Soaking it all up (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

Travel to Japan is back in business – and while the country may have been later than most to re-open following the pandemic (only doing so last year), it’s fast-becoming one of the most sought-after holiday destinations.

In fact, more tourists visited Japan in October 2023 than in the same month in 2019 – myself included. And with historic temples, diverse scenery, exceptional hospitality and high tech-toilets (not to mention extraordinary food and drink at every turn), it’s easy to see the appeal.

Plus, with Skyscanner recently naming not one but three destinations in Japan for its top 10 trending destinations for 2024, there’s never been a better time to book.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, here’s a run-down of some of the top hotels that made my two-week break one of my most memorable so far…

Bellustar Tokyo

Sky high luxury (Picture: Bellustar Tokyo/Pan Pacific Hotels)

Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this lavish skyscraper hotel is an excellent base point for a Tokyo first-timer or a seasoned visitor. You only have to take the glass lift up to the hotel reception to get a taste of what’s to come, as you’re transported up to what feels like another heavenly world, with just the clouds for company.

If you love the outlook from reception, you’re in for a treat as the rooms and suites themselves offer indisputable views stretching over the staggering 2,194 km city. Day or night, the views really are Bellustar’s USP – particularly if you’re able to nab a corner room – and they’re made all the more breathtaking thanks to the hotel’s minimalist and sophisticated design.

Day or night, those views are insanely impressive (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

The 97-room hotel is spread out across three floors, which also houses the five deluxe penthouses (some of which are double-storey). Sky-high luxury continues at the hotel’s three restaurants and spa, designed by Tokyo’s Keiji Ashizawa Design and Copenhagen-based Norm Architects.

panpacific.com

Hotel Groove

Smaller rooms with a quirky twist (Picture: Hotel Groove/Pan Pacific Hotels)

This arty spot is found just moments away from the last hotel – quite literally. Hotel Groove makes up the lower part of Tokyo’s 48-storey Kabukicho tower, while Bellustar occupies the upper. But despite existing in the same hotel family, these two sisters couldn’t be more different. Bellustar is very much the older, more serious, and polished of the two – whereas Groove is the quirky and playful younger sibling.

This hotel has collaborated with renowned local artists Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, Takuro Tamayama and Tomoyuki Washio to create nine guest rooms to reflect the ancient art history and culture of the district and building.

The fun continues on the terrace (Picture: Hotel Groove/Pan Pacific Hotels)

There are more rooms at Groove – and some are smaller because of this – but all in-keeping with this sibling’s personality, along with the vinyl-themed ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs and the eco-friendly toiletries.

The bar and dining space, JAM17, on the 17th floor is also where this hotel comes alive, boasting a gelato shop, private party rooms and even a rooftop terrace – the perfect spot for a peaceful cocktail or two, away from the bustling city below.

panpacific.coml

Four Seasons Otemachi

Spy Mount Fuji on a clear day (Picture: Four Seasons)

If you’re on the hunt for a hotel that ticks all the boxes, look no further than the Four Seasons Otematchi. From a Michelin-star restaurant to an award-winning bar, not to mention sensational views of Tokyo (and even Mt Fuji on a clear day) and impeccable service, this hotel embodies five-star luxury at every turn. With 190 luxury guest rooms and suites featuring idyllic views, you couldn’t be in a better spot to soak up the city – plus the hotel’s swimming pool and spa lets you swim with the cityscape as a backdrop, at 39th floors up.

Keith’s cocktail creations are worthy of a visit (Picture: Four Seasons)

The hotel’s bar VIRTÙ, headed-up by the incredible Keith Motsi, is worthy of a visit – even if you’re not staying at the venue. There’s a reason, after all, this spot is on Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

A simple step inside this cocktail lounge will make you want to wish away the rest of your evening there, with twinkling views of Tokyo to the chic Art Deco surroundings. The drinks need no introduction either. Combining French and Japanese drinking cultures, the cocktails combine the best of both, with the crowd-pleasing Yuzu Nagi pairing cognac with yuzu, while the house martini fuses Japanese gin and French vermouth. Be sure to order bar snacks too – the wagyu jerky and fried chicken are a must-try.

Spoiler: the Yuzu Nagi is divine (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

This French-Japanese fusion continues at the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant, est, where chef Guillaume Bracaval continues to push boundaries in the kitchen to take you to culinary corners you’ve never experienced before. Using 95% locally-sourced products, the menu takes you through different regions of Japan with various ingredients. Every plate is as impressive as the last, with dishes rotating with the seasons.

fourseasons.com/otemachi/

Glamping Villa Hanz

Trust me it doesn’t get old (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

Of course, Japan’s cities should be on your bucket list, but no visit to the country would be complete without taking in the natural wonder that is Mount Fuji – and there’s no better place to do this than Glamping Villa Hanz. Located in Kawagujiko – a two-hour bus from Tokyo – Villa Hanz offers rural respite from city chaos. With both glamping and villa options available, you can stay with views of the 3,776-metre high stratovolcano – and trust me, they do not get old. 

