Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Tokyo

Tokyo has legions of fans (including me), and with good reason — it also has an incredible collection of places to stay. From cute boutiques to sleek and modern escapes, these are the hotels that left me in awe on my many trips exploring this extraordinary city…

1. Asakusa Kokono Club

Asakusa Kokono Club instantly won me over with its community-minded energy and its gorgeous mix of Japanese craftsmanship — I saw bamboo lanterns, leather butterfly chairs, and matte-black metal accents that felt perfectly at home in old Asakusa.

My King Room felt like a modern-Japanese cocoon which featured both wabi-sabi and mid-century touches — a slatted cedar ceiling, pale oak herringbone floors, a vintage apothecary-style cabinet, and a private balcony. I sipped Matcha Highballs and tucked into a Vegetable Tempura Donburi in their stylish café and bar, watched a mesmerizing taiko drumming performance in the quirky onsite theatre, and even had the staff arrange a traditional tea ceremony tour for me! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Asakusa Kokono Club

My favorite highlights…

• Sitting on my balcony sipping on a zesty yuzu cocktail as the cool night air drifted in and the illuminated Tokyo Skytree shimmered against the skyline!

2. Henn na Hotel

I thought Henn na Hotel perfectly captured Japan’s quirky side! Dubbed “The Weird Hotel,” I was checked in by talking robots — a multilingual dinosaur and a blinking-lashed android — while my luggage trundled in by automated trolley. Inside, the whole place mixed fun robotics with chrome accents, motion-activated strip lighting, and compact capsule-style layouts that felt unmistakably futuristic!

My Standard Twin Room was bright and efficiently designed, with two light-wood platform beds, a teal sofa adorned with geometric cushions, and lots of smart features including facial-recognition entry, a voice-controlled assistant, and a tablet for managing everything. I tucked into avocado toast and miso soup for breakfast in their modern restaurant, then grabbed matcha KitKats from the cool vending machine. As well as Tokyo Bay, staff told me there was also a Kyoto, Osaka and Seoul version!

• To book, check prices or availability for Henn na Hotel

My personal highlights…

• The in-room “Tappy” robot — my own digital concierge — even tipped me off about the pillow menu, so I chose the charcoal-infused foam option!

3. One@Tokyo

One@Tokyo was an Instagrammer’s dream — the unfinished cedar façade caught my eye immediately, and inside Kengo Kuma’s raw industrial style unfolded in exposed ductwork, oversized pillars, a vintage turntable, and stripy reclaimed-wood accents that gave it an art-studio-meets-urban-loft vibe tucked into the local-feeling Oshiage neighborhood!

My industrial-chic, open-plan Deluxe King Room featured grained wood panels, exposed beams, and a cocoon-like glow. I loved sinking into the oversized pillows, curling up in the cozy little seating nook, and using the in-room tablet to adjust the lights, curtains, and temperature with just a tap! There wasn’t a full restaurant, but I drank iced matcha lattes in the cafes, checked out the funky bar, gazed at local art in the lobby gallery and gawped in awe at Tokyo Skytree from the chic rooftop terrace!

• To book, check prices or availability for One@Tokyo Hotel

My highlights…

• Streaming “Love Talkin’ (Honey It’s You)” by Tatsuro Yamashita through the matte-finished Bluetooth speakers in my subtle hinoki-wood and green-tea-scented guest room!

4. K5

I loved this trendy 4-star boutique, set in a 1924 building transformed with Japanese-Scandi design — hinoki wood, cinnabar-red velvet chairs, and dark book-lined shelves gave it an intimate, slightly moody atmosphere that felt effortlessly stylish.

My K5 Room Loft Floor mixed soft Japanese minimalism with boutique touches — I especially liked the low platform bed framed by ombré-dyed sheer curtains, the Aesop toiletries, and the vintage record player which came complete with curated jazz and indie vinyl. I tucked into a heavenly tofu katsu curry served by caveman-costumed waiters and followed it with a crisp Brooklyn Brewery Tokyo Pale Ale — a fun contrast to the refined Nihonbashi setting!

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel K5

My highlights…

• Sipping a zesty, citrus-bright Yuzu Negroni in the stylish Ao Bar while listening to a mellow city-pop set inspired by Yellow Magic Orchestra!

5. Hotel Gracery

I really liked how the giant Godzilla head outside was a full-on Instagram moment, while inside the charcoal walls, glowing stone panels, and sculptural lanterns set a sleek, modern tone!

My modern-Japanese Standard Double on the Godzilla Floor came with vintage posters, a huge claw-hand mural, themed bedding, and oak panelling — compact but brilliantly designed. I grabbed a vegetable okonomiyaki downstairs and loved being moments from Shinjuku’s neon-soaked late-night bars! Being in the buzzing Kabukichō area also meant I could dive into quirky cafés, arcades, and ramen spots in mere minutes!

