Top 10: 5 star Hotels and Resorts in Japan

Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.

Japan is an island country lying off the east coast of Asia. It consists of a great string of islands in a northeast-southwest arc that stretches for approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km) through the western North Pacific Ocean. Tokyo is the country’s biggest city and is also the capital. Tourism is Japan is a big contributor to the country’s economy. Over the last few years, major hospitality chains have opened luxury and ultra-luxury hotels in different parts of the country. These brands include Aman, Marriott, Hyatt and many more. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 5 star Hotels and Resorts in Japan.

10. Conrad, Osaka

Boasting stunning views of Osaka city, Conrad Osaka is just a 5-minute walk and JR Osaka Station is a 7-minute train ride away. Billboard Live Osaka is a 10-minute walk from Conrad Osaka, while Osaka Castle is a 20-minute car ride away. The hotel, located on the highest floors of Nakanoshima Festival West Tower, features 164 spacious guest rooms and suites. Atmos Dining serves a wide range of European and Asian fusion cuisine, while Japanese food can be enjoyed at KURA – Teppanyaki & Sushi. C:Grill provides freshly grilled seafood and guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails at the stylish 40 Sky Bar and Lounge. Facilities at the hotel include a heated indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour health club and a sauna. Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services.

Website: Conrad, Osaka

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9. Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set within the Niseko United ski
area that offers 2,191 acres of skiable terrain
and access to extensive backcountry skiing.
Located in the country’s northernmost island
of Hokkaido, the property is positioned at the
base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of
Niseko Village, one of Japan’s top winter sports
destinations. Higashiyama Niseko Village consists of 50 guest rooms and suites ranging from Niseko Reserve King’ to ‘Yotei Suite’. The hotel features 2 dining venues and a lounge. Head to Yukibana, where local ingredients and dishes are the centrepiece and enjoy culinary heritage looking out over the beautiful Hokkaido landscape. Sushi Nagi is a sushi restaurant where the itamae, or chef, leads guests on an omakase-style journey or go to Ume Lounge bar with a fireplace for
cocktails, locally brewed beers and an enticing
selection of izakaya-style dishes. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, and a traditional Japanese onsen which makes the most of the mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s natural underground hot springs. Bringing to life the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand’s commitment to intuitive and heartfelt service, a personal host or “Do San” a person of
Hokkaido) will assist guests enjoy a highly
personalised stay through a single touchpoint
to access every service, amenity and offerings.

Website: Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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8. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is directly connected to a railway/underground station in Otemachi. The hotel features 190 guest rooms and suites are stylish and well-appointed. Pigneto offers seasonally inspired Italian cuisine and also features the lively outdoor terrazza where guests can savour sweeping Tokyo views alongside a selection of Milanese aperitivi. Est is headed by Michelin-starred Chef Guillaume Bracaval where he crafts innovative French cuisine inspired by the Japanese terroir. Virtù is the hotel’s bar where the head bartender employs modern Japanese techniques to reinterpret classic French flavours using a collection of vintage French spirits and rare cognacs while The Lounge serves afternoon tea along with delectable sweets and savouries in a convivial setting – all topped off with Imperial Palace views. An indoor swimming pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a 24-hour fitness centre. THE SPA has 5 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include facials and body treatments. The spa is equipped with a steam room.

Website: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

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7. W, Osaka

W Osaka is located at a distance of 100 meters from Namba Shrine. Itami Airport is 13 kilometers from the hotel. W Osaka features 337 guest rooms and suites that have either skyline or city views. Michelin-starred chef Yusuke Takada from La Cime serves French specialities at Oh.lala… while Teppanyaki MYDO serves authentic Japanese cuisine. Revel in Edomae sushi made right in front of you by master chefs paired with distinct Japanese sake at Sushi UKIYO or head to MIXup to enjoy sweet pastries with original premium rosé champagne or specialty coffees and teas. LIVING ROOM has live music, standup comedy and mix-and-mingle fun while WET BAR, the only pool bar in Osaka, serves signature cocktails. Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre. Guests can pamper themselves by indulging at the hotel’s AWAY SPA. There are 5 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, body scrubs and body treatments. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy.

Website: W, Osaka

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6. ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels and Resorts

Situated beneath the breathtaking panorama of the majestic Takagamine mountains in northern Kyoto, ROKU KYOTO is nestled within the 28.6-acre Shozan Resort Kyoto, a luxury enclave home to some of Kyoto’s most notable and idyllic Japanese gardens, historic architecture and authentic tea houses. The 114 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, infusing both traditional Kyoto design and modern Japanese aesthetic in calming earthy tones, offer a peaceful sanctuary that depicts the beauty and simplicity of Japanese materials and craftsmanship. The French restaurant TENJIN, named after the Tenjin River, welcomes guests to embark on a unique epicurean journey and indulge in French-style dishes made from the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Guests can sip on signature cocktails made with local ingredients or enjoy an elegant seasonal afternoon tea at the Bar. Guests can lounge at the “Engawa”, where they can relax to the sounds of the Tenjin River gently flowing by the indoor patio. THE ROKU SPA offers a selection of spa therapies and treatments that celebrate Japan’s healing traditions, offering an oasis of tranquility and calm. To reconnect with nature and revitalize their mind, body and spirit, guests can relax in the hotel’s exclusive natural onsen pool which is open throughout the year, workout in the 24-hour fitness room, or practice yoga or meditate on the tranquil lawn whilst soaking in the fresh air of Takagamine.

