An expert analysis based on customer reviews and expert knowledge of Tokyo
The Trunk Hotel in Yoyogi Park
Introduction
We've analyzed thousands of customer reviews to determine a list of the absolute best boutique hotels in Tokyo. Most people are familiar with all the common luxury hotel brands, but boutique luxury hotels are becoming increasingly popular as people seek out a more unique experience with their accommodation. This increasing demand has led to a number of brand-new boutique hotels, with some of the major brands also getting on board.
But they come with a high price tag, so how do you know if it's going to be worth the money? That's where we come in, by analyzing thousands of customer reviews on Google and Booking.com, we've come up with this selection of the best luxury boutique hotels in Tokyo.
The only filters we've personally applied are:
- a minimum average review score of 9/10 on Booking.com
- a minimum price point of $400 per night
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including the:
Description
Highlights
Location
Price Range
Review Score
Review Example
What's special about boutique hotels?
A Unique and Personalized Guest Experience
Boutique hotels offer a highly personalized experience with fewer rooms, allowing for attentive, tailor-made, and often friendlier service.
Distinctive Architecture and Design
Boutique hotels have a strong focus on artistic design, often showcasing unique architectural styles. This creates a more memorable atmosphere.
Art and Culture Emphasis
Many boutique hotels in Tokyo incorporate work from local artists, which adds personality and a sense of rarity.
Exclusive Local Amenities
You'll find an interesting range of locally sourced amenities, offering a different style of luxury and a deeper connection with the culture.
Creative On-Site Restaurants
Boutique hotels often feature a creative blend of authentic Japanese cuisine with modern elements and flavours, with all the convenience of in-room service options for relaxing after a day of exploring Tokyo.
The 9 Best Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
(Sorted by review rating)
1. The Okura Hotel Tokyo
The Okura Tokyo is a modern luxury hotel in the high-rise Prestige Tower. The Starlight Lounge on the top floor offers stunning Tokyo views and unique cocktails. It includes a 100-year-old museum with free access for hotel guests. On top of the consistently glowing reviews, it also has an interesting history and was the hotel chosen by James Bond in the novel You Only Live Twice.
• Highlights:
─ Seven dining options, including Sazanka with live-action cooking and city views.
─ Amazing location, within a 5 minute walk from 3 metro train stations.
─ The Annayake Spa offers French-inspired anti-ageing treatments.
• Price Range: $1000 - $2000 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (1200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This hotel is exquisite. We stayed in a junior suite in the heritage section. The room was beautiful, there was a steam room that functioned well, large bed, beautiful views, extremely comfortable to spend the day in. The spa and gym were very good. Well equipped gym, very good steam and sauna, large pool and great shiatsu massage. The staff were helpful, housekeeping excellent, delicious chocolates at bedtime, free mini bar and it goes on."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2. The Trunk Hotel in Yoyogi Park
The Trunk Hotel in Yoyogi Park is the latest in the Trunk trilogy of boutique hotels, offering a natural urban recharge with a playful Tokyo style. As the name suggests, the hotel overlooks the beautiful Yoyogi Park, it blends minimalism with a green oasis, and features an incredible infinity pool. Each room, with Japanese-Scandinavian design, opens to plant-filled balconies. The hotel also has convenient proximity to Shibuya and Harajuku.
• Highlights:
─ An incredible infinity pool overlooking Yoyogi Park
─ Every room includes plant-filled balconies and peaceful wooden decor
─ Woodfire pizza and modern Italian cuisine are offered at their fine Italian restaurant
• Price Range: $500 - $1200 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (200+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Extremely well furnished and well built hotel with perfect finishings and consumables to match. Loved the snacks and minibar selection. Loved the breakfast options. The neighbourhood is so charming, the view is great, the jacuzzi is incredible. Running in Yoyogi park in the mornings and then enjoying the view from the amazing rooftop pool is a must-do."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3. The Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Hotel Gajoen is often described as a "museum hotel" due to its illustrious decor and design, which give the impression of priceless value. The location is peaceful yet close to Tokyo's vibrant areas, featuring a library and the Hyakudan Kaidan Museum with beautifully designed tatami rooms. All rooms in this hotel are spacious suites with private saunas and whirlpool baths.
