Where to Stay in Japan: 10 Must-Experience Hotels to Inspire Your Next Incentive
Discover the 5* hotels that will help elevate your luxury incentive; from the scenic streets of Tokyo to the tranquil realm of the Miyako Islands
With luxury incentives, there are three main components:
1. The quality of the experience being provided
2. The exclusivity of the experience being provided
(And arguably most important)
3. The authenticity of the experience being provided
Japan, in many ways, could be considered the quintessential destination for luxury incentives. It’s where meticulous craftsmanship meets world-class service; where age-old traditions can be seamlessly blended with new-age experiences; where the concept of Shibui, or “the sense of evolving perfection”, originates. For luxury event planners and high-end incentive travel specialists, Japan presents an opportunity to curate the extraordinary.
Imperative in all luxury incentives is selecting the correct hotel. This is the base camp of all activity and can often define the tone of the rest of the trip for any traveller. It’s like any exquisite dish – the first bite is with the eyes – so if you can select the appropriate property for your incentive, you can ensure those partaking in your event can be assured they are in safe hands and have an unforgettable experience ahead.
The properties detailed below do more than provide a base camp - they create moments that linger long after departure. If your clients demand the exceptional, these are the hotels to satiate their appetite.
Tokyo
A Scene for the Sublime
Conrad Tokyo
Located in the prestigious Shiodome district, the Conrad Tokyo masterfully blends modern design with Japanese serenity. Overlooking the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Bay, the hotel features some of the city’s most stunning suites. The interior, inspired by traditional Japanese residences, combines beautifully crafted natural materials in a modern design that blends the old with the functional beauty of the new.
Three world-class restaurants have made Conrad Tokyo one of the most sought-after dining destinations in the city: innovative modern French cuisine at Collage, traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern flair at China Blue, and traditional Japanese Sushi, Kaiseki and Teppan at Kazahana. The event spaces are designed with precision - whether it’s a grand-scale corporate affair or an exclusive gathering, Conrad Tokyo offers seamless execution with a touch of elegance – a contemporary sanctuary for all that visit.
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Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Perched above the historic Nihonbashi district, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is an icon of understated luxury. The hotel’s rooms - perched between the 30th and 38th floors - offer floor-to-ceiling panoramas of the city, while its Michelin-starred restaurants bring new levels to the art of fine dining. With a world-renowned spa, exclusive private dining rooms, and impeccable concierge services, this is the ultimate address for executives who appreciate refinement without ostentation.
Bulgari Tokyo
The Japanese doorway to contemporary Italian style and glamour. One of the most recent additions to Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene, this property is a towering tribute to Italian elegance. Its crowning jewel, the Bulgari Suite, offers 400 square meters of pure indulgence. The signature Bulgari Spa - drawing on the essence of Roman baths - promises a rejuvenating escape in the heart of the metropolis. Private event planners take note: the rooftop terrace is one of the most coveted spaces in the city.
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
A refreshing departure from Tokyo’s more conventional luxury hotels, Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo is bold, inspired, and full of personality. With nods to the art and energy of New York’s galleries, this boutique gem is a haven for trendsetters. The rooftop bar is a must for private events, offering an electric atmosphere against the backdrop of Tokyo’s luminous skyline.
Fairmont Tokyo
Fairmont Tokyo is the highly anticipated newcomer set to redefine five-star hospitality in the capital. The hotel will present an array of exceptional facilities, including 217 guest rooms and suites, luxurious spa, signature infinity pool, and outdoor terraces. If Fairmont’s global reputation is anything to go by, this will be a must-visit for corporate incentives and high-profile networking events. Keep it on your watchlist – doors open on 1 July 2025.
Tips for Luxury Event Planning in Japan
Utilise ‘Omotenashi’ – Japanese hospitality is an art form. Work closely with concierges and hotel staff to create tailor-made experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
Opt for High-End Transport – Whether it’s private shinkansen charters, helicopter transfers, or chauffeur-driven limousines, seamless travel elevates the experience.
Immersing in the Culture – Tea ceremonies, sumo wrestling exhibitions, or private temple visits add a unique layer to any event.
Select Your Season – Cherry blossom season (March-April) and autumn foliage (October-November) offer Japan at its most photogenic, but winter retreats in Hakone or summer escapes to Okinawa also provide compelling alternatives.
Beyond Tokyo
The Hidden Gems of Japan’s Luxury Landscape
Osaka Intercontinental Hotel
Standing tall in the heart of Osaka, the Intercontinental is the city’s premier address for business and leisure travellers alike. With sweeping skyline views and one of the finest spas in Kansai, this hotel is perfect for corporate retreats. Its prime location offers seamless access to Osaka’s famed culinary scene, ensuring that every dining experience - inside or outside the hotel - is world-class.
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection
Nestled in the prestigious Nakanoshima district, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka offers a gateway to the city’s rich heritage and modern energy. Overlooking the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers, this hotel is a symbol of Osaka’s creativity and timeless charm. With over 90 years of tradition, this property provides exquisite service and a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. From the unique art-filled lobby to 20 dining options and signature cocktails at La Ronde, every moment here is designed to inspire.
Gôra Kadan (Hakone, Kanagawa)
Once an imperial retreat, Gôra Kadan is a sanctuary of Japanese heritage. Nestled in the lush mountains of Hakone, this Relais & Châteaux property offers a truly immersive ryokan experience. Each suite features a private onsen, and the kaiseki dining is an art form in itself. For those seeking an ultra-exclusive escape for executives or VIP clients, Gôra Kadan is a lesson in timeless luxury.
The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
A masterpiece of lakeside luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Nikko is a gateway to Japan’s UNESCO-listed wonders. With an aesthetic that seamlessly merges contemporary minimalism and traditional Japanese elements, the property is a haven for reflection and renewal. The private onsen, immersive cultural programmes, and breathtaking natural surroundings make it an unrivalled choice for an executive retreat.
Rosewood Miyakojima
Trying to set the bar for beachside opulence, Rosewood Miyakojima is a jewel that elevates Japan’s island offerings to an entirely new level. Located in the pristine Miyako Islands, this ultra-private retreat offers luxury villas, a world-class wellness programme, and some of the most exclusive marine experiences in Asia. For event planners seeking a tropical setting without leaving Japan, this is one to watch.