A must-see for hoteliers! Top 10 luxury hotels in Japan, it's a good time to stay!

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Hotel of the year 2024

BEST 10 (in no particular order)

KANOLLY RESORTS HAKUBA
Aman-Imu
guntû
Araya Touhouan
Aman Tokyo
ASABA
Shima Kanko Hotel Bay View Suite
ENOWA YUFUIN
SETSU NISEKO
BouYouRou

🤗 KANOLLY Resorts HAKUBA

Address: 1278-23 Kitagi, Hakuba-mura, Kita-Anun-gun, Nagano Prefecture

Transportation: JR Nagano Station by Limousine Bus

Official website: https://kanolly.com/suite/

Kanolly Resorts Hakuba, the winner of the contest, is also known as the pinnacle of the "Hotel of the year 2024". This ultra-high-end private resort, which will open in Hakuba-mura, Nagano Prefecture, at the end of 2022, has a limited number of one-day stays, with a one-night stay costing 200,000 yen, which is a sign of its strength.

Located amidst the majestic nature of Hakuba Village, the hotel features three buildings in the shape of a village, inspired by the three mountains of Hakuba; one of the buildings is a restaurant, "Jororokan," and the other two are dormitory buildings, all of which are made of materials from Nagano Prefecture's Tang Pine and stone. One of the buildings is a restaurant, "Jorolokan," and the other two are dormitory buildings. The building materials used for these buildings are Karasu pine and stone from Nagano Prefecture, which harmonize with nature and create a sense of understated luxury.

The bedrooms have an area of 400 square meters and are surrounded by over 1,000 square meters of gardens, making for a wild and luxurious experience. The three bedrooms are of different styles and moods, and all of them have a view of the natural beauty outside the window. In the attached kitchen, you can cook your own meals with famous branded kitchenware. You can also make a reservation for a sumptuous dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Hidetoshi Nagoya, priced at 18,000 yen. Outside, there is an open-air hot spring using Hakuba Hime River hot spring water, which is open 24 hours a day and can be enjoyed day or night.

🤗 Aman Yimu

Address: 2165 Hamashima-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture

Access: Free pick-up and drop-off service is available from Kintetsu Kashikojima Station

Official website: https://www.aman.com/zh-cn/resorts/amanemu

As the second Aman Group hotel in Japan, Amanemu has a very different temperament from Aman Tokyo.

Designed by architect Kerry Hill, this hotel is located in a tranquil forest on the shores of Ise-Shima Ago Bay in Mie Prefecture, overlooking the Kumano Kodo. It's also Aman's first resort to have a hot spring, a high-quality hot spring rich in minerals and a charm like no other.

Amanyimu has 24 suites and two-bedroom villas, designed in the style of ancient Japan folk houses, with simple and fresh interiors, and refreshing greenery outside the windows, as well as private hot springs that make you feel extremely relaxed and comfortable.

With 2,000 square metres of expansive space, Amanyimu Spa continues the tradition of Japanese hot spring bathing that dates back to the 6th century, offering a one-of-a-kind spa experience. Rare seafood such as Matsuzaka beef from Ise-Shima and lobster and abalone from Ago Bay are transformed into high-end dishes by Japan chefs, and their taste is unforgettable.

Aman Imu has also prepared a surprise tour for guests, whether it is a diving and seafood hunting experience led by an experienced ama, or a trip to Ise Jingu Shrine to experience the majesty and sacredness of this ancient shrine.

🤗 Guntû

Address: Bella Vista Marina, Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (departure port)

Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off from JR Fukuyama Station and Hiroshima Airport to the departure port

Official website: https://guntu.jp

Among the ten luxury hotels, "guntû" is a unique existence - it is not only a luxury cruise ship, but also a luxury "sea hotel" floating on the Seto Inland Sea. Combining a cruise on the Seto Inland Sea with a luxury hotel experience, guests will be treated to the highest level.

Departing from Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, a beautiful seaside town, "Guntû" travels around the Seto Inland Sea on a variety of routes, usually lasting three to four days, passing through many famous Setouchi places such as Naoshima, Toshima, and Shodoshima, and a chance to see them on the island.

There are only nineteen guest rooms on board, all of which have a terrace overlooking the sea, and there are four types of rooms to choose from. Designed by architect Yasushi Horibe, the rooms are elegant and cozy, with a log-colored interior that smells like the forest, and the Seto Inland Sea, which shines like a blue jewel outside the window, that tugs at the heartstrings.

