The 10 Most Photogenic Hotels in Japan With A Unique Design

Let’s face it; you can find a wide range of hotels and resorts in Japan. It all boils down to the location and accessibility, budget range, guest capacity, and other amenities you can enjoy. 

But, if you’re a design lover or fancies immersing yourself in unique architecture, the hotel’s overall design and interiors might also be factors you consider when looking for one in Japan. 

Luckily, this beautiful country has its own collection of stylish and sleek hotels and travel accommodations, and we will talk about them in this article. 

Make your accommodation part of your relaxing vacation in Japan, and check out our list of the most photogenic hotels in the land of the rising sun. 

1. Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto (Kyoto)

Let’s start the list with a grand and luxurious hotel in Kyoto. Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto has an all-star team of interior designers and architects who want to honor and treasure Kyoto’s extensive history. You’ll spot different artworks and sculptures by local artists, together with private onsens and a 14,000-square-foot Japanese garden. 

Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto features a nature-inspired design, with the famous André Fu designing the interiors. This hotel is the perfect example of a simple and minimalist yet elegant and stylish hotel. The rooms’ decor can definitely make you feel calm and relaxed. 

Besides the architecture, you can join in different cultural activities in this hotel, including a lantern-led art tour, a traditional tea ceremony, and a peaceful breathing session.

2. Park Hotel Tokyo (Tokyo)

Park Hotel Tokyo is a treat for art lovers with its immersive experience. It’s inside the Shiodome Media Tower and is a complete art gallery. You can notice that each guest room is a canvas featuring the artworks made by several local artists. 

Park Hotel Tokyo features high ceilings and oversized windows to indulge in panoramic views of the Tokyo Skyline. Don’t forget to visit The ART Lounge, an elegant bar with a ten-floor-high atrium and sky-like ceiling. Park Hotel Tokyo also has Hanasanshou, an exquisite restaurant that serves traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. Each dish is a burst of local flavors.

3. Zaborin (Hokkaido)

Zaborin is one of the most luxurious ryokans in Japan. With only 15 villas, it’s the perfect accommodation for escaping the bustling streets and simply relaxing and unwinding. 

Zaborin features a blend of modern and ancient designs with its architecture. It features wabi-sabi themes and sleek wooden tables filled with the local artists’ Japanese artwork. One of the highlights of this ryokan is the volcanic spring water filling up the onsen baths. Guests also have private outdoor baths in each room for a more peaceful onsen experience.

If you are into traditional ryokans, we recommend you to check out Ryokans of Japan. It’s a travel guide dedicated to ryokans where you will find a lot of great recommendations. Read for example this article on the 16 best luxury ryokans in Japan!

4. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (Gunma Prefecture)

Another onsen experience awaits at Houshi Onsen Chojukan in Gunma Prefecture. This ryokan’s architecture will make you feel like you are traveling back in time with the wooden decor. You’ll notice the public areas with a teak design, while all rooms are in Japanese style – featuring tatami mats, futon bedding, and seating cushions beside a small table. 

You can definitely feel the traditional Japanese hospitality with this ryokan. We love its excellent staff and the world-renowned cuisine served in its onsite restaurant. Plus, Houshi Onsen Chojukan has a scenic Japanese garden that is perfect for strolling around.

5. Asakusa Tobu Hotel (Tokyo)

Asakusa Tobu Hotel is close to the famous Sensoji Temple and is popular among travelers because of the Hello Kitty-themed rooms: Sakura Tennyo and Japanese-Modern. We included this because it’s perfect when traveling with your kids. 

The kids will love the cherry-blossom pink Sakura Tennyo room, with Hello Kitty figures wearing fairy outfits above the bed. On the other hand, the Hello Kitty rooms feature a more contemporary aesthetic, combining traditional Japanese and elegant Western styles. All furniture pieces are made from wood, and Asakusa Tobu Hotel’s overall decor is minimalist and stylish. 

6. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (Kyoto)

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is one of the best hotels for your Instagram feed. Fall in love with a blend of modern design and traditional aesthetics surrounding the interiors and the external architecture. 

We love Mizuki, the onsite Michelin-starred restaurant. You have to try its complete kaiseki meals, with each dish representing a different artwork. Beyond the delicious flavors, each dish is curated like a visual spectacle. 

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto also has an Instagrammable lush garden and a zen-like pool where you can take unique photos.

7. Roku (Kyoto)

Roku Kyoto is another hotel that blends contemporary luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality. It features a stylish yet minimalist design for a sophisticated experience. 

Roku has 114 guest rooms, all designed with Japanese accents like the tatami mats and the shoji doors. Each room also features beautiful city views, thanks to the balconies where you can lounge and admire the city. 

Besides the views, we also recommend the garden courtyard and the onsen hot spring. These are perfect spots if you only want to chill and relax with your partner. Roku is near Kyoto’s famous spots, including the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. 

8. Andaz (Tokyo)

Andaz Tokyo features a vibrant visual experience located in the Toranomon Hills building. With its elevated spot, you can catch breathtaking views of the Tokyo vistas, adding elegance to the minimalist Japanese aesthetics. 

A unique experience in Andaz is the AO Spa & Club, which combines relaxation and aesthetics. It features an overlooking pool that presents the Tokyo skyline. We also recommend trying The Tavern Grill and Lounge to try dishes from international cuisines. All the dishes are visually appealing and worthy of posting on your Instagram feed!

9. Ochiairou (Shizuoka)

Ochiairo is in the Izu mountains and offers a unique retreat about Japan’s history and culture. This ryokan is actually one of the oldest accommodations on our list, founded as early as 1874!

One interesting fact about Ochiairo is that it's registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. It boasts beautiful architecture and craftsmanship; rare woods like ebony and persimmon fill the main wing. On the other hand, the designers used Sukiya-style techniques to put up the sub-wing. Even the staircases, hallways, and guest rooms have intricate patterns that showcase precise artistry.

10. The Screen (Kyoto)

Finally, consider The Screen in Kyoto, a famous sophisticated boutique hotel. This accommodation only has 13 rooms, so it’s indeed an exclusive stay experience. Combining art and luxury, be ready to adore paintings and artistry curated by contemporary Japanese artists. Staying at The Screen feels like entering an art exhibit!

Don’t forget to try the hotel’s on-site restaurant, which combines the finest French and Kyoto flavors. Each dish looks boldly colorful, perfect for elevating your Instagram feed. Additionally, the hotel has a rooftop champagne bar, which is the ideal spot to appreciate beautiful cityscape views. 

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Hotels in Japan are undeniably a treat to any traveler’s eyes. With unique architecture, intricate patterns, and top-notch materials, your stay truly becomes an unforgettable one. 

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You will find a wide range of photoshoot experiences all over Japan, provided by talented and friendly photographers.

Check out what’s in store in these posts on the best photographers in Tokyo, the best photographers in Kyoto and the best photographers in Osaka.