The 7 Most Quirky Hotels in Tokyo

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.
• Alternatively, contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • One@Tokyo Tokyo (Sumida-ku) 142 rooms from $140

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Shibuya Granbell Hotel Tokyo 52 rooms from $247

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Trunk Hotel Tokyo (Shibuya) 15 rooms from $346

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels, Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Andon Ryokan Tokyo 24 rooms from $88

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel Tokyo (2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku) 30 rooms from $209

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Park Hotel Tokyo Tokyo 270 rooms from $207

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Hoshinoya Tokyo (Chiyoda-ku) 84 rooms from $898

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Thursday, 4th January 2024