"Guntû” is also a luxurious culinary experience where seafood from the Seto Inland Sea is brought together. The famous chef will prepare each bite to be savored with the ultimate feeling of "one moment at a time". You can also enjoy a drink at the Café & Bar on the bow of the ship and spend your time at sea.

🤗 Araya-totoan

Address: 18-119 Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture

Transportation: A shuttle bus is available from JR Kaga Onsen Station; reservations are required.

Official website: https://www.araya-totoan.com

"Toto-an” is a famous old inn in the Kaga Onsen area, which was founded in the feudal era of Japan and has a history of more than 800 years, and has been passed down to the 18th generation. In the Taisho period, the famous all-around artist Ruyama Kitaoji stayed here, and it is said that his works are still displayed in the inn.

The beautiful garden in the hotel was created during the Kan-ei era and has a unique flavor. There are only 18 guest rooms with elegant names such as "Shirahone," "Iris," and "Pine Breeze," and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxing with a beautiful view of the garden, and six of them have their own open-air hot spring. Six of the rooms have their own open-air hot springs, where you can soak in the breeze through the window.

The hot springs at Toto-an are of such high quality and have such a large output that they won a gold medal at the Universal Mineral Springs Exposition in the Taisho era. Not only the hot springs, but also the food at the inn is excellent, and the elaborate cuisine served on fine porcelain, such as Kutani-yaki, was a favorite of even the picky gourmet Kitaoji Rusanjin.

🤗 Aman Tokyo

Aman Tokyo is the ultimate luxury experience. Located at the top of Otemachi Tower in Chiyoda-ku, the hotel offers a fantastic view of Tokyo and on a clear day, Mt. Fuji, which is like living in the clouds.

Entering the hotel with its traditional Japanese style, you immediately feel a sense of peace and quiet, with an open and elegant lobby that is one of the largest in Tokyo. Guest rooms with traditional Japanese design are located on the 35th to 38th floors and offer a sense of openness and simplicity with views of Tokyo. Featured suites are over 121 square meters in size, adding to the luxury of downtown Tokyo.

Aman Spa is the largest and most complete spa in Tokyo, with 2,500 square meters of space across 2 floors, a Japanese hot spring bath, a steam room, and an oversized 30-meter swimming pool with a wide range of naturally occurring active ingredients, while the creative desserts at La Pâtisserie are a must-try.

🤗 ASABA

Address: 3450-1 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Access：Approx. a 7-minute taxi ride from Shuzenji Sta. on the limited express "Odoriko".

Official website: https://www.asaba-ryokan.com

Nestled in the green hills of Shuzenji Onsen, "Asaba" is a famous old inn in Japan. It was founded by Yakutaka Asaba 500 years ago as a lodging house. The passage of time over the centuries has not changed a single thing about this place, and the inn still retains its rustic appearance, making you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

ASABA's sense of Japanese aesthetics is evident everywhere. The Japanese-style guest rooms are set in a tranquil garden, where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and bamboo forests. The onsen, which is a flow-type hot spring, is as green as jade and nourishes the body and mind, and there is not only an open-air hot spring, "Nodenbareu," facing the bamboo forest, but also a hinoki-bareu (hinoki wood-bareu), which is exclusively used by men and women.

The seafood from Suruga Bay and the fish from the Kano River are prepared by our chefs into delicious dishes. The garden stage "Tsuki-den" also hosts regular performances of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh, Kyogen, Bunraku and Biwa music, which can be enjoyed in selected guest rooms, making it a unique and special experience.

🤗 Shima Kanko Hotel Bay View Suite

Address: 731 Shinmei, Aori-cho, Shima-shi, Mie Prefecture (Kenshima)

Access：Approx. 2 minutes by ferry bus from Kintetsu Kenshima Sta.

Official website: https://global.miyakohotels.ne.jp/baysuites/zh-hans/

The Shima Tourist Hotel is situated in the beautiful scenery of Eiyu Bay, surrounded by a deep and quiet sea and a forest, offering a breathtaking view. Opened in 1951, this long-established hotel was once the venue for the G7-Ise Shima Summit. "All of the Bayview Suites are suites with a modern design, and all of them are over 100 square meters in size, with the Royal Suite being 210 square meters in size.

