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Nowadays, decisions in
choosing hotels are not so black and white. Whereas before it was just
all about budgets and proximity to the business and tourist areas, now,
hotels recognize that amenities and features tailored to suit the tastes
of their potential clients can be a pretty good draw to draw the tourist
trade their way.
Japan, one of the top countries in Asia, which has steadily won
popularity among the tourist and business industries recognizes the
various tastes of their clientele. Here is a rundown of the best hotels
available to suit whatever your fancy, interest, or priorities may be on
deciding where you will be spending your stay in Japan.
By Budget
 1.
Best Hotel if Money is No Object: Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku,
The Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo is among the most gorgeous and
sophisticated hotels in Japan. Beautifully appointed with rooms,
stunning views, and the cuisine of one of Tokyo's best restaurants to
satisfy your palates.
 2.
Best Moderately Priced Hotel: Hotel Century Southern Tower
2-2-1 Yoyogi, Shinjuku
Occupying the top floors of a Shinjuku skyscraper just a couple minutes'
walk from Shinjuku Station, this hotel offers great views, a convenient
location, and comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.
3. Best Budget Accommodations: Ryokan Sawanoya
2-3-11 Yanaka, Ueno
 It
may not be very impressive in appearance but the comfortable atmosphere
and clean facilities of this traditional Japanese guesthouse may be had
at a very cheap price as compared to its more modern counterparts. The
guesthouse is nestled in a delightful neighborhood of traditional shops
and old wooden houses. The English-speaking owner goes out of his way to
make his guests’ stay as comfortable and as “near to home as possible.”
Tea, coffee and laundry detergent are usually complimentary. There are
also weekly lion dances performed by his son for their guests’
entertainment.
By Theme/ Style/ Purpose
1. Best Historic Hotel: The Hilltop Hotel
1-1 Surugadai, Kanda
Established in 1937, the Hilltop Hotel features an Art Deco facade and
was once a favorite haunt of writers and intellectuals. It's changed
little over the decades. Endearing touches include fringed lampshades,
doilies, cherry wood furniture, velvet curtains, old-fashioned heaters,
and washlet toilets (combination toilets and spray bidets).
2. Best Historic
Japanese-Style Inn: Homeikan
5-10-5 Hongo
 The
Homeikan is made up of three historic buildings, one with a Japanese
garden, and very nice tatami (straw mats) rooms. A great choice for
those who don't mind roughing it a bit, this is traditional Japanese
living at inexpensive rates. Beds are usually thick futons spread on the
straw mat floor. Restrooms are communal.
3. Best Modern Japanese-Style Inn: Ryokan Shigetsu
1-31-11 Asakusa
 Located
just a stone's throw from famous Sensoji Temple, Ryokan Shigetsu, The
Ryokan is a modern, moderately priced Japanese-style inn that combines
the best of the old and the new with simple yet elegant interiors that
use natural woods and traditional artwork throughout. You can always opt
to stay in their western-style rooms if you feel uncomfortable sleeping
on a futon.
4. Best for Business Travelers: Imperial Hotel
1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho
Located across Hibiya Park, its central location close to the Ginza and
financial districts make it ideal for business travelers. Guests may
expect to enjoy the excellent service of the hotel staff, the hotel’s 17
restaurants and bars, 24-hour room service, and an extensively equipped
business center. The comfortable rooms come complete with three phones,
a fax machine, free high-speed Internet, and a safe large enough for a
briefcase.
5. Best for a Romantic Getaway: Fujiya Hotel
Hakone Area
Established in 1878, it is one of Japan's finest, most majestic hotels,
boasting great views, Japanese- and Western-style architecture, a
wonderful 1930s dining hall, and a large landscaped garden perfect for
moonlit walks. A charming incentive for couples who wish to get away
from the troubles of everyday life.
 6.
Best Location: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo 1-11-1 Marunouchi
Its location next to the Tokyo Station, provides easy access to Narita
International Airport, the Shinkansen bullet train, and local commuter
and subway lines, and is also within easy walking distance of financial
districts and the Ginza. Yet with only 57 rooms, it cocoons guests from
the mad swirl of central Tokyo with the best money can buy.