For those who enjoy camping, the site’s Pao pods offers a camping experience with a luxury twist. They feature traditional Japanese futons, heaters and mini fridges, while your outdoor setup comes equipped with your own fire area, kitchen and BBQ.

Be at one with the great outdoors (Picture: Glamping Villa Hanz)

Breakfast with a view (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

If glamping is not for you, the site has villas for a more private and relaxed stay – and each comes with a generous outdoor area and jacuzzi, to encourage guests to spend time outside, embodying the resort’s ethos to connect with nature. While larger groups can book the stunning Guest House, which combines modern touches with 100-year-old heritage. The centrepiece is the open fire dining room, designed for traditional hot pot dinners.

I mean, come on (Picture: Glamping Villa Hanz)

For those looking to truly switch off and soak up the stunning surroundings, Villa Hanz offers a whole host of tours and experiences to enhance your stay. Take a hike on nearby trails, or cycle around Kawaguchiko’s forests and lakes, alternatively get to know the Fuji Five Lakes a little better with canoeing or watersports. At night the hotel also offers a stargazing tour, plus be sure to book into the site’s Onsen: a spa fuelled by hot spring water.

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The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

A surprising tranquil spot in bustling Kyoto (Picture: Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu)

Located in the heart of Kyoto, this place opened three years ago after the 80-year-old building of Kiyomizu Elementary School was converted into a hotel. Now it boasts 48 rooms (with 15 different types to choose from), a restaurant, private baths, and a gym.

But the must-visit for this hotel is the rooftop bar: K36. Enjoy cocktails and food while taking in the former capital city, from the busy streets to the mountains in the distance, including first-class seats for views of Yasaka Pagoda at Hokanji Temple.

This hotel is also just an eight-minute walk from Kiyomizudera, one of the signature World Heritage sites in Kyoto – which means it’s a great base for a day of sightseeing.

seiryukiyomizu.com/en

Roku Kyoto

It’s nestled on the outskirts of the city (Picture: Kai Kanno)

For an escape from lively Kyoto, this spot is nestled in rolling foothills of the ancient capital’s north western mountain range, offering a natural sanctuary. It’s rare to find a little slice of serenity amongst the bustling city, but Roku delivers on this. In fact, with its green surroundings (which turn to orange and red hues come autumn) it’s hard to believe you’re in a city at all. The hotel is broken up into different sections that each have their own artwork theme, from the ‘kyo-karakami’ Kyoto paper touches in the guest rooms to bamboo artwork in the restaurant.

Guests have five different room types to choose from. A firm favourite, however, is the Garden Deluxe rooms, which come with their own small Japanese-style garden, plus a roomy bath inside supplied with hot spring onsen water.

Sunset swims don’t get much better (Picture: Lizzie Thomson)

And when it comes to spas, they don’t get more tranquil than Roku’s offering. With mountains as your background and a year-round outdoor thermal pool warmed by hot spring water, this spa is as inviting as they come.

hilton.com/en/hotels/itmolol-roku-kyoto

Hilton Hiroshima and Hilton Osaka

Hilton Hiroshima opened last year (Picture: Adam Bruzzone/Hilton)

For creatures of habit when they’re abroad, Hilton has a number of hotels across Japan, each offering something a little different.

Hilton Hiroshima for example, is one of the newest additions. It opened last year and was the hotel of choice for President Biden, when he visited for the G7 Summit. As a result, rooms feel modern with all the homely amenities covered – plus come with brilliant views. Those staying in executive rooms can also make use of the suite, with benefits including complimentary breakfast, refreshments and cocktail hour.

The hotel is also situated in the centre of Hiroshima City, so is the ideal base point for exploring what this destination has to offer. The main station just a 10-minute drive away and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park are both within a 25-minute walk.

Hilton Osaka is another great familiar choice (Picture: Adam Bruzzone)

Hilton Osaka is another great choice, nestled amongst the city’s vibrant Umeda district and train station – so is particularly convenient if you’re planning on heading to Nara for the day. For those looking for some retail therapy, it’s also just moments away from Grand Front Osaka shopping mall – which is certainly not for the faint-hearted, being the largest commercial facility in west Japan and boasting 270 outlets. It almost feels like a city within a city. Elsewhere in the hotel you’ll find four different restaurants catering for all tastes, with Japanese cuisine at KawaUme, teppanyaki at TENKA, and all-day dining at Folk Kitchen.

hilton.com

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From lavish city skyscrapers to glamping by Mount Fuji…