Quirky Hotels in Tokyo | The Hotel Guru

Tokyo is the turbo-charged metropolis of the future that hasn't forgotten its ancient roots. Ancient temples stand in the same neighbourhood as tall glass buildings, and even the city's most innovative cuisine is a flavour of the past. Museums abound on Japanese art history, but you'll also find pop art galleries showing Japan's ever-changing creative culture. In short, Tokyo's a city of harmonious contrasts. Perhaps that's why so many of Tokyo's hotels blend tradition with contemporary comforts. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a sightseeing trip, our collection of the most quirky hotels in Tokyo range from chic boutiques to luxurious ryokans.

Quirky designer hotels

The brainchild of Kengo Kuma, Japan's architect-philosopher extraordinaire, One@Tokyo, in downtown Oshiage, East Tokyo, reinterprets the rustic simplicity of the ryokan to fulfil the needs of 21st century life. A designer chic addition to Japan's hotel scene, with sublime city views, a minimalist industrial-meets-rustic-chic décor, it's a short walk from many cultural sites. Ideal for the sort of modern businessman who high-fives his employees.

Chic city stays

This is not your average designer-chic city stay. Wired Hotel offers a breathtaking range of prices with a superb quality of rooms fleshed-out in muted tones of greys, whites, blues and woods, adorned with large windows promising light and beautiful views, and hip takes on traditional Japanese art. The fabulous restaurant serves the very best of Japanese cuisine.
The Park Hotel is a carnival of colour and design: the rooms combine the surrealism of Japanese art with designer elegance. There’s wall art of sumo wrestlers and the faces of rosy-cheeked women watching over you, so, waking up, you may feel like you’ve landed the role of lead character in the animated film Spirited Away. The lounge, bar and restaurant take on a classier feel: marble-topped surfaces, cuisine overseen by renowned chef Tatero Yoshino and sublime city views.

On a budget

No, it's not a spaceship, but it sure looks like one. Shibuya Granbell Tower offers stays ranging from on-a-budget to en-suite, a glitzy, minimalist, near-futuristic hotel boasting plush bedding, hot tubs in the en suites, truly astounding views, and rooms alive with colourful neon lighting interspersed with a white-and-grey wall decor to rival any self-respecting spaceship.
A value-chic spin on the traditional ryokan, Andon Ryokan sits in a quiet neighbourhood and offers just that: sweet serenity. With small, simple, back-to-basics rooms with futons and tall windows, colourful muralled hot tubs and a quirky New Age lounge, it’s a cool place to stay if you’re on a budget.

For a quirky boutique

A seriously cool boutique in the trendy Shiibuya district, Trunk Hotel is perfect for young people. With its infamously fun bar, balconies garlanded with greenery and intimate BBQ terrace, it's a socialising hotspot. The minimalist rooms are adorned with pop art and full of light; you can imagine your headache dissipating upon arrival.

Quirky ryokans in Tokyo

A mesmerising high-class ryokan set in a 17-floor skyscraper, Hoshinoya is where tradition meets modern splendour. With hallways resembling the passageways of ancient temples, plush, light-filled rooms promising lazy, carefree mornings, and an onsen to rival the bathing regimen of the gods, it’s glorious antiquity at the beating heart of the turbo-charged metropolis. Added bonuses: traditional tea ceremony room, and a dining experience like no other.

Still not sure?

Expand your search to include the best hotels in Shibuya, or Roppongi.
Or you could check out all our Tokyo recommendations.
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The 7 Most Quirky Hotels in Tokyo

Shibuya Granbell Hotel

Tokyo

A vibrant hotel in the heart of Tokyo. Rooms come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit all budgets. Design is contemporary with light hearted touches coming from pops of colour and oversized chandeliers. Pizzas and drinks are served until the early hours. A lively property.

Local markets - Visit the bustling Tsukiji Market, tasting delicacies & seeing freshly caught fish prepared for the city's restaurants
City Style - A hip hotel in a lively district offering a smart stay for couples, families or business travellers
Sights nearby - Walking distance from the famous Shibuya Scramble crossing & 109 Building; perfect for exploring
Restaurant - Ginza-no Steak offers Japanese Wagyu beef steak, whilst Cona specialises in pizza

from AU$377 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Andon Ryokan

Tokyo

A traditional guesthouse in a quiet neighbourhood. Simple rooms have roll down futons, tatami matting, large windows and almost nothing else. Bathrooms are shared. The lounge area is a more contemporary affair with new-age furniture and bold colours. A friendly base for travellers on a budget.

