A list by Kent Berg & Ada Nyman. Updated February 2024.
We have created a list with the best boutique hotels in Japan. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
KYOTO. Ryokan.Relaxing atmosphere. Unique. Good breakfast. Popular among couples. Offering rooms with a private open-air bath, Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo - is located a 6-minute walk from Nijojomae Station and a 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station. The property features free WiFi throughout the property and an on-site restaurant. All units feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge and a safety deposit box. Certain rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 700 metres from Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo , while Imperial Palace is 1.3 km away. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 38 km from the property.Show full description
Perhaps this is the most RELAXING ryokan in Japan.
KYOTO. Ryokan.Romantic. Beautiful. Great views. Located just 1.1 km from Shoren-in Temple, Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI features accommodation in Kyoto with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a lift. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 1.2 km from Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple. At the ryokan, the modern restaurant is open for dinner, lunch and brunch and serves French cuisine. The ryokan provides garden views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bath. At the ryokan, all units are allergy-free and soundproof. At the ryokan, all units come with bed linen and towels. Heian Shrine is 1.3 km from Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI, while Samurai Kembu Kyoto is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 48 km from the accommodation.Show full description
KYOTO. Ryokan.Romantic. Beautiful. Great views. Located just 1.1 km from Shoren-in Temple, Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI features accommodation in Kyoto with access to a garden, a shared lounge, as well as a lift. The property features inner courtyard and quiet street views, and is 1.2 km from Eikan-do Zenrin-ji Temple. At the ryokan, the modern restaurant is open for dinner, lunch and brunch and serves French cuisine. The ryokan provides garden views, a sun terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available. The ryokan will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bath. At the ryokan, all units are allergy-free and soundproof. At the ryokan, all units come with bed linen and towels. Heian Shrine is 1.3 km from Nanzenji sando KIKUSUI, while Samurai Kembu Kyoto is 1.5 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 48 km from the accommodation.Show full description
KYOTO. Ryokan.Cosy rooms. Popular among couples. Featuring free WiFi, Nazuna Kyoto Gosho is set in Kyoto. The property is around 650 m from Kyoto International Manga Museum, 1.2 km from Nijo Castle and 1.3 km from Kyoto Imperial Palace. The ryokan provides a shared lounge. At the ryokan, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The shared bathroom is equipped with a hot tub and free toiletries. All units are fitted with a seating area. When guests need guidance on where to visit, the reception will be happy to provide advice. Heian Shrine is 2.5 km from Nazuna Kyoto Gosho. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 49 km from the accommodation.Show full description
This ryokan is one of the most popular in Japan among couples!
KYOTO.Comfortable beds. Cosy rooms. In a prime location in the Nakagyo Ward district of Kyoto, Kyoto Shinmachi Rokkaku Hotel grandereverie is located 700 metres from Kyoto International Manga Museum, 1.8 km from Nijo Castle and 2.3 km from Samurai Kembu Kyoto. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is 3.4 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple and 3.5 km from Shoren-in Temple. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also provide guests with a city view. Guest rooms include a wardrobe. TKP Garden City Kyoto is 2.5 km from Kyoto Shinmachi Rokkaku Hotel grandereverie, while Kyoto Imperial Palace is 3.3 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 48 km from the accommodation.Show full description
KYOTO. Ryokan. Yado Kiramachi offers accommodation set 600 metres from the centre of Kyoto and provides a garden and a terrace. The air-conditioned accommodation is 600 metres from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. The ryokan features family rooms. Certain units in the ryokan have private entrance and are equipped with desk and wardrobe. With a private bathroom, units at the ryokan also have free WiFi, while selected rooms will provide you with a balcony. At the ryokan, some units are soundproof. A bar can be found on-site. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.3 km from the ryokan, while Gion Shijo Station is 1.6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from Yado Kiramachi.Show full description
KYOTO.Historic property. Beautiful. Great location. Popular among couples. Open from November 2018, located near Gion district and featuring a Japanese garden, SOWAKA offers rooms in Kyoto. The renovated main building features traditional Kyoto-style decoration for guests to enjoy. Free WiFi is provided throughout the building. At the hotel, all air conditioned rooms come with an electric kettle, minibar, fridge and wardrobe. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with extras including a hairdryer, bathrobe and nightwear. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can help with information about the area. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is 1 km away and Heian Shrine is 1.6 km from the hotel. Itami Airport is 39 km from the property.Show full description
KYOTO. Inn / Guest House.Charming. Superb breakfast. Popular among women. Featuring 3-star accommodation, Kyono Mori Yurinsha is set in Kyoto, 1.7 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple and 1 km from Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, room service and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi. The property is 1.1 km from Gion Shijo Station, and within 1.7 km of the city centre. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Featuring a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer, rooms at the inn also have a city view. At Kyono Mori Yurinsha all rooms have bed linen and towels. The accommodation provides an ironing service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Popular points of interest near Kyono Mori Yurinsha include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, TKP Garden City Kyoto and Samurai Kembu Kyoto. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from the inn.Show full description
KYOTO.Lovely property. Lively. Great bar.Opened September 2021. In a prime location in the Higashiyama Ward district of Kyoto, NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO is located 1.2 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1.1 km from Sanjusangen-do Temple and 1.3 km from Gion Shijo Station. Featuring a fitness centre, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy European and Grill Bbq dishes at the restaurant or have a cocktail at the bar. All units at the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a safety deposit box. At NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO every room is fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet, à la carte or American breakfast is available daily at the property. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are always on hand to help at the reception. Samurai Kembu Kyoto is 1.8 km from the accommodation, while TKP Garden City Kyoto is 2.4 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 45 km from NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO.Show full description
This luxury hotel has an amazing hotel bar and a popular rooftop bar!
