Japan is one of the most popular countries in the world to visit. It has a rich history and is filled with delicious food, beautiful sites, and everything in between. If you want a luxurious stay when you visit, here are a few of the best hotels to consider.
Mandarin Oriental
Considering the strong AUS to Yen conversion rate, it is the perfect time to treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the Mandarin Oriental. Found in the heart of Tokyo, the Mandarin Oriental is regarded as one of the best hotels in the world.
With ultra-soft beds, exquisite city views with Mount Fuji in the background, and some of the best food you will ever eat, the Mandarin Oriental can easily be the first and only hotel you ever want to stay in.
Higashiyama Niseko Village
In the beautiful Hokkaido region, Higashiyama Niseko Village is the place to be for adrenaline-seeking snowsport lovers and those who want to escape into the tranquil and calm beauty of the Japanese mountains.
The hotel perfectly combines glitz and glam and simple beauty and familiarity. The hotel’s focus is to make you one with nature while staying in a resort that is loved by the rich and famous.
The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
Popular amongst the fashion crowd and high-flyers of Tokyo, this is the first Edition hotel to open in the country. With exquisite attention to detail and a relatively quirky interior, entering this hotel is like being transported to a different world.
The hotel can be found on the upper levels of a 38-story hotel and offers visitors some breathtaking views of the surroundings. Plus, the restaurant that famed British chef Tom Aikens owns will offer you some of the best cuisines Japan has.
Azumi Setoda
Found in Hiroshima, the Azumi Setoda Hotel is famous for its incredible surroundings. Still, with the blue sea, mountains, and delicious seafood and citrus fruit, the Azumi Setoda is a luxury amongst the quiet.
While, on the surface, it doesn’t scream upmarket from the outside compared to other hotels on this list, that is almost the establishment’s drawcard. It is designed to be an escape, a home away from home.
Aman Tokyo
Found in Tokyo’s business district, Aman is the one hotel that will be mentioned more often than not when you speak to locals about the best hotel in their city. The hotel is packed with over 80 rooms that add a modern twist to the traditional Ryokan Inn style.
However, the main draw has to be the two-story spa. With floor-to-ceiling windows giving you an almost uninterrupted view of the city, you can lay back in a jacuzzi at night with the spectacular Toyko skyline as a backdrop.
Roku Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably one of the most beautiful regions in the world, and the Roku Hotel reflects that. It is most definitely more of a resort than a city hotel and is designed to take you out of the fast lane of life and make you slow down for a while.
Designed to look similar to an ancient temple, you will find magical rooms, even better spa facilities, pools, and gardens that are well worth exploring, and a mountain range that you should certainly hike when you have a free morning.
The Mitsui
Another exquisite hotel in Kyoto is The Mitsui. Considering it is in a city that has incredibly strong ties to the past, The Mitsui breaks the mold and is a more bold, design-forward establishment.
While the spaces are certainly more modern, you can still find traditional designs and touches everywhere you look. With a variety of trees and green spaces dotted around the hotel, it is the epitome of the “indoor/outdoor” aesthetic.
What to Remember Before Booking a Japanese Hotel
Before booking your stay in one of the luxurious hotels mentioned above, there are a few things you need to remember. Here are the top tips to keep in mind.
Translations
Depending on the hotel, there’s a good chance its website will be in Japanese and translated directly into English. While this is often fine in most cases, some confusion can be caused if you aren’t careful.
Prices, in particular, can be different than advertised. It is best to use a proper translation site or app when reading the specifics of your stay.
Pricing
In many Japanese hotels, pricing is based on the number of guests and the services you will need, as opposed to rooms being priced. Because of this, be sure you know what you will need and what you are booking beforehand to prevent any surprise charges.
Book Ahead
Especially with the hotels mentioned above, always book as far ahead as possible. These hotels may be pricey, but they are often booked up. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself needing to book six months ahead.
Comfort vs. Western Hotel
Finally, be aware of the differences between Comfort and Western-style hotels. While most of the luxurious hotels in the country will be Western-style hotels, some of the rooms they have may fit into the Comfort category. The amenities, size, and extras are often very different between these two types of rooms and hotels.
This story originally appeared on Upscalelivingmag
