11 best hotels in Tokyo

One of the world’s great cultural epicenters, the Japanese capital of Tokyo seamlessly blends traditional Japanese culture with cutting-edge modern influences.

Here, you can explore historic sites like the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple, or visit museums like the Tokyo National Museum and Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating history — all while sampling delicious street food and local cuisine from some of the nation’s best chefs. The city boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world; from sushi and ramen to tempura and wagyu beef, Tokyo is truly a paradise for foodies.

There’s also world-class shopping, nightlife and even a Disneyland. It’s no secret that Tokyo offers an abundance of unique experiences that travelers won’t find elsewhere. For instance, you can visit themed cafes (think cat, robot or maid cafes), indulge in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, witness sumo wrestling matches or attend a traditional Kabuki theater performance.

Related: The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles

Where to stay in Tokyo

Known for its neon-lit skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife, Shinjuku is a popular tourist choice. It boasts many accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district, are must-visit attractions in the area.

Shibuya is a trendy and youthful neighborhood, home to fashionable shops, hip cafes and some of Tokyo’s best nightlife. The area also offers easy access to popular destinations like Harajuku and Meiji Shrine.

Considered Tokyo’s most upscale shopping district, Ginza is renowned for its luxury boutiques, department stores and high-end restaurants. It is a great area for those seeking a sophisticated and glamorous experience.

Asakusa is known for its historic charm and provides a taste of traditional Tokyo. The neighborhood is famous for Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with souvenir shops and street food stalls, leads to the temple’s entrance.

Known for its vibrant nightlife and international atmosphere, Roppongi is a popular choice for those seeking entertainment and cultural experiences. The neighborhood has numerous art galleries, museums, trendy bars and clubs — and a great view of the Tokyo Tower.

With fewer skyscrapers and more green spaces, Ueno Park is a vast public park where visitors can explore museums like the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo. The neighborhood is also famous for Ameya-Yokocho, a bustling market street offering a variety of goods at reasonable prices.

Whether you are looking for an intimate bespoke property or a mega hotel with a dozen on-site dining options, these are the best hotels in Tokyo.

Related: The best times to visit Japan

Situated in the upscale Roppongi district, The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo provides easy access to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace. The nearby Roppongi Hills complex offers many shopping, dining and nightlife entertainment options.

Guest rooms start at a generous 560 square feet of space with 24-hour room service, nightly turndown service and Frette luxury toiletries. For something more opulent, the Ritz-Carlton Suite offers 3,300 square feet, including a spacious living area, a private bedroom with a king-size bed and a luxurious marble bathroom with a deep-soaking tub and separate rain shower. The suite also includes access to the Club Lounge and views of Tokyo Tower or Mount Fuji.

Guests can indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine at the intimate Hinokizaka, with just 40 seats and separate stations devoted to kaiseki, sushi, tempura and teppanyaki. They can also savor French fare at Azure 45 or enjoy afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge.

Rates at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo start at $1,022 or 110,000 Bonvoy points per night.

Opposite the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park in the Marunouchi district — and within a minute’s walk of the shopping capital of Ginza, known for that world-famous traffic crossing — this 24-story rose-tinted tower is inspired by a Japanese lantern.

The luxury experience begins when you leave the airport with a transfer in the hotel’s fleet of signature Brewster green Rolls-Royce cars. On arrival at the hotel, lobby staff dressed in pristine white uniforms lead guests under a giant Hanabi chandelier to the check-in desks.

Guest rooms feature two-way wardrobes that staff can access from the corridors outside the rooms. With the push of a button, staff will collect laundry from this wardrobe and return it cleaned and pressed just a few hours later like magic. Guests can also order Ippudo plant-based ramen in their rooms.

Mixologists at Peter’s Sky Bar whip up signature creations like an espresso martini with cinnamon-infused mezcal and the drop martini with Tachibana vermouth and Grey Goose Le Citron.

Rates at the Peninsula Tokyo start at $744 per night.

First opened in 2009, Japan’s first Shangri-La hotel offers 200 guest rooms and suites occupying 11 floors of the Marunouchi Trust Tower.

The Shangri-La Tokyo is in the prestigious Marunouchi district, a vibrant and upscale neighborhood in the heart of Tokyo, renowned for its blend of modernity and tradition. The neighborhood is characterized by sleek skyscrapers, wide boulevards and beautifully landscaped parks.

The hotel’s fully equipped Health Club offers personal trainers, a heated indoor pool and views across Tokyo.

Piacere serves Italian fine dining with opulent items like an a la carte caviar menu, foie gras terrine with vincotto flavored figs, and Hokkaido Murakami farm potato gnocchi and truffle. Or, try Piacere’s brunch, which offers dishes like eggs Benedict with marinated lobster and caviar; coconut-flavored tiramisu, mascarpone and white chocolate; or French toast with raspberry and whipped tonka bean milk cream.