Website: ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels and Resorts

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5. Park Hyatt, Tokyo

High above Shinjuku’s lively streets, Park Hyatt Tokyo is located at a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Central Park. JR Shinjuku Train Station is a 15-minute walk away, and Shinjuku Gyoen is a 20-minute walk. The 177 guest rooms and suites boast Hokkaido wood paneling and Egyptian cotton sheets with beautiful views of Mount Fuji or Shinjuku. The 52nd-floor New York Grill offers spectacular skyline views. Guests can enjoy a drink at The Peak Bar while watching the sun set in the Tokyo Skyline. Sumptuous cakes and seasonal sweets can be purchased at the Pastry Boutique, while modern Japanese dishes, French cuisine and a stylish cafe are also available on site. Guests can enjoy the massage or sauna at Club on the Park Spa or work out at the fitness room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel’s library offers a wide selection and the front desk is open 24-hours a day. An indoor swimming pool is also available at the hotel.

Website: Park Hyatt Tokyo

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4. Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is centrally located just a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Tower and an 18-minute walk from the Imperial Palace. Toranomon Subway Station is a 5-minute walk away. All of the 164 guest rooms and suites blend traditional Japanese design with modern conveniences and offer unparalleled views of the metropolis below. Next to the Andaz Lounge on the 51st floor is the main dining venue, The Tavern – Grill & Lounge. Guests will be served refined European provincial cuisine cooked with fresh Japanese produces. The roof-top bar on the 52nd floor offers breathtaking views of the city. Bebu is a Al Fresco dining restaurant service lunch and dinner whereas The SUSHI is a sushi bar offering local cuisine. Andaz, meaning ‘personal style’ in Hindi, offers a variety of facilities and services. Guests can get a soothing massage at the Spa at a surcharge, order room service or relax in the sauna. A fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views are also present at the hotel.

Website: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

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3. Aman, Kyoto

Set in a secret garden at the heart of a forest, Aman Kyoto rests a stone’s throw from Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 16 other Unesco World Heritage Sites. The hotel, situated in 32 hectares of dense forests, is around 30 minutes by car from Kyoto station. A total of 26 suites are housed in six pavilions scattered throughout the gardens. A modern take on traditional Japanese ryokan inns, the guestrooms are spacious, natural and minimal. The Living Pavilion restaurant complements its beautiful natural setting, with Kyoto cuisine reflecting the seasons with its constantly changing menu. There are over 20 different types of tea available at the Living Pavilion by Aman. Also available at the restaurant are traditional Japanese and Western confectionaries, as well as ingenious sweets crafted from Western ingredients to look
like Japanese delicacies and freshly prepared matcha. At Taka-an, chefs serve up the subtle flavours of traditional Japanese washoku cuisine. Aman Kyoto shares its forested slopes with nearby Unesco-protected ‘Golden Temple’.

Website: Aman Kyoto

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2. Amanemu

Situated in Shima, in Honshu’s Mie Prefecture, Amanemu lies approximately 300km southwest of Tokyo and is easily accessed via Japan’s high-speed rail network. Nagoya is a scenic two-hour train journey or 25-minute helicopter ride from the resort. Amanemu is located in Ise Shima National Park, renowned as a culinary and cultural treasure trove. The resort features just 28 guest suites and villas which feature private terraces with tranquil views of Ago Bay. With mesmerising views across the surrounding forest to the bay below, Amanemu’s Restaurant celebrates Japan’s culinary heritage at breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside a selection of refined international dishes – all with an emphasis on the fresh, local flavours of the season. The Bar & Lounge, situated in the main pavilion with amazing views of the Ago Bay, is open throughout the day and serves drinks and light refreshments. The Aman Spa has 4 treatment suites, each featuring a dressing room, treatment area, Steam shower. Extensive spa menu of massage, movement programme and beauty therapies. Additional facilities include a fitness centre, a yoga studio, 2 onsen bathing pavilions and a 33 metre heated outdoor pool along the water edge with serene views over Ago Bay. A library with selections of wide variety of reading materials and a boutique are also located in the spa area.

Website: Amanemu

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1. Aman Tokyo

Aman Tokyo is on the top six floors of 38-storey Otemachi Tower in the city’s central business district. Aman Tokyo features 82 guest rooms including 32 suites which offer uninterrupted views and have classic Japanese minimalist design. Guests can head to Arva which celebrates bold flavours and fresh seasonal ingredients, with a menu crafted by Venice-trained chef Masakazu Hiraki. Musashi by Aman is a bright, intimate space centring on an 8-seat hinoki cypress counter where master chef Musashi serves omakese sushi in the Edomae tradition while The Lounge by Aman is renowned for its signature cocktails, seasonal afternoon teas and sweeping views of the cityscape. The Café by Aman is set in the least serenity of the Otemachi Forest at the base of the tower and serves champagne, teas and hand-crafted sweet treats whereas La Pâtisserie by Mana Tokyo offers a selection of spectacular culinary creations, from homemade breads and traditional French pastries to intricately layered creations such as the Mille Feuille Framboise, Baba a l’Armagnac and Tarte Chocolat. The hotel has a spectacular 33-metre long indoor swimming pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. High above the bustle of Tokyo’s central business district, the zen-like Aman Spa embraces a philosophy of balance and harmony with nature; it has a Japanese bath, steam room and 8 treatment rooms, 2 of which are for couples.

Website: Aman Tokyo

Featured image by Aman, Kyoto

If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Japan that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.