The most unique hotels in Japan include eclectic art museums and floating vessels crafted from local wood
A classic Ryokan experience, a treehouse, and textbook-perfect snapshots of cherry blossoms await.
Already stayed at the world’s best igloo hotels and looking for your next adventure? No matter the season, Japan holds something special for every type of traveller, whether you’re a nature lover, an aesthete, or Hello Kitty obsessed. Here are the most unique hotels in Japan to make your holiday even more memorable.
The most unique hotels in Japan
1. Houshi Onsen Chojukan | Gunma Prefecture
Hardcore onsen lovers will appreciate the hushed reverence of Houshi Onsen Chojukan (main image), granting weary travellers a respite from the burdens of daily living. It almost feels like you are stepping back through time. Located on the Houshi River in the Gunma Prefecture, the property is the epitome of a traditional ryokan: a secluded getaway offering majestic views with an insight into the traditional Japanese lifestyle.
There are distinct traces of modernity lingering in the form of handsome wood decor and the multiple charging points. The communal areas boast a luxurious teak design, and all guest rooms are furnished in the traditional Japanese style with woven-straw tatami mats, futon bedding, and a table with seating cushions.
Time moves slowly here. Slide apart the windows and listen to the tinkling of the river, coupled with the melodious chirping of birds. Above all, this ryokan offers a quintessential Japanese experience with its impeccable service and artisanal cuisines, in conjunction with a sophisticated atmosphere, serene garden scenery and tasteful furnishings.
Find out more about Houshi Onsen Chojukan
2. Benesse House Museum | Japan Art Islands
If anything, Yayoi Kusama’s fabled Yellow Pumpkin sculpture is reason enough to justify a trip to Naoshima. Since 1994, the structure perches on the edge of an old pier, making an arresting visual spectacle for all visitors. The island itself is reputed to be a haven for art lovers, with its various iterations of Kusama’s pumpkins dotted across the island. To add, the island plays host to a set of Tadao Ando-designed museums, a James Turrell installation and a collection of Monet’s Water Lilies.
Located inside the museum, Benesse House allows guests to get up close and personal with the artwork. Drawings, paintings and other works by the artists from their specially curated collection are displayed in each of the four different styles of guestrooms. The architecture is expansive and open, allowing visitors to feel completely immersed in nature, even indoors.
There is an intelligent fusion of intricate craftsmanship with a pared-back, zeitgeisty edge and, most importantly, the space is interlaced with a deep-rooted community spirit. Overall, its contemporary interior is a cocktail of modern design and first-rate artwork, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Find out more about Benesse House Museum
3. Asakusa Tobu Hotel | Tokyo
Just around the corner from famed Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Asakusa Tobu Hotel offers tourists a quintessential Tokyo experience with two types of head-turning Hello Kitty-themed rooms: Japanese-Modern or Sakura Tennyo.
The Sakura Tennyo hotel room is swathed in cherry-blossom pink wallpaper in varying shades. Hello Kitty, decked out in celestial fairy outfit, hovers above the beds, weaving her magic over guests as they sleep. The real showstopper is a parlour space with a zashiki tatami sitting area, a smooth modern riff on a traditional inn style. A Hello Kitty plush toy sits on one of the seats, ready to welcome patrons.
For a more contemporary aesthetic, the Japanese-Modern Hello Kitty rooms (Wa-Modern) fuse sophisticated western style with a traditional Japanese sensibility. Sleek and
functional, the furniture is fashioned predominantly from wood, while the entire approach is clean and minimalistic. Still, adorable Hello Kitty motifs can be spotted on corners of the walls and the bedside tablet, modelled after Hello Kitty’s hair ribbon, is used to control the room’s lighting, air-conditioning and alarms.
Seasonal Hello Kitty-themed meals, desserts, and beverages can be enjoyed at the restaurant and fans can even take home exclusive memorabilia such as bags, towels, and keychains — only available at the souvenir shop.
If anthropomorphic cats are not your vibe, this playful hotel also offers guests a unique cultural experience through its Japan Experience programme, which comprises activities such as tea ceremonies and calligraphy lessons.
Read our story on the best boutique hotels in Tokyo too.
Find out more about Asakusa Tobu Hotel
4. Wanosato | Gifu
Defying stereotypical associations with a charming, discreet style, Wanosato is a modern sanctuary marked by traditional touches. The space adeptly walks a fine line between old and new. Staying here allows you to experience a juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary, Japanese and Western — every contradiction is sustained nicely together in a compact, artistically-designed space.
Tucked away in the forest, a short walk from the main building is the minka with a quaint lichen-covered thatched roof and earthen walls, blending seamlessly into a backdrop that looks like a page out of a tale from old Japan. The atmosphere inside the centuries-old minka is intriguing; exposed wood beams, comfortable futon and fine linen and hardwood floors. A mix of eclectic elements and unique furniture, all meld to create an establishment with immense character.
