6 new hotels to try in Japan
Staying in a Japanese hotel offers more than just accommodation.
Hotels in Japan offer a fascinating blend of modern amenities, traditional hospitality, and unique cultural experiences. Renowned for their exceptional service, cleanliness, and attention to detail, Japanese hotels cater to a wide range of travellers, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury seekers.
The hotels in Japan can generally be categorised into four types: ryokans, business hotels, capsule hotels and luxury hotels. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a quintessential Japanese experience and typically feature tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, onsen (or communal baths), and kaiseki (multi-course) meals.
Business hotels, catering primarily to business travellers, offer no-frills accommodation with compact rooms, often located near major train stations and business districts. In contrast, capsule hotels are perfect for solo travellers on a budget with compact sleeping pods stacked in a communal setting and basic amenities like showers, lockers, and communal lounges.
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As a first-world country, Japan also boasts an array of luxurious accommodations, including international chains and boutique hotels. These properties offer opulent rooms, top-notch service, gourmet dining options, spa facilities, and panoramic views of city skylines or natural landscapes.
Staying in a Japanese hotel offers more than just accommodation—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, hospitality, and traditions. If you’re ready to experience some omotenashi (Japanese hospitality), how about giving these six hotels that recently popped up in Japan a try? Or you can check out these new hotels in Malaysia first.
1. Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park (April 2024)
Not to be confused with Mercure Sapporo in Susukino, Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park is located further northwest near Hokkaido University Botanic Garden. As its name suggests, the picturesque Odori Park is also just three minutes away. A five-minute walk from the nearest Nishi Juitchome station, it is an upscale hotel for business and leisure that is now open for reservations from April.
Book your stay: Booking.com | Trip.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined | Luxury Escapes
2. Tokyo Edition Ginza (March 2024)
The Edition’s second hotel in Tokyo—after Toranomon—Tokyo Edition Ginza was designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, featuring a total of 86 rooms and suites. The 14-storey hotel situated in the bustling Ginza commercial district also houses a Japanese-inspired modern brasserie, a unique cocktail bar focusing on punches, Ginza's inaugural natural wine bar, along with amenities like a meeting studio and fitness centre.
Book your stay: Booking.com | Trip.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined | Marriott
3. Hotel Graphy Shibuya, Tokyo (March 2024)
A hybrid hotel-hostel in Shibuya, Hotel Graphy Shibuya is located on the former site of a railway line. Weaving the railway’s past and Shibuya’s transformation into its design, the minimalistic hotel lets you explore the energetic Shibuya streets while immersing yourself in the history of the area. Guests can also enjoy complimentary beer service in the evening and take a break at its 24/7 lounge with a self-serve drink station and a rooftop terrace.
Book your stay: Booking.com | Trip.com | Agoda
4. Janu Tokyo (March 2024)
The sister brand of the luxury resort chain Aman, Janu makes its worldwide debut in Japan with its flagship Janu Tokyo. With a focus on social wellness, Janu has equipped its Tokyo luxury hotel with a whopping 4,000 square metre wellness centre comprising Tokyo’s largest gym (340 square metres), a 25-metre swimming pool, five group movement studios for spinning, boxing, functional training activities and more, and spa and treatment rooms and areas.
Book your stay: Trip.com | Agoda
5. Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya (February 2024)
Located close to the Shibuya station, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya is where you can enjoy comfort and convenience and live as you do at home. A 10-minute walk to the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the extended-stay hotel is ideal for work and play, featuring 125 stylish rooms with a comfy living area, a fully fitted kitchen and a work desk.
Book your stay: Booking.com | Trip.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined
6. Xcellent Hotel, Kyoto (February 2024)
Although Xcellent Hotel in Kyoto is about a 15-minute walk from the nearest Gojo station, it is a value-for-money four-star hotel with adequate facilities and amenities. If you don’t mind walking to save some transport costs, you can take a stroll to nearby attractions like Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum.
Book your stay: Booking.com | Agoda | HotelsCombined
Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia
Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes
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