The top 10 Japanese hotels for architectural excellence
Discover artistic accommodations designed by prominent Japanese architects
10.　The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
（Hakone machi, Kanagawa)
A majestic forest recreated
This cylindrical, low-rise hotel, constructed in harmony with the vast forest on the shore of Lake Ashinoko in Hakone, thrills visitors who step into its spacious, red-carpeted lobby. The main building's second floor lobby is impressive, with a curved ceiling that creates the illusion of greater height, according to Hiroyuki Miwa, vice president of a publishing company, X-Knowledge, and the editor of its magazine on architecture.
Architecture journalist Tatsuo Iso noted that the long lobby space, lined with pillars, gives visitors a sense of walking through a forest. Togo Murano's keen attention to detail is evident in every room, from the low-slung "swan chairs" in the lobby to the light fixtures.
Architect: Togo Murano
Built in 1978
9.　Hotel New Grand
（Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture）
Symbol of the port city Yokohama
In 1927, Hotel New Grand opened as a centerpiece of Yokohama's reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, becoming a symbol of its renaissance. The hotel's stately atmosphere, typical of classic hotels, is characterized by features such as the grand staircase, with its bright blue carpet reminiscent of the ocean. Taro Igarashi, a professor at Tohoku University Graduate School, noted that the Phoenix Room's unique Japanese-style arrangement leaves a lasting impression and that there are hints of Japanese aesthetics in the lighting.
Taro Kiguma, editor in chief of Elle Decor Japan, highlights the hotel's exotic atmosphere, which is evocative of the port city, and noted that the expression "retro architecture" is fitting. The hotel is also known as the birthplace of classic Japanese-style "Western" dishes, such as Neapolitan spaghetti and pudding a la mode, which are still served at the hotel's restaurants.
Architect: Jin Watanabe
Built in 1927
8.　The Tokyo Station Hotel
（Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)
A dramatic space beloved by great writers
The hotel, which opened one year after Tokyo Station itself, is more than 100 years old and a Tokyo icon. Upon entering the hotel, guests are greeted by a luxurious space decorated predominantly in white.
The hotel has been a favorite of many renowned Japanese writers, including Seicho Matsumoto and Yasunari Kawabata. Kiguma noted that despite being attached to the station building, the guest rooms provide a sense of escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy transportation hub. The guest rooms with views of the station building's dome are particularly unique. Tatsuya Kanazawa, editor of Gekkan Hotel Ryokan, a trade magazine, highlights the impressive guest lounge, the Atrium, where breakfast is served. It features an open skylight and red brick walls. Many guests appreciate the hotel's elegant atmosphere.
Architect (Station building): Kingo Tatsuno
Built in 1914（Station building）
7.　Hotel Kawakyu
（Shirahama, Wakayama prefecture）
Castle of luxury
The opulent architecture of the hotel, which towers over the hot spring resort of Nanki-Shirahama, evokes the spirit of the late "bubble economy" era when it was built. The castle-like exterior is dynamic, as is the interior. The property is a marriage of design features from around the world, including a gold leaf ceiling crafted by a French master and a mosaic tile floor laid by an Italian artisan.
The building has garnered high praise from architecture experts. "This castle was created by incorporating superior crafts and art from abroad, regardless of cost," said Shunsuke Kurakata, a professor at Osaka Metropolitan University. Igarashi called it "a piece of architecture that should be preserved as a testament to its time."
Architect: Yuzo Nagata
Built in 1991
6.　Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse
（Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture)
Floating above a rice paddy
The Suiden Terrasse is a beautiful two-story wooden building that blends with the landscape, as if it were floating in a rice paddy. As the name suggests, the hotel showcases the countryside in a new way, using the nearby rice fields as a backdrop, according to Kanako Morito, a senior researcher at Jalan Research Center.
Takao Imon, a professor with the Faculty of Tourism and Community Development at Kokugakuin University, commented that the liberal use of wood and the design, which integrates the hotel into the landscape, demonstrate that it was built with thought and care. The rooms were constructed with sustainability in mind, and the view of the countryside from the guest rooms changes with the seasons and weather. To gain a full appreciation of its mercurial beauty, a stay of several days is recommended.
Architect: Shigeru Ban
Built in 2018
5.　The Prince Kyoto Takaragaike
（Kyoto, Kyoto prefecture）
Curved masterpiece by Togo Murano
Located in Kyoto's Rakuhoku district, 20 minutes by subway from Kyoto Station, and recognized as a leisure spot for residents, the hotel is Togo Murano's final architectural creation. The elliptical exterior, courtyard, ceiling, spiral staircase and other curvilinear features are all typical of Murano's work. Miwa describes the building as "circular and generous in shape, but full of delicate details."
A highlight of the building is the teahouse situated in a Japanese-style garden that offers visitors a taste of Kyoto's traditional atmosphere. Nobuaki Takizawa, a hotel critic and travel writer, noted: "Only upon returning will you realize that the location, which changes its appearance with the seasons, has been meticulously planned. The spectacular view of Mt. Hiei is also breathtaking."
