Looking for a groovy hotel to call home while on holiday in Japan? We’ve found 19 of 2023’s coolest new hotels in Japan.
According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Japan is now the fourth most-visited country by Australians, who took more than 42,000 trips to Japan in February 2023 alone. Should you happen to have a holiday in Japan booked in, but are still on the hunt for heavenly hotels in locations such as Tokyo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Nikko, Kanazawa, Oita, Hokkaido or Osaka, we’ve got the ultimate guide to new hotels in Japan ready for your perusal.
Voco Osaka Central
With striking design elements, delicious dining options, comfortable guest rooms, a cafe, bar and central location, Voco Central Osaka, an ING Hotel, is a premium accommodation option recently opened in May 2023, and the first hotels in Japan from the brand.
FAV Tokyo Ryogoku
Hidden within the traditional neighbourhood of Ryogoku, near to Tokyo’s famous Sumo stadium. FAV Tokyo Ryogoku balances style and comfort while delivering elevated amenities.
Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
This concept hotel is brought to guests by the Italian luxury fashion house, Bulgari, and delivers unparalleled views of the Imperial Palace, the city and Mount Fuji. With 98 beautiful rooms with an Italian interior style, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo is found within the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper.
Mujinto Project
While Mujinto Project doesn’t exactly fall into the category of hotels in Japan, it does aim to tap into the demand for travel that has a greater focus on sustainability, wellness, and adventure while providing deeper encounters with nature. Individuals and groups will be able to stay overnight on six islands that are part of the prefectures of Wakayama (southern Kansai), Okayama (on the Seto Inland Sea) and Nagasaki (eastern Kyushu). Each island has a unique appeal, from white sandy beaches and lighthouses to historic shrines. Think of it as a camping holiday.
Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort
Known for its clear blue waters and stunning beaches, the secluded Miyako Island has welcomed the brand-new Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort. Adjacent to Miyako Sunset Beach, the resort offers breathtaking views of the impossibly blue hues of the Miyako Sea, which visitors can enjoy from their private balcony in each of the 329 rooms. Families with children will enjoy an onsite kids’ club and five indoor and outdoor pools. With a rooftop bar, lobby lounge, spa, and all-day dining options, visitors can lounge at the hotel or venture out and enjoy Miyako Island’s famously pristine natural landscape and abundant outdoor activities.
Ginza Hotel by Granbell
This is one of the first premium hotels in Japan from Granbell Hotel Group. Ginza Hotel is located on floors five to nine of the Granbell Square commercial complex right in the heart of Corridor Street, and the rooftop restaurant on the 10th floor has fantastic views and is not to be missed.
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The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka
Renowned for its unparalleled luxury and exceptional service, The Ritz-Carlton has arrived in Kyushu’s capital, Fukuoka. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka overlooks Hakata Bay, a historically rich and picturesque landmark in the heart of the city and features dining options that echo Fukuoka’s reputation as a food haven. Locally sourced Japanese black wagyu beef from Iki Island, seafood from the Genkai Sea, as well as local Kyushu-produced sake, shochu, and green tea, are all on the menu.
OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts
OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts has opened in the heart of Asakusa, a bustling area of Tokyo packed with new and old attractions. The rooftop OMO Base on the 13th floor offers breathtaking views, with massive floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the grounds of historic Sensoji Temple to the west and Tokyo Skytree to the east, creating an impressive contrast between the old and new icons of the city. This hotel in Japan is set to open in July 2023.
ASAI Kyoto
Thailand’s Dusit Hotels and Resorts has opened its first property in Japan, ASAI Kyoto, in the heart of historical Kyoto, a short walk to the famous Nishiki Market. Stylish and functional rooms are the main appeal, however, Soi Geang, the on-site restaurant fusing Thai food with premium Japanese whisky, sake, and beer, offers another reason to book.
FUFU Nikko
Located within walking distance of the Nikko Toshogu shrine, FUFU Nikko offers travellers an elegant retreat in a beautiful green oasis. All 24 individually designed guest suites overlook the surrounding forests and come with a private indoor or outdoor onsen bath. This is one of the more nature-centric hotels in Japan, and as such, hiking and cycling draws visitors, but adventure-seekers can also try rafting across Lake Chuzenji or canyoning through Urami Falls.
Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Luxury travellers seeking a tranquil oasis with fantastic views of Tokyo should check out Bellustar Tokyo. With a restaurant, spa, penthouses and elegant furnishings, this is one of the most recent hotels in Japan to open, having launched in May 2023.
Korinkyo
Positioned close to Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, Korinkyo is an 18 guest room property with simple timber and stone finishes and a neutral design palette that allows the surrounding natural vistas to take the spotlight. Onsite, there’s an aroma distillery where guests can create essential oils for use in-room or while relaxing in the hotel’s rooftop sauna and bath.
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Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is a modern architectural masterpiece rising 33 storeys into the skyline, with a prime location mere moments away from iconic landmarks, upscale shopping districts, and cultural hotspots. With eight restaurants and bars, every palate is catered to with the highest standards of culinary excellence, making this property one of the best hotels in Japan for foodies.
Comico Art House Yufuin
This opulent property is designed by Kengo Kuma and located near the coastal city of Oita in Kyushu, within the lovely yet little-known Comico Art Museum Yufuin. Comico Art House Yufuin comprises the ‘Tsuchi’ house and the ‘Take’ house. Both are inspired by Satoyama culture, where nature and community are deeply intertwined. Both homes boast private onsen, traditional Japanese gardens and spacious rooms with tatami mat floors.
Club Med Hokkaido Kiroro
This all-inclusive winter resort is one of the best new hotels in Japan, just 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport and provides guests with a cosy yet hip environmentand access to a natural open-air hot spring and spa. Club Med Hokkaido Kiroro has two distinct resorts: Club Med Kiroro Peak and Club Med Kiroro Grand. Club Med Kiroro Peak welcomes guests from 12 years old and above, while Club Med Grand welcomes families and children of all ages, with facilities for children aged two years old and above.
Yotel Tokyo
Scheduled to open in 2024, Yotel Tokyo will be centrally located in Ginza and offer 244 rooms. The tech-savvy space will feature the brand’s signature robotic concierge, Yobot, motorised SmartBeds and a touch-free guest experience from reservation to check-out. The interior design is young, fun and welcoming.
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
One of the more interesting hotels in Japan, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is jungle city themed and guests can expect to find a cafe, bar, gym, outdoor terrace and 272 rooms within this new development, set to open August 2023. The hotel is located a short walk from famous Shibuya Crossing, and Tokyo’s central retail, dining and cultural districts.
Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park
Boutique hotel brand Trunk plans to open the third of its hotels in Japan in Tokyo in September this year. Comprised of 25-30 rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, and all-day dining restaurant, this accommodation concept space is built upon concepts of socialisation and engaging with one’s environment. Expect contemporary, tactile and welcoming interiors and elevated amenities.
Mercure Tokyo Hibiya
Scheduled to be open for guests in December 2023, Mercure Tokyo Hibiya will be one of the last new hotels in Japan for 2023. Offering a contemporary concept informed by theatre elements, the hotel aims to pay homage to the history and culture of Hibiya through opulent creative interpretations. It’s planned to have 178 guest rooms, a restaurant, outdoor terrace, garden, fitness centre, lounge, theatre, cigar room and more.
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