KYOTO.Great breakfast. Attractively set in the centre of Kyoto, eph KYOTO features continental breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The property is non-smoking and is situated 800 metres from TKP Garden City Kyoto. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Certain rooms come with a kitchenette with a stovetop. At eph KYOTO rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kyoto Station, Sanjusangen-do Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 43 km from eph KYOTO.Show full description
OSAKA.Cool. Good breakfast. Great location. Popular among women. Ideally situated in Osaka, Hotel Noum OSAKA features air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 1.7 km from Honden-ji Temple, 1.8 km from Asahi Seimei Hall and 1.8 km from Taiyū-ji Temple. The property is non-smoking and is situated less than 1 km from Dawn Center. At the hotel the rooms have bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes à la carte, continental and vegetarian options. Popular points of interest near Hotel Noum OSAKA include Nakanoshima Park, Horikawaebisu Shrine and Nozaki Park. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 20 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Noum Osaka is a stylish boutique hotel in Tenmabashi, Osaka. It has a modern and bright atmosphere, with some rooms providing beautiful views of the Okawa River. The hotel has a cafe/bar and a lounge for dining and relaxation.
TOKYO. Ryokan.Unique. Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. At the ryokan, all units are soundproof. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.Show full description
Cyashitsu ryokan is a new, family-run ryokan designed with traditional Japanese aesthetics and has modern conveniences like rooftop onsen and futon beds!
TOKYO.Lively. Cool. Superb interior design. Popular among women. Just a 5-minute walk from Nihombashi Station, Hotel K5 offers accommodation in a renovated historical building that is built in 1924. The hotel provides restaurants, cafes and room service. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a seating area, desk, soundproofing and private bathroom. A record player with vinyl record collection is featured in each room. For guests' comfort, Hotel K5 provides a minibar, complimentary toiletries, slippers and pajamas. Some suites include a dining area, seating area and stand-alone bathtub. The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service and free luggage storage.Show full description
An artful and comfy urban oasis in the heart of Tokyo's Nihombashi district. The floor-to-ceiling height makes the room feel luxe, and the detailing throughout is well thought out. In my judgement this could be the most well designed and lively boutique hotel in Japan.