• Highlights:
─ 5 restaurants serving Chinese, French, Japanese, Italian, and American cuisine
─ An all-suite property, each room featuring a private steam sauna and whirlpool bath
─ Access to the Ouka executive lounge for boutique coffee, creative cocktails, and weekend tea ceremonies
• Price Range: $650 - $1200 per night
• Review Score: 9.5 ★ (400+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is an exceptional property. The entry is spectacular with water features, Japanese art and furniture decorating the way. Our large (80 sq m) Japanese style room was beautifully equipped in every respect. There are an array of excellent restaurants which we frequently enjoyed. Excellent value for money with impeccable service. The hotel is located in a quiet area of Tokyo, a 5 minute walk from Meguro station. Hospitality at the hotel is extraordinary. We will stay again as soon as the opportunity arises."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4. The Palace Hotel Tokyo
Overlooking the Imperial Palace, the Palace Hotel is an impressive property with opulent accommodation and modern art installations. The views here strike the perfect combination of gorgeous maple trees, the palace, and the Tokyo skyline. The hotel features Japan's first Evian Spa with luxurious amenities and historical touches such as a white grand piano and aji stone walls. We recommend the south-facing rooms for the best views.
• Highlights:
─ An Evian Spa with reclining baths, plunge pools, and a cedar-scented marble sauna.
─ Incredible teas, unique drinks, and an amazing ambience available in 4 Bars & Lounges
─ Many reviews rave about the spacious rooms, especially the incredible views, the plush bedding, and modern amenities. Some rooms even include private balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace and city skyline.
• Price Range: $2000 - $6000 per night
• Review Score: 9.4 ★ (300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Truly amazing. The Palace is one of the very few 5 star hotels in Tokyo that features balconies. The spa was incerdible. There are also a few really good restaurants - a variety of Japanese foods such as Tempura, Teppanyaki, Kaiseki and Sushi are available. There is also a French and a Chinese restaurant which offer good views and great food. One of the best hotels in Japan.
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5. The Bellustar Tokyo
The Bellustar Hotel in Tokyo is a famous 5-star hotel located in the heart of Shinjuku. The reviews constantly praise the hotel for its stunning views, modern rooms, exceptional service, delicious breakfast, and convenient location. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with high-tech amenities, and breath-taking floor-to-ceiling windows. Its design is thanks to award-winning Norm Architects and interior designer Keiji Ashizawa. Situated in Shinjuku, the hotel is very close to everything, including trains, restaurants, shops, and the famous Tokyo nightlife.
• Highlights:
─ Located in Tokyo Kabukicho Tower, Japan’s largest entertainment complex tower
─ An atmospheric rooftop bar offering incredible drinks with incredible views
─ Prime location in the heart of Tokyo's entertainment district, Shinjuku
• Price Range: $700 - $1600 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (100+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"This is an amazing hotel which has been designed with the discerning traveller in mind. The attention to detail is unbelievable, sliding doors in the suite offer you a more spacious feeling, or more privacy if you want to bathe quietly. We had breathtaking views across central Tokyo, one of the bedrooms had Mt. Fuji in the background. The panoramic view from the lounge area was simply amazing. The facilities in room are world-class: immaculate cleanliness throughout, private bathrooms, the master with a large bath. The restaurant offered a fantastic buffet breakfast with salads, home-made pastries and eggs any style."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
6. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is famous for its art installations and large ikebana, which is an artistic form of Japanese flower arrangements. With a prime location directly above a subway station, the Capitol Hotel Tokyu embraces the theme of water as a symbol of growth, along with fountains, spring water, and aquatic-themed carpets. The rooms blend modern luxury with traditional Japanese design, offering panoramic views and opulent bathrooms featuring bamboo amenities.
• Highlights:
─ Two-floor fitness centre with a pool overlooking the Imperial Palace
─ Six impressive dining options and the Capitol Bar with an extensive whiskey selection
─ Direct access to the train station, allowing easy travel around Tokyo
• Price Range: $700 - $1100 per night
• Review Score: 9.2 ★ (300+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Best hotel stay we have ever experienced. The staff were super friendly, helpful, and professional. The hotel was beautiful and wonderful. The beds were comfortable. We loved that the subway station was just underneath the hotel. The location was great. Everything was excellent and amazing. 10/10 we would absolutely stay here again. True Japanese hospitality at its finest."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
7. The Peninsula Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo, a luxurious haven with a spa, fitness club, and pool overlooking the Imperial Palace Gardens. The customer reviews praise the elegant and spacious rooms, impeccable service, diverse dining options, and classy amenities, all combining to offer a truly unforgettable experience. The rooms feature Japanese aesthetics, Imperial Palace views, and marble bathrooms with deep-soaking spa tubs.
