%202%20-%20HOSHINOYA%20Tokyo.jpg "39 Best Hotels in Tokyo for Ryokan Stays and High-Rise Views")
The world’s largest metropolis, Tokyo is renowned for its incredible restaurants, exceptional shopping, one-of-a-kind skyline, and plethora of gorgeous hotels. There are so many accommodation options in this glittering Japanese city—whether you’re interested in a classic ryokan that lets you connect with the city’s history, or a modern high-rise that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie. Whatever your budget, there are great finds to be scored, from over-the-top five-star properties for special occasions to affordable spots for solo travelers.
Taking into account the vast scope of hotels and Airbnbs available—and the city’s soaring accommodation costs relative to its other offerings—choosing the best of the best is no easy feat. Some fan-favorite brands already have multiple Tokyo flagships in their portfolio, and new construction just keeps coming as the country continues to be a tourism darling. But fear not, we did the research for you. No matter what you’re heading to the Japanese capital for—delicious food, a futuristic cityscape, pop-culture highlights, or historic landmarks—there’s a wonderful property just waiting for you to check in. Read on for our editors’ picks of the 39 best hotels in Tokyo right now.
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Soil Nihonbashi
You notice the building before you notice the hotel: nine stories wrapped in corrugated, rust-colored balconies, each filled with greenery, giving the structure a scalloped silhouette. It’s the work of architect Kiyoaki Takeda,who came up with the design by walking the neighborhood and cataloguing the potted plants that residents keep on sidewalks. In lieu of a lobby, there’s Pizza Tane, a 20-seat pizzeria, and you check in at a reception desk beside it. With just 14 rooms across nine floors—two per floor at most—there are few chances to cross paths with other guests. Every room gets floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of natural light, custom-dyed paper lamps, and plants both on the balconies and inside—some of them donated by neighbors. Head up to the pocket-sized rooftop, where a few tables and chairs sit beside a surprisingly lush herb garden, where they’re even growing eggplants and olives. Guests can also use the mellow co-working space above Parklet for free. —Melinda Joe
Check Availability at Booking.com
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Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
Travelers come here for a boutique-scale Hyatt in the most useful location in Tokyo, newly reimagined by André Fu. When the hotel opened in 2002 on the lower floors of the Pacific Century Place office tower, its 57 rooms made it an outlier in a city that equates luxury with height. Yabu Pushelberg’s original interiors worked around the architectural constraints—the massive columns among them. Two decades and a year-long renovation later, Fu treated the building’s quirks as inspiration rather than a problem, turning structural necessity into a set piece. The effect is faintly Alice in Wonderland. Round the lobby, and a miniature rock garden appears through the window before the space opens onto a bright lounge under triple-height ceilings, where natural oak and grey marble meet washi panelling. It’s Art Deco filtered through a contemporary Japanese lens. The crowd is a mix of business travelers, families, and canoodling couples. —M.J.
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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
CNT Triple Crown
Don’t expect a big five-star entrance where heels and voices ricochet off marble floors and up a grand staircase. The Four Seasons takes it down a notch at its location in quiet Marunouchi, where interiors stress a lounge-like atmosphere that’s luxuriously intimate—the hotel has just 57 guest rooms. Sure, you’ll catch a hint of polish here and there, but the overall vibe leans on cushy upholstered chairs, plush sofas, thick area rugs, and smooth wooden floors. The brand has little intention of matching Tokyo’s energy, and instead, lets it all go—this booking is about sitting back and relaxing. For a Four Seasons, the design feels cut from a more relaxed cloth—but with the same level of service. Other hotels will bring more flavor, but this property is at the very least consistent. —M.J.
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The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-chome
The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-chome is a playful newcomer to Tokyo’s most polished shopping district. Bold, graphic interiors take cues from the Kabukiza Theater around the corner—muted greens and persimmon oranges drawn from the theater’s iconic curtain carry through the 273 rooms—while the yellow-and-green entrance nods to the ginkgo trees lining the surrounding streets. Rooms deliver serious comfort at a price point well below Ginza’s luxury competition, with exceptionally comfortable beds across all categories, including the cheerfully appointed suites. The real differentiator, though, is Kobikicho Club: an authentic “snack” bar hidden behind a mirrored door in the lobby, where the karaoke continues until 1 a.m. —M.J.
