--- title: "Best Luxury Hotels in Japan 2027 | The Japan Collection" url: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/destinations/japan description: "The best luxury hotels and ryokan in Japan for 2027: Aman Tokyo, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Gora Kadan and HOSHINOYA Tokyo, plus every Japan guide and when to go." lang: en --- Image: A wooden boat on the Oi River under cherry blossom at HOSHINOYA Kyoto, Arashiyama (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan/hoshinoya-kyoto-1-1200w.webp) # The Japan CollectionThe best luxury hotels and ryokan in Japan, every Tokyo, Kyoto and ryokan guide, and when to go 10 hotels ranked 7 guides Rates checked October 2026 No paid placements The best luxury hotels in Japan for 2027 are Aman Tokyo (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo) for space and calm, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) for the only three Michelin Key stay in Kyoto, Gora Kadan (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) for the classic Hakone ryokan and HOSHINOYA Tokyo (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOSHINOYA%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) for a real onsen in the middle of the city. Expect US$550 to US$3,300 a night for two, with the lowest rates in January, February and August. Japan rewards a split stay: two or three nights in a Tokyo tower hotel, a night or two in a ryokan with its own hot spring bath, then Kyoto for gardens and temples. This page gathers every Japan guide we have written, ranks the ten hotels we rate highest across the country, and helps you pick the right base for the month you travel. By Jack Williamson, the LHC house pen name (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/methodology) · Updated 23 October 2026 · Ranked on rooms, service, setting, dining and value · How we score (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/methodology) ## Every Japan travel guide Sort: · Gora Kadan, Hakone (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan) New Ryokan ### Best Luxury Ryokans in Japan: Hakone, Kyoto and Beyond: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan Fifteen ryokan with private onsen, kaiseki and real prices for two, from Hakone and Kyoto to Niseko and Kyushu, and which ones you can actually book online. October 2026 · 26 min read HOSHINOYA Tokyo, Otemachi (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/hoshinoya-tokyo-review) New Hotel review ### HOSHINOYA Tokyo Review 2026: Is Tokyo's Skyscraper Ryokan Worth the Price?: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/hoshinoya-tokyo-review A ryokan stacked 17 floors high in Otemachi: the rooms worth booking, the rooftop onsen, what it really costs by season, and how it compares with Aman Tokyo (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo) and Janu (https://www.janu.com/janu-tokyo/). October 2026 · 18 min read Tokyo skyline and Imperial Palace, Tokyo (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-hotels-tokyo-2026) Tokyo ### Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo 2026: 12 Ranked by Area: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-hotels-tokyo-2026 12 Tokyo luxury hotels ranked by area, from Aman (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo) and Bulgari (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DBvlgari%2BHotel%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) to HOSHINOYA (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOSHINOYA%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) and three Michelin Key Palace Hotel (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPalace%2BHotel%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), with room sizes and low and high season prices. October 2026 · 30 min read Kyoto temple rooftops, Kyoto (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-hotels-kyoto-2026) Kyoto ### Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto 2026: 20 Ranked and Compared: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-luxury-hotels-kyoto-2026 Twenty Kyoto luxury hotels and ryokan ranked for 2026, from three Michelin Key Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) to Tawaraya, with the best area to stay. October 2026 · 32 min read Japan through the seasons (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-time-to-visit-japan) When to go ### Best Time to Visit Japan 2026: Cherry Blossom, Autumn, Price: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/best-time-to-visit-japan Month by month weather for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the 2026 blossom and autumn colour dates, and the cheapest weeks for luxury hotels. October 2026 · 20 min read Aman Tokyo, Otemachi (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/aman-tokyo-review) Hotel review ### Aman Tokyo Review 2026: Suites, Spa, Prices and Verdict: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/aman-tokyo-review All seven suite types with sizes, the 30 metre pool and onsen style spa, real prices by season, the drawbacks and who should book. October 2026 · 16 min read Park Hyatt Tokyo, Shinjuku (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/aman-tokyo-vs-park-hyatt-tokyo) Comparison ### Aman Tokyo vs Park Hyatt Tokyo: Which to Book in 2026: https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/aman-tokyo-vs-park-hyatt-tokyo Two Tokyo towers after the 2025 renovation compared on rooms, views, the New York Bar, spa, prices and Hyatt points. October 2026 · 14 min read ## The 10 best luxury hotels in Japan Indicative nightly prices for two, checked 23 October 2026. 1. Image: Aman Tokyo, lobby garden, Tokyo (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/tokyo/aman-tokyo-1-768w.webp) 1 ### Aman Tokyo: https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo Otemachi, Tokyo · Two Michelin Keys 71 sqm rooms, 30 metre pool, the calmest big hotel in the city. From about US$1,700Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo) Read the review (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/aman-tokyo-review) 2. Image: Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, garden, Kyoto (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/kyoto/hotel-the-mitsui-kyoto-1-768w.webp) 2 ### Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Nijo, Kyoto · Three Michelin Keys A private hot spring under the city and the gate of Nijo Castle opposite. From about US$1,000Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 3. Image: Gora Kadan, ryokan, Hakone (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan/gora-kadan-1-960w.webp) 3 ### Gora Kadan: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Hakone · Ryokan A former imperial retreat with kaiseki and suites with rock baths. From about US$880Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 4. Image: Palace Hotel Tokyo, moat view, Tokyo (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/tokyo/palace-hotel-tokyo-1-768w.webp) 4 ### Palace Hotel Tokyo: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPalace%2BHotel%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Marunouchi, Tokyo · Three Michelin Keys Balconies over the Imperial moat and a 1,200 sqm evian spa. From about US$670Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPalace%2BHotel%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 5. Image: Zaborin, villa bath, Niseko (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan/zaborin-1-960w.webp) 5 ### Zaborin: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DZaborin%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Niseko, Hokkaido · Ryokan 15 villas, each with indoor and outdoor spring fed baths. From about US$990Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DZaborin%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 6. Image: HOSHINOYA Tokyo, tatami room, Tokyo (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/tokyo/hoshinoya-tokyo-1-960w.webp) 6 ### HOSHINOYA Tokyo: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOSHINOYA%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Otemachi, Tokyo · Ryokan in a tower Tatami floors, shoes off, a natural hot spring on the roof. From about US$700Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOSHINOYA%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) Read the review (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/travel-guides/hoshinoya-tokyo-review) 7. Image: Park Hyatt Kyoto, Higashiyama view, Kyoto (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/kyoto/park-hyatt-kyoto-1-768w.webp) 7 ### Park Hyatt Kyoto: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPark%2BHyatt%2BKyoto%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Higashiyama, Kyoto · One Michelin Key 70 rooms on the hillside by Kodaiji, the most romantic address. From about US$1,300Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPark%2BHyatt%2BKyoto%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 8. Image: Hakone Ginyu, private open air bath, Hakone (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan/hakone-ginyu-1-960w.webp) 8 ### Hakone Ginyu: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHakone%2BGinyu%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Miyanoshita, Hakone · Ryokan All 20 rooms have a private open air bath over the gorge. From about US$570Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHakone%2BGinyu%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) 9. Image: The Shinmonzen, canal suite, Kyoto (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/kyoto/the-shinmonzen-1-768w.webp) 9 ### The Shinmonzen: https://theshinmonzen.com/ Gion, Kyoto · Two Michelin Keys Nine Tadao Ando suites on the canal, the anniversary pick. Rate on requestChecked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://theshinmonzen.com/) 10. Image: The Okura Tokyo, Heritage Wing lobby, Tokyo (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/hotels/tokyo/the-okura-tokyo-1-960w.webp) 10 ### The Okura Tokyo: https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DThe%2BOkura%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0 Toranomon, Tokyo · Best value The 1962 lobby rebuilt, Heritage rooms from 60 sqm. From about US$550Checked 23 October 2026 Check rates (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DThe%2BOkura%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) ## Which Japan stay is right for you? ### First trip: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto Three nights