Sacred Scenic Sites of Japan

Located 38 floors above street level, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a world away from the hustle and bustle below. The rooms and suites here are some of the largest in Japan and each offers soaring views across the city through floor-to-ceiling windows, amplifying a sense of serenity and detachment. The bathrooms are divided from the rooms by a pane of glass covered by a wooden blind; with the flick of a switch, privacy is achieved or the room is washed in daylight. All accommodations have an in-room entertainment system with iPod docking station, high definition LCD televisions in the bedroom and bathroom, wired and wireless high speed Internet access (for a fee) and your choice of preferred pillow type from the property’s extensive pillow menu. The restaurants in the hotel are some of the most highly regarded in the world; Signature (contemporary French), Sense (Chinese) and the Tapas Molecular Bar have each been awarded Michelin stars. Other restaurant options include Ventaglio (Italian), Oriental Lounge (continental bakery), Gourmet Shop, K’shiki (breakfast is served here and Japanese and continental food is served throughout the day) and the Mandarin Bar. The excellent spa has four treatment rooms and five private spa suites, and encompasses a 1,500-square-foot fitness center with the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment.

Mere steps from the Imperial Palace sits Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo. Located in Marunouchi district just a short walk from the shopping paradise of Ginza, the hotel is perfectly located for business or pleasure. With a total of 314 elegantly decorated rooms and 47 suites, the Peninsula Tokyo’s accommodations are among the most spacious in all of Tokyo, and offer plenty of amenities including espresso machines, complimentary Internet access, multifunction fax machines, nail polish drying machines, and shoe shining service. The hotel’s culinary options include Cantonese cuisine at the Hei Fung Terrace, regional Japanese fare at Kyoto Tsuruya, and International food and beverages at Cirque Culinaire and Peter. For relaxation, enjoy the hotel’s state of the art health club with pool complex, undergo a “spa journey” at the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, or try a leisurely jog around the Imperial Palace. Other amenities include a business center and a boutique store that offers food, gifts and souvenir items.

Since its opening at the end of 2014, Aman Tokyo has been one of the most talked-about luxury hotels in the city. The most striking thing about it is its location; spread across the top six floors of a 40-storey tower in the Otemachi business district, the panoramic views are simply incredible. What’s more, all of the 84 rooms and suites take full advantage of the lofty position with floor-to-ceiling windows letting light in during the daytime, while also framing the breathtaking lit-up cityscape at night. Aman Tokyo has also received praise for its impressive interiors, which have been inspired by minimalistic design, including the use of camphor wood, washi paper and stone surfaces throughout the rooms as well as traditional Japanese facilities such as large ‘furo’ baths. Situated on the 33rd floor, both guests and non-guests can enjoy the fine Mediterranean food at the hotel’s signature restaurant, not forgetting more of those incredible views across Tokyo stretching as far as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji in the distance. Elsewhere, there is a spa, enclosed garden area, swimming pool, wine cellar, cigar lounge and a whole host of other facilities to keep guests entertained.

Under the umbrella of luxury hotel brand Aman, Janu Tokyo is one of a trio of flagship properties opening under the new sister brand (the others are opening in Montenegro and Saudi Arabia). The name Janu derives from the Sanskrit word for “soul” and is based around concepts of human interaction, playfulness and social wellness, particularly resonating with millennial travelers. Full property details have yet to be released, but expect the signature sophisticated design typical of a remote Aman resort, but with a slightly different playbook. Lifestyle elements such as DJ entertainment, a wide range of drinking and dining venues, yoga and meditation sessions and tech-focused amenities are just a few examples of Janu services that will take center stage.

Opened in December 2009, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a brand-new private retreat located on the banks of the Oigawa River in the city’s Arashiyama neighborhood. The property’s 25 rooms, all with river views, reflect the heritage and modernity of Kyoto itself, combining traditional ryokan dwelling with contemporary western comfort. The Arashiyama area is a designated scenery protection area, regarded equally for its cherry blossoms in the spring and brilliant foliage in the autumn. With its famous Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama evokes “old Kyoto” at its best, as no new buildings are permitted. The property itself was the private vacation home and library of Suminokura Ryoui, a wealthy Kyoto merchant, until its conversion to an inn about 100 years ago. HOSHINOYA’s Library Lounge and bar, whose shelves hold many books on Kyoto’s history, looks out on the contemplative water garden, while its traditional landscape garden incorporates a view of Arashiyama Mountain using the ancient technique of shakkei, or "borrowed scenery." HOSHINOYA Kyoto has a sister property in Karuizawa.

