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.
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Hakone (Kanagawa)
An architecturally stunning hotel in an enviable forest location. Rooms have a modern, organic feel with a touch of traditional Japanese style; think plenty of wood, clean lines, picture frame windows and hot spring tubs. A speciality restaurant serves up "Kyo Kaiseki" style dining. Fabulous.
Shima (Shima-shi)
Set amongst the rolling hills of Ise-Shima National Park, the upmarket Amanemu provides spacious and luxurious accommodation boasting splendid views. Explore the scenic area or unwind in the onsens. Meals at the restaurant are an absolute must! Get the celebrity treatment at this lovely rural spot.
Naoshima (Kagawa-gun)
This art museum-come-hotel is situated on the coast of Naoshima island. Benesse House's four buildings offer chic minimalist accommodation with floor to ceiling windows and gorgeous views! Enjoy the restaurant's French-inspired cuisine made using local produce. A unique stay, perfect for art lovers!
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.
Minamiuonuma (Minami-uonuma-shi)
A small luxury hotel in a spectacular & secluded mountain location. Chic, minimalist rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and light wooden walls. The exemplary restaurant serves delectable organic fare, and there's a strong focus on art & design. Unwind in the hotel's superb onsen. A spoiling stay.
Fujikawaguchiko (Fujikawaguchiko)
A striking design hotel offering an unbeatable location deep in the woodlands with views of Mount Fiji. Interiors are spacious and contemporary with the minimalist design highlighting the epic views. Rooms are individual cabins giving complete quiet and privacy. A luxury nature escape.
Ito (Ito-shi)
A sleek design hotel set in the coastal city of Ito. Minimalist rooms benefit from large planes of glass framing the sea views. With rooftop hot baths, a library that holds a large vinyl collection, and a creative restaurant, this is an undeniably cool stay.
Osaka
This five-star, luxury hotel is located on the highest floors of the Nakanoshima Festival West Tower in Osaka. The contemporary guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views over the spectacular skyline. Head to KURA restaurant for sushi and teppanyaki after sightseeing.
Tokyo (Union Square)
This unique, luxury hotel is home to a museum of Japanese pre-war art in Tokyo. Guests can choose from traditional or modern Japanese-style rooms, or classic Western layouts. Enjoy dinner at stylish Chinese restaurant Shunyuki after browsing the hotel's collection.
Tomonoura
This boutique hotel floats in the midst of the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima. Minimalist, wood-panelled guest cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic sea views, with open-air terrace baths. Enjoy fresh dishes at the onboard sushi counter before a treatment at the spa.
Maebashi (Gunma Prefecture)
The architect has pulled in weighty names in design to create arguably Maebashi's most stylish hotel. Individually styled rooms mix Japanese minimalism with an industrial feel. Well-chosen art can be found throughout while the food is a real lure including a restaurant overseen by Hiroyasu Kawate.
Karuizawa (Karuizawa)
A stylish small hotel that cleverly blends with the surrounding nature, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Expect light open spaces, soft curves, and plenty of wood. Ten expansive rooms have outdoor space, high ceilings, and gorgeous minimalist style. Perfect for a weekend escape.
Kyoto (Higashiyama-ku )
Behind its traditional machiya-style façade, lies a contemporary ryokan made for design-lovers. Interiors are styled on a traditional ryokan with chic minimalism, tatami mat flooring, and sharp lines but there are also renowned artworks (think Damien Hirst) and plenty of modern touches. Very chic.
Kyoto (Nakagyo-ku)
A hip boutique hotel with the feel of an art gallery with its large private collection of contemporary works. Rooms are simply styled with cool grey hues and pale wooden floors. The largest nine are fitted with bathtubs. Western fare is served in the restaurant while the bar is the place to be seen.
Setoda (Onomichi)
A chic 22-room hotel set in a 140-year-old building near the port. Owned by Aman founder Adrian Zecha, the style and service are well-polished. Interiors are decorated with a contemporary take on traditional ryokan design. With hot baths and very good regional cuisine, this is an indulgent stay.
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