Ichi, Ni, San, Sleep: 3 Unique Hotels In Japan

Ask just about anyone what’s on their travel bucket list, and Japan will almost always factor in right at the top. And for good reason: this island country is famous for its incredible food, its polite and structured society and, of course, its top-level design. In Japan, everything has a place and a purpose, and it makes everything feel soothingly organized. When it comes to hotels, the country has no shortage of amazing places to stay. Here are three to consider, in three different cities, boasting three charmingly different experiences. —Sara Harowitz

Fufu Hakone

Tucked up and away in the mountains about an hour outside of Tokyo, Fufu Hakone is a contemporary luxury hotel created in the style of a traditional Japanese inn, called a ryokan. Getting here is half the fun and includes a train ride that slowly creeps up the mountain via a series of careful switchbacks. The hotel itself oozes calm right from the check-in experience, which is conducted in the lounge, with large windows overlooking the towering mountain peaks and whispering trees. In the room, traditional Japanese sandals are waiting by the door for guests to slip into. Each suite comes with its own private onsen, which is a bath filled with natural hot spring water from the area; it’s easy to spend an afternoon here, rotating between the moisturizing onsen and the private balcony equipped with lounge chairs and a hammock. The hotel also has a public onsen, which is filled with water from a different hot spring known for its exfoliating properties. (It should be noted that onsens are separated by gender and are meant to be enjoyed in the nude; tattoos are not permitted, so guests should cover them up with stickers before entering.) And then there is the onsite restaurant, which serves traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner in a gorgeous setting with views of the surrounding nature. Dinner might include such delights as homemade buckwheat soba noodles, grilled golden sea bream and new-season bonito with sesame and vinegar sauce, all presented artfully—almost too beautiful to eat, but of course, not quite. The hotel also provides traditional linen outfits, which can be worn around the property: to the onsen, to dinner, to grab a drink in the bar. Fufu Hakone is a true escape, in every sense.

Soki Kanazawa

For a more modest luxury experience, Soki Kanazawa is a contemporary boutique hotel located in the heart of Kanazawa. This city might not be as well-known as Tokyo or Osaka, but it deserves a place on every visitor’s list. Known as Little Kyoto thanks to its historic geisha district and famous for its gold leaf (it produces approximately 99 per cent of the gold leaf for all of Japan), Kanazawa is a smaller city that’s  easy to navigate—and Soki Kanazawa acts as a great home base. Found across the street from Omicho Market (one of the best places in the city to find fresh seafood, be it grilled octopus or salmon sushi), Soki Kanazawa is minimalist Japanese design at its best. Soft grey tones give the lobby a modern feel, with artful objects placed just so in the hallways and a station for making take-home satchels of aromatic wood shavings. The hotel has an onsite onsen that’s only open to guests, and it features an array of beautiful-smelling products that can be used before and after the baths. The rooms themselves are tastefully pared-back, with light woods giving way to a raised platform featuring a glorious king bed. Just be sure to check the size of the room before booking, as some of them can be quite small (this is Japan, after all).  

Tones Osaka

Opened in February, Tones Osaka is a perfect amalgamation of Japanese hospitality and design. Staff are some of the friendliest (one of the bartenders gave this author a restaurant suggestion for tonkatsu that became a trip highlight), and the design is a mix of moody dark greys, subtle backlit corners  and refined modern touches. In-room amenities are aplenty, and they are all made in Japan, making them lovely souvenirs (particularly the hairbrushes). The hotel’s location near Osaka Station makes it a great jumping-off point for getting around the city, as well as considering day trips to nearby places such as Kyoto or Nara. Tones Osaka is a true oasis, offering moments of calm amidst Japan’s second-largest city. Make sure to grab some of the country’s iconic souffle pancakes at 512 Cafe and a bespoke cocktail at Hollow Bar, and then retreat to Tones Osaka for a deep, well-earned sleep.