The coolest new hotels in Japan to bookmark for your next trip

There’s just something about Japan that keeps us going back. Whether it’s for sakura season, snow-covered ski trips, or a summer food crawl through Tokyo, we, as Singaporeans, have a soft spot for the Land of the Rising Sun. In fact, we’ll happily find any excuse to book a flight there for a quick getaway. However, one of the trickiest parts of planning a trip is choosing where to stay—especially with so many accommodation options available.

More recently, the country’s hotel scene has been especially exciting. We’ve noticed a wave of new openings from sleek boutique stays in the heart of the city to peaceful hideaways. Whether you’re returning to your favourite spots or exploring a new prefecture altogether, here are the coolest new hotels in Japan to bookmark for your next adventure.

Janu Tokyo 

Launched in March 2024, Janu Tokyo is the first outpost of Aman’s vibrant sister brand. Located in the buzzy new Azabudai Hills district, this luxury hotel blends sleek, Japanese-meets-European interiors with a dynamic, social vibe. And don’t let the size of the building fool you. Within the hotel, you’ll be surprised to find not one but eight distinct dining spots, large spacious rooms (bigger than the regular ones in Tokyo) with beautiful panoramic views of the city skyline, and not to mention a massive 43,000 sq. ft. wellness space that includes a 25m pool and gym. Speaking of wellness spaces, they also have five movement studios designed for group workouts, from spin and boxing to a golf simulator as well as dedicated spaces for yoga, Pilates, and meditation. The spa facilities at the hotel are also top notch and they include face and body treatments.

If you’re staying here, you’ll be glad to know that the space is conveniently located near the train station and it’s a stone’s throw away from the iconic teamLab Borderless: MORI Building Digital Art Museum.

Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda

A rare gem in Osaka, this design-forward hotel offers convenience at your doorstep without the usual compact room trade-off. It’s located a few steps from Osaka Station and nestled within the new Grand Green Osaka development. Here, you can easily access the metro station that’s located across the hotel, so you can easily explore the city and it’s also right beside the airport transfer station so you can go to and from the airport with ease. As for the rooms, they’re incredibly spacious and offer panoramic views of the city thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows, and comes with thoughtful local touches and comfy beds. They also have their own restaurant called CC: Carbon Copy, as well as a coffee bar that uses precision pour-over tech on the ground floor. 

Hotel Toranomon Hills 

If you’re after a hotel that’s equal parts stylish and stress-free, this one’s a winner. Perched right above Toranomon Hills station, this property is all about calm, quiet luxury in the heart of Tokyo. The rooms boast warm and minimal Scandinavian-Japanese touches—and we highly recommend that you book one that’s overlooking the Tokyo Tower. The F&B is next-level too, thanks to Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman’s Le Pristine, located on the ground floor, which is where you’ll be having your breakfast daily–a culinary dream come true. Add in a 24/7 guest lounge, nap rooms, and an unbeatable location near Ginza, Azabudai Hills and the Imperial Palace, and you’ve got yourself the kind of hotel you’ll wish you booked for longer.

 Waldorf Astoria Osaka 

Waldorf Astoria Osaka has officially opened its doors in Japan. Perched on the upper floors of the South Park Tower in the buzzy Umekita district, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is where classic charm meets modern-day flair. The 252-room hotel offers cinematic views of the city skyline, impeccable service, which also includes your own personal concierge, and thoughtful touches like an indoor spa pool and curated wellness experiences. Where F&B is concerned, guests can expect options such as enjoying mouthwatering sushi dishes at Tsukimi, or indulging in elegant bites at Peacock Alley. To top it all off, the hotel is located steps away from JR Osaka Station, which makes it convenient if you’re looking to explore Kyoto, Nara, and beyond.

GRAND GREEN OSAKA South Building, 5-54 Ofuka-cho,Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan

Fairmont Tokyo

Set to open this July, Fairmont Tokyo brings timeless elegance to the waterfront district of Shibaura. The hotel occupies the south tower of the sleek Blue Front development and offers 217 rooms and suites with sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline. Conveniently located just 13 minutes from Haneda Airport and near major transport hubs, it’s perfect for jet-setters and city explorers alike. Some of the facilities that you can look forward to include an indoor infinity pool, a tranquil spa, and five dining concepts that balance global flair with local flavour. 

1 Chome-1-1 Shibaura, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0023, Japan