at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi (https://www.fourseasons.com/otemachi/), one at Gora Kadan (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), three at Park Hyatt Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPark%2BHyatt%2BKyoto%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0). ### Honeymoon: Private onsen first Hakone Ginyu (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHakone%2BGinyu%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) or Zaborin (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DZaborin%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) for your own hot spring, then The Shinmonzen (https://theshinmonzen.com/) in Gion. ### Short on time: Ryokan in the city HOSHINOYA Tokyo (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOSHINOYA%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) gives you tatami and a real onsen three minutes from Tokyo Station. ### Points collector: Hyatt and Marriott Park Hyatt Tokyo (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPark%2BHyatt%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), Park Hyatt Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPark%2BHyatt%2BKyoto%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) and The Ritz Carlton, Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DThe%2BRitz-Carlton%2BKyoto%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) all take points. ## How much does a luxury trip to Japan cost? A seven night split stay for two, four nights in Tokyo, one in a Hakone ryokan and two in Kyoto, in a shoulder month. | Item | Value pick | Top end | | --- | --- | --- | | Tokyo, 4 nights | The Okura Tokyo (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DThe%2BOkura%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), about US$2,600 | Aman Tokyo (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo), about US$9,000 | | Hakone ryokan, 1 night with dinner | Hakone Ginyu (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHakone%2BGinyu%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), about US$570 | Gora Kadan (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) suite, about US$1,500 | | Kyoto, 2 nights | Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), about US$2,000 | Aman Kyoto (https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-kyoto), about US$4,400 | | Green Car shinkansen and transfers | about US$500 | about US$1,200 with private cars | | **Hotels and transport for two** | **about US$5,700** | **about US$16,100** | ## Why Japan gets a page of its own Image: Tawaraya Ryokan, garden room, Kyoto (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/images/guides/best-luxury-ryokans-japan/tawaraya-1-1200w.webp) In this photo: Tawaraya, Kyoto Japan has two kinds of luxury that rarely sit in one place anywhere else: global brand towers in Tokyo with views and pools, and family run ryokan where dinner is served in your room and the bath comes from a spring under the floor. Most trips need both, and the right mix depends on the month. This collection keeps every Japan guide in one place, updated together, so the prices, Michelin Keys and season dates match from page to page. ## Questions people ask first What is the best luxury hotel in Japan? Aman Tokyo (https://www.aman.com/hotels/aman-tokyo) for a city stay and Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0), the only three Michelin Key hotel in Kyoto. For a ryokan, Gora Kadan (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DGora%2BKadan%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) in Hakone. How much is a luxury ryokan per night? About US$450 to US$1,700 for two with dinner and breakfast, rising in November and cherry blossom season. Should I stay in Tokyo or Kyoto? Both. Three or four nights in Tokyo for food and design, two or three in Kyoto for temples and gardens, with a ryokan night in Hakone between them. When is the cheapest time to visit Japan? Mid January to February and August. Luxury hotel rates run 30 to 55 percent below November. Is HOSHINOYA Tokyo a real ryokan? Yes: tatami rooms, shoes off at the door, kaiseki and a natural hot spring on the roof, in a tower in Otemachi. Which Japan hotels have three Michelin Keys? In Tokyo, Palace Hotel Tokyo (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DPalace%2BHotel%2BTokyo%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0); in Kyoto, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101801746-17288959?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.html%3Fss%3DHOTEL%2BTHE%2BMITSUI%2BKYOTO%252C%2Ba%2BLuxury%2BCollection%2BHotel%2B%2526%2BSpa%26checkin%3D2026-12-22%26checkout%3D2026-12-25%26group_adults%3D2%26no_rooms%3D1%26group_children%3D0) (2026 selection). Luxury Hotel Compare (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/) Independent reviews of the world's best hotels, written by someone who actually cares. **Affiliate disclosure:** We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you. Read how rankings and funding work (https://luxuryhotelcompare.com/methodology#how-we-make-money). 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Independent rankings, no paid placements. 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