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Gracery

My highlights… 

• The atmospheric red glow and the low roars rumbling through the corridors — it genuinely felt like stepping into a real-life monster movie.

6. Aoyama Grand

The inviting façade led me into a sleek blend of mid-century modern and Japanese design that felt sophisticated but never intimidating, with walnut panelling, sculptural lighting, and a leafy terrace adding a relaxed brasserie feel — all in the upscale Aoyama district.

My modern-Japanese Deluxe King Room had a wood-panelled ceiling, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, a low platform bed, custom yukata robes, a cool retro record player, and a pillow menu (I opted for the organic buckwheat)! I gazed at city views at the chic rooftop bar, dined on a rich truffle risotto in the elegant restaurant, indulged in a Hinoki wood oil massage at the spa, and unwound with smooth live jazz in the intimate lounge.

• To book, check prices or availability for Aoyama Grand Hotel

My highlights…

• Sipping on smoky Hojicha roasted tea poured from an ornate porcelain set while lounging in a red velvet chair and listening to soft jazz at the European-inspired Belcomé Lounge — it felt like a refined, old-world escape in Tokyo!

7. Candeo Hotel Roppongi

Candeo Hotel Roppongi felt like a sleek, modern high-rise retreat, with Japanese-influenced bronze lattice partitions, warm walnut accents, and plenty of glass, all topped off by a stunning glass-edged rooftop onsen that gave the place a chic yet welcoming vibe.

My modern Japanese Executive Queen Room came with floor-to-ceiling windows offering glittering Roppongi views (although they didn’t open), a sumptuous Simmons bed, a deep soaking tub, a sage-green window bench, and Shiseido toiletries — a compact but bright and comfortable space. I dipped in Sky Spa²’s indoor and outdoor hot pools, relaxed in the sauna, and started my mornings with a gourmet Japanese and Western breakfast (the vegetable okonomiyaki was a stand-out!), before exploring Roppongi’s buzzing streets right outside!

• To book, check prices or availability for Candeo Hotel Roppongi

My favorite highlights… 

• Soaking in the rooftop onsen with a glass of crisp Yamanashi Koshu white wine and admiring Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji in the distance! 

8. Trunk Hotel

From the outside, Trunk Hotel had a contemporary treehouse look, and inside I found that its minimalist, modern-Japanese interiors leaned into sustainability with stone walls, cedar ceilings, and soft lantern lighting that created a warm, grounded mood — matched by attentive yet unobtrusive staff!

My Standard Double Room had floor-to-ceiling windows which opened up onto a leafy private balcony and clever eco touches like a reclaimed-wood bar, glasses made from old light bulbs, and recycled-cotton pyjamas – I especially loved relaxing on the outdoor beanbag surrounded by trees! I savored a Tokyo-distilled Yuzu Mojito at the lively Trunk Bar, browsed soy-wax candles and local honey in the boutique store, and soaked up Shibuya’s buzz from the leafy outdoor courtyard.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Trunk Hotel

My favorite highlights…

• Dining on a caramelized roasted lotus root with grilled eggplant sauce paired perfectly with a glass of smooth Senkin Modern Muku sake at the sleek black zero-waste Trunk Kitchen!

9. Andaz

I discovered that the Japanese-modern Andaz in cosmopolitan Toranomon had a polished, sky-high vibe, with dark walnut panelling, immaculate bonsai centrepieces, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows framing glittering city and Tokyo Bay views.

My King Room felt serene and refined, with a Tokyo Tower view, shoji-style panels, hinoki accents, and an artisanal minibar stocked with sparkling sake and yuzu soda. I dined in the sleek Tavern – Grill & Lounge, grabbed a red bean croissant from the pastry shop, swam in the tranquil indoor pool, and unwound in the spa’s steamy sauna. It was wonderfully high-end, though definitely one of the pricier stays in Tokyo.

• To book, check prices or availability for Andaz Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• Sipping on a potent Kiyohime Amazake cocktail infused with matcha tea and yuzu citrus while gazing out over Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Odaiba from the rooftop bar!

10. Roppongi Hotel S

This award-winning boutique hotel felt striking and design-driven, from its minimalist concrete façade to the dramatic lounge inside, lit with plum and charcoal tones, magenta ceiling panels, velvet seating, and a curated library wall — all perfectly placed on Roppongi’s buzzing upscale streets! 

My duplex-style Japanese guest room felt like a calm modern ryokan, with hinoki-slatted walls, tatami-inspired flooring, a glowing washi art panel, and an onsen-style soaking tub complete with fragrant yuzu bath salts, as well as a microwave and a mini-fridge stocked with bottled green tea. I unwound in the chic lounge bar with a glass of plum wine, browsed the art-filled lobby, and grabbed sweet Kinako rolls from the cozy café.

