10 best and unique hotels to stay in Tokyo, Japan
There are so many unique hotels and accommodations – think book-themed hostels to a ryokan with onsen and the hip Muji hotel in the land of the rising sun!
Japan is the perfect country to travel to especially now that the currency is in our favour. As I'm gearing my visit to Tokyo since my last work trip in 2018, I've discovered so many unique hotels and accommodations in the land of the rising sun.
If you're looking for unconventional stays – think book-themed hostels to a ryokan with onsen and the hip Muji hotel – you're in luck as we've done the legwork for you. Just sit back, relax, and book a stay at one of these unique hotels in Tokyo, Japan.
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1. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Imagine having a soak every day to soothe your tired muscles after a long day of walking. This unique ryokan features an onsen with water brought in from a hot spring source of Hakone. Have a soak while overlooking the panoramic views of the city from the 18th floor of the hotel.
This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is situated 500m from Taiso-ji Temple. Travellers on Booking.com have rated this at 8.6, with over 1,800 glowing reviews. This place is so popular; a quick check shows it's been booked out for the whole month of June!
2. Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku offers one unique experience: sleeping beside hundreds of books on shelves! For bibliophiles, this is a charming bookish experience you'd not want to miss out on! This hostel was designed in mind for book lovers who fall asleep while immersed in their favourite stories.
Bear in mind that the layout is similar to a capsule hotel, but you'll be crawling into a 'box' built into a bookshelf. We aren't sure about the comfort level since only a mattress and a pillow is provided, and the price isn't that cheap either, at about S$64 per night in June.
3. Muji Hotel Ginza
It's hard to say no when your favourite furniture brand allows you to sleep overnight in their bed. Muji Hotel is situated right smack in Ginza and houses 79 stylish, minimalistic rooms embodying Muji's aesthetics. Of course, Muji's furniture is laid out in the room – including a comfortable mattress, accessories and lifestyle goods – you name it, they got it, to help you realise all you need is a simple, pleasant life.
4. Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi
Imagine the future where you're being greeted by robots. Well, the future is here at Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi, the first chain hotel endorsed by the Guinness Book of Records for having androids as hotel staff members. Just two minutes walk from Asakusabashi station, you can opt for one of the 145 guest rooms designed with a blue gradient colour, reflecting the soothing colour of the ocean and sky.
If androids are not your thing, why not check in to Henn na Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi or Henn na Hotel Osaka Namba, where you'll be greeted by dinosaurs at the reception area?
5. BnA Wall
Based in Tokyo's historic Nihombashi district and accessible from four subway stations, the Imperial Palace, and upscale Ginza – BnA's fourth art hotel features 26 original art rooms created by 14 incredible Tokyo-based artists. True to their “stay in an art room, become a patron” ethos, a percentage of every booking goes to the artist responsible for creating your art room. BnA is the only hotel brand worldwide that runs its entire hotel as an Art Patron Platform.
6. Manga Art Hotel Tokyo
Manga fans, rejoice! You can now immerse yourself in the world of Manga, surrounded by 5,000 comic books and special exhibitions. The hotel features 35 rooms, with separate floors for men and women, making it safe for solo travellers.
7. do-c Ebisu
°C (or Do-c) Ebisu is a name lifted from the “degrees Celsius” symbol. The hotel owners collaborated with Schemata Architects to renovate the capsule hotel by adding a sauna that's fitted with Finnish design elements and updated its interior colours.
8. 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
At first glance, you'll be wowed by the cafe's whimsical storefront and blooming garden. Walking in, you'll be enveloped by a homely feel as the hotel closely resembles a home more than paid accommodations.
The 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is located in Tokyo, 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park and 1.5 km from Gyosen Park, close to Kasai train station.
9. Komatsu Ryokan
Look no further if you're looking for a ryokan with free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Strategically situated in Ueno, allowing you access and proximity to local attractions and sights. Don't leave before paying a visit to the famous Sensoji Temple nearby.
10. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Godzilla attack! Fans of the character will be delighted to know that they can view upfront the full-scale artwork of the Godzilla 'head' from Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. Also, travellers will be a few steps from the bustling Kabukicho area, where food, arcade games, and bars are aplenty.
