Where to Stay in Japan: Best Hotels Across the Country

Japan’s cities and regions may be known for their signature attractions — like the endless entertainment in Tokyo and Osaka and the old world zen of Kyoto, or the picture-perfect ski slopes of Hokkaido and the unique island culture of Okinawa — but there’s always more to discover from each destination.

Whatever adventure you seek in Japan, find the best hotels to make the most of your travels.

The capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the perfect base for exploring the island and its pristine natural beauty throughout the seasons. Colourful flowers bloom in late spring and summer — delicate pink cherry and plum blossoms in May, lilacs in June and lavender in July. Leaves also turn brilliant shades of orange and red in autumn, which many love to view in the picturesque Jozankei Onsen area.

Come winter, powdery white snow makes an appearance, and visitors flock to the mountains to ski, snowboard, and celebrate the Sapporo Snow Festival. 

Whenever you visit, don’t miss out on Sapporo’s famed cuisine, such as Sapporo-style ramen, fresh seafood, Hokkaido dairy products and Jingosukan, to name a few. You can also get acquainted with the uniquely Sapporo trend of Shime Parfait, where you end a drinking session with parfait.

Whether you’re getting to know the city, trekking on the nearby mountains, or paying a visit to Sapporo’s ski resorts, do it all from Mercure Sapporo. Conveniently positioned near Sapporo’s two main subway lines, this is one of the best hotels offering prime access to all Sapporo has to offer.

There’s never a dull moment in the neon-lit city of Osaka. Osaka’s shops are filled with a heady mix of pop culture, luxury fashion, quirky retro culture, electronics and more — starting from the 600m-long Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, one of the busiest and oldest shopping streets in all of Japan. 

Dubbed the Kitchen of Japan, Osaka is also the place to experience the city’s iconic crab restaurants, Osaka-style sushi, and the izakaya that line the side streets. In between lively nights exploring Osaka’s clubs, bars and arcades, spend leisurely evenings savouring drinks by the river alongside servings of takoyaki, okonomiyaki or ramen.

For a spot of history and culture, wander the grounds of Osaka Castle, which burst into colour every spring. Families can have their fair share of fun too, where endless hours of entertainment beckon at the Osaka Aquarium Kaikuyan and Universal Studios Japan. 

Right above Namba Station, this 5-star hotel is at the heart of Osaka’s entertainment district. Namba buzzes with life both day and night, and anime and video game fans will enjoy being a short stroll away from Denden Town, where shops boast rare collectibles, games and electronics. Within the hotel, experience Osaka’s culinary excellence at a selection of six restaurants, and bliss out on the dedicated spa and wellness floor. If that’s not enough, the rest of the Kansai region is a ride away from Namba Station.

Also in the Kansai area is Kyoto, an enchanting city filled with old-world wonders. Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is where you’ll be able to experience the most well-preserved of ancient Japanese townscapes. It has even been dubbed a ‘living museum’! The city is home to some of the country’s most popular cultural and historical attractions, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

As you make your way through Kyoto’s quaint streets, stroll down cherry blossom-lined canals, browse antique shops, and discover local crafts, pottery and textiles. While Kyoto bustles with life, including the many travellers who visit each year, the city is undoubtedly a serene space that will imbue you with a sense of calm and wonder. Kyoto’s many palaces, temples, and shrines are surrounded by resplendent gardens and tranquil ponds, and the bamboo forest of Arashiyama will transport you to another world.

Start your Kyoto adventure from the futuristic Kyoto Station. Besides being a gateway to the rest of the city, the station is also an architectural sight to behold, filled with shops, restaurants, and even a theatre, gallery and garden terrace. Easily accessed from Kyoto Station, Mercure Kyoto Station is a playful ode to traditional Japanese culture and design. With each area themed around ancient Japanese motifs and pastimes, you’ll be immersed in the history of Japan’s ancient capital the moment you step foot in the hotel.