 7.
Best Trendy Hotel: Hotel Sofitel
2-1-48 Ikenohata, Ueno
Tokyo's most uniquely shaped hotel -- five trapezoids stacked on top of
each other – it is considered to be one of Tokyo's best-kept secrets. A
sophisticated boutique hotel with only four rooms on each floor, it
offers great views of Shinobazu Pond and a the cuisine of a fine French
restaurant.
 8.
Best for Families Traveling with Children: National Children's
Castle Hotel 5-53-1 Jingumae, Aoyama
Located in the same complex as Tokyo's best and most sophisticated
indoor/outdoor playground, children will not find themselves wanting of
any entertainment to while away the hours. The hotel even offers some
Japanese-style rooms where families can experience traditional Japanese
tatami living.
Specific Features
1. Best Health Club: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan-So
2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Chinzan-So
 Its
health spa is a hands-down top draw of this hotel. Boasting a gorgeous
glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool with a retractable ceiling, sunning
terrace, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, sauna, steam room, 24-hour fitness
gym with personal-size TVs are just a few amenities the Spa’s guests can
expect to enjoy. The Hotel also offers complimentary continental
breakfasts, and hot-spring baths with thermal water shipped in from Izu
Peninsula -- all absolutely free for hotel guests, a rarity in Japan.
2. Best Hotel Pool for Serious Workouts: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Shinjuku
The Hotel offers free entry for its guests to its dramatic, sunlit,
20-meter (66-ft.) indoor pool, on the 47th floor with great views over
Tokyo…A definite attraction for those who are used to swimming when
they’re at home.
3. Best Views: Park Hyatt Hotel in Tokyo and the Hotel
Inter-Continental Tokyo Bay
If it's winter, when Mount Fuji is most likely to be visible, the Park
Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku affords great views of Japan's tallest mountain.
Otherwise, the views from the Hotel Inter-Continental Tokyo Bay, which
is located right on the waterfront with great views of Tokyo Bay and the
chameleon Rainbow Bridge which can be seen even from the bathrooms is a
definite “must-see.”
4. Best Hotel Garden: Hotel New Otani
4-1 Kioi-cho, Akasaka
A beautiful 400-year-old Japanese garden that once belonged to a feudal
lord continually invites guests to wander its sprawling land of 4
hectares containing ponds, waterfalls, bridges, bamboo groves, and
manicured bushes.
5. Best Hotel Restaurant: New York Grill in the Park Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo's dining hot spot, boasting great food, excellent service,
knockout views, live jazz, and tables booked weeks in advance.
6. Best for Internet Buffs: Royal Park Hotel
2-1-1 Nihombashi-Kakigara-cho
The hotel offers a sophisticated TV center that provides high-speed
Internet access, computer games, and e-mail capability in all its rooms.
A Little on the Quirky Side
1. Best Hotel for Spotting VIPs: Hotel Okura
2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku
Located across from the American Embassy, this Hotel has seen and served
various visiting U.S. dignitaries and a wide range of celebrities,
including the Rolling Stones, the late Vladimir Horowitz, Yo-Yo Ma,
Henry Kissinger, and David Bowie.
2. Best Lobby for Pretending You're Rich: Westin Tokyo
1-4-1 Mita, Ebisu
Tons of marble, neoclassical columns, statuary, huge floral
arrangements, palm trees, and attentive doormen, the Westin Tokyo, is a
favorite among wealthy Japanese. Pretend you’re one of them by ordering
a cup of coffee and hanging out at the lobby coffee shop to while away
the lazy afternoon.
3. Best Hotel for Pretending You're Not in Tokyo: Hotel Nikko
Tokyo
1-9-1 Daiba, Odaiba
Located on the man-made island of Odaiba, the Hotel has a resort like
atmosphere and is surrounded by parks and gardens. It is also just a
short walk away from a sandy swimming beach. The only reminder of your
true location will be the oriental features of the English-speaking
hotel staff and a view of the city skyline at the edge of Tokyo Bay from
your window.
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