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1 Hotel Tokyo
Set across the 38th to 43rd floors of the Akasaka Trust Tower, 1 Hotel Tokyo is a sanctuary above the city’s neon-lit chaos. This 211-key property combines the brand’s signature nature-inspired, calming interiors with subtle local touches, from revived Japanese crafts to upcycled moss artwork. Wellness is central, with in-room meditation beds, spa-like bathrooms featuring Bamford toiletries, and a plant-ringed indoor pool. The service style at 1 Hotel Tokyo is easygoing and never stuffy. It seems like team members, dressed in hip, minimalist Uniqlo-esque gear, have been briefed to keep their manner friendly, helpful, yet laid-back. Sustainability runs through every detail: no single-use plastics, recycled glassware, water-saving showers, and the 1 Less Thing initiative, which encourages guests to leave behind one item for charity. —Adam Turner
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Park Hyatt Tokyo
Hot List 2026Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
In the early aughts the Park Hyatt Tokyo and its indelible Kenzo Tange–inspired tiered tower so inspired Sofia Coppola that she wrote an Oscar-winning screenplay around it. And that air of enchantment is as effervescent as ever after the hotel’s 19-month closure and thorough renovation. The graceful reinvention of this cinematic legend in Tokyo’s Shinjuku should please the most loyal of patrons, including Coppola, with its simultaneously reverent and refreshing take on masterful designer John Morford’s initial vision—a noticeable ramp up of contemporary residential-esque luxury that retains its subtly moody, slightly traditional, forest-imbued je ne sais quoi, not to mention many of the original artworks that now hang with new commissions from those same Japanese talents. —Kathryn Romeyn
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InterContinental – ANA Tokyo
The lobby is a vast, bubble-era set piece—soaring double-height ceilings gridded with geometric lights, warm wood paneling, and a glowing staircase. At 3 p.m., pilots and cabin crew roll carry-ons past families at the check-in counter, business travelers make a beeline for the Club Lounge upstairs, and women linger over afternoon tea in the Atrium Lounge. Renovated rooms lean into subdued Japanese modernism: origami-inspired geometric patterns, custom carpets with a cherry blossom motif in grey with soft pink and indigo, and touches like a wine-colored cast-iron teapot or tea. The address is technically Akasaka, but you’re on the Roppongi side of it, a short walk to that neighborhood’s restaurants and bars, and around the corner from the US Embassy (should diplomatic business arise). Suntory Hall is two minutes away, which makes this the obvious choice on a concert night. Toranomon Hills and Azabudai Hills are both walkable for shopping and dining. —M.J.
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Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park
Hot List 2024
An event venue and planning service first and foremost, Trunk’s incredible popularity as a hotel venue has encouraged its founder to expand throughout Japan’s capital, first with Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street, set within the street- and outdoor-wear mecca just beyond the epicenter of roaring Shibuya, then Trunk(House)—an incredible, single-room hotel located along the cobblestone alleys of Kagurazaka. “Copenhagen-chic” is the prevailing style throughout the hotel. If you’re opting for an entry-level room, pay the extra coins for a view of the park instead of the backstreets—the square footage is limited; the views of the sky and trees lend a feeling of spaciousness. Take special note of the more colorful pieces of art on the various walls—all created by artists with special needs through a not-for-profit initiative and available for purchase. —Brandon Presser
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Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel
At the fresh-faced Hotel Groove, rooms come with colorful carpets and wooden paneling to elevate the offering beyond paint-by-numbers accommodations. It’s a great pick for those who aim to spend minimal time in their rooms, but want comfortable—if predictable—digs for a good sleep at the end of a busy day. A boon to older travelers or those with special needs who need extra space to move around, Hotel Groove’s sleeping quarters—beyond the entry-level superior rooms—are reasonably large compared to other properties in this price range. Floor-to-ceiling windows create an even greater sense of grandeur, and decor is functional but with a few pops of texture and color to distance the vibe from cookie-cutter hotel blocks. At the higher end are suites designed by noted Japanese artists, not to mention some traditional-style accommodations (tatami and futons), too. Coin laundry is a surprise perk for long-staying travelers. —B.P.
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The Kitano Hotel Tokyo
The Kitano is a family-run operation that takes service seriously, but lets personality shine through in the delivery. A minute’s walk from Nagatacho station, the hotel sits in the heart of Chiyoda—Tokyo’s political nerve center and home to the National Diet Building and the Prime Minister’s residence, with the leafy grounds of the Imperial Palace just beyond. The lobby is airy but warm, with sand-colored stone, natural wood, and modern Japanese details like latticed screens and gold-leaf artwork behind the reception desk. Upstairs, corridors wrap around a striking double-height bamboo atrium—real moso bamboo is planted at the building’s core. The crowd skews well-traveled and unhurried, mostly European and Japanese guests, many with families in tow. The 70 rooms take their design cue from Japan’s four seasons, each floor dressed in a different palette: cherry blossoms for spring, cool blue waves for summer, warm coppers with maple-leaf motifs for autumn, and snow rabbits for winter. But the property really distinguishes itself through its service. The meticulousness feels personal rather than corporate. Early arrivals are greeted with tea, and the head concierge, himself a former tea master, sets the tone for a team that takes hospitality seriously. —M.J.