Expect to indulge in Wansato’s local foods including ‘sansai'(mountain vegetables), ‘wasakana’ (river fish) as well as Hida beef and locally distilled sake. After a day of exploration, soak your fatigue away at the hot spring. Overall, the atmosphere treads a finely honed line between contemporary design and tradition, with modern echoes of temple aesthetics within the hotel’s minimalist architecture.
Find out more about Wanosato
5. Guntu | Seto Inland Sea
Guntu has managed to triumphantly assert itself as a curious spot worthy of a detour, offering tourists an eclectic way to experience Japanese hospitality at its finest. The floating hotel is a fresh riff on traditional ryokans, housing Japanese inn-style accommodations in a luxury yacht. Interiors are clutter free, revealing a minimalist wonderland inside with clean lines and smooth wooden panelling.
Award-winning architect, Yasushi Horibe fuses traditional Japanese charm with a dash of elegant minimalism. Sleek interiors boast top-notch materials sourced from across Japan with contemporary design touches. This cocoon effect is enhanced by simple, modest furnishings.
Staying in one of these spaces feels like sleeping in a bubble, removed from all distractions of the outside world, with only the ever-shifting landscape of the Seto Inland Sea as your backdrop. And guests will delight in Guntu’s extensive range of onboard facilities like the spa, sauna and gym, keeping them suitably engaged throughout their two- to three-night voyages along different routes of the Seto Inland Sea.
Guntu also features in our story on the world’s best boat hotels.
Find out more about Guntu
6. Treeful Treehouse | Okinawa
Sustainability is the name of the game here. Since the property is literally built on a living tree, it is carbon negative. Much effort is taken to ensure that everything here is environmentally friendly. Treeful Treehouse uses EcoCute technology to ensure the efficient use of electricity. The surplus electricity at night is used to boil water in a tank during the night and store it for use later in the daytime. The property has a hot water tank that only holds a limited amount of water, helping guests appreciate the scarcity of water.
In addition, the water used in this facility is drawn from a well the staff dug by the beautiful Genka river flowing in front of the treehouse. The water is sterilised by ultraviolet rays instead of chlorine, so guests can drink safely.
This quaint and charming establishment is well-worth being experienced. Enjoy the 360 jungle view in the treehouse, and the sustainable luxury space in AeroHouse. Designed by Interior Designer Yasuhiro Koichi and Architect Tadashi Murai, the interiors are created from dark teak and wood made from 50 percent carbon. On a whole, the focus is on the surrounding environment, with hints of the natural world threaded through the design, from the wooden walls to the plush forest-like carpets.
The structure is high up, overlooking the pines, palms and lush, verdant greenery. Open a window at daybreak and golden light pours in, gently illuminating the space in a rosy glow. For dinner, butlers will give you food to cook on the outside fire pit on the tree deck. Highlights include Agu pork and Okinawa Motobu beef mixed shabu-shabu and porridge. A selection of natural, organic white and rose wines are available too.
Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Okinawa.
Find out more about Treeful Treehouse
7. Kissho Caren | Higashiizu, Shizuoka
For quieter hanami moments, consider Kissho Caren, an exceptional site where cherry blossoms bloom everywhere. Located in the Kitagawa hot spring district, this hotel boasts a magnificent view overlooking Izu Oshima Island. At this property, the spectacular view of endless rows of cherry blossoms is reminiscent of a scene from a classic Ghibli movie. Enjoy its splendour at the hotel, which is the perfect oasis from the bustling city.
Don’t miss the spectacular outdoor onsen (rotenburo) that overlooks Sagami Bay, where guests can enjoy an exceptionally beautiful sunrise while soaking in the healing waters. Regardless of where you are within the grounds, you can still enjoy the beautiful blossoms – during afternoon tea at the restaurants, in the comfort of your own rooms, and of course, the aforementioned open-air onsen.
In February you’ll see the Kawazu and Oshima cherry blossoms in full bloom, while March offers sensational views of blooming Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Apart from the cherry blossoms, Kissho Caren is the perfect locale to experience the legendary Japanese omotenashi.
Find out more about Kissho Caren
8. okcs Retreat Hakone före | Hakone
Inside, a sedate atmosphere soothes guests the second they pass through the gate. Its simple modern architecture, combined with the soft sunlight streaming through large windows, blends well with the natural beauty of the surrounding forest. okcs Retreat Hakone före is truly reminiscent of the secret, magical resorts tucked surreptitiously away deep in the recesses of Northern Europe.
In general, the Swedish word “före” means “forward”, and it calls to mind the brand-new resort experience that okcs Retreat Hakone före has to offer: One that is not constrained by traditional concepts of hospitality. A leisurely amble on a forest path reveals the real scene-stealer: a sumptuous hot spring bath surrounded by a deep emerald forest.
After a therapeutic soak, unwind on the wooden deck and marvel at the rejuvenating view of the forest, while contemplating life. Top it off with specialty coffee and breads from the in house cafe and bakery. For adventure loving individuals, rental bikes are readily available to explore nearby art museums and local cafes.
Find out more about okcs Retreat Hakone före
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