Rates at the Shangri-La Tokyo start from $586 per night.

The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is nestled in the sophisticated and bustling Nihonbashi financial district. Steeped in history, this area dates back to the Edo period when it served as the starting point of five major highways leading to different regions of Japan. Today, it has transformed into a thriving commercial and cultural hub.

Rooms epitomize modern Japanese design and feature special touches like in-room bonsai trees with their own biographies. Bathrooms are stocked with Bottega Veneta toiletries, and all accommodations have windows with sweeping city views.

The Mandarin Oriental has one of the most impressive ranges of dining options of any Tokyo hotel, with an astonishing 12 restaurants on-site.

Sushi Shin by Miyakawa is the first Tokyo location of Hokkaido’s three Michelin-starred Sushi Miyakawa; it sources seafood daily from the nearby Toyosu fish market. Or, for something more casual, The Pizza Bar on 38th offers wood-fired pizzas made from Italian organic flour fermented for 48 hours to create the lightest digestive crust.

Take a break in the serene 37th-floor setting of the Sense Tea Corner, which specializes in the purity of fine tea.

Rates at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo start from $700 per night.

Spanning the top six floors of the 28-story Ometachi building, the world’s first “urban” Aman property is conveniently close to transport and tourist attractions. The minimalist lobby, designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill, features seasonal ikebana flower arrangements and meditative rock gardens with high paper walls and floor-to-ceiling windows.

All accommodations are suites at this 84-room property. As a modern take on a traditional Japanese residence, suites blend wood, washi paper and granite with of-the-moment technology. Even the smallest suites are a massive 829 square feet, with Mount Fuji visible in the distance on a clear day.

The 100-foot granite indoor pool is a haven of relaxation and tranquility with incredible views of downtown Tokyo. Don’t miss the traditional Japanese-style bathing facilities and steam rooms.

Rates at the Aman Tokyo start from $1,964 per night.

Nestled in the heart of the upscale Roppongi district, the hotel boasts a contemporary design that blends sophistication with a Japanese charm. The lobby welcomes guests with a grand entrance featuring high ceilings, sleek marble accents and abundant natural light.

The hotel’s 387 guest rooms incorporate subtle Japanese aesthetics with rich mahogany furnishings, natural fabrics and high ceilings. Furniture is provided by B&B Italia, and the Egyptian cotton linens are by Frette. Guests in Suites and Hyatt Globalists can enjoy private check-in and checkout service, a personalized concierge, complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails and canapes at the Grand Club Lounge.

On-site spa treatments include a Japanese hot stone massage, incorporating heated volcanic stones and rhythmic massage strokes to melt away tension and promote deep relaxation; a detoxifying body wrap to gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, followed by the application of a nutrient-rich body mask or wrap; or jet lag recovery treatment with targeted pressure points to relieve fatigue.

Rates at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start from $404 per night or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The nearby Toyosu fish market (formerly the Tsukiji Market) is worth waking up early for. View the world-famous tuna auctions at 5:30 a.m. and then pop into one of the many sushi bars surrounding the market for the freshest sushi you’ll likely find in Japan, washed down with a breakfast beer.

Conrad Tokyo guest rooms start from a generous 516 square feet and feature Sumi-e-style cherry blossom paintings in the headboards and flooring, complemented by traditional lantern-style lamps. Guests booked into Executive Rooms and Hilton Diamond members can enjoy exclusive access to the Executive Lounge.

On the 29th floor, the Mizuki Spa & Fitness is the largest hotel spa of its kind in Tokyo. It offers a traditional Hinoki bath experience with a foot ritual using bamboo sticks, a tea ceremony and a facial.

Rates at the Conrad Tokyo start at $358 or 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

In the Shinjuku district, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and bustling areas, Park Hyatt Tokyo occupies the top 14 floors of the 52-story Shinjuku Park Tower, offering panoramic views of the city and Mount Fuji on clear days. Inside, the property houses an impressive collection of contemporary artworks featuring pieces by renowned artists from Japan and worldwide.

The hotel gained global recognition through its appearance in the critically acclaimed movie “Lost in Translation” directed by Sofia Coppola. Pritzker Prize-winning architect Dr. Kenzo Tange designed it as a private urban residence. It features 177 rooms with 23 suites, all with walk-in closets, Nespresso coffee machines and sumptuous king-size beds with Egyptian cotton linens.

The hotel is home to various dining venues catering to diverse tastes. Guests can indulge in refined French cuisine at the award-winning New York Grill, savor authentic Japanese flavors at Kozue, or enjoy a casual meal at The Peak Lounge & Bar while enjoying the Instagrammable views.

The Park Hyatt will close for renovations starting May 7, 2024, with an expected completion date in the second quarter of 2025.