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Muji Hotel, Ginza
The world of Muji is headquartered at its Ginza shop, a venue of department store proportions cluttered in equal measures with objects and people. The lobby of the hotel doubles as the store’s highest floor, where there’s a charming café and communal reading room. From there, an elevator shuttles you up to your refreshingly spare room, perched in a distinctly quieter area of the building. The entry-level rooms at Muji Hotel come with only a whisper of design; everything’s as simple as can be within the confines of minimal square footage. It’s like Barbie’s dream Tokyo apartment, where everything’s teeny-tiny and low-slung—but the toilet still has all the expected bells and whistles. Come to live in the wonderful world of Muji for a few days. —B.P.
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Yuen Shinjuku
This winner for small wallets outpaces its competitors in both the decor and wellness categories. Guests here are international travelers on the hunt for exceptional value sans credit card point deals. Most are first-time travelers to Japan who want to be in the center of the action and fully immerse themselves in the country’s visual culture. This tower of tiny rooms is a smart place to start since the decor is inspired by traditional ryokans found mostly in rural Japan. The friendly staff will gladly guide you to the hundreds of restaurants littered throughout Shinjuku, Tokyo’s most electric, all-night neighborhood. Truly tight budgets shouldn’t wince at the hotel’s entry-level product—although the rooms are closet-sized, clever attention has been paid to maximizing the efficiency of the layout and giving the rooms a distinct Japanese touch: a low-slung bed, modern blond-wood furniture, and a small tatami area. Larger rooms allowed the designers more space to really go all-in on the ryokan sensibilities within the bones of a city-center business hotel. —B.P.
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Conrad Tokyo
Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
When it opened in 2005 in the Shiodome area, Conrad Tokyo neatly fit in among the pantheon of international luxury brands. More than two decades later, it remains as eye-catching as ever. Smack in the middle of the ground floor, a glossy red sculpture marks the moodily lit entrance and hasn’t lost its dramatic effect. Up on the 28th floor, a tall lobby soars with bold, black lines, which are warmed with light boxes dangling from the ceiling. It’s a business hotel, but it’s dressed to impress. The King Room Bay View hides nothing: windows do, in fact, frame Tokyo Bay. But even better, the panoramic view also includes the lush Hamariku Gardens, which flourish at the foot of the hotel. Modern furnishings borrow local motifs, whether they’re the bedside lamps that vibe with Japanese lanterns or the Sumi-e cherry blossoms painted above the bed and woven across the floor’s lightly patterned carpet. —Keith Flanagan
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Fufu Tokyo Ginza
Hot List 2026
Fufu Tokyo Ginza is an urban oasis in every sense, with 34 suites boasting private gardens and natural hot spring baths sourced from Atami, all perched above the Ginza 1-chome intersection with direct metro access below. It’s a rare property that makes the center of Tokyo feel genuinely still. The design is contemporary Japanese minimalism—shoji sliding doors, washi paper lamps, seasonal ikebana, a green tea–inspired scent threading through the common spaces—but with enough warmth to keep things from feeling austere. The first urban property from Fufu Japan, a brand known for intimate onsen retreats in quieter corners of the country, the Tokyo outpost, which opened in November 2025 inside the Hulic Ginza Building, takes the brand’s signature stillness and drops it into one of the most electric neighborhoods in the country. Step onto your leafy private balcony and you’re gazing out over Chuo-dori, the glittering boulevard that transforms into a car-free pedestrian paradise on weekends. Located in Ginza—Tokyo’s answer to Fifth Avenue, and then some—the area surrounding the hotel is lined with flagship fashion houses, jewelers, and upscale dining options. —M.J.
Check Availability at Michelin Guide
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Fairmont Tokyo
Accor’s first luxury hotel in Tokyo, the Fairmont is a serene perch above Tokyo Bay where warm tones, plush textiles, and wide, softly lit corridors create a soothing, sophisticated atmosphere. Thoughtful Japanese art and design details surface throughout, right down to the delicate botanical paper-cut installations in the elevators. Fairmont’s first foray into Japan takes up floors 35 to 43 of the Maki & Associates–designed Blue Front Shibaura South Tower. With 217 rooms, the shining stars of the property are the Fairmont Gold Suites, which occupy the southwest corners of each guest room floor. From the living room, views sweep across Tokyo Bay to the east and out over the city’s sprawl to the south and west, with Tokyo Tower front and center and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji in the distance. The bedrooms face the tower directly, and waking up to raise the blackout shades on that view is a delight. —M.J.
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Hoshinoya Tokyo
CNT Triple CrownGold List 2020Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Hoshinoya Tokyo is a serious, serene vertical ryokan hidden within the city’s corporate heart. Behind a massive cypress door, tatami floors, hushed rituals, and a deep sense of reverence replace Tokyo’s neon dazzle. Rooms are minimalist sanctuaries dressed in washi screens and ikebana florals and come with custom kimonos by designer Jotaro Saito, while communal lounges on every floor encourage slow tea sipping and quiet reflection. Dining is traditional and guest-exclusive, from restorative Japanese bento breakfasts to multi-course dinners that resurrect fading regional recipes. The highlight is the rooftop onsen (Tokyo’s rare true hot spring) fed by mineral-rich waters from nearly 5,000 feet underground. Service is exemplary omotenashi: graceful, intuitive, and—if you follow all the rules—warm. It’s not about views but instead, stillness, ritual, and retreat. An immersion into old Japan, improbably stacked 17 stories high. —Nicole Trilivas
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JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo
In Tokyo’s Takanawa Gateway City—a well-connected development in Minato City—this new JW Marriott outpost is a surprisingly tranquil sanctuary for busy travelers. For JW Marriott fans, and particularly those who care about their Marriott Bonvoy points, the brand’s entry into Japan is an exciting one. In keeping with the brand’s global ethos, they focus on pure comfort, slinky settings, and at-your-service attendance, with the privacy and serenity that most Tokyo visitors will crave after soaking up the city’s energy. Moody, low-lit hallways guide visitors to the rooms, the defining feature of which is a huge window looking out upon the sprawl of the city. Wood paneling from the doors to the armoire to the ceiling lends a warmth to the space, punctuated by glossy acrylic and velvet in tones of gray. The room has a global feel—nothing too distinctly Tokyo—though the chance to see Mount Fuji peeking through the clouds from some rooms will certainly ground you in the destination. The breakfast buffet, lavish in volume but also variety, should be your first sign that you will eat well here. Come dinner, Kakō offers seasonal ingredients in a tasting menu format, while Saki is an eight-seat experience led by Michelin-starred chefs. —Megan Spurrell
Check Availability at Marriott
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Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
For a serene walk through history, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is an artful sanctuary that embodies local culture at every turn with over 2,500 pieces of Japanese art. You’ll embark on a sensorial journey from the moment you enter—think murals for your eyes, waterfalls for your ears, and culinary wonders for your taste buds. The peaceful serenity of the rest of the hotel extends into its guest rooms, which offer an oasis from city life. The rooms are more muted in color, allowing for a calming transition into me time. A pleasant surprise is the in-room steam sauna, which is offered in all accommodations, regardless of room type. Coupled with the whirlpool bath, city views, and spacious square footage, you’ll be whisked away into private luxury. With seven restaurants and a pastry shop, there is no shortage of choice for food here—traditional Japanese, Chinese, New American, and Italian included. It’s located in Meguro City, a bit less touristy of an area that allows for a more local experience. And as long as you’re up for about a 10-minute walk uphill to the subway, it’s a quick train ride to most other parts of the city. —Taylor Mead
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Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
CNT Triple CrownGold List 2021, 2024Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2021
Rising to the upper floors of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the 38th-floor lobby of the Mandarin Oriental is like a gallery to the capital’s best angles. It’s the same in the rooms: No matter the category, the view is paramount from your tranquil retreat in the sky, as the frenetic financial district eases down below and, on cloudless days, Mount Fuji glistens in the distance. Comfort is prime here, too. Beds are as supple as the sheets are slippery. And if you can’t find a perfect pillow on the extensive “pillow menu,” it’s not the feathers—it’s you. Room service can get expensive, but the menu itself is so long and varied (from macaroni and cheese to okayo don) that it’s worth a look. And yet, there are so many dining options on the property—from an actual pizza bar to haute Cantonese to a silver-lined French restaurant—that every in-house venue deserves a gander. For example, Sushi Shin by Miyakawa is perhaps the city’s most atmospheric sushi restaurant: A nine-seat L-shaped counter, made from a 350-year-old cypress tree, sits next to a floor-to-ceiling window that perfectly frames Tokyo Skytree. Dip sushi as the sun dips, too, and the city lights up by nightfall. If you care to step outside, the location is convenient. It’s just around the corner from famous kimono shops and department stores, and Ginza is a short stroll away. —K.F.
