Luxury - NipponStays

Stone-paved lane in Kyoto's Higashiyama district at night, lined with wooden walls and lantern light

Japan

Luxury Hotels and Ryokan in Japan: What the Top End Buys

Japan's top end is priced three ways: per room, per person with two meals, or by the place. Entry rates run from ¥12,000 in Kanazawa to ¥49,000 in Shinjuku.

A kaiseki course served on a bamboo leaf in a dark lacquered bowl, garnished with a flower

Japan

Ryokan With Meals vs Room-Only: Let the Town Decide

In a small onsen town the alternative to the set kaiseki is a convenience store. In Kyoto it is the whole city. How to read the price gap properly.

Kyoto

Ritz-Carlton Kyoto vs Four Seasons Kyoto: A River or an 800-Year-Old Garden

A gap of about Y62,000 a night at the floor. The Ritz-Carlton takes Bonvoy points and the Kamo River; Four Seasons has Shakusui-en and no points programme.

An evening spread in a hotel club lounge: a plate of charcuterie and salad, a gratin, fried pieces, soup, bread rolls and a b

Japan

Is a Club Lounge Worth It in Japan? Three of Its Four Jobs Are Already Done

Kyoto's two Marriott flagships have no club lounge at all. The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka inverts it. Where the category still pays in Japan, and where it does not.

Japan

Hoshinoya vs Ritz-Carlton Kyoto: A Boat Settles It

HOSHINOYA has no parking and no shuttle, and the boat to the property runs 14:30-17:45. At the floor the two cost within a few thousand yen of each other.

Two courses from a kaiseki dinner at a Kyoto ryokan, one a tray of small dishes with a maple leaf, the other a bowl of rice c

Japan

Is a Ryokan Worth It for One Night? Yes — and Here Is the Rule

One night is the ryokan's native unit, not a compromise. The variable that actually decides it is travel time, not the number of nights. From ¥14,080 for two.

Rusutsu

The Westin Rusutsu Resort Review: Marriott Bonvoy on the Snow

Westin Rusutsu Resort review: a rare Marriott Bonvoy ski-in/ski-out hotel in Japan. Rooms, renovation, onsen, dining and Bonvoy perks explained.

Guest room at The Westin Tokyo with classic European-style furnishings

Meguro

The Westin Tokyo Review: Ebisu Garden Place Stay

Westin Tokyo review: renovated rooms from ¥28,500, 22nd-floor club lounge, 7-min walk from Ebisu Station. Worth it? Here's who it suits.

Kiroro

Yu Kiroro Ski-In Ski-Out Review: Luxury Residences at Kiroro (2026–27 Season)

Yu Kiroro ski-in/ski-out review: apartment-style luxury on the Kiroro slopes, full kitchens, onsen, and ski valet. Who it suits and what it costs.

The coast and forested interior of Yakushima

Kagoshima

Sankara Hotel and Spa Yakushima Review: An Adults' Luxury Retreat

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima review: adults-only luxury resort with French dining at okas, cedar spa, and forest views. Worth it for couples who want quiet.

Beppu

ANA InterContinental Beppu Review: Is the Hilltop Resort Worth It?

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa review: infinity pool, HARNN Spa, two restaurants — is it worth the price? Yes, but only for 2 nights.

An open-air hot spring pool with steam rising off the water

Beppu

Luxury Onsen Resort Beppu: Best Hilltop & Ryokan Stays

The best luxury onsen resorts in Beppu: ANA InterContinental leads with an infinity pool, bay views, and French dining — and rewards a 2-night stay.