Hoshinoya Tokyo
Designed by Azuma Architects & Associates, this luxury hotel is the city’s sole “urban ryokan”—a modern rendition of a traditional Japanese inn. Centrally located in the Otemachi district, Hoshinoya Tokyo, clad in a latticed facade, is the epitome of a serene retreat.
The interiors cleverly combine the warmth of a home with a streamlined design. Shoji screens, tatami flooring and other minimalist touches delight in the bedrooms, which are some of the largest suites in Tokyo. Don’t miss the stunning rooftop onsen, featuring a private view of the capital’s skyline.
Read more on Hoshinoya and visit their official website
Shishi-Iwa House, Karuizawa
The Japanese practise of shinrin-yoku (or “forest bathing”) celebrates the appreciation of nature at its finest. This calming experience is easily achieved at Shishi-Iwa House, a boutique hotel nestled in verdant grounds in Karuizawa.
Designed by Shigeru Ban Architects, the property comprises 10 guest rooms, each designed as meditative retreats. Rooms on the ground floor are connected to a private garden, while rooms on the upper floor feature balcony terraces—each one helping you commune with nature.
Read more on Shishi-Iwa House and visit their official website