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Yuen Bettei Daita
A ryokan-style hotel complete with mineral-rich onsen water set in the heart of Tokyo’s coolest neighborhood—need we say more? We will. Like the quaint Japanese inns found deep in the countryside, Yuen Bettei Daita leans hard into traditional wellness, and has become a favorite among international visitors and staycationing Tokyoites alike. The multi-course menus in the restaurant Tsukikage pay tribute to a panoply of seasonal ingredients. Plus, you’re smack dab in the middle of Shimokitazawa, largely considered to be Tokyo’s most fun cluster of city blocks and a global hub of streetwear fashion. Expect a scatter of traditional and modern construction replete with chic espresso shops, vintage clothing stores, and plenty of curry parlors and ramen joints. —B.P.
Check Availability at Hotels.com
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The Aoyama Grand Hotel
Only a few blocks away from Omotesando-dori, the city’s most coveted thoroughfare of luxury retail, the Aoyama Grand attracts a mod mix of young professionals in its various international dining venues. Upstairs, hotel guests are an assortment of domestic and international travelers who prefer more intimate digs in a trendy ‘hood to taking up residence in one of the more corporate quarters of the city. The loft-style rooms don’t shy away from bold furniture, light fixtures, and wall art. And out the floor-to-ceiling windows are views of one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. Inside tip: Skip the six interior rooms, which face a light well rather than having windows looking out over the urban sprawl. —B.P.
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The Okura Tokyo
Readers’ Choice Awards 2020, 2021, 2022
Expect nothing but ultra-polished old-school Japanese hospitality. Retro luxury is alive and well at the Okura, and for a fraction of the cost of some of the city’s other high-end players. The mid-mod lobby is practically a museum dedicated to Japan’s post-war flourish in the 1960s, when the whole world witnessed the country’s ascent to the modern global stage. Now the Okura’s at it again with a phalanx of next-gen businessmen lounging on the lobby’s Eames- and Juhl-inspired furniture. Even if you’re not staying on-property, it’s worth checking out the hotel’s diverse eating options from hallowed kaiseki multi-course meals to more playful teppanyaki options. Fun fact: the property lays claim to inventing teppanyaki—hot plate cooking with a pinch of chef acrobatics designed to delight visiting dignitaries during the 1964 Olympics. —B.P.
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Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
Smack dab in the middle of Shibuya’s Dogenzaka area, IHG’s Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is changing the face of the neighborhood from seedy hotels to trendier digs. Design details are a bit prescriptive, but no one seems to mind as the location is unbeatable and the cleanliness of the brand-new build earns an A+ from us. You can’t go wrong with any of the rooms here—they’re all lofted high enough in their tower to offer views of Shibuya and beyond below. Take your pick of your favorite angle: direct eyeshot over the Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world; Mount Fuji in the distance, visible on a clear day; or simply the endless sprawl of the metropolis. —B.P.
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The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
A budget-friendly hotel disguised as a luxury stay, the Gate Hotel’s glass tower rises up over a bustling intersection in Ginza, offering those quintessential Lost in Translation views. The first thing you’ll notice when you step off the elevator is a lively Champagne bar inhabiting the lounge-style lobby on the building’s fourth floor, filled with a mix of hotel guests and local business folk enjoying an after-work coupe. The front desk around the corner may seem like an afterthought, but au contraire—service is as polished and capable as any of the city’s five-star offerings. Spic and span rooms come with a brightly colored accent pillow to enliven otherwise dim, nightlife-inspired decor. Light sleepers may want to request to avoid rooms facing the train tracks—though the double-glazed windows do an effective job of blocking out noise. —B.P.
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Hamacho Hotel
A Tetris tower with lush greenery sprouting off the balconies, Hamacho is a plot twist for those who think cheap hotels in Tokyo are relegated to capsules and by-the-hour hotels. This new multi-use concept, proffering teensy hotel rooms and long-term living spaces, is breathing new life into an old-town neighborhood with more wooden roofs than steel-and-glass buildings. If you’re opting for the smallest rooms, make sure you don’t bring a large suitcase—there won’t be space—but no one does chic efficiency better than Tokyoites. Spend a little more for a larger room and you’ll get a shrub-lined terrace, city views, and plenty of sunlight. Clean design and perfect housekeeping keep the rooms feeling spare but luxe. —B.P.
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Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2023
Like the bulk of luxury brand hotels in Tokyo, the 164-room Andaz Tokyo commands a series of floors at the top of a shared skyscraper—except, unlike most skyscrapers, Toranomon Hills happens to be among the tallest. Check-in reflects this higher perspective as guests arrive on the 51st-floor Andaz Lounge. Instead of starting the process behind a counter, check-in happens in the lounge, offering a relaxed introduction that’s more like a casual conversation than a stiff transaction. Blessed with edgy architecture, the rooms take shape along the skyscraper’s rounded corner. The result? A panorama of floor-to-ceiling windows curving like an IMAX screen around the room’s focal point. Midcentury-inspired interiors boast moss-green carpeting, maroon leather chairs, white walls, and handsome walnut or color-blocked surfaces. —K.F.
