It is no secret that Japan is full of incredible locations. A land of natural beauty, cultural immersion and extreme contrasts, there is always something new to explore around every corner. Whether you are in search for tranquility in Kyoto’s serene nature, a digital detox in the countryside or be in the bustle of vibrant Tokyo city, there really is no shortage of luxury and boutique accommodations in Japan. So, if you’re looking for inspiration to plan your next trip, look no further than our top picks for the best luxury accommodations throughout Japan to help make your stay unforgettable as you unlock the secrets of this intriguing country!
For more accommodation guides on travelling in Japan, read more on our luxury accommodation guides to Tokyo and Kyoto.
Photo credit: Aman
A Wellness Retreat
Accommodation: Amanemu
Location: Shima
Rooms: 24 suites and 4 two bedroom villas
Amanemu, a hot spring Japanese resort in a national park overlooking the pearl rich shoreline of Ago Bay, embraces the ancient tradition of onsen (mineral hot springs). Its location is famed for its seafood, pearl farms and Japan’s oldest and most important shrine Ise-Jingu. If you are looking for a wellness retreat paired with cultural immersion, a stay here is worth the look. Boasting only 24 suites and 4 two-bedroom villas complete with its own private onsen with nutrient-rich spring water. Your experience culminates with its spacious Aman Spa featuring outdoor bathing pavilions with serene surroundings set in the tranquil Ise Shima National Park. Feel inspired and immersed into the Japanese culture with Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines and ancient pilgrimage routes, referred to as the Kumano Kodo, through forests that are within easy reach. If you plan to hike the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, Amanemu makes an ideal base to spend a night or two before or after your Kumano Kudo walk while taking you into a sanctuary of restorative peace. Read more on Kumano Kodo Walking Adventures here.
Photo credit: Aman
City Skyline & Fine Dining
Accommodation: Aman Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Rooms: 84 rooms & suites
Aman Tokyo is an elite escape set in the prestigious Financial District of Otemachi on the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower. A prime location boasting one of the best panoramic city views of Imperial Palace Gardens, skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the skyline of mountains including the iconic Mount Fuji. A complete elevated sanctuary is equally held in its fine dining venues. A refined global gastronomy, Aman Tokyo, boasts one of the widest selections of dining venues in any of the city’s hotels. Taking you on a journey steeped in history and tradition through delectable cuisine including an Omakase sushi and sake dinner by Master Chef Hiroyuki Musashi.
Photo credit: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
A Mountain Escape
Accommodation: Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
Location: Matsumoto
Rooms: 27 Japanese style rooms and 17 Western style guest rooms
A member of 'Relais & Châteaux', this boutique oasis is located high amid the Japanese Alps. Surrounded by mountains and tucked away in the foothills of the Yatsugatake National Park, in picturesque Nagano Prefecture, the quaint Tobira Onsen Myojinkan gives a serene stay on your tailor-made Japan holiday. It makes a prime position to walk the best sections of the Nakesendo Trail, 533km long which stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto. Explore more of the Nakasendo Trail Walk. Unwind after your walk to this charming hideaway with three traditional healing hot spring onsens along with its own organic farm. Fuel your walking appetite to dining affairs where Chef Katsumi Suzuki is skilled in preparing "kaiseki" cuisine with selective local ingredients, while Chef Masahiro Tanabe has a well-deserved reputation for French meals that utilise Japanese ingredients. The local area also has a number of wineries, a wasabi farm, apple orchards and Matsumoto Castle to explore.
Photo credit: Hoshino Resorts
Rejuvenation & Wellness
Accommodation: Hoshino Resorts KAI Beppu
Location: Beppu
Rooms: 70 guestrooms
This newly opened resort is set in Beppu, an area famous for its hot springs boasting the greatest number of hot spring sources and amount of hot spring water in Japan. KAI Beppu is ideal for a wellness and rejuvenating getaway. The saline hot spring waters that feed the baths here will warm you to the core and moisturize your skin due to its hydrogen carbonate spring. This vibrant aesthetic extends to the rooms, which all offer ocean views. KAI Beppu is located in the Kitahama district, which overlooks Beppu bay. Your tranquil experience flows through its dining affairs. Enjoy Kaiseki-style course meals presented on Oita’s traditional handmade plates and bowl at the semi-private dining rooms for dinner. There are dishes using noodles with Oita’s specialty, Kabosu citrus, and its presentation is also a key component of the course, where some use bamboo ware to serve the dish.
Photo credit: Oyado The Earth Inn
Off Beaten Nature Oasis
Accommodation: Oyado The Earth Inn
Location: Toba
Rooms: 16 Western style suites
Oyado The Earth Inn embraces moments in nature and in time to immerse you to feel the gentle forces of nature. Set in a primeval forest and along cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this oasis reflects the contours of the Earth to awaken your senses to the power of nature. All suites share the two sex-segregated hot spring baths, but Oyado The Earth goes one step further, with a private open-air spring-fed bath attached to every suite. If you are visiting Nagoya yet want an escape away from the crowds, look no further than Oyado The Earth Inn. It is a 2 hours 45 minutes by car from Nagoya followed by a train and drive from Toba Station. It is well worth the journey to truly unwind into the ultimate serenity of Japan’s nature.
Photo credit: Sankara Hotel & Spa
Mystical Island Getaway
Accommodation: Sankara Hotel & Spa
Location: Yakushima
Rooms: 24 guestrooms
Part of ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’, this is a refined luxury in a nature lover’s paradise set on ‘The Alps on the Sea’ nestled in the mystical island of Yakushima. Sankara Hotel & Spa is a secluded retreat set between mountains, cedar forests and the sea making it an ideal paradise if you are looking to get away from it all. An idyllic spot perfectly placed for exploring the island’s rugged wilderness and hiking through the UNESCO listed mountainous forests while discovering its granite mountains and unique flora and fauna. From land and water experiences, explore the best adventures with acclaimed Sankara Hotel & Spa representing the ultimate in luxury on Yakushima here. A perfect retreat to relax and indulge in luxurious spa treatments and fine dining after a day of adventure.
Photo credit: Aman
A Cultural Immersion
Accommodation: Aman Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Rooms: 26 rooms, suites and pavilions
Aman Kyoto is set within 32 acres of tranquil forest in Kyoto. An ideal base to explore the iconic highlights of Kyoto being a stone’s throw away from the golden Kinkaku ji Temple along with 16 other UNESCO World Heritage sites. It takes only 30 minutes' drive from Kyoto train station or 1 hour from Osaka International Airport. This tranquil oasis is ideal for reconnecting with nature while being immersed into culture and enjoying fine dining. From exquisite kaiseki cuisine, a private tea ceremony to a wellness spa where mineral-rich waters feed traditional onsen; you’ll certainly find ultimate serenity Kyoto is known for paired with ultimate luxury.
Photo credit: HOSHINOYA Fuji
Lakeside Glamping
Accommodation: HOSHINOYA Fuji
Location: Fuji
Rooms: 40 cabins
Japan's first luxury glamping resort, HOSHINOYA Fuji is perched on the hillside next to Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Mt Fuji. One of Japan's most breathtaking 'glamping' experiences, the 40 'cabins' at HOSHINOYA Fuji are designed as minimalist concrete cubes with doors that slide open boasting magical views of Mount Fuji through a wall of glass. Dining is just as picturesque with two onsite restaurants. A vaulted wooden restaurant where local chef Yuji Kanai creates innovative Japanese cuisine or the al fresco Cloud Terrace set amongst Pine trees. Combine the best of Mt Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko adventures with a stay in HOSHINOYA Fuji on a walk, canoe and cycle adventure here.