KANAZAWA. Ryokan.Historic. Relaxing atmosphere. Boasting a 200-year history, Motoyu Ishiya features classic architecture, an original Noh stage and a garden. Surrounded by tranquil mountains, it offers luxurious Japanese accommodations with outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths. Free WiFi is available at the lobby, and guests can shop at the souvenir store on site. Rooms have a tatami (woven-straw) floor and low furniture. Some offer beds, while other rooms come with traditional futon bedding. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. Yukata robes are provided. Twice a year, Ishiya Motoyu hosts a genuine Noh play on their stage. The inn also houses drinks vending machines and free parking. Guests here can indulge on seasonal Japanese dishes featuring colourful Kaga vegetables and fresh seafood gathered from Nanao Bay each morning. The meal also includes local delicacies like Jibuni, a hot pot dish featuring duck and flavourful stock. Motoyu Ishiya is around a 20-minute drive from Kanazawa Castle’s Ishikawa gate, Higashi-Chaya Town and Omi-cho Market. Morimoto Train Station is a 7-minute drive or taxi ride.Show full description
KYOTO. Inn / Guest House.Hip. Historic. Lovely interior design. Popular among women. Providing free WiFi and a garden in a renovated 50-year old building with mountain views from the property, Rc Hotel Kyoto Yasaka offers accommodation in Kyoto, 600 metres from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This 2-star inn has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The property is a 16-minute walk from Samurai Kembu Kyoto. Views include Hokanji Temple from the property. At the inn, all rooms have a desk. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Heian Shrine is 2 km from RC HOTEL KYOTO YASAKA, while Kyoto International Manga Museum is 2.3 km from the property. Osaka Itami Airport is 39 km away.Show full description
TOKYO.Trendy. Lively. Great value. Located a 11-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, Trunk (Hotel) offers free WiFi throughout the property. A bar and 2 dining options are available at this non-smoking hotel. A designated smoking area is provided on site. A 24-hour front desk at this hotel offers concierge service and free luggage storage. Guests can unwind in the shared garden and terrace or shop for souvenirs at the gift shop on site. All carpeted rooms come with air conditioning, soundproofing and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. For guests' comfort, a minibar, free toiletries and bathrobes are provided. Some units include a private terrace or balcony with views as well as a private outdoor dining area. Meiji Jingu Shrine is a 11-minute stroll from Trunk (Hotel), while Roppongi Hills is a 10-minute drive away. Nezu Museum can be reached with a 15-minute bus ride and walk.Show full description
This hotel is fabulous, with drool-worthy food in a great location. Fantastic facilities and all the small details are superb.
TOKYO.Great value. Conveniently situated in Tokyo, HOTEL 1899 TOKYO provides 3-star accommodation close to Shinbashi Shiogama Shrine and Seishoji Temple. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms at the hotel include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, Blu-ray player, and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms are fitted with a safety deposit box and some rooms are equipped with city views. At HOTEL 1899 TOKYO each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Hibiya Shrine, Sakurada Park and Nan-ou Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 14 km from HOTEL 1899 TOKYO.Show full description
Excellent tea-themed boutique hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Local breakfast combines western and Japanese styles in a fresh, modernized way.
SAPPORO. Ryokan.Delightful property. Stylish. Great interior design. ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo features a sauna and a hot spring bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodation in the centre of Sapporo, 1.8 km from Sapporo Station. This 3-star ryokan offers a 24-hour front desk and a lift. Private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Every unit comes with a kettle, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi, while certain rooms are fitted with a balcony and some have city views. At the ryokan, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the ryokan include Former Hokkaidō Government Office, Odori Park and Odori Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo.Show full description
I rate this as one of the most BEAUTIFUL ryokans in Japan.
KYOTO.Comfortable beds. Great location. Situated in Kyoto and with Samurai Kembu Kyoto reachable within 200 metres, Dhawa Yura Kyoto - Banyan Group features concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant. Boasting a bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around 700 metres from Gion Shijo Station, 1.2 km from Shoren-in Temple and 1.7 km from Heian Shrine. The accommodation provides room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At Dhawa Yura Kyoto - Banyan Group the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Kyoto International Manga Museum is 1.7 km from Dhawa Yura Kyoto - Banyan Group, while Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall is 2.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 47 km from the hotel.Show full description
This luxury hotel has super comfortable beds and a great location in Kyoto.
MYOKO.Charming. Very stylish. Cosy rooms. Situated in Myoko, 25 km from Ryuoo Ski Park, Onpoint Madarao features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant. 31 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park and 33 km from Suzaka City Zoo, the property provides a ski pass sales point, as well as a bar. The accommodation offers karaoke and free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms include a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At the hotel rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at Onpoint Madarao will be able to enjoy activities in and around Myoko, like hiking, skiing and fishing. Zenkoji Temple is 33 km from the accommodation, while Nagano Station is 34 km from the property. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 110 km from Onpoint Madarao.Show full description
I think this is one of the most CHARMING boutique hotels in Japan. It also has very cosy rooms and outstanding views.
KARATSU. Ryokan.Romantic. Unique. Situated just less than 1 km from Nishinohama Beach, Yoyokaku provides accommodation in Karatsu with access to free bikes, a garden, as well as a housekeeping service. This 3-star ryokan offers free shuttle service and luggage storage space. The ryokan features rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. All units at the ryokan are fitted with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The units have a tatami. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Fukuoka Yahuoku! Dome is 46 km from the ryokan, while Fukuoka Tower is 46 km from the property. The nearest airport is Iki Airport, 48 km from Yoyokaku.Show full description
I really like this place... I think it is one of the most romantic, unique and authentic boutique hotels in Japan. Soooo nice!
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