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Trunk Hotel Cat Street
Hot List 2018
Pocketed between Shibuya and Harajuku, just off of the ultra-trendy Cat Street, Trunk(Hotel) is marked by a façade of glass, black steel, and stone, softened by the timber decks and ferns that line the wraparound terraces on each of the four floors. It’s a showstopper, for sure, but one that feels part of the neighborhood. Inside, a subdued vibe takes over common areas—all of which feel like a lounge, equally suited for a MacBook, a latte, or a cocktail. The Living Suite includes a lofted space for additional guests (up to four), while the interiors are all crafted by Japanese designers. There are only 15 rooms spread across two buildings here—meaning there’s more to this place than beds: The lobby café and bar slings just as many lattes as cocktails, and the main restaurant, Trunk(Kitchen), brings local flavor to international staples (burrata, for example, from a shop in Shibuya). —K.F.
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OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda
There’s an unspoken playbook for most luxury hotels in Tokyo: loft your rooms at the top of an office tower so guests can have unobstructed views of the sprawling city. The OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda has done exactly that, only its entry-level pricing is about one-sixth of the cost of a stay at one of Tokyo’s international luxury brands. Of course, the rooms are smaller and have fewer of the fancy bells and whistles, but you’ll still find eager service here, not to mention bold, big swings with the expressive decor. Also, while many of the city’s luxury hotels are relegated to more corporate neighborhoods, this property has sprouted up on the cooler west side of the city, only a stone’s throw from trending hubs like Meguro. —B.P.
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Hotel Toranomon Hills
Part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, the Hotel Toranomon Hills has the business traveler in mind, but that shouldn’t deter leisure tourists either. One of the biggest selling points is a dedicated hangout area modeled after an airport lounge. There’s plenty of complimentary coffee and snacks, but the best part is the resting room and shower facilities. If you arrive before check-in (or have a late departing flight), you can wash off the jet lag upon landing and start your day. Like flipping through a Danish design magazine, the hotel’s decor is pared back without being overly spartan. We do, however, recommend upgrading to a premium room—it’s worth the extra spend to indulge in a little more space, better views, and a few extra Scandi-style flourishes that’ll go great with the view of Tokyo Tower outside. —B.P. and T.M.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2023
Ready for some numbers? This five-star hotel commands the top nine floors of one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings—and windows place you at eye-level with Tokyo’s second-tallest structure, Tokyo Tower. Inside is no less humble, and the restaurants and bars feel rich and handsome with dark finishes, plush chairs, and slick sights. There are two main views on offer—the Tokyo Tower view and the Mount Fuji view. Generally, Japanese guests want Fuji (really only visible on clear days with low humidity—it’s far), while visitors are keen to glimpse the city’s orange version of the Eiffel Tower (a few feet taller than the real thing, for those who are keeping track). Suites are double the size of the rooms and feel like a proper apartment in the sky; a great choice if you’re planning on sticking around for a while. —B.P.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-Gochome
The collection of Mitsui Garden Hotels has a strong reputation in Japan for providing quality accommodations at prices that don’t break the bank—the Ginza-Gochome property earns bonus points for its great location and Edo-style baths inside. Most Tokyo hotels cater to a mix of business and leisure travelers—there are mostly tourists here; savvy visitors who like their lodging to have a distinct sense of place. Although most of the furniture is agnostic in style, the old-school nods to Japan feel welcome and never gaudy. Mitsui Gardens is a budget-friendly concept from Mitsui Fudosan, a well-established Japanese hospitality brand that has a keen eye for serving luxury travelers as well. Standard rooms have limited views from the windows, but the trade-off is the quietness in an otherwise busy neighborhood. Go for the Deluxe Twin room, which fuses East and West design—think a quaint tatami sitting area, low-slung beds, but a souped-up entertainment center and ultra-modern bathrooms. —B.P.
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Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Readers’ Choice Awards 2023, 2024, 2025
With the opening of the Otemachi sister hotel to the longstanding Marunouchi property, the Four Seasons has reestablished itself as a major force to be reckoned with when choosing among the finest places to stay around town. Otemachi sits more in a financial hub than a proper neighborhood, but it’s a stone’s throw from bustling Ginza and temple-ridden Asakusa—and the gridded streets make it abundantly easy to navigate on foot. In the same space, find guests and ladies who lunch, sipping high tea, dining on Instagrammable snacks, and enjoying the unobstructed views of Mount Fuji across the lush gardens down below. Head farther into the property to find a passageway to some of the best dining in the city, and upstairs for rooms so plush—yet also somehow embracing Japanese austerity—that you’ll never want to leave. —B.P.
