Japan is a country that doesn’t just welcome travellers — it stays with them. Every visit feels like a blend of tradition and innovation, serenity and excitement, craftsmanship and modern luxury. But nowhere is that duality more beautifully experienced than in the country’s hotels. From peaceful ryokans tucked away in quiet neighbourhoods to sky-high urban sanctuaries with views that seem unreal, Japan’s best stays offer something far more meaningful than just a place to sleep. They create moments you carry with you long after the trip ends.

This list highlights five exceptional properties that exemplify Japanese hospitality in distinctly different ways. Whether you’re seeking to escape into nature, indulge in sophisticated city luxury, or immerse yourself in the serenity of traditional design, these hotels offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences worth planning your trip around. If you’re dreaming of Japan — or returning for your next adventure — these are the accommodations that should be at the very top of your list.

Few places capture the balance between tradition and modern living like Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku. Hidden in one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, this ryokan provides an escape that feels worlds apart from the surrounding skyscrapers. Inside, the design is minimalist and calming, with tatami textures, warm wood accents, and gentle lighting that immediately relaxing. Guests can experience genuine Japanese hospitality and peaceful hot-spring baths while enjoying tranquil rooftop views that make you forget you’re in the heart of the city. The open-air onsen is the highlight — a calming soak against the Tokyo skyline that feels almost surreal. Unsurprisingly, the ryokan is consistently fully booked, thanks to its intimate size and growing international reputation. For travellers seeking a traditional yet accessible introduction to Japanese wellness culture, this is the perfect place to start.

Occupying the upper floors of Midtown Tower, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo offers some of the most stunning views in the city — a sweeping panorama that extends across Shinjuku’s skyline and reaches all the way to Mount Fuji on clear days. The hotel combines modern Tokyo luxury with subtle Japanese touches, from elegant washi-inspired interiors to deep-soaking marble bathtubs that overlook the city below. Service is exceptional, as expected, and every interaction feels polished, warm, and quietly attentive.

And if you’re looking to elevate your stay in Tokyo, this is the place that sets the standard. Dining options range from Michelin-starred tempura to expertly crafted cocktails served above the city’s glow, while the spa and lounge areas provide a calm, refined escape from the urban rush. Whether you’re relaxing with live jazz or simply taking in the skyline from your room, The Ritz-Carlton transforms your trip into something unforgettable — a luxurious, cinematic experience from start to finish.

Hoshinoya Fuji redefines what a nature escape can be. Set deep within a peaceful forest overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, this luxury glamping resort offers front-row views of Mount Fuji from the moment you wake up. Each minimalist cabin opens onto a private terrace, perfect for slow mornings, quiet reading, and evenings spent under the stars. The architecture integrates seamlessly into the landscape, allowing the tranquillity of the forest to speak for itself.

If you want to escape city life and experience Japan’s natural landscape in its most peaceful form, this is the place to visit. Wood-fired meals, guided mountain adventures, and cozy communal spaces create a retreat that feels both adventurous and indulgent. It’s the rare kind of stay that slows you down in all the right ways — a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. Hoshinoya Fuji is a destination you visit once and carry with you long after you leave.

Perched above Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji looming in the distance, this luxury glamping retreat offers one of Japan’s most stunning nature escapes. Minimalist cabins open onto private terraces designed for relaxed mornings, quiet reading, and evenings beneath a blanket of stars. If you’re craving a break from city life and want to experience Japan’s natural landscape at its most tranquil, this is the ideal getaway. Wood-fired meals, guided mountain activities, and warm communal spaces create a stay that feels both adventurous and indulgent — a rare retreat that stays with you long after you leave.

Set within the peaceful greenery of Shiba Park, this understated luxury hotel offers one of the most unique vantage points in the city — with many rooms framing Tokyo Tower so perfectly it feels like a living postcard. The atmosphere is calm and spacious, providing a refreshing sense of breathing space despite being minutes from Roppongi, Ginza, and other major districts. Featuring multiple dining options, elegant rooms, and one of Tokyo’s most impressive in-house onsen facilities, the hotel balances convenience with tranquility. If you’re looking for a stay that combines city access with peaceful surroundings — and a skyline view you’ll never forget — The Prince Park Tower Tokyo is an unbeatable choice.

These recommendations are based on thorough research, expert insight, and personal travel experience. I travel frequently and have come to understand what modern travellers truly value — from thoughtful design and attentive service to authenticity, comfort, and a sense of place. Each hotel on this list has been assessed not only for its reputation but also for the quality of experience it offers, whether that’s a peaceful retreat, a cultural immersion, or a luxury stay that feels genuinely meaningful. The aim is simple: to provide you with a curated selection of hotels in Japan that stand out for all the right reasons, helping you choose with confidence.