The most beautiful and breathtaking hotels in Tokyo—from a mid-century modern haven housed in a former 1920s bank, to an urban ryokan perched high above the Tokyo skyline

Exploring Tokyo can be hard work—there is so much to see, taste and experience in the Japanese capital, so having a place of comfort and serenity to return to at the end of the day is key. Luckily, Tokyo is home to some truly magnificent five-star hotels, some of which were inspired by ryokan and pay homage to Japan's hospitality traditions. 

Below, check out Tatler's picks for the best luxury hotels in Tokyo, from lush designer digs to beloved icons that have stood the test of time. 

See also: Tokyo Boutique Hotels for Travellers Who Are All About Aesthetics

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Occupying the top six floors of Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is like a ryokan in the sky, offering the charm and authenticity of rural Japanese bathhouses while inviting the city's electric energy in through floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Even the experience of entering the lobby for the first time is difficult to capture in words or imagery. The expanse of the 30-metre ceiling, and the impressive yet delicate cherry blossom tree atop a water feature, are a well choreographed encounter that inspires that feeling of "I've arrived". 

The 84 guest rooms and suites celebrate Japanese tradition with the use of camphor wood, washi paper, and kakou gan granite, each with tranquil ensuite bathrooms that feature large furo soaking tubs overlooking views of Tokyo’s Otemachi district. 
 


Aman Tokyo

Address: The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004


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Expect floor-to-ceiling windows with city views juxtaposed against stylish, modern interiors with dark woods and metallic furnishings at this polished family-friendly property.

And with its intimate 57 rooms and just one restaurant—the lauded Sezanne helmed by chef Daniel Calvert—the Four Seasons Marunouchi is reminiscent of a private members club rather than just a five-star hotel.

The high-rise building is right across the street from Tokyo Station and just a quick walk from Tokyo Imperial Palace and the Tsukiji fish market. There’s also a 24-hour gym and an upscale spa for travellers who are in need of an extra dose of rest and relaxation.


Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi

Address: 1 Chome-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-6277


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Set in the Midtown Tower in charming Minato City, this luxury property overlooks the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay, with views as far as Mount Fuji. The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo touts 247 guest rooms and suites that feature an East-meets-West design, including marble bathrooms and floor to ceiling windows.

Guests can choose from modern Japanese suites (with an updated Japanese-style futon bed or a traditional Tatami mats and Shoji door), or Western-style rooms, all of which boast uninterrupted views of the metropolis. We recommend making your way to the 53rd-floor Club Lounge, where a harpist plays in the corner; setting the mood while you enjoy your afternoon tea.


The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo

Address: Tokyo Midtown, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245


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Hoshinoya Tokyo is on many a design-loving traveller's hit list. Here's why. 

Standing tall in Tokyo’s business district is Hoshinoya Tokyo, an urban property by the well-regarded homegrown hospitality brand. Don’t be fooled by its ultra-modern multistorey facade, the inside is a beautiful ode to the ryokan, except it's done in a vertical orientation. 

The entrance features an impressive wooden doorway carved from a single slab of aomori hiba (cypress wood), which leads to a tatami room style lobby. Above, each floor functions as a 6-room traditional ryokan, with private suites and a communal ochanoma lounge, where seasonal teas are served throughout the day. 

Of course, no ryokan is complete without an onsen. Perched on the top floor Hoshinoya Tokyo is two bath houses, separated by gender and fed by hot spring waters drawn from 1,500 meters below the ground.

Each bath hall contains an indoor bath and an outdoor bath, which is really something to behold. The outdoor baths are located at the bottom of a grandiose cave-like, open-roof chamber with soaring walls that frame the sky above.


Hoshinoya Tokyo

Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004


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The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is located in the heart of Tokyo's rarefied political district Nagatacho—but despite its very official address, there's a surprising amount of fun to be found inside these hotel walls. Particularly when it comes to design. 

Imagined and executed by the incomparable Kengo Kuma, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's design is a subtle but thoughtful ode to tradition.

Kuma-san's touch is felt from the moment you enter the hotel, with a sculptural glass staircase and his signature wooden lattice work that frames the high-ceiling lobby. Here, dramatic ikebana flower arrangements take centre stage, changing every month to reflect the theatre of Japan's changing seasons. 

The hotel has 251 spacious rooms, including 13 suites, which are beautifully designed with light wood accents, sliding screen doors and long rectangular lamps that emit a soft glow.  

It's not just the interiors we love here, though. A city stalwart, it's common to see salarymen and women dressed in kimono dashing through the lobby, en route to lunch, drinks or dinner at one of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu's bars and restaurants. It's a scene that throws you right into Tokyo's energetic pulse. 


The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Address: 2 Chome-10-3 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014


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The opening of The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon is something of a homecoming for Ian Schrager. The legendary hotelier has long been inspired by Japan—he even hosted Issey Miyake’s first ever US fashion show in the 1970s at his nightclub, Studio 54 (maybe you've heard of it). 

It goes without saying, everything Schrager touches turns to cool. 

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon was designed by famed architect Kengo Kuma, whose signature ode-to-nature approach to design can be seen throughout the hotel. From the jungle-like lobby to the slatted wood wall features and gold leaf artworks.

The Blue Room restaurant, which is connected to the lobby, steals the show with royal blue velvet banquettes, double-height views across Tokyo and plenty of plants. 

In more private quarters, each of the 206 guest rooms feature light wood fittings with crisp white linens, and stunning skyline views. And if they're available, it's definitely worth booking one of the 15 exclusive suites that come with a private terrace. 


The Tokyo Edition Toranomon

Address: 4 Chome-1-1 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001