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Takanawa Hanakohro
Paper walls, tatami floors, and oversized bathing suites are par for the course in this ryokan in the heart of the city; a fun way to combine the tenets of Japanese hospitality with the spirit of a city hotel—one that doesn’t hold you captive, but lets you explore your surrounds guilt-free, then retreat to your throwback digs. The clever idea: to take a few low-floor rooms in an aging hotel and completely reimagine them as a traditional Japanese inn similar to one that you’d usually find on the hillside of a quaint rural village. The secret perk of staying in one of the 16 Hanakohro rooms is unfettered access to the campus’s collection of executive lounges—one in all three of the towers—each filled with coffee bars, a snack carousel, and plenty of private seating nooks. Within the confines of the ryokan is a fourth lounge where guests can enjoy their oversized Japanese breakfasts and sample complimentary spirits—sake and umeshu—in the early evenings. —B.P.
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Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
The decadent Bulgari Hotel Tokyo crowns the cloud-brushing apex of the 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower, just opposite Tokyo Station. Against a backdrop of sultry black granite with pops of jewel tones, the deluxe hotel smoothly blends contemporary Italian design with Japanese craftsmanship and a glamorous sprinkling of Bulgari heritage. Picture hand-blown Murano lights suspended from temple-like wood ceilings; traditional Japanese textile motifs recreated in Venetian mosaic tiling; and, adorning the walls, photographs of celebrities visiting the Roman flagship in the 1950s, plus vintage advertising and jewelry sketches. The 98 guest rooms balance Japanese touches (woven bamboo wall vases, modern sliding screens, gold-flecked bed throws by Kyoto kimono textile masters Hosoo) with warm saffron fabric headboards, natural elm wood, and sexy black-granite bathrooms. —Danielle Demetriou
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Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station
Mimaru has established itself as the indispensable apartment-hotel brand that’s perfect for vacationing families or for those with dietary restrictions who need to prepare some of their own meals. Consider this entry on our list as an endorsement of all of the Mimaru locations across Japan’s capital—pick the location that most suits your travel tastes, be it this location among Tokyo’s old temples, Ginza’s fashionable department stores, or bustling Shinjuku. Tasteful Tokyo apartment decor prioritizes streamlined design, but this hotel is located on the doorstep of Tokyo’s most popular temple, Senso-ji, and its delightful shopping street, Nakamise-dori, which features snack and souvenir stalls that date back over a century. And with multiple bedrooms and bunk beds, there are plenty of configurations for visiting families or large groups of friends. —B.P.
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The Peninsula Tokyo
CNT Triple Crown
One of Tokyo’s most iconic pieces of art is not in fact in one of its museums—it’s in the lobby of the Peninsula Tokyo. The Lying Dragon Gate (which looks like a giant wooden eye) attracts legions of curious outsiders who sneak in for a glance. And when they walk through the lobby, they are immediately ensconced in the coziness of the entry’s dark wood and heavy fabrics. Rather than splurging on a suite upgrade at a middle-tier hotel, it’s worth eking into the entry-level rooms here, which never skimp on the Peninsula’s signature luxuries: plush interiors, lavish toiletries, and, most importantly, plenty of space. —B.P.
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Aman Tokyo
CNT Triple CrownGold List 2019, 2022Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2024, 2025
Japan’s capital is many things—sprawling, neon-lit, nocturnal—but one word not often used to describe it is relaxing. Something guests will forget about while floating 34 floors above ground, inhaling and exhaling with a meditation teacher in a white space, distracted only by vivid sunset views. Aman has, of course, long been a byword for a certain kind of crisp, zen wellness. The lobby still turns heads, with its towering ceiling, abstract blooms, and kimono-clad musician plucking the strings of a koto. The bedrooms always seem more akin to mindfulness spaces, with their aromatic hinoki wood, sliding screens, and staggered levels. The food and the service are impeccable—of course they are—but the spa is the real scene-stealer, a place of complete sensory purity that hovers unperturbed over the fizzing city. —B.P.
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Janu Tokyo
Hot List 2025
It’s not easy being the Aman’s new little sister, whose minimalist temples set the benchmark for escapist luxury. Yet when Janu Tokyo, the inaugural flagship, launched in Japan last year, it quickly made its mark with a playful, sociable spirit and—something of an anomaly in the Aman cosmos—splashes of color in the interior. The hotel, whose name means “soul” in Sanskrit, rises up to the 13th floor of a tower in the heart of Azabudai Hills, a major new urban development in Tokyo. It’s home to a culinary constellation of food and drink venues, including relaxed Janu Mercato, an Italian restaurant, and intimate sushi spot Iigura. A vast, four-level spa spans over 43,000 square feet, and 122 guest rooms with serenely minimalist decor hint at Aman’s DNA. —D.D.
