The Best Hotels In Tokyo, From A Modern Ryokan To Boutique Hideaways

Millions of visitors flock to Tokyo hotels every year to explore the organised chaos that is the world’s most populous city. Whether it’s the tantalising food scene, trend-setting fashion, or rich history, the Japanese capital entices every type of traveller. Quite frankly, you could spend months here and barely skim the surface. And choosing your hotel can be just as difficult as deciding what to cram into a short visit.

Read more: 11 Of The Most Luxurious Ryokans In Japan, According To Vogue

Let’s take it one step at a time and start with where to stay. To help you navigate the thousands of options, we’ve narrowed the list down to some of our favourites. They vary in neighbourhood, from frenetic hubs to quieter residential enclaves. Some are brand new, others are tried-and-true institutions. Many are from familiar international brands, but a few are the dreamy results of home-grown talent.

Read more: The Best Hotels In Kyoto, According To Vogue Editors

Here, our guide to the best hotels in Tokyo.

Vogue’s favourite hotels in Tokyo

• For a modern-day ryokan: Hoshinoya Tokyo
• For a hip hangout: Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street
• For impeccable views: Bulgari Hotel Tokyo
• For minimalist design: Aman Tokyo
• For an urban sanctuary: Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park
• For a spa getaway: The Peninsula Tokyo

Hotel K5

YIKIN HYO

You wouldn’t expect one of Tokyo’s coolest design hotels to be nestled within the soaring glass-fronted buildings and skyscrapers of the city’s former financial district, yet since its launch in February 2020, K5 has been quietly drawing in design-lovers from across the world. Named after its address in Kabuto-cho 5, the compact 20-room boutique hotel is housed within a historic four-storey former bank, which has been transformed, both inside and out by Stockholm-based design partnership Claesson Koivisto Rune. Indeed, the interiors, which fuse Scandi and Japanese motifs, are far and away the biggest selling point: from the coloured glass panels and geometric tiles that line the corridors to the custom-designed Claesson Koivisto Rune chairs and raw concrete floors that populate the spacious, high-ceilinged rooms. Our signature K5 room also came with photogenic, shibori-dipped curtains that encircled the sleeping area. All in all, a real treat for the decor-minded.

Breakfast, meanwhile, came courtesy of Cafe Dance, which is located on the ground floor of the hotel (the eggs florentine-topped waffles were a highlight), a space which, come evening, transforms into a casual dinner spot serving natural wines and tapas. For drinks, the red-drenched Akai bar is perfect for a pre or post- dinner tipple, and specialises in Japanese whiskey and gin. However, if beer is more your speed, simply head down to the basement B by The Brooklyn Brewery – the brand's first taproom outside of New York – for a delectable selection of craft beers. – Joy Montgomery, shopping editor

• Amenities: Restaurant and bar
• Editor’s tip: Make sure to get a dinner reservation at Maruyama, the hotel’s next-door izakaya, and ask for the recommended sake pairings.
• Address: 3-5 Nihonbashikabutocho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0026, Japan

Hoshinoya Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of Hoshino Resorts

The business district of Otemachi might not be the first location that would come to mind for a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), but you won’t find a tranquil retreat like Hoshinoya Tokyo anywhere else in the city. Upon entering, the cacophony of the bustling metropolis instantly dissipates and is replaced by a relaxing aura. You’re greeted by a diligent attendant who stores your shoes in one of the bamboo and chestnut cubbies lining the walls, welcoming you to walk barefoot on the tatami mat floors.

The entire hotel, including the dinner-only restaurant, is strictly reserved for guests. And while there are 84 rooms in total, each floor only has six accommodations, creating a sense of intimacy as though every level is its own mini ryokan, along with a shared ochanoma lounge that’s stocked with complimentary snacks like onigiri and an array of seasonal teas. Enjoy spacious digs with low furnishings, deep soaking tubs, and traditional Japanese design elements like shoji screens, but while you’re here make sure to head up to the rooftop onsen and soak in the healing properties of the natural hot spring.

