Michelin introduces top unique hotels in Japan

Genji Kyoto (Source)

Michelin recently published their first hotel ranking for Japan, with classics such as the Four Seasons and the Palace Hotel in Tokyo getting the coveted 3 keys, Michelin’s top ranking. We published an article about it here.

In this article, we’d like to present Michelin’s list of the most unique hotels in Japan, which is described on its website as

Tokyo has its skyscrapers and Kyoto has its ryokan. But some of the most unique hotel forms in the world are scattered throughout Japan, a testament to the creativity and passion of its hoteliers.

Accommodations below illustrate the power of relentless personality in the world of hotels. Represented are places in Tokyo and Kyoto, but so too in less obvious destinations for visitors — the city of Nagoya, the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, the Ise-Shima National Park — that most travelers might never put on their bucket list, much less their itinerary. Until now. At least, that’s our hope.

You can find the full article here. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

Izumo Hotel The Cliff
Kumura, Japan

Izumo Hotel The Cliff (Source)

There's not much we can say about Izumo Hotel the Cliff that can surpass the allure of the image above. So, let's focus on the details. This hotel offers just eight accommodations, plus a standalone villa that can be booked entirely. Each room is built into the cliff and is aptly described as a private cave. Located just ten meters from the waves of the Sea of Japan, each room features its own terrace and jacuzzi, with the restaurant situated above. Additionally, the hotel boasts a sauna exclusively for guests. What more could you ask for?

Book your stay via Booking.com* from 350$/night.

Benesse House
Naoshima, Japan

Benesse House (Source)

Before discussing the hotel, it's important to mention that the Benesse Art Site is truly a marvel. The site features numerous installations spread across several islands in the Seto Inland Sea, with modernist works that seamlessly interact with the natural landscapes. We could list all the pieces you’ll encounter here, including works by Claude Monet and James Turrell, but that would take all day — and we still need to talk about the hotel.

The hotel is spread across four locations on Naoshima Island, including one in a Tadao Ando-designed building aptly named Oval, and another situated within an actual art museum. Hotel guests enjoy special privileges, such as unlimited reentry to certain exhibits and exclusive access to the museum after closing hours.

Availabilities are very hard to come by. I found some on Trip.com* from 900$/night.

SETOUCHI RETREAT by Onko Chishin
Matsuyama, Japan

Setouchi Retreat by Onko Chishin (Source)

Yes, it's another hotel designed by Tado Ando. Similar to Benesse House, this place gives you the feeling of sleeping in an art museum. In its previous life, it was exactly that, but today it features two stunning, minimalist buildings and a long infinity pool overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. One guest room includes a private onsen, while another boasts a wooden balcony and garden. All the rooms are as enchanting as the resort itself, which is adorned with works by other notable minimalists.

Book your stay via Booking.com* from 650$/night.

Genji Kyoto
Gionmachi, Japan

Genji Kyoto (Source)

Japan's ryokan are well-known, but Machiya, traditional wooden townhouses that are long and narrow, are lesser-known and unique to Kyoto. Genji Kyoto honors the history of these structures, with the architect's main objective being to maintain the original proportions of the Machiya that previously stood where the hotel now resides. The rest of the hotel's design draws inspiration from the 1,000-year-old novel, The Tale of Genji. This homage is reflected in the form of gardens, sculptures, and art by Kyoto artists in each room, all reinterpreting the classic story.

Book your stay via Booking.com* from 350$/night.

The Tower Hotel Nagoya
Kyoto, Japan

The Tower Hotel Nagoya (Source)

As far as we know, this is the only hotel in the world located inside a TV tower. Nagoya's television tower, dating back to 1954, is a beloved city landmark and has been revitalized as a unique hotel. In some rooms, the tower's iron support beams run diagonally through the space, while views overlook the nearby park. One room even offers guests the experience of sleeping in an art gallery. Each accommodation is a delightful blend of vibrant and industrial design, featuring works by local artists and, in some cases, the distinctive support beams.

Book your stay via Booking.com* from 300$/night.

SHISHI-IWA-HOUSE Karuizawa
Karuizawa, Japan

Shishi-Iwa-House Karuizawa (Source)

Just an hour outside Tokyo, nestled in the woods, lies a testament to the extraordinary results possible when two master architects are given total creative freedom. At Shishi-Iwa-House, or SSH, two Pritzker Prize-winning architects have crafted their ideal vision of a hotel. SSH is essentially three distinct hotels located in close proximity: two of the buildings were designed by Shigeru Ban, while the third was created by Ryue Nishizawa.

Across these three structures, there are around 25 rooms, set within wood and glass buildings that seem to float above and weave through the forest, featuring materials and furnishings of exceptional quality. For one of his buildings, Ban meticulously surveyed the site and requested a detailed map of all 260 trees that stood in the planned area, including their measurements. He then designed the hotel to flow naturally around these trees.

Book your stay via Booking.com* from 275$/night.

JANU Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan

Janu Tokyo (Source)

Janu Tokyo is a groundbreaking establishment, marking the debut of a new brand closely related to the renowned Aman Resorts. While Amans are celebrated for their exceptional privacy and seclusion, Janu aims to offer a more playful experience. We're highlighting it here not only because it's the first of its kind but also for its remarkable approach to modern luxury. For example, it boasts eight dining venues, including a vibrant Italian restaurant, a patisserie with delicious take-away options, and a stunning minimalist bar.

The wellness area is one of the largest gyms in the city, featuring a tranquil space that includes both group classes and private spa suites.

Book your stay via Trip.com* from 1,000$/night.