Where to Stay in Japan: Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto

In Hakone, accommodation takes on a different role entirely. Here, boutique ryokans are designed to be destinations in their own right; places where the outside world gently fades away. Privacy, space, and connection to nature are central, with rooms often opening onto terraces overlooking forested hills or mountain landscapes.

Private hot spring baths allow guests to enjoy one of Japan’s most treasured traditions in a relaxed, approachable way. Days tend to unfold slowly: soaking, reading, enjoying beautifully presented meals, and listening to the sounds of nature outside. It’s an experience that works effortlessly for couples seeking romance, solo travellers in need of restoration, and families wanting shared downtime without distraction. Lakeside ryokans near Lake Ashi offer classic views towards Mount Fuji and a more traditional atmosphere, while modern spa-style retreats suit those looking for a contemporary edge.

Accommodation in Kyoto reflects the city itself; refined, layered, and quietly beautiful. Boutique hotels here often draw inspiration from traditional machiya townhouses, combining natural materials, clean lines, and soft lighting to create spaces that feel serene and considered.

Tatami seating areas, deep soaking tubs, and subtle cultural storytelling within the rooms encourage guests to slow down after days spent exploring temples, gardens, and historic neighbourhoods. These hotels feel restorative rather than indulgent, offering a sense of calm that mirrors Kyoto’s timeless rhythm. A ryokan stay in Gion adds historic atmosphere and the possibility of glimpsing traditional Kyoto life, while staying slightly outside the centre can offer more space and a quieter retreat.

In Japan, accommodation is never simply a place to rest your head. It’s an extension of the journey itself, a chance to slow down, observe, and connect more deeply with the culture around you. Whether modern or traditional, urban or immersed in nature, where you stay shapes how you experience each destination, and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the trip.

Rather than grand statements, Japanese hotels tend to focus on thoughtful design, quiet comfort, and a strong sense of place. Subtle details from natural materials and careful lighting to seasonal touches and warm hospitality make you feel welcome wherever you are.

In a city as vast and energetic as Tokyo, location matters. Staying in a historic neighbourhood such as Asakusa offers a calmer, more atmospheric introduction to the capital. Early mornings are marked by quiet temple streets and the scent of incense, before the city fully wakes. Evenings glow softly with lantern light, neighbourhood restaurants, and a slower local rhythm that feels welcoming rather than overwhelming.

Hotels in this part of Tokyo blend contemporary comfort with subtle cultural references offering well-designed spaces to unwind after days spent exploring. It’s an approach that suits first-time visitors, families seeking a gentler pace, and couples or solo travellers who appreciate character over constant buzz. Those drawn to fashion, dining, and nightlife might prefer boutique hotels in Shibuya or Omotesando, while Ginza offers polished luxury with excellent access across the city.

What unites accommodation across Japan is intention. Every element from layout and materials to service style is designed to make guests feel comfortable, respected, and quietly cared for. This attention to detail allows guests to relax fully, knowing that their surroundings support the experience rather than distract from it.

Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or on your own, where you stay in Japan becomes part of the narrative, a place where days begin gently, evenings wind down beautifully, and the essence of the destination lingers just a little longer.