• Highlights:
─ The spa, fitness club, and swimming pool all have views of the Imperial Palace
─ Custom airport limousine transfers and impeccable service
─ Guests rave about the diverse dining options and their signature restaurant Peter & Peony
• Price Range: $900 - $2500 per night
• Review Score: 9.2 ★ (400+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Our room was magnificent, the view breathtaking & the amenities first class. The spa retreat, indoor pool & gym are divine. The restaurants are amongst Tokyo’s best & the staff in every single department are amazing. Every detail has been covered. I particularly love the private entrance from the subway. You gave us a luxurious space to revive our weary bodies & regroup for the next journey, exceeding our expectations at every opportunity. we look forward to returning soon.
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
8. The Tokyo EDITION Ginza
The brand-new Tokyo EDITION Ginza Hotel aims to be the epitome of modern Japanese luxury. Created by Ian Schrager, co-founder of the iconic Studio 54, and renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this collaboration seamlessly blends avant-garde design with traditional Japanese style. Located in the heart of Ginza, the hotel offers a unique experience with innovative dining concepts and a rooftop oasis with a nature-themed wine bar. The captivating design features, iconic art spaces, and stylish minimalism guarantee that this hotel will redefine your perception of luxury boutique accommodation.
• Highlights:
─ A rooftop oasis with vertical fern gardens and a nature-themed wine bar
─ Prime location in the heart of Tokyo's entertainment district, Shinjuku
─ A casual yet highly professional attitude with a global feel, ensuring a sociable atmosphere and English proficiency
• Price Range: $900 - $2500 per night
• Review Score: 9.3 ★ (40+ reviews)
• Review Quote:
"Our room was magnificent, the view breathtaking & the amenities first class. The spa retreat, indoor pool & gym are divine. The restaurants are amongst Tokyo’s best & the staff in every single department are amazing. Every detail has been covered. I particularly love the private entrance from the subway. You gave us a luxurious space to revive our weary bodies & regroup for the next journey, exceeding our expectations at every opportunity. we look forward to returning soon.
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
9. The BULGARI Hotel Tokyo
The brand new Bulgari Hotel is a fusion of contemporary Italian design and Japanese craftsmanship, The Bulgari brand aims to infuse the glamourous side of Rome with the unique style of Toyko creating a captivating ambience. From Venetian glass lights to Carrara marble tables, the hotel invokes a strong sense of elegance and sophistication. The spa, Michelin-starred restaurants, and impeccable service merges Italian luxury with Japanese hospitality.
• Highlights:
─ Indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine at Il Ristorante and craft sweets at Bulgari Dolci
─ Fusion of Italian design, Japanese craftsmanship, and Bulgari heritage
─ Amazing location with Tokyo Station on your doorstep
• Price Range: $1600 - $5000 per night
• Review Score: *Brand New Hotel
8.8 ★ (50+ reviews on Booking.com)
4.3 ★ (240+ reviews on Google)
• Review Quote:
"Such a beautiful brand new hotel in Tokyo. The rooms, the lobby and spa are absolutely incredible! A real James Bond experience on the 40th floor of a skyscrapper. The staff and service is immaculate, highest level of care at all times. The hotel also has an excellent Italian restaurant that I got a chance to enjoy. The spa consists of a stunning 25 meter pool with a panoramic view of Tokyo, plus an incredible gym. And finally, the bar on the top floor was really buzzing and fun on a Saturday evening, full of life and great atmosphere! I am definitely coming back here."
Rooms can sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Summary
So that's it, the best boutique hotels in Tokyo based on Google reviews. Personally, I've recently become interested in the health benefits of sauna, so the Hotel Gajoen is at the top of my list as they include personal saunas in every room. Next up, after reading through all of the reviews, would be the Palace Hotel for its incredible spa, peaceful views of the Imperial Palace, and full-service attention to detail.