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Palace Hotel Tokyo
Readers’ Choice Awards 2022
The legendary property, so named as it’s the closest hotel to the Imperial Palace, lures wealthy Japanese guests with its demure luxury gloss; now, international travelers have gotten wise and are starting to book in as well. Back in the early 2010s, the Palace Hotel doubled down on its commitment to quality and completely demolished its historical property that was erected in the early 1960s, in time for the first Tokyo Olympics. A glimmering new luxury stay was born anew, with all the contemporary touches but maintaining its sedate charm born 50 years prior. When you think of modern Japanese design, it’s not these rooms—the decor at the Palace, while less than two decades old, feels like a retro nod to an earlier vocabulary of modernity. Muted beige and a palette of floral colors are a subtle nod to the ample views of the Imperial Gardens below. —B.P.
What is the best area of Tokyo to stay in?
Pairing a luxury hotel with the right neighborhood can be a conundrum in Tokyo, where many modern high-end properties occupy the upper floors of skyscrapers in business districts—a model the Park Hyatt Tokyo popularized in Nishi-Shinjuku in the 1990s, since replicated across the city’s corporate precincts.
Consider Central Tokyo like a clock face along the JR Yamanote loop. For a fashion-forward base, look to the lower-left quadrant—around seven to nine o’clock—near Shibuya, including Jingumae, Daikanyama, Nakameguro, and Shimokitazawa. If history is more your speed, aim for two o’clock: Asakusa and the surrounding Shitamachi (“lower town”) districts, which retain an older Edo-era street sensibility. Around three o’clock, Ginza and Marunouchi combine polished shopping with a strong cluster of luxury hotels, while nearby Toranomon has emerged as an enclave of design-driven high-rises.
For serious food lovers, geography matters. The Ginza area places you within walking distance of many of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and cocktail bars. Shibuya and Shinjuku offer broader hotel options with easy access to lively dining districts, from yokocho alleys to natural wine spots in Ebisu, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro. For a more atmospheric base, Asakusa puts you close to emerging scenes in Kuramae and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, known for specialty coffee and small independent eateries.
How long should you stay in Tokyo?
Four nights is the minimum needed to move beyond Tokyo’s headline sights and begin to grasp its scale and texture. The city is made for unhurried wandering—lingering over dinner, ducking into a tiny specialty shop, spending an afternoon in a single neighborhood. Up close, it feels less like a sprawling metropolis than a patchwork of distinct enclaves.
If Tokyo is part of your broader Japan itinerary, consider adding another day or two at the end of your trip. By then, you’ll be more attuned to the country’s rhythms and better equipped to go deeper, whether that means drinking at an eight-seater bar, finding time for proper omiyage (souvenir) shopping, or revisiting an area that deserves a second look.
How do you get around Tokyo?
A map of Tokyo’s metro system may seem intimidating with its dozens of interconnected subway lines—some managed by the government, others privately operated—but traveling aboard is now a breeze with the tap-to-use Suica and Pasmo cards available on your smartphone. English signage is abundant and trains are virtually always on time.
For taxis between inconvenient points, or for when your luggage becomes too cumbersome (shopping is an inevitability in Japan!), there are ranks at all of the city’s major train stations, and your hotel can easily hail you a car—plus, they all accept credit cards. App users should prioritize GO for a ride-share vehicle. Note that passengers should never touch a taxi’s door; your driver will push a trigger that both releases and closes the hinges as you enter and exit.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Tokyo’s busiest season is late March to early April, when cherry blossoms draw visitors from around the world and hotel rates can double. Book hotels at least four to six months in advance—earlier for top properties. Golden Week (late April–early May) and Obon (mid-August) also see heavy domestic travel, while Lunar New Year (late January–February) brings increased international traffic. Autumn foliage in November is another high-demand period. For better value, consider February or early December, when rates soften and the city feels calmer. Note that many independent restaurants close from around December 28 to January 5, though hotels often host festive New Year programming.
How do you travel with luggage in Tokyo?
Traveling with luggage in Japan is remarkably easy. Most hotels can arrange door-to-door luggage delivery (takkyubin), sending suitcases to your next hotel or the airport, often overnight. Forms are available at the front desk, and the service is efficient, reliable, and reasonably priced—allowing you to navigate trains comfortably and considerately. If you plan on taking the Shinkansen with very large bags (over 63 inches total dimensions), you must reserve a seat with access to the rear luggage space when booking. The reservation is free, but space is limited; boarding without one may result in a 1,000 yen (around $6) fee.
How we choose the best hotels in Tokyo
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
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This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Source: www.cntraveler.com