Just steps away from the popular streets of Gion, Kawaramachi and Pontocho, the Ritz-Carlton hotel is the perfect gateway for seeing Kyoto’s famous sights. Respecting the ancient traditions and culture of Kyoto, the extravagant space is inspired by the natural surroundings and traditional architecture. Famous for Zen Temples, palaces and gardens, Kyoto's atmosphere is incorporated in the Ritz-Carlton’s design. Built in the style of a traditional Meiji House and courtyard, a stay here is truly a cultural experience. A four-story waterfall is featured in the hotel entrance amidst patterned motifs. Luxury Ritz-Carlton touches include high-thread count linens, plush Japanese “IMABARI” robes and towels, Kyoto soap and seasonal bath salts, LED TVs and touch-panel environmental controls for automatic drape closure. Accommodation amenities include a concierge service, swimming pool, banquet room, babysitting service, sophisticated dining and drinking options, as well as an indulgent spa for any pampering needs. 

Inspired by the tranquility and contemplative calm of the region’s many temples and Zen gardens, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto features 110 standard rooms, 12 suites, 57 condos and a Presidential Suite, which at over 2,600 square feet, is the largest hotel suite in Kyoto. The restrained chic of designer Agnes Ng’s modern ideas, allied with traditional design elements such as bamboo groves and shoji paper-walls, create an extraordinary set of contemporary, yet classic, accommodations – with a peaceful vibe, enhanced and completed by the gentle crash of water from the Waterfall Garden. The hotel features two restaurants, bar, lounge and even a tea house where guests can find a range of tantalizing treats and refreshments to expedite their relaxation – set off to perfection by a team of expertly trained, confident and multilingual service staff.

The highly anticipated Aman Kyoto brings an even higher level of luxury to the historic and cultural ancient capital. A blend of authentic, traditional ryokan hospitality and contemporary spaces, the Aman Kyoto offers travelers a respite in the heart of one of Japan's most visited cities. The secluded 80-acre property is situated in a hidden garden close to the Golden Pavilion at the foot of the Mountain of Hidari Daimonji, within easy reach of Kyoto's impressive collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Scattered among the grounds is a series of standalone pavilions. The four guest pavilions house 24 guest rooms (choose between garden or stream views) and a pair of two-bedroom villas overlooking the forest canopy. Each room captures a contemporary, minimalistic style with nod to the quintessential ryokan feel; walls of windows bringing the outside in to spacious, light-filled interiors. Facilities include separate Arrival, Living and Spa pavilions. The signature restaurant, Taka-An, showcases Japanese haute cuisine in the form of the kaiseki banquet - a multi-course dining experience made using the season’s finest local produce. The Living Pavilion offers an inviting spaces with a central fireplace for guests to enjoy home-cooked Kyoto obanzai-style cuisine and afternoon tea. The Spa Pavilion’s onsen bathing facilities use water from a local spring and the range of treatments highlight local, natural ingredients such as green tea, black beans, sake and cold-pressed camellia oil.

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is tucked away next to Nijo-jo Castle, at the Kyoto home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui Family. This land has been in the care of the family for more than 250 years. A contemporary twist on the quintessential Japanese tearoom aesthetic, the Mitsui Kyoto is composed of 161 guest rooms and suites, all decorated in earthy tones and furnishings sourced from natural materials. Some room types feature private onsen. There is a thermal spring spa on-site, which offers onsen healing baths (both private and shared), as well as a gym and massage treatments. In terms of dining, guests can enjoy four diverse dining venues: Gastronomy Teppan for a surprising fusion of French cuisine and Japanese teppanyaki, Forni for Italian, The Garden Bar, and SHIKI-NO-MA for private dining and tea ceremony. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto is approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Train Station.

