Best Places to Visit in Japan this Autumn
Autumn in Japan is by far my favourite time to travel, with the summer temperatures finally cooling down, and the landscapes across the country being completely transformed.
7 Design Hotels for Your Next Trip to Kyoto
From luxury ryokans to modern architecture showcases, here are six of my favourite design-focused hotels across Japan’s ever-evolving ancient capital.
Hoshinoya Taketomi Island: A Timeless Subtropical Escape
Nowhere is the timelessness of Ryukyu culture more beautifully preserved than the hidden village of Hoshinoya Taketomi Island.
Hoshinoya Fuji: Glamping with a Luxury Twist
A private cabin, toasted marshmallows, and breakfast at the foot of Mt Fuji, Hoshinoya Fuji is Japan’s first-ever glamping resort.
In With the Old: A Stay at Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto
The third property by Maana Homes, Maana Kiyomizu is designed by local architects Shigenori Uoya and Takeshi Ikei, with each of three guest suites created as intimate spaces to enhance the senses.
Nature Through a Luxury Lens: The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Inspired by Japanese minimalism, the concept of The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is based around ‘celebrating nature through a luxury lens’.
Aman Tokyo: The Gateway to Urban Discovery
Created to ‘temper urban dynamism with a profound atmosphere of serenity’, each curated space at Aman Tokyo is inspired by timeless Japanese design traditions.
A Living Room for the City: Shiroiya Hotel
Once a centre for the Japanese silk trade, the small city of Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture might not be as famous as some of its neighbours, but that is all set to change.
Hoshinoya Kyoto: The Ultimate Japan Experience
If you are looking to experience Japanese culture and design at the highest level your first port of call is likely to be Kyoto.
Ace Hotel Kyoto: A Bold New Direction for an Ever-Evolving City
The first Asian opening from America’s much-loved Ace brand. LA-based Commune Design and Japan’s prolific Kengo Kuma have designed the hotel in the former 1920s Kyoto Telephone Company Office.
Where Ancient Tradition Meets Modern Travel: Amanemu, Ise Shima
The connection to nature and genuine celebration of local culture are what sets Amanemu apart.
Japan’s Number One Snow Hotel: Park Hyatt Niseko
Opened in January 2020, Park Hyatt Niseko is the third Japanese property from Park Hyatt, and has already swept up awards including World’s Best New Ski Hotel.
In Praise of Shadows: A Stay at Maana Homes, Kyoto
The idea of Kyoto being a modern city might sound strange to some, but each time I visit I am fascinated by the seamless blend of old and new.
Aman Kyoto: A Contemporary Sanctuary
Aman’s 24-room boutique property soon wrapped up a handful of design awards following its opening.
A Subtropical Escape: Strata Naha, Okinawa
Subtropical islands, palm trees and crystal clear waters are not what immediately spring to mind when you think of Japan.
The Capsule Hotel Redefining the Format: Nine Hours
Nine Hours plays on the concept of the simplest form of staying in a hotel – 1 hour (shower) + seven hours (sleep) + 1 hour (get dressed).
Personalised Hospitality: Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku, Kyoto
Creative director Shigeo Goto has closely overseen the hotel’s evolution since its opening in 2016.
Download Your FREE Tokyo Neighbourhoods eBook
Kickstart your Tokyo travel plans with my latest snapshot guide, featuring 10 of my favourite Tokyo Neighbourhoods. I’ll take you to some of my favourite hidden corners and offer a more thoughtful, slower way to appreciate Tokyo, away from the usual tourist traps.