Architct: Togo Murano
Built in 1986
4.　Nara Hotel
（Nara, Nara prefecture）
Travel back in time to the Meiji era
The building, known as the "Guesthouse of the West," is an example of stately Japanese architecture that blends well with the landscape of Nara, an ancient capital of Japan. Since its opening in 1909, the hotel has hosted many distinguished guests and retains its original blend of Japanese and Western styles, including Japanese tile roofs with a shibi, or "bird's tail," at both ends, white plaster walls and a grand staircase covered with red carpeting. Walking through the hotel gives visitors the sensation of stepping back in time to the Meiji period.
According to Airi Ishikawa, a manager at Ikkyu, a Japanese travel and restaurant reservation website, the hotel reflects a desire to preserve the history of those days, bequeathing it to future generations. The breakfasts served in the main dining room, Mikasa, which have been passed down since the hotel's founding, are also famous. Kazuko Murata, a travel journalist, recommends them as "the perfect way to start an elegant day."
Architect: Kingo Tatsuno
Built in 1909
3.　Shiroiya Hotel
（Maebashi, Gunma prefecture）
Revival of a 300-year-old inn
The Shiroya Ryokan, which had a history of about 300 years in Maebashi but went out of business in 2008, has been reborn as a hotel. The 1970s-era building was renovated and a new building was added to the property. Art from Japan and abroad is sprinkled throughout and some rooms have been designed by artists.
Iso praises the hotel, particularly the atrium lounge, which was created by removing the guest room floors. The reopening of the hotel is part of a revitalization effort by the City of Maebashi, and the restaurant features a modern interpretation of Gunma's culinary culture.
In 2021, the hotel was selected as one of the "39 Best Hotels in the World" by National Geographic Traveler.
Architect: Sosuke Fujimoto
Buit in 2020
2.　Fujiya Hotel
（Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture）　
King of classic hotels
Founded in 1878, the Fujiya is one of Japan's leading classic hotels. The property is situated on roughly 25,000 sq. meters and comprises buildings constructed between the Meiji and Showa eras. Of these structures, five, including the main building, constructed in 1891, have been designated by the Japanese government as Tangible Cultural Properties.
The guest room furnishings are largely antiques. According to Kanazawa, "It is enjoyable to observe the various sculptures that adorn the building," particularly the Fujiya Main Dining Room. The vaulted ceiling is decorated with 636 types of alpine plants, and the flora and fauna decorations add to the dining room's elegance.
After about two years of work to improve its earthquake resistance, the hotel reopened in 2020. It has received high praise from experts for its "king of classic hotel style" and the effort to build upon its earlier architectural masterpieces.
Architect: Shozo Yamaguchi and others
Built in 1891（Main building）
1.　Benesse House
（Naoshima, Kagawa prefecture）
A museum where you can stay
The hotel on the island of Naoshima is a symbol of the local arts scene, attracting tourists from around the world. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the building itself is a work of art that seamlessly blends into the landscape of Setonaikai National Park and evolves over time. The entire site offers visitors a space to enjoy the "symbiosis of nature, architecture and art," which includes four buildings for lodgings in various locations and styles, such as the Oval Building.
Artworks from Japan and abroad are displayed in the hotel and can be viewed by guests free of charge. Many visitors have commented on the unique experience that can only be had by staying at the hotel. According to Imon, "Viewing the exhibition '100 Live and Die' by Bruce Nauman at night, when no one is around, calls to mind the scene of all the lights being turned on." The soothing sound of the waves of the Seto Inland Sea further enhances this otherworldly experience.
Ando's sensitivity shines throughout the hotel and is evident in everything from the choice of furnishings to the balance of the plants. The hotel has drawn acclaim from Ando's fans around the world, with half the guests now coming from overseas. Kiguma noted, "The Oval Building's exclusive monorail access for guests creates an extraordinary feeling. The island's beauty makes time seem to stand still." Morito stated, "It is no exaggeration to say that the current Setouchi brand and the promotion of tourism through art started here."
The museum continues to evolve, with two new galleries opening on the premises in 2022, the museum's 30th anniversary.
Architect: Tadao Ando
Built in 1992
Japan's modern hotel era began in the Meiji period (1868-1912) when Western culture entered the country. At that time, hotels were mainly built as resorts. According to Kurakata of Osaka Metropolitan University, architects tried to bring their best skills together so that they would not be embarrassed to welcome Westerners. Many of these properties have been demolished, but those that remain are now known as "classic hotels" because of their retro feel.
After World War II, Western-style hotels gradually gained in popularity, especially with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1970 Osaka World Expo. As hotels became more frequently used for weddings and meetings, functionality became more important than design.
Kurakata said there has been a renewed focus on individual use in recent years, with an emphasis on artistry and the personality of the architect. There is also a growing trend of transforming office buildings and schools into lodgings to create a unique atmosphere.
Hotels that are open to local residents, like the No. 3 property on this list, Shiroiya Hotel, reflect this trend. Imon of Kokugakuin University, noted, "In addition to the hotels' design quality, I hope people will enjoy their stay while paying attention to the surrounding scenery and value of the area."
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