One of the highest hotels nestled into the Kuju highlands, Resonate Club Kuju is a simple-yet-comfortable option. Rooms are colorful, if not entirely stylish, but come with free parking, refrigerators, humidifiers, and high-speed internet.  There are two restaurants here - Meteor, which serves Western cuisine, and Sum Heart, which cooks up traditional Japanese dishes. The hotel is far from the nearest form of public transportation, being an hour’s drive from the nearest train station, and just under two hours from the airport. But there’s plenty to do here, from enjoying a dip in the healing waters of the outdoor bath, nature walks in the surrounding hillsides, star gazing, horseback riding, undergoing a detox program, and even being entertained by live music on the weekend. 

This luxury hotel is not your typical ryokan, possessing a far more modern Japanese style than the more classic abodes. There is an outdoor hot spring bath that is full of water drawn from a hot spring source, as well as a library/lounge, both of which make excellent guest relaxation areas. Massage is also available for those who wish to treat themselves, and a shop is on-site for those who require some retail-therapy. Rooms are spacious, with separate living rooms and private onsen baths, as well as welcoming touches like humidifiers, bathrobes, high-speed internet, and more. The hotel is located within the highlands of a national park, at 3,280-feet elevation; a 70-minute drive from Narita Airport. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like nature walks and horseback riding in this lush, natural environment. 

This 10-room ryokan has been said by some to feel more like a traditional Japanese home than a hotel, and many enjoy this homey, more personal atmosphere. Here, guests are invited to take a step back in time, into Japan’s historical hospitality of centuries-past. Ideally-located in Aso, often referred to as the heart of local Kumamoto, the traditional abode welcomes curiosity and inspires insight into the country’s culture and history. Guests may enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s Higo Road Chaya restaurant, though the main attraction here is the healing waters of the hotel’s outdoor onsen baths, which contain sodium magnesium sulfate. Complimentary WiFi is available to guests throughout the hotel. Guests will also find its location convenient, being only 30 minutes from Tokyo Station, and the same distance from Kumamoto Airport. 

Nestled into a quiet part of Takachiho, Ryokan Shinsen is the most comfortable ryokan in the area. It offers guests a choice of maisonnette and Japanese-style rooms, many of which can sleep larger groups. The well-appointed residences come with modern, luxurious touches, like massage chairs, open-air baths, floor heating, and more. For dining, there is a choice of five huts, which all serve up authentic Kyoto cuisine, with ingredients sourced from different parts of the country. Guests are treated to their very own unique set of bamboo chopsticks to enjoy throughout their stay - a quaint touch. A tearoom is also on site, where guests can get a taste - literally - of Japan’s tea culture. The hotel is a lengthy drive from the airport - an hour and a half - but some guests enjoy the sense of seclusion this brings. 

Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, the tranquil Garden Terrace Miyazaki Hotel is located approximately 10 miles from Manpuku-ji Temple and Aya Castle. There are only 12 rooms at Garden Terrace Miyazaki, and room types include Deluxe Rooms, Standard Rooms and Japanese Rooms. Designed to blend in with the surrounding environment, the hotel features bamboo-clad walls in its public areas, as well as a courtyard with bamboo trees and small pools. The hotel also has a lounge with a library and a central chapel with floor-to-ceiling windows. Dining options include a French-influenced restaurant called Forest, which features local Miyazaki seafood, as well as Tikusai, which offers teppanyaki cuisine. The hotel is located a 20-minute drive away from Miyazaki Airport.

Located in Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island, the 84-room Nichinan Kaigan Nango Prince Hotel offers Twin Rooms and Double Rooms. Each room comes with a refrigerator and air conditioning. During the summer season, enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the outdoor hot springs overlooking the ocean. Seasonal water activities include kayaking and scuba diving. The on-site restaurant within the hotel focuses on seasonal, local ingredients and the hotel lounge serves light meals. The hotel is located an approximate 1-hour drive away from Mizayaki Airport.

This luxury resort is unlike most Japanese hotels. Set amidst lush, natural surroundings, Tenku no Mori exudes a classical boutique inn kind of atmosphere, and with only five rooms, it lives up to its self-proclamation of a ‘private resort’. Guests can enjoy their meals in private dining rooms, where they’ll be served scrumptious local foods that include organic vegetables and free-range meat. Lovers of the great outdoors will be happy here, with 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding majestic mountains - perfect for those who are into hiking and/or photography. The hotel, despite its off-the-beaten-track feel, is located only a 30-minute drive from the Kagoshima airport. 

