Visit these luxury hotels that pay tribute to the traditional Japanese inn while pairing it with modern comforts, contemporary design and the best hospitality
A travel rule of thumb goes: When in Japan, if you can, make every effort to stay at a ryokan. From soothing hot spring baths to intricate kaiseki meals, ryokans offer a deep immersion into the country’s culture.
Even if you’re not staying in a ryokan per se, some of the best hotels in the country are inspired by aspects of the traditional Japanese inn, offering a taste of authentic omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) at its finest while pairing it with modern comforts and contemporary design.
Here are Tatler’s top picks of the best ryokan-inspired properties for your next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
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1. Kai Paroto, Hokkaido
The mere mention of Hokkaido brings images of snow-filled landscapes to mind, but the northern part of the country is also an ideal spot to engage in momijigari—the Japanese ritual that roughly translates to “autumn leaves hunting”. A good homebase would be Kai Poroto, a modern hot spring ryokan on Lake Poroto, just over an hour away from Sapporo and Niseko.
The distinctive cone-shaped architecture is inspired by and a tribute to the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido. The rest of the decor touches and furnishings within the hotel are also a showcase of the Ainu culture. Onsen lovers are in for a treat with various bath experiences on offer: there’s the Sankaku-no-yu, a triangular onsen built after traditional Ainu architectural principles called ketunni, as well as the Maru-no-yu, a circular, cave-like bath with a skylight at the top of the dome.