Value chic - A great value hotel in a quiet locality but with easy access to the city's main attractions.
Learning - Cultural activities at the hotel include tea ceremonies & flower arrangement classes
Local exploring - Excellent location for exploring the surrounding neighbourhood on foot
Great walks - Located close to popular Ueno Park, which is lovely for relaxed walks

from AU$135 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Hoshinoya

Tokyo (Chiyoda-ku)

Tokyo's first 5-star ryokan fills a 17-floor skyscraper, with each floor acting as an independent guesthouse. Expect utter luxury, whether unwinding in soothing onsens or feasting on exemplary Japanese cuisine. A serene haven for design lovers. Step outside into the heart of Tokyo. Superb.

Other Activities - Experience the rituals of a typical tea ceremony in the hotel's dedicated tea room, a reflective, minimalist space
City Style - A luxury hotel with each floor acting as an exclusive domain, accessible only by specific guests
Yoga - Try early morning traditional sword training on the rooftop from 6.45am
Hideaway - A restful oasis in the heart of one of the world's busiest cities

from AU$1368 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel

Tokyo (2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku)

Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel is set in Tokyo's Taito district, a short distance from the city's main sights. The property features dark, muted tones & smart interiors as well as a range of accommodation (penthouses, family rooms and dormitories). Japanese cuisine served. A splendid all-round stay.

Local exploring - Asakusa Kokona Club Hotel is a fantastic choice for those looking to get to know Tokyo on foot or bicycle
Museums - Head over to the Tokyo National Museum, Edo-Tokyo Museum or National Museum of Nature and Science
Value chic - Smart, well-located and well-priced, with private rooms or dormitories
Local markets - The Nakamise Market, one of Japan's oldest shopping centres, is full of souvenirs with some dating back to the Edo period

from AU$322 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

One@Tokyo

Tokyo (Sumida-ku)

A bold venture designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma, in downtown Oshiage, east Tokyo. The crisscross wooden exterior sets the tone for the industrial conversion plywood and concrete layout of the interiors. The rooms range from comfortable to luxurious and the rooftop offers unbeatable city views.

City Style - This slick design hotel oozes Tokyo style from the distinctive exterior artwork to the bold interior design- a real winner
Sights nearby - A short walk to many of the cities sites including the famed temple in Asakusa, Sensoji, and the Sumida River
Local exploring - A skip hop and a jump from many of the sights of Tokyo, and overlooking the unmissable Tokyo Skytree
Hotel Entertainment - Grab a drink and head up to the rooftop lounge to feast on the incredible views of Tokyo's skyline

from AU$213 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Trunk Hotel

Tokyo (Shibuya)

Tokyo's first truly hip boutique hotel, perfectly placed in the trendsetting Shibuya district. The emphasis here is on reuse and recycle- almost everything has had a previous life before it was lovingly coaxed into the hotel. Chic rooms, fantastic food, an outrageously fun bar and an inspired ethos.

Designer - Interiors fuse traditional Japanese elements with new, innovative ideas - what the brand calls“Tokyo Design”
Other Activities - For an entertaining evening, reserve the chef's table overlooking the kitchen and watch them cook up a storm!
City Style - Tokyo's hippest hotel - a masterpiece crafted out of recycled & abandoned materials, with an urban-chic vibe
Hotel Entertainment - The lively bar offers craft cocktails and trendy DJs and draws a crowd of local hipsters

from AU$532 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Park Hotel Tokyo

Tokyo

This contemporary Tokyo art hotel is located steps from Shiodome subway, with rooms starting from the 25th floor. Guest suites feature unique wall art and spectacular skyline views. Dine at the bistro restaurant overseen by acclaimed Japanese chef Tateru Yoshino after sightseeing.

Local exploring - Located within walking distance of many of Tokyo's principal attractions, this hotel is a great base for local sightseeing
Romantic Break - With charming suites, romantic restaurants and spa facilities, this hotel makes an ideal choice for a couples' getaway
City Style - With contemporary artwork and a central location, book this hotel for a stylish city break
Great walks - Explore this part of downtown Tokyo on foot with a long walk, stopping at the pretty Hamarikyu Gardens on the way

from AU$318 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

The 7 Most Quirky Hotels in Tokyo

Quirky designer hotels

Chic city stays

On a budget

For a quirky boutique

Quirky ryokans in Tokyo

Still not sure?

The 7 Most Quirky Hotels in Tokyo

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