Nagoya is known as the home of automobile giant Toyota, one of the world’s largest railway stations, and Japan’s busiest port. Yet, dig a little deeper and you’ll find that the city also has rich history, culture and cuisine to offer. The capital of Aichi prefecture, Nagoya is the centre of a region that birthed some of Japan’s greatest samurai warriors, and today, you can continue to honour and admire its samurai heritage at Nagoya’s castles and the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Vibrant events keep Nagoya’s energy at a high throughout the year, including famed festivals like the Nagoya Basho sumo wrestling tournament, the Domatsuri dance festival, and the unique Konomiya Naked Festival. Closer to the present day, there’s also the World Cosplay Summit, and plenty of ongoing exhibitions at the city’s many museums — including the world’s largest planetarium. 

At ibis Styles Nagoya, be inspired by the lively thrum of Nagoya’s business district and the nearby Yanagibashi Central Market. Whether you’re travelling to Nagoya for business or leisure, this is one of the best spots to start discovering Nagoya’s signature spicy and full-flavoured and spicy cuisine. The stylish hotel is inspired by the spirit of the market, setting out to spark creativity and playfulness.

A trip to Japan would be amiss without spending time in Tokyo. There’s nothing comparable to the life and energy this megacity radiates, or the astounding array of things to see, do or taste. Its busy districts lined with neon signs and dazzling billboards have become an iconic symbol of modernity — be it trendy shopping districts Harajuku and Shibuya, luxury district Ginza, or business and entertainment district Shinjuku. 

Besides being a hub for shopping, entertainment and culture, Tokyo is also a culinary paradise. Claiming the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, this city also offers endless dining and street food options that serve up cheap and mouthwatering fare.

But this urban city also holds pockets of tranquillity, which date back to an older time. Ancient temples, traditional shops and neighbourhoods where slower rhythms continue to set the pace provide an alluring mix of old and new within one city.

Discover the marvels of Tokyo and Japan from an enviably well-connected location. Directly connected to Tamachi Railway Station in a main business district, Pullman Tokyo Tamachi is one of the best places to start your Tokyo journey from, and to return to after a day of work or adventure. Spend your downtime exploring the sake brewery, riverside park, cafés and more in one of Tokyo’s up-and-coming districts, or recline amidst the skyline at the hotel’s stylish rooftop bar.

Across the bay from Tokyo and Yokohama is Yokosuka. Maritime enthusiasts will be enthralled by this coastal city, where you’ll find a large naval base, views of an impressive variety of ships and submarines, and even culinary specials inspired by, or catered to, the Japanese and American navies. 

Make a trip to see the 19th-century battleship Mikasa and the surrounding Mikasa Park, or Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, the sprawling marine-themed amusement park and aquarium. Don’t miss the city’s famous shopping arcades known for their pubs, burger joints, and shops selling military gear both vintage and new. For the thrillseekers, there’s also some of the best windsurfing spots further down the coast.

Positioned by the bay and minutes from the Yokosuka Naval Base, Mercure Yokosuka offers one of the best access to the city's maritime attractions. Take in the refreshing seaside air and coastal views by strolling through the parks close to the hotel, seek out entertainment at the neighbouring Yokosuka Arts Theatre, or enjoy easy journeys to other attractions that surround the city.

Naha is your portal to Okinawa, a region quite unlike anything else you’ll find in Japan. Home to over 150 islands in the south of the country, Okinawa is a sub-tropical realm outlined by pristine white beaches, inviting turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs and marine life. On land, the islands are marked by numerous UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites, including areas of rare flora and fauna, and historical remains from the lost Ryukyu Kingdom.

At the centre of it all is Naha, where you can start to discover a distinctive culture that blends influences from neighbouring Asian countries, and Ryukyuan castles, royal gardens and shrines that have been restored to their former glory. From local handicrafts, street performances and dragon boat races to a lively nightlife scene, a unique way of island living will guide your stay in Naha and Okinawa.

Retreat to your very own resort in the heart of the city at Novotel Okinawa Naha. While mere minutes away from Naha’s main street and top attractions, this hotel is an oasis that embodies island relaxation. Enjoy hillside views of the city as you take a dip in the infinity pool, gather round with family and friends on the barbecue terrace, or explore both authentic Okinawan and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants.