A Guide to Japan's Best Hotels, Vetted by Japanese Travelers
Welcome to Japan! As you plan your journey, choosing the right accommodation is more than just finding a place to sleep—it’s about finding a place that enhances your experience. This guide is your key to discovering the country’s finest hotels, seen through the eyes of the people who know them best: Japanese travelers.
Our in-depth analysis of local reviews reveals what truly matters: for luxury stays, it’s the “extraordinary experience” and “impeccable hospitality”. For more budget-friendly options, it’s about “functionality and hospitality that exceed expectations,” with unique value-added services like soothing hot spring baths or a complimentary bowl of midnight ramen.Whether you’re looking for the vibrant energy of a Tokyo high-rise with breathtaking views, the refined elegance of a traditional Kyoto retreat, or a convenient and comfortable base in Osaka, this report goes beyond standard ratings to highlight the genuine charm and quality of each hotel. Explore our curated list and find the perfect stay to make your trip truly unforgettable.
| Area | Star Rating | Hotel Name | Representative User Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo - Ginza | ★★★★★ | The Peninsula Tokyo | The consistently polite hospitality and thoroughly clean rooms are reliable and reassuring. The breakfast, which shows great care, was also very satisfying. |
| ★★★★★ | Hotel The Celestine Ginza | 28,200 yen~ for 2 people including tax. High rating but no detailed comments available. | |
| ★★★★★ | The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic | I love staying at nice hotels in Tokyo for a "staycation" and have stayed at many, but this was the best one so far. | |
| ★★★ | Dormy Inn Premium Ginza | The room decor, meals, and location were all very good, so I chose to stay here again for this business trip. | |
| ★★★ | Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome | It's close to the station, the room and bathroom are clean, and the public bath has Refa shower heads and hair dryers, which is great for women. | |
| ★★★ | The Square Hotel Ginza | The hotel focuses on only the necessary services and cuts out waste. I was able to stay comfortably without any inconvenience. | |
| Tokyo - Shibuya | ★★★★★ | Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel | The room was spacious and clean, and the amenities were excellent. It was very quiet since it was on a high floor. |
| ★★★★★ | Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya | It's a luxury hotel, but the slightly casual and friendly service felt very "Shibuya-like," making for a pleasant stay. | |
| ★★★★★ | TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET | A luxury boutique hotel, so ratings are high, but information is limited. | |
| ★★★ | JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya | The high-quality bed helps you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. | |
| ★★★ | Shibuya Granbell Hotel | Despite its convenient location, just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station, it's a hidden gem of a hotel that doesn't feel like it's in the middle of a bustling city. | |
| ★★★ | APA Hotel Shibuya Dogenzakaue | A hotel with a full range of comfortable facilities. All rooms are equipped with an ultra-fine bubble shower head for a refreshing wash. | |
| Tokyo - Shinjuku | ★★★★★ | Park Hyatt Tokyo | A peaceful urban oasis where you can enjoy a luxurious "staycation." Address is on the official website. |
| ★★★★★ | Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo by IHG | I stayed here for the first time with my dog, and it's the best hotel for dog owners. Amenities and gifts for dogs are also great. | |
| ★★★★★ | Keio Plaza Hotel | Listed as a highly rated hotel. | |
| ★★★ | Shinjuku Prince Hotel | The location is excellent, close to the JR station and convenient for going anywhere. The front desk staff were also polite and pleasant. | |
| ★★★ | Tokyo Business Hotel | It's an unbelievable bargain to stay in Shinjuku for under 5,000 yen with breakfast. | |
| ★★★ | Nippon Seinenkan Hotel | The accommodation received a rating of 9.6 out of 10, which is "extraordinary". | |
| Tokyo - Tokyo Station | ★★★★★ | The Tokyo Station Hotel | From the moment I checked in, the staff's service was so good it made me feel like this is what a luxury hotel is!. |
| ★★★★★ | Bulgari Hotel Tokyo | Everything was superb. From the communication before the stay to the stay itself, the facilities, the view, and the food—everything was top-notch. | |
| ★★★★★ | Shangri-La Tokyo | The front desk staff and restaurant staff all provided the best hospitality. I strongly feel that I want to come back again. | |
| ★★★ | Keio Presso Inn Tokyo Station Yaesu | It was clean and I was able to spend my time comfortably. It's a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Station above ground, which is easier if you have a suitcase. | |
| ★★★ | Karaksa Hotel TOKYO STATION | The room was very clean and comfortable. It's easy to access even with children. | |
| ★★★ | Super Hotel Premier Tokyo Station Yaesu Central Exit | It's super close to Yaesu and Tokyo Station. The location is perfect. The room is also clean, and the service is polite. | |
| Osaka - North | ★★★★★ | Conrad Osaka | A convenient location with direct access to an Osaka Metro station and within walking distance of the central areas of Umeda and Namba, with night views from high floors being popular. |
| ★★★★★ | The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka | The amenities and service were great, and I felt very elegant. The staff's thoughtful gestures, like a surprise for our wedding anniversary, were wonderful. | |
| ★★★★★ | Imperial Hotel, Osaka | Listed as a highly rated 5-star hotel. | |
| ★★★ | The Rise Osaka Kitashinchi | They were very satisfied with the location and the staff's service. The room is compact but perfectly fine for just sleeping. | |
| ★★★ | APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower | Rated as "very good" with a score of 10 out of 10. | |
| Osaka - South | ★★★★★ | Swissôtel Nankai Osaka | The hotel is directly connected to Nankai Namba Station, so the access is outstanding. The rooms are spacious, and the service is excellent. |
| ★★★ | Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba | It's a great hotel. The location is good, the price is reasonable, and it's perfect for both business and sightseeing. | |
| ★★★ | Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi | It was very good. It's within walking distance of Shinsaibashi Station, so you won't have trouble finding restaurants or shopping spots. | |
| ★★★ | APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower | It's close to the station, and the hotel has a convenience store and a public bath, which is very convenient. The view from the high-floor room is also nice. | |
| Kyoto | ★★★★★ | The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto | A sophisticated Japanese space nestled on the bank of the Kamo River. The staff's hospitality was wonderful and very touching. |
| ★★★★★ | Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto | A one-of-a-kind hotel that merges historical scenery with modern design. It also has a hot spring, which is great for relaxing your mind and body. | |
| ★★★★★ | Park Hyatt Kyoto | This 5-star hotel is charming for its spectacular views and sophisticated design, and it is also within walking distance of a UNESCO World Heritage site. | |
| ★★★★★ | Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto | Surrounded by an 800-year-old garden, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of each season. The service is also world-class. | |
| ★★★★★ | SOWAKA | A unique hotel that was renovated from a traditional Kyoto townhouse. It was a wonderful stay where I could feel the Japanese aesthetic. | |
| ★★★ | Hotel Emion Kyoto | This was our first time staying, but the kids loved it and were very satisfied. The room was spacious, the public bath was clean, and the rooftop terrace was also nice. | |
| ★★★ | Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae | It was so wonderful when I stayed here last time that I came back again. It's close to the station and convenient, and the room is clean. | |
| ★★★ | Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijokawaramachi | The buffet breakfast is delicious. The staff's service was polite, and it was a pleasant stay. | |
| ★★★ | The Hotel Caelacanth | It's within walking distance of Shijo-Karasuma Station. The room was compact but functional, and I was able to relax in the public bath. | |
| ★★★ | L'Hotel de Hiei | Located on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa, you can enjoy a spectacular view. It's a hidden, special hotel where you can have an extraordinary experience. | |
