7 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Japan

In Japan, where architecture and hospitality are deeply intertwined, some hotels go beyond aesthetics to create a true sense of place. From a 140-year-old ryokan in the Seto Inland Sea to a glass-fronted retreat overlooking Mount Fuji, these seven stays embody thoughtful design, cultural depth, and seamless integration with their surroundings.

Azumi Setoda, Hiroshima

On Ikuchijima, an island shaped by the Seto Inland Sea’s shifting tides, Azumi Setoda occupies a former merchant’s home with 140 years of history. The restoration is precise—wooden lattices filter the light, tatami rooms open onto a quiet courtyard, and the hinoki-lined bath carries the faint scent of cypress. The surrounding town, once a key stop on Japan’s historic trade routes, moves at a slow rhythm. Guests slip into this pace effortlessly, whether cycling the Shimanami Kaido or soaking in the adjoining sentō, a public bathhouse revived alongside the hotel.

Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto, Hokkaido

Framed by Hokkaido’s dense forests and the still waters of Lake Poroto, Hoshino Resorts Kai Poroto is a study in restraint. Low, timber-clad buildings with wide eaves open toward the lake, their quiet interiors designed for slow mornings and long evenings. Inside, volcanic spring water fills Sankaku-no-yu and Maru-no-yu, their cone-shaped structure inspired by ancient Ainu villages. The hotel’s design draws from the traditions of the Ainu, Hokkaido’s Indigenous people, with handwoven patterns and carved motifs woven subtly into the space. Outside, mist drifts across the lake, and the scent of the surrounding forests sharpens with the cold.

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Overlooking the treetops of Yoyogi Park, Trunk Hotel invites the outside in. The design, winner of Architectural Digest 2024 AD Great Design Awards, is quietly refined: raw concrete walls meet rich wood paneling and linen–a place to feel tucked away in the heart of the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame a view of the park’s greenery, offering moments of calm amid the city’s constant hum. Inside, each space feels open yet welcome, with carefully chosen pieces—neutral colour furniture, local art—anchoring the interiors without overwhelming them. The rooftop, home to an infinity pool, offers an exclusive view of Yoyogi Park for its guests.

Genji Kyoto

Hidden on the banks of the Kamo River, Genji is a study in quiet elegance. Each of the 19 rooms is anchored by tatami mats and floor-to-ceiling windows, paired with views of the river, city, or tsubo garden. Every detail, from the carefully chosen furniture to the soft lighting, creates a sense of openness without excess. A small courtyard, framed by the building’s clean lines, offers a rare moment of stillness. This is a place where design and nature coexist seamlessly, allowing the surrounding city to fade into the background.

Simose Art Garden Villa, Hiroshima

Nestled along Hiroshima’s rugged coastline, Simose Art Garden Villa is a masterclass in modern, minimalist design. The villa's open-plan design frames expansive views of the Seto Inland Sea, blurring the line between indoors and out. Follow the winding pathways and you’ll find Shigeru Ban’s floating galleries and a retreat where nature and design work as one. Inside, minimalist interiors are punctuated by contemporary art, each piece carefully positioned to play off the changing light.

Shiroiya Hotel, Gunma

Once a long-standing inn, Shiroiya Hotel has been transformed into a bold architectural statement in the centre of Maebashi. The original structure, a timber frame of over 300-years-old, is reinterpreted with raw concrete walls and tactile, understated furnishings, creating a striking contrast between past and present. Inside, the hotel feels like a living gallery, with artwork from Michele de Lucchi, Jasper Morrison, and Leandro Erlich displayed throughout. The open atrium, flooded with natural light, creates a spacious, almost meditative atmosphere amongst brutalist concrete architecture.

Hoshinoya Fuji, Yamanashi

Set against the backdrop of Lake Kawaguchi, Hoshinoya Fuji, embraces its natural surroundings with cabins built from wood and glass. Japan’s first ever glamping resort’s design is minimalist—clean lines and simple furnishings frame uninterrupted views of Mount Fuji. Large windows bring the landscape indoors, while private terraces offer a direct connection to the surrounding forest and lake kawaguchi. Designed by Rie Azuma, very detail is meant to enhance the quiet experience of being immersed in nature, whether it’s a soaking tub overlooking the lake or the calm of the surrounding wilderness.

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