• To book, check prices or availability for Roppongi Hotel S

My highlights… 

• All the traditional Japanese touches—I slept on a soft futon bed, relaxed on low dining tables with plush zabuton cushions, and loved the subtle grassy scent of the woven floor mats while sipping aromatic jasmine green tea!

11. all day place 

From outside, the building had a charcoal-black façade, and inside I walked into funky industrial-chic interiors with exposed ductwork, copper-washed walls covered in hand-drawn art, and a cool ‘Tokyo-meets-Brooklyn’ vibe.

My funky Scandi–Japanese décor “Styling” Guest Room had a quirky illustrated feature wall, a Hinoki-wood hanging mobile, MARKS & WEB eco-friendly toiletries, and organic cotton pyjamas. I explored the creative Shibuya district, then came back for a wood-fired vegan margherita pizza and a crisp Mikkeller IPA from their Danish craft brewery. The vibe is fantastic for creatives, though it’s definitely more cool-casual than traditional luxury.

• To book, check prices or availability for all day place shibuya

My highlights… 

• The cute on-site About Life Coffee Brewers cafe — I couldn’t get enough of the soft melon pan with its sweet, cookie-like crust, and the earthy, smoky Hojicha roasted green tea!

12. Andon Ryokan

I thought Andon Ryokan was such a fun, affordable little gem in the local-feeling Taito Ward — it even glowed outside like a traditional lantern, leading into intimate modern-ryokan interiors with a cool industrial edge. Inside, the lounge felt like a contemporary tea house, with an antique chabudai table and shelves lined with vintage teapots.

My Japanese-style double room was a simple tatami hideaway with a futon and a low table where I sipped toasty hojicha tea — though the bathroom was shared. I loved cooking umeboshi onigiri in the communal kitchen, soaking in the tiled hot tub, trying flower arranging and origami, and admiring the owner’s handmade pottery!

• To book, check prices or availability for Andon Ryokan

My personal highlights… 

• Joining in their communal traditional tea ceremony and learning to whisk and rotate the matcha bowl properly, making the earthy, frothy Koicha-grade Matcha even smoother!

13. Kimpton Shinjuku

This upscale boutique had a ‘Manhattan meets Tokyo’ style — a chic urban oasis in central Shinjuku with New York loft-inspired design mixed with Japanese artisanal touches like dark wood, custom furniture, bold colours, and modern art.

My Premium Room was a chic little retreat with dark oak panelling, buttery linens, a deep soaking tub, Atelier Bloem toiletries, a Lavazza machine, and kimono-style robes. I explored the art-filled communal spaces, enjoyed a miso-roasted veg bowl at District Brasserie, melted into a volcanic-stone massage, and finished each night with a potent Strawberry Kiss cocktail upstairs — though its lively atmosphere won’t suit anyone seeking total quiet!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Shinjuku

My highlights… 

• The evening social hour – I chatted with other guests to the soft hum of jazz while sipping a crisp Koshu white wine and sake, and snacking on lightly salted edamame!

14. Artist Hotel, BnA STUDIO

I loved how each room at BnA STUDIO was designed by a different Japanese artist — from traditional styles to manga-and-anime themes — and that my stay directly supported them. The vibe was super laid-back with minimal staff interaction, giving it a serviced-apartment feel right on the edge of Akihabara’s manga and gaming district!

My room at BnA Wall felt like a livable gallery, with every wall and the ceiling hand-painted by a contemporary Japanese artist in surreal dragons and pop-art characters. The minimalist bed and pale wood floors kept the focus on the art, and I loved savoring a Blue Bottle Kyoto-style Cold Brew in the installation-filled lobby!

• To book, check prices or availability for Artist Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• My creamy oat-milk latte topped with a cute bunny face at the nearby artsy Jules Verne Coffee, then curling up with Kafka on the Shore at the hipster-friendly R-za Dokushokan Café, surrounded by vintage writing desks and shelves of over 1,500 books!

15. Aloft Ginza

I found that Aloft Tokyo Ginza had a playful, ultra-modern vibe, with giant digital art panels, cobalt-blue sofas, neon butterfly murals and LED floor strips that gave the gallery-style lobby an edgy, creative personality overlooking the upscale streets of Ginza!

My bright, creatively designed Savvy King Guest Room felt surprisingly spacious, with dark walnut floors, vivid pop-art murals, and a deep-cushioned bed. I also appreciated thoughtful touches like the Bluetooth speaker, soft slippers, and locally roasted Onibus Coffee. I adored the DJ-driven vibe at W XYZ Bar, the creative Asian dishes at WAREHOUSE — especially the crispy lotus-root fritters — and the city views from the lively Roof Dogs rooftop bar. Just be aware: the bold design won’t appeal to minimalists!

• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Ginza

My personal highlights…