• Amenities: Onsen, lounge with snacks and refreshments, complimentary minibar (non-alcoholic beverages), spa, restaurant
• Editor’s tip: In addition to the snacks at the ochanoma lounges the hotel also offers complimentary soba in the evenings.
• Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

Janu Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of Janu Tokyo

Every few years there’s a hotel that garners so much attention it becomes an icon before it even opens. This year, that title belongs to Janu Tokyo. The flagship of Aman’s long-awaited sister brand, Janu Tokyo trades in zen and serenity for a more energetic approach to hospitality, perhaps best exhibited by the property’s whopping eight food and beverage venues. The hotel also offers a robust wellness centre that spans four floors, housing one of the city’s largest gyms, a 25-metre pool, and an extensive spa. Once you’re ready to retire, spacious rooms with largely monochromatic interiors welcome you with soaking tubs and balconies in most instances.

• Amenities: Spa, indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: Two Spa Houses with their own double treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facilities serve as the pinnacle of a private wellness experience.
• Address: 1 Chome-2-2 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan

Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street

Photo: Courtesy of Trunk

Bookended by action with the heart of Shibuya on one side and Harajuku at the other, there’s a lot happening around Trunk(Hotel) Cat Street. In addition to its stellar location this lifestyle boutique property has managed to capture the zeitgeist, turning it into a favoured haunt for the neighbourhood’s effortlessly cool inhabitants. The lobby lounge, with a café by day and bar by night, doubles as a co-working space and is quite the scene at nearly all hours. Upstairs are just 15 accommodations ranging from cosy rooms to residential-style suites, all accented with custom Japan-made adornments utilising upcycled materials. The hotel offers two on-site restaurants – one that serves Japanese-inflected international fare, the other a yakitori (skewered meats and vegetables) spot – and its own version of a convenience store with locally sourced bites and a curated selection of sustainable products.

• Amenities: Bar/café, restaurants
• Editor’s tip: The Living Suite has the most character, complete with a projector, record player, L-shaped bar, and a loft-style lounging space above the glass-encased bedroom.
• Address: 5 Chome-31 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Bulgari Hotel Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts

Ginza has no shortage of luxury hotels to complement its high-end stores and just north of the city’s most glamorous shopping district is newcomer Bulgari Hotel Tokyo. Set directly across from Tokyo Station, the glitzy 98-key property blends its roots with its new environs through contemporary Italian design and time-honoured Japanese craftsmanship. Bulgari fans will also appreciate overt nods to the brand in the form of framed sketches from the archives, the jeweller’s 1970s Mount Fuji brooch on display in the gallery, and the house’s signature eight-point star inlayed in the black granite floor of the reception area.

The mark of any stellar city hotel is when it’s enticing enough to keep you indoors despite an exciting metropolis waiting to be explored, and Bulgari Hotel Tokyo delivers. To start, the accommodations are incredibly spacious, starting from 51 square metres. And while there are plenty of luxe touches – throws crafted in Kyoto, hand-brushed gold ceilings, Bulgari-branded bathroom amenities – the automatic blinds are the winner, opening every time you step into the room to reveal panoramic vistas of the city and, in some cases, Mount Fuji on a clear day. Looking for even more dramatic views? Head up to the 45th-floor rooftop lounge, where you’ll be met with Venetian terrazzo flooring and a beautiful glass mosaic wall of birds and trees behind the sleek bar, flanked by lush terraces with plenty of seating looking out to a seemingly endless skyline. But whatever you do, don’t forget to carve out some time for the spa, where you’ll find a 25-metre pool clad in reflective green and gold tiles, surrounded by daybeds and floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, rooftop bar, restaurants, indoor pool, spa, fitness centre
• Editor’s tip: While the daily breakfast is offered at the signature restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, you can also have it sent to your room at no additional charge. Japanese and Western options are available, but the Chinese set with an array of dim sum is an unexpected gem – ask for an extra serving of the house-made XO sauce.
• Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Yaesu, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0028, Japan

Aman Tokyo

bedroomPhoto: Courtesy of Aman

Remote destinations have been a part of Aman’s ethos since its inception, but the opening of the Tokyo property in 2014 marked the brand’s first “urban” project. Resident architect Kerry Hill’s minimalist approach to the group’s luxury-defining properties arguably plays the most natural role in Japan, a country where less is more. The vaulted atrium in the lobby, which is a hot spot for afternoon tea, has become an icon of sorts within Aman’s portfolio, as has the stone-clad, 30-metre pool overlooking the city. Bright and airy rooms are some of the largest in the city, the smallest coming in at 71 square metres, and are characterised by light wood and low-profile furnishings. Slide the shoji screen back to reveal a stone bathroom, complete with a window-side ofuro tub with uninterrupted views.

• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: Pop by the pool at sunset for dramatic photo opportunities.
• Address: The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

The Aoyama Grand Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of the Aoyama Grand Hotel

Just blocks from Harajuku and Omotesando Hills, the Aoyama Grand Hotel is arguably one of the most underrated gems in Tokyo. Joining the latest crop of stylish boutique hotels to pop up in the city, the property features plush rooms with mid-century modern decor and punchy patterns that add a quirky character. It offers guests a host of amenities that aren’t even found at hotels commanding double its price tag, such as a complimentary minibar inclusive of alcoholic beverages and snacks as well as bicycles to explore the surrounding area. And while there are a handful of on-site dining concepts, the two standouts are Shikaku, a countertop restaurant serving comforting Japanese fare, and the Top, an alfresco rooftop lounge with a DJ every weekend.

• Amenities: Complimentary minibar, rooftop bar, restaurants, fitness centre, complimentary bike rentals, complimentary shuttle service for suite guests
• Editor’s tip: If you’re arriving early or departing late, ask the front desk about the shower room for a quick refresh.
• Address: 2 Chome-14-4 Kita-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0061, Japan

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park

Courtesy of TRUNK, Photo by Tomooki Kengaku

While Shibuya is known for its frenetic energy, things slow down a bit just north of the station in Tomigaya. The trendy neighbourhood has been popular for quite some time amongst well-heeled locals, but it’s now drawing in discerning jet-setters thanks to Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park. In stark contrast to its lively and cool sister hotel on the other side of Shibuya, this new property is serene and understated, providing an urban sanctuary just a stone’s throw away from one of Tokyo’s most exciting enclaves. Japandi interiors are the shared work of Keiji Ashizawa Design and Copenhagen-based Norm Architects, setting the stage for a relaxing stay. Its crown jewel, though? The pool club. Open only to guests, the heated infinity oasis looks out at the lush treetops of Yoyogi Park and is complemented by a jacuzzi, sunken fire pit, and oyster bar.

• Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, bar
• Editor’s tip: While breakfast is offered at the ground floor Italian restaurant, guests have the exclusive privilege of enjoying their morning meal by the pool.
• Address: 1 Chome-15-2 Tomigaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan

Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel

Crowning the new 47-floor Tokyu Kabukicho Tower – where you’ll also find a cinema, nightclub, arcade, and yokocho-style food hall amongst other facilities – Bellustar Tokyo is the perfect hideaway for those who want to be in the thick of Shinjuku without feeling like they are. It’s just steps from the buzzy district’s famed attractions like Golden Gai, a grid of narrow alleys filled to the brim with tiny bars and restaurants, but once you’re whisked up to the sleek lobby, chaos softens into tranquillity. Spacious, minimalist rooms are outfitted with deep tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows to capitalise on their sky-high position (the view alone is worth spending the night in). When it comes to the penthouses, enjoy the added benefits of butler service, a fully equipped kitchen, and access to a dedicated lounge stocked with champagne and small bites. Sora, the largest, also boasts an en-suite spa.

• Amenities: Spa, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: Breakfast is well worth the splurge and can be rolled up to the room at no additional cost.
• Address: 1 Chome-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a Parkroyal Hotel

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a Parkroyal Hotel

Hotel Groove Shinjuku offers a more approachable price point than its sister property Bellustar Tokyo while still benefiting from the same shiny new tower and prime location. Entry-level rooms are cosy, but there are plenty of larger options (at relatively reasonable rates) like the Japanese Suite, which features a tatami-mat floor spacious enough for multiple futons, making it highly popular with families. Colourful carpets accent the otherwise neutral-hued accommodations while the artist-designed suites up the ante on personality. And if you’re here for a lengthier stay, the on-site coin-operated laundry is an unexpectedly wonderful touch.

• Amenities: Restaurant, bar, laundry room
• Editor’s tip: Direct limousine buses between Tokyu Kabukicho Tower and Narita or Haneda make getting to and from the airport extremely convenient.
• Address: 1 Chome-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan

Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

Topping Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, the Mandarin Oriental is the neighbourhood’s premier address. The luxurious group’s signature aesthetic of rich hues and supple fabrics carries over to its Tokyo property with the addition of Japanese design elements like paper lamps and traditional kimono patterns. Spacious accommodations are outfitted with luxurious bathrooms, oversized windows, plush beds, and a bonsai tree for a welcomed touch of greenery. Service, like at any MO, is attentive, and the four-handed massage might be the best way to beat jet lag. While you’re here, explore the immediate area. At the hotel’s doorstep you’ll find centuries-old businesses still in operation today, a brilliant launching point for discovering Japanese traditions and souvenir shopping.