Encased in luxuriously rich forest and crisply flowing rivers, this incredible hotel is the epitome of elegant serenity. Set in one of the most naturally exquisite prefectures of Japan, this area is an adventurer’s dream, complete with ocean, forest and ancient volcano remains. The perfect placement of traditionally designed cottages - inclusive of modern amenities - within lush and undisturbed greenery makes this destination a superb oasis of tranquility. Guests have the option to stay in a choice of ten different rooms, each one featuring natural beauty, charming architecture and unique cultural elements. A renowned restaurant with a variety of finely crafted culinary delights readily welcomes guests at a moment’s notice. A gorgeously maintained golf course and a relaxing spa are the perfect activities in which guests may immerse themselves during their stay in paradise.

Located 38 floors above street level, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a world away from the hustle and bustle below. The rooms and suites here are some of the largest in Japan and each offers soaring views across the city through floor-to-ceiling windows, amplifying a sense of serenity and detachment. The bathrooms are divided from the rooms by a pane of glass covered by a wooden blind; with the flick of a switch, privacy is achieved or the room is washed in daylight. All accommodations have an in-room entertainment system with iPod docking station, high definition LCD televisions in the bedroom and bathroom, wired and wireless high speed Internet access (for a fee) and your choice of preferred pillow type from the property’s extensive pillow menu. The restaurants in the hotel are some of the most highly regarded in the world; Signature (contemporary French), Sense (Chinese) and the Tapas Molecular Bar have each been awarded Michelin stars. Other restaurant options include Ventaglio (Italian), Oriental Lounge (continental bakery), Gourmet Shop, K’shiki (breakfast is served here and Japanese and continental food is served throughout the day) and the Mandarin Bar. The excellent spa has four treatment rooms and five private spa suites, and encompasses a 1,500-square-foot fitness center with the latest cardiovascular and weight training equipment.

Mere steps from the Imperial Palace sits Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel, The Peninsula Tokyo. Located in Marunouchi district just a short walk from the shopping paradise of Ginza, the hotel is perfectly located for business or pleasure. With a total of 314 elegantly decorated rooms and 47 suites, the Peninsula Tokyo’s accommodations are among the most spacious in all of Tokyo, and offer plenty of amenities including espresso machines, complimentary Internet access, multifunction fax machines, nail polish drying machines, and shoe shining service. The hotel’s culinary options include Cantonese cuisine at the Hei Fung Terrace, regional Japanese fare at Kyoto Tsuruya, and International food and beverages at Cirque Culinaire and Peter. For relaxation, enjoy the hotel’s state of the art health club with pool complex, undergo a “spa journey” at the Peninsula Spa by ESPA, or try a leisurely jog around the Imperial Palace. Other amenities include a business center and a boutique store that offers food, gifts and souvenir items.

Since its opening at the end of 2014, Aman Tokyo has been one of the most talked-about luxury hotels in the city. The most striking thing about it is its location; spread across the top six floors of a 40-storey tower in the Otemachi business district, the panoramic views are simply incredible. What’s more, all of the 84 rooms and suites take full advantage of the lofty position with floor-to-ceiling windows letting light in during the daytime, while also framing the breathtaking lit-up cityscape at night. Aman Tokyo has also received praise for its impressive interiors, which have been inspired by minimalistic design, including the use of camphor wood, washi paper and stone surfaces throughout the rooms as well as traditional Japanese facilities such as large ‘furo’ baths. Situated on the 33rd floor, both guests and non-guests can enjoy the fine Mediterranean food at the hotel’s signature restaurant, not forgetting more of those incredible views across Tokyo stretching as far as the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji in the distance. Elsewhere, there is a spa, enclosed garden area, swimming pool, wine cellar, cigar lounge and a whole host of other facilities to keep guests entertained.

Under the umbrella of luxury hotel brand Aman, Janu Tokyo is one of a trio of flagship properties opening under the new sister brand (the others are opening in Montenegro and Saudi Arabia). The name Janu derives from the Sanskrit word for “soul” and is based around concepts of human interaction, playfulness and social wellness, particularly resonating with millennial travelers. Full property details have yet to be released, but expect the signature sophisticated design typical of a remote Aman resort, but with a slightly different playbook. Lifestyle elements such as DJ entertainment, a wide range of drinking and dining venues, yoga and meditation sessions and tech-focused amenities are just a few examples of Janu services that will take center stage.