A country famed for its cutting-edge design, Japan boasts an impressive array of unusual hotels. Whether reimagining the classic ryokan aesthetic or embracing contemporary minimalism in the swish skycrapers of Tokyo and Osaka, Japan's architects and designers have created wonderful spaces for couples, groups or families to enjoy. Our list of the top design-led hotels in Japan includes contemporary art museum-hotels, a floating boutique pad, mountain retreats and bold city stays bound to dazzle and delight in equal measure.
For a Reimagined Urban Ryokan
- Hoshinoya, Tokyo’s first five-star ryokan, has 84 rooms on 17 floors, each of which acts as its own luxurious guesthouse. Offering an unusual take on Japan's iconic inn culture, the hotel boasts traditional onsen baths, exceptional Japanese cuisine and atmospheric rooms and suites. For design lovers eager to fuse old and new.
- Azumi Setoda is owned by the founder of the Aman hotel group, and has been designed by Kyoto architect Shiro Miura. Expect 22 chic rooms in a 140-year-old building close to Setoda's port. A boutique pad with private baths, garden-view terraces and delicious regional dishes. A traditional ryokan reimagined.
- The Shinmonzen is one of Kyoto's most striking design hotels. A luxurious, modern take on ryokan style, the hotel boasts nine suites with wooden walls, tatami flooring and big, low beds clad in crisp white linens. The superb art collection includes pieces by the likes of Damian Hirst and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Exceptional.
For City Style
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- Shiroiya Hotel has to be one of Maebashi's most stylish hotels. Architect Sou Fujimoto and his design team have created minimalist, organic spaces with an industrial edge, clad in soothing grey and white tones. The terrific restaurant, headed by Hiroyasu Kawate, and the impressive art collection are the icing on the cake. Very hip.
- Conrad Osaka promises floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city's skyline from the top floors of Osaka's Nakanoshima Festival West Tower. There's a sumptuous spa, indoor pool and multiple dining options — including KURA. A modernist design favourite with an iconic staircase.
- Hotel Gajoen is home to an acclaimed Chinese restaurant, as well as 60 luxurious rooms and suites. Its truly unusual design draw, however, is the vast collection of pre-war Japanese artwork held in the adjoining Hyakudan Kaidan. One for history and art-minded travellers in Tokyo.
- Node Kyoto is a hip boutique hotel with the feel of an art gallery. Set slightly west of central Kyoto and Gion, this 25-room property has an industrial feel, with exposed grey concrete ceilings, grey and white decor and quirky modern artwork. The bar and restaurant are seriously cool.
For a Rural Retreat
- Amanemu reflects the understated design ethos synonymous with Aman hotels the world over. Gorgeous rooms and suites overlooking the striking Ise-Shima National Park. With restorative wellness treatments and gourmet cuisine, this is a restful, romantic retreat.
- Hoshinoya Fuji sits deep in tranquil woodland, with minimalist modern rooms and cabins framed by trees and facing Mount Fuji. A fabulous hideaway for lovers of cutting-edge design and foodies.
- Satoyama Jujo is a design-led mountain escape in Minamiuonuma. Marvel at the contemporary art collection, striking outdoor onsen and stellar cuisine. With easy access to skiing, biking and hiking, this is an idyllic choice for active explorers and admirers of crisp, clean interiors.
- Shishi Iwa House was designed by internationally recognised architect Shigeru Ban. A gloriously minimalistic pad with light, airy spaces, plenty of pale wood and contemporary artwork in 10 bedrooms, it's a delightful Karuizawa escape. Just an hour from Tokyo by train.
- Kinnotake Tonosawa, near Hakone, offers 23 pared-back rooms and suites surrounded by forest. The unique architecture, focusing on clean lines and natural materials, will be a big hit with modern design buffs, whilst foodies will adore the kaiseki cuisine. Private tubs are a bonus.
For Ocean Views
- KAI Anjin offers sleek, minimalist rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing superb sea views. Set in coastal Ito, the hotel also has inviting rooftop baths, a gourmet restaurant and an impressive record collection. Tranquil, restorative and design-focused.
- Benesse House was designed by Tadao Ando as both a hotel and a museum three decades ago. Made up of a series of buildings with pared-back rooms, the property has a superb French restaurant, a burgeoning art collection and an intriguing museum. The Naoshima Island location ensures glorious coastal views. For design lovers of all ages.
- Guntû takes ocean views to the next level. A ship boasting 19 indulgent, wood-panelled cabins with private balconies and big bathtubs, this is a hugely romantic choice — and one of the top design-led hotels in Japan. Soak up uninterrupted views of the Seto Inland Sea, enjoy restorative spa treatments and feast on fresh sushi. Bliss.