Rates at the Park Hyatt Tokyo start at $757 per night.

A short walk from Tokyo’s main rail station and in the center of the city’s most important business district, the Four Seasons has 11 different room categories. Options range from 656-square-foot suites to the opulent, more than 3,000-square-foot Imperial Suite, which boasts an eight-person dinner table, a private study and a treatment room on the 38th floor with jaw-dropping views of Tokyo.

Guests can partake in a wide range of traditional Japanese customs, including suibokuga (ink wash painting), dining in the dark, private shrine tours, sake tasting and even a tour of a sumo-beya where professional sumo wrestlers train and live.

The hotel offers numerous dining options, including Italian food with open show kitchens at Pigneto; contemporary French-Japanese cuisine by acclaimed chef Guillaume Bracaval at the Michelin-starred Est; or Virtu cocktail bar, where guests can blend vintage French spirits and rare cognacs (the restaurant’s signature martini features Geisha-infused Kinobi gin, shiro mistu sugar syrup and espresso coffee).

Rates at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi start at $642 per night.

The Andaz Tokyo offers incredible city skyline views, including iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. The 164 rooms are spacious by Tokyo standards, starting from 500 square feet; they are thoughtfully designed with Japanese traditions, and each room features a circular soaking bathtub and complimentary minibar.

The hotel boasts a range of dining options, including the Tavern-Grill & Lounge with grilled specialties like Hokkaido beef chateaubriand with bearnaise sauce, Australian lamb chops with smoky eggplant mash and a deboned lemon-marinated Shingen chicken. BeBu, the 52nd-floor rooftop bar, provides a stunning outdoor setting to enjoy craft cocktails while taking in the cityscape. Guests can also savor authentic Japanese cuisine at the Andaz Tavern or indulge in afternoon tea at the Andaz Lounge.

The hotel features a fully equipped fitness center to help guests maintain their exercise routines. The on-site AO Spa & Club offers a range of treatments, including traditional Japanese therapies; guests have the opportunity to create a custom-made foot scrub from a selection of seasonal fruit, herbs and spices.

Rates at the Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills start at $605 or 25,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Related: The most amazing Andaz hotels in the world

The Tokyo Edition is an extraordinary hotel that combines contemporary luxury with a youthful yet understated style from renowned hotelier Ian Schrager. Conveniently situated near the subway stations of Kamiyacho, Roppongi-Itchome and Toranomon, the property has 206 guest rooms, including 22 suites with iconic views of the Tokyo skyline.

The hotel’s dining options are equally impressive, catering to various tastes and preferences. The signature seafood restaurant, Blue by Alain Ducasse, offers a culinary journey of French cuisine with a contemporary twist; it features dishes like Hokkaido sea scallops with musk melon, Norwegian langoustines with Champagne sauce or a traditional Provencal bouillabaisse fish stew. The Oak Room provides a lively and inviting atmosphere for all-day dining, while the Punch Room offers a cozy space to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails.

The custom-designed spa has a well-equipped fitness center and a dramatic indoor pool; it offers healing treatments using organic Japanese products from Absolution and Bioprogramming.

Rates at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon, start at $596 or 80,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Best credit cards for booking hotels in Tokyo

There are over a dozen excellent travel rewards credit cards for hotel stays. The right one(s) for you will depend on if you’re loyal to a particular program or chain, whether you want premium perks, and if you value benefits like annual free nights, automatic elite status and lucrative earning rates.

Here are three great credit cards to use for booking stays across various hotel chains and independent properties while still enjoying money-saving features and high-end benefits, though.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Earning rates: This card earns 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year). Plus, you’ll earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. Remember, Amex points transfer to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Choice Privileges at a 1:1 rate, and there are sometimes transfer bonuses.

Benefits: This card is absolutely packed with perks, but among the travel-related ones you’ll want to maximize, including some hotel-specific benefits are:

*Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Amex Platinum card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Earning rates: Earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases

Benefits: Cardholders earn $300 back in statement credits annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel. Plus 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, starting on your first anniversary (worth $100 toward travel). Through the Capital One Premier Collection, cardmembers can enjoy free breakfast, on-property credits and room upgrades (if available) on stays at participating properties booked through Capital One Travel. They also receive up to $100 in statement credits for either TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees).

Read our review of the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Earning rates: This card accrues 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase travel portal, on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases of $150 or more (through March 2025, with a limit of 25,000 bonus points). It also racks up 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery store purchases (excludes Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal; and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Benefits: Cardholders receive a $50 statement credit on hotel stays purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal upon opening the card and each following cardmember anniversary. They also receive a 10% bonus based on their total spending during the account anniversary year at a rate of 1 point for each $10 spent. This card also has some of the best travel protections in the industry, including trip cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance and primary rental car coverage among other policies.

Annual fee: $95.

Read our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

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For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.