Ise Shima has always been rich in seafood, and you can enjoy "French seafood cuisine" at the French restaurant "LA MER", which is prepared in a creative French style, and the seated cuisine at the Japanese restaurant "HAMAKIMO" is also amazing. "The kaiseki cuisine at the Japanese restaurant Hamakimo is also amazing. There is also the teppanyaki restaurant Yamabuki and the café & wine bar LIEN, where you can enjoy a slow and satisfying meal.

At the hotel, you can participate in a wide variety of special activities, such as a yacht tour of Inyu Bay, a stargazing session at Hyundo Island, or diving for sea treasures with a sea maiden. In addition, you can experience colorful local traditional crafts such as lacquer painting, Ise-type paper making, and handmade pearl jewelry, making every moment of your stay lively and fun.

🤗 ENOWA YUFUIN

Address: 544 Maruo, Kawakami, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture

Access: 5-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk from JR Yufuin Station

Official website: https://enowa-yufuin.jp

Newly opened in June 2023, ENOWA Yufuin is a spa hotel with a minimalist look in the middle of Yufuin's vast nature, surrounded by greenery. It is also an auberge, meaning a restaurant where you can stay overnight, so the food at ENOWA is just as good.

The concept of ENOWA is "BOTANICAL RETREAT", which aims to bring people the ultimate healing journey with the power of nature and plants. The restaurant "JUMGU" is managed by TASHI GYAMTSO, a two-star Michelin chef who has served in the world's top 50 restaurants. As a practitioner of the "Farm to Table" philosophy, he goes to the farm every morning and decides on the day's menu there, and the flavors live up to the hype.

Ten villas and nine guest rooms offer a variety of styles for a private vacation experience. The green trees and gurgling water outside the room windows are echoed by the greenery dotted around the interior, and the open terraces offer seasonal views of Yuburayak. Whether you are enjoying the private open-air hot springs or taking a nap on the lounge chairs, you can quietly feel the healing power of nature.

🤗 SETSU NISEKO

Address：NISEKO HIRAFU Ichijinichome 6-9, Kuchiyasu-cho, Gadota-gun, Hokkaido

Transportation: 2.5-3 hours by bus from New Chitose Airport.

Official website: https://www.setsuniseko.com/ja/

SETSU NISEKO, a luxury resort hotel that opened less than a year and a half ago, is a popular destination in Niseko, especially during the winter ski season, when it is almost impossible to find a room. In 2023, the hotel won the "World's Best New Ski Hotel" award at the prestigious "World Ski Awards", which is a testament to the hotel's strength and caliber.

The hotel is conveniently located in the central area of Bilof, just 2 minutes from the GRAND HIRAFU snow lift and offers a ferry bus directly to the ski slopes. There are 190 guest rooms in a modern Japanese style, with a variety of room types available. The rooms are equipped with washing machines and kitchen facilities, making it as easy as staying in a hotel-style apartment.

Several restaurants, including the famous ramen restaurant AFURI, offer a wide variety of cuisines, and recreational facilities such as hot springs, treatment rooms, yoga studios, and saunas are available, making it possible to enjoy a relaxing vacation experience without leaving the hotel.

🤗 BouYouRou

Address：Echizen Kaga Kokusai Park, 4-38, Mikuni-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture

Access: Take the Echizen Railway from JR Fukui Station and get off at Mikuni Port Station.

Official website: https://www.bouyourou.jp

As the name suggests, this long-established restaurant offers a panoramic view of the turquoise waters of Japan. Founded in the Meiji era of Japan, it is also a well-known local long-established shop. In 2021, the entire building was renovated to make the stay more comfortable.

There are only seven guest rooms, each with its own distinctive design, and the smallest is 58 square meters. Each room is decorated with stone and paper made in Fukui Prefecture, and the beauty of the light Japanese style adds to the sense of relaxation. All guest rooms are equipped with a Genzen-type hot spring, and the Higashi-Shunpo Mikuni hot spring used is crystal clear and smooth, making for an exceptional soaking experience.

Another "trump card" of bouyourou is Echizen crab. Known as the "King of Taste" from Fukui Prefecture, the Matsuba crab produced in Fukui Prefecture is known as the "King of Taste" and is the only crab in Japan that pays tribute to the Imperial Family, and can only be caught in limited quantities during the fishing season from November to March. Therefore, in winter, you can enjoy this top-notch delicacy in the world. In other seasons, the delicious seafood and beef also delight the taste buds.

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