• Amenities: Spa, fitness centre, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: Pizza may seem to be an unconventional choice for a meal in Japan, but the hotel’s accolade-decorated spot makes some of the best pies in the world (yes, really). Reserve well in advance, though, as the eight-seat counter is frequently booked up.
• Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-8328, Japan

The Peninsula Tokyo

Photo: Courtesy of the Peninsula Hotels

The Peninsula Hotels has accrued quite a loyal fanbase for its top-notch service, luxurious accommodations with spa-like bathrooms, and its incredible fleet of Rolls-Royces. You can expect all of this at its Tokyo outpost, where doormen donned in the group’s signature white uniform greet you with doors wide open. Rooms nod to Japanese craftsmanship with ajiro ceilings and tochinoki wood doors, and are extremely spacious, with walk-in closets and bathtubs, even if a little dated. Beat jet lag with a few laps at the 20-metre pool or make use of your in-room yoga mat and foam roller. Then head down to the lobby for an unforgettable breakfast. In addition to Japanese and Chinese sets, there’s also a plant-based option inspired by shojin ryori, a Japanese Buddhist cuisine. All three are phenomenal and some of the best in the city.

• Amenities: Spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: The hotel has partnered with ramen stalwart Ippudo to deliver a bowl of comforting and unctuous noodles straight to your room. It’s served with an array of toppings including char sui and a soy egg from the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant, Hei Fung Terrace. It comes at a steep price, but it’s well worth it when you’ve arrived late and don’t have the energy to wander out for sustenance.
• Address: 1 Chome-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Opening its doors in 2020, the Four Seasons at Otemachi is a soaring, 39-storey tower nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s financial district. The second offshoot of the luxury hotel chain in the city – the first being the Marunouchi property near Tokyo Station – it’s everything you’d expect from the Four Seasons brand: contemporary luxury and five-star amenities. The breathtaking views are one of the key selling points of the location: the moment you step off the elevator and into the lobby you’re greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the Imperial Gardens, and on a clear day, stretch out, uninterrupted, to Mount Fuji. The in-house Michelin-starred restaurant is part of what makes the hotel such a hotspot: headed up by chef Guillaume Bracaval, it offers seasonal, Japanese-inspired, contemporary French cuisine, made from 95 per cent domestically-sourced ingredients. A real jewel in Tokyo’s cosmopolitan crown. – Joy Montgomery

• Amenities: Spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, restaurants, bar
• Editor’s tip: Make sure you request a west-facing suite for stunning vistas and a large bath overlooking the Imperial Garden. Runners should also take note of the running routes booklet left in each room – a thoughtful touch.
• Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Tokyo, Tokyo, 100-0004

The Tokyo Edition, Ginza

Courtesy of The Edition

It’s impossible to not feel at peace the moment you step into the lobby of The Edition Ginza. The hotel’s location is unmatched, nestled in the thick of the city’s esteemed luxury district, but it retains a sense of serenity and comfort that’s a welcome antithesis to the 24-hour action of the city. In keeping with The Edition’s recognisable interior blueprint – that’s instilled in every space the brand occupies, all over the world – Ginza boasts a visually soothing combination of wooden, stone and fuzzy textures (the blankets, for one, are a hotel signature), all of which are elevated by the unique aroma of an exclusive Le Labo fragrance.

Every aspect, from the aesthetics to the incredibly attentive service, make for a relaxing stay in the heart of Tokyo. The beds are worth a shoutout: coupled with the dimmable lighting, the one I stayed in beat my jet lag with little issue. A matcha and breakfast spread served at the in-house restaurant, Sophie, also helped – so too, drinks at the Lobby Bar and rooftop. Be sure to tap into the knowledge of the concierge, who will gladly guide you to the best sushi restaurants and must-see local spots. – Alice Cary, senior shopping writer

• Amenities: Concierge, 24-hour room service and a gym
• Editor’s tip: As mentioned, ask the team any questions you may have about Tokyo – they’re more than happy to help and their recommendations are obviously excellent.
• Address: 2-8-13 Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061