost of Hawaii’s Halekulani brand, meaning “house befitting heaven”. There’s no wonder Okinawa resembles Hawaii so much – its climate is almost identical, both adorned with powdery white beaches with surrounding turquoise waters. Halekulani Okinawa is located in central Okinawa, stretching nearly a mile down the coast. The special thing about this hotel is that there’s spectacular ocean views from every single room, some including an outdoor terrace and a plunge pool where you can take in Okinawan sunset in ultimate luxury. 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.
Price per night: From £548
Address: 1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0401, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Known for the quality and quantity of its powdery white snow, the Niseko area has long been a dream destination for skiers. Higashiyama Niseko Village sits at the base of Mount Yōtei with ski lifts that run right to your doorstep. It’s an intimate luxury alpine retreat completely devoted to nature in all its forms, so whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, mountain-hiker or hot-spring-unwinder - you can do it all here. The rooms are a cosy contrast to the snowy mountains with warm walnut woods and snug linen textures. You can dine in one of their two restaurants that celebrate seasonal Japanese ingredients, served in the company of the incredible mountain views.
Price per night: From £398
Address: 919-28 Soga, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1522, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
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Conrad Osaka
As part of the Hilton portfolio, American high-end luxury brand Conrad has landed onto the highest floors of a shiny new skyscraper – Nakanoshima Festival West Tower in Osaka. This hotel takes full advantage of the sky-high panoramic views of the city with floor to ceiling windows in practically every room, including the outstanding lobby and the indoor pool. There’s four great drinks and dining options including an authentic teppanyaki restaurant, a grill, an Eastern and Western fusion restaurant and a sky lounge.
Price per night: From £340
Address: 530-0005, Osaka, 3-2-4 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Hilton Hiroshima
Located in the heart of Hiroshima city is the 420-room Hilton Hiroshima. Its prime location is within walking distance of most of Hiroshima’s landmarks – like Hiroshima Castle, Peace Memorial Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Atomic Bomb Dome where you can spend the day paying your respects to the city’s tragic history. The rooms at Hilton Hiroshima are luxurious but cosy, with lots of warm textures and that iconic contemporary Japanese interior design and stunning views of the city with distant mountains as the backdrop. Hilton Hiroshima brought with it the first L’Occitane spa in the region along with four deluxe and delicious restaurants.
Price per night: From £90
Address: 7300043 Hiroshima 11-12 Fujimicho, Naka-ku, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima
Nuzzled into the subtropical ancient forests of Yakushima island is the luxury boutique hotel, Sankara. The island is considered to be one of Japan’s wonders, a popular retreat for Japanese nature lovers but relatively off the radar for international tourists. It’s a dream location for nature lovers – you can hike across the mountains beneath the towering yakusugi cedar trees, immerse yourself in the open-air hot springs or watch the sea turtles parade the shore in the warm summer evenings. There’s 24 beautiful guest rooms, a tropical spa and two dining spots – executive chef Chiharu Takei’s wagyu beef is a must try.
Price per night: From £300
Address: 553 Mugio, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4402, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Six Senses Kyoto
The iconic Six Senses name – famous for its sustainable but 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 me 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 £890
Address: 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0932, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
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Nishimuraya Honkan
This ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is carefully placed in one of Japan’s most luxurious onsen towns. Onsen towns are famous for their grand natural hot springs and this hotel is sandwiched between two of seven which are open to the public. Nishimuraya Honkan is particularly special, because it’s been welcoming guests for over 150 years and in the same family for over multiple generations. It has the style and feel of a traditional Japanese tea house, built in the classic sukiya-zukuri style. Included in the price of the stay is a delicious kaiseki meal where you can experience an authentic multi-course Japanese dinner.
Price per night: From £657
Address: 469 Kinosakicho Yushima, Toyooka, Hyogo 669-6101, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island
If a private island experience is right up your street, then you might want to consider the Hyatt Regency hotel, beautifully secluded on Seragaki Island just off the coast of central Okinawa. Seragaki is a great snorkelling spot where there’s so many opportunities to see the beautiful corals, clownfish, turtles and an abundance of other marine life. Each room (yes all 343 of them) offers breathtaking views of the ocean. There’s six wonderful restaurants serving up the best authentic Japanese sunshine food.
Price per night: From £147
Address: 1108 Seragaki, Onna, Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0404, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.
Candeo Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a city steeped in history and resilience on the coast of the island of Kyushu, with a large natural harbour against a backdrop of mystical mountains. Candeo occupies a brilliant location in the heart of Chinatown, within walkable distance to Sofukuji Temple, Megane Bridge and Glover Garden. It’s a luxurious four-star hotel with quality service, delicious food, and a heartfelt sense of Japanese aesthetics. The Sky Spa has a breathtaking open-air bath where you can soak up the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, too.
Price per night: From £59
Address: 3-12 Dozamachi, Nagasaki, 850-0841, Japan
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Save when you book the best hotels in Japan with these booking.com discount codes.