8 of the Most Luxurious Hotels in Japan
Japan, at first, might seem like an extremely peculiar country when you arrive. But as you begin to adjust to the nuances and accept that you probably won’t be able to completely grasp the multifaceted culture, you’ll come to appreciate your surroundings. One day you might be making your way through a hectic, neon-lit Tokyo, and the next you could be leisurely soaking in an onsen in Hakone. And while cities may vastly vary from one another, there is some commonality in the refined aesthetic found throughout the island nation. Just about everything the Japanese put their hands on has a particular delicateness, and while often minimalistic, there is an unparalleled elegance and sophistication when it comes to their accommodations. From traditional ryokan inns to some of the newer contemporary additions, a look at eight of the most luxurious hotels in Japan.
1/8Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
Having just opened in October, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is the new kid on the block and has certainly made its mark. As your cab turns into the bamboo-lined brick road leading to the hotel, you already know it’s going to be special. The crown jewel of the property is its 800-year-old pond garden, which evokes a feeling of serenity and is the perfect setting for alfresco dining when the weather is balmy. Enjoy the magnificent 65-foot indoor pool, French cuisine highlighting local ingredients at the property’s restaurant Brasserie, and a trip to the soothing spa. Whatever you choose to indulge in, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is the kind of hotel you don’t want to leave. From $660/night; fourseasons.com
2/8Hoshinoya Karuizawa
Located at the base of Mount Asama, the idyllic Hoshinoya Karuizawa looks more like a small village than a hotel. Two onsens (one public, the other private) are at your disposal, as is a 24-hour library lounge, inclusive of books, snacks, chaise lounges, and even Hakushu whiskey. Opt for a Mizunami room if you want to be right along the flowing river, which you can take in from your own terrace. Don’t forget to make a reservation at the resort’s restaurant Kasuke for a delicious kaiseki dinner. From $630/night; hoshinoyakaruizawa.com
Ralf Tooten3/8St. Regis Osaka
Sometimes the ultimate luxury is quiet amid a bustling city. Located between Osaka’s trendy Umeda district and the rambunctious Shinsaibashi sector, St. Regis Osaka is a pleasant respite from the cacophony. Your reservation includes butler service, and rooms are outfitted with a shower whose multiple massage heads will relieve any tension you may have built up over a long-haul flight or tiring day. Don’t forget to sink into a plush chair at the bar while overlooking the Zen garden with a Shogun Mary, the hotel’s take on a Bloody Mary, prepared with yuzu, wasabi, and soy sauce. From $400/night; stregisosaka.co.jp
4/8Palace Hotel Tokyo
With more than half of its 290 rooms outfitted with balconies (a rare amenity in the Japanese capital), which provide views of the Imperial Palace gardens and even Mount Fuji on a clear day, Palace Hotel Tokyo is a wonderfully surprising hideaway in the Marunouchi business district. And with ten on-site restaurants and bars to choose from, as well as a variety of local tours (ranging from gastronomic endeavors to an intimate introduction to kabuki theater), this hotel is sure to keep you occupied. From $460/night; palacehoteltokyo.com
Hasselblad H5D5/8Zaborin
An intimate luxury ryokan composed of only 15 villas, Zaborin is nestled in the secluded Hanazono woods of Hokkaido prefecture. This is the kind of getaway where you can release yourself from your everyday stress and take in the beauty of your natural surroundings while relaxing at an onsen. Rates are also inclusive of breakfast and a kita-kaiseki dinner highlighting local ingredients. From $620/night/person; zaborin.com
Copyright: 2011 Chris Cypert6/8The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa
Boasting warm weather year-round and home to some beautiful beaches, Okinawa could be considered the Hawaii of Japan. The stunning Ritz-Carlton is surrounded by an 18-hole golf course and overlooks Nago Bay, and all rooms have a terrace with a scenic view. Enjoy a different side of Japan on the subtropical island. From $380/night; ritzcarlton.com
Nacasa & Partners inc.7/8Amanemu
Opened in March, Amanemu, ensconced within Ise Shima National Park, is a peaceful addition to Mie prefecture. Amenities like a 98-foot infinity pool, serving up panoramic vistas of the surrounding forest and Ago Bay, as well as a stunning spa featuring two onsens and a fireside lounge make this resort a highly covetable vacation spot. From $790/night; amanemu.com
Kazuyoshi miyoshi8/8Gôra Kadan
Hakone, a resort town synonymous with hot springs, is home to some of the finest ryokans in the country. Gôra Kadan, a Relais & Châteaux property, is regarded as one of the most luxurious retreats in the area. Splurge a little and opt for a room that has an open-air stone bath in your own private Japanese garden. From $440/night/person; gorakadan.com
