Top 15 Cool and Unique Hotels in Tokyo (my favorite finds!)

Tokyo has legions of fans (including me) and it also has an incredible collection of places to stay. From cute boutiques to sleek and modern, from my many trips exploring the city, I’ve chosen my favorite spots in this extraordinary place..

1. Asakusa Kokono Club

I absolutely loved this trendy, community-focused spot in Tokyo. The boutique interiors were crafted by local artisans, seamlessly blending modern design with traditional Japanese aesthetics, local art, and natural materials. Overall, it offered a laid-back yet stylish vibe complemented by an equally relaxed staff.

My guest room felt like a trendy, zen-like cocoon. It featured a minimalist Japanese design with hardwood floors, retro furniture, and locally crafted decor that added a warm, artisan touch. The highlight was the large sloping glass windows, which provided superb views of the city alongside ultra-comfy bedding.

Beyond the room, the hotel excelled at showcasing local culture and modern hospitality. I spent time at the stylish café and bar serving modern Japanese cuisine, as well as the on-site theater featuring live music and cultural performances. They even organized hands-on experiences like tea ceremonies, tours to Senso-ji Temple, and craft workshops where I learned calligraphy and pottery.

The location in the heart of historic Asakusa was absolutely superb. It maintained a charming local neighborhood vibe while staying just steps away from Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, numerous restaurants, and Asakusa Station.

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

My favorite highlights…

• Sitting on my private balcony in a retro-style patio chair and sipping on a yuzu-flavored cocktail while taking in the breathtaking views of the illuminated Tokyo Skytree!

2. Henn na Hotel

I thought this place perfectly captured the city’s weird and wonderful side! Known as ‘The Weird Hotel,’ I was checked in by talking robots—a dinosaur and a blinking-lashed female android—and my luggage was delivered by an automated trolley!

I found this place to be an unusual mix of advanced robotics and cutting-edge tech, with a playful, futuristic vibe balanced by traditional hospitality, sleek minimalist decor, modern furnishings, and futuristic lighting. My guest room had lots of smart technology and gadgets galore as well as functional modern furniture, a flat-screen TV and high-tech climate control.

I found it was located in Urayasu, Chiba, which was near Tokyo Disneyland and the Tokyo Bay area. I could also walk to the Urayasu Station, as it was only a 10-minute walk away and from there it was easy to get to the Tokyo Metro and JR Keiyo Line. I also found out from the staff that there was also a Kyoto and Osaka version too! 

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

My personal highlights…

• The tech – a multilingual robot dinosaur checked me in, there was facial recognition room entry, voice controlled lights, room temperature, and TV in my guest room and also the “Tappy” robot who was my very knowledge digital concierge!

3. One@Tokyo

I thought this place was an Instagrammer’s dream, with a creative wooden façade and striking architecture by cult architect Kengo Kuma – its gallery-inspired design featured clean lines, neutral tones, modern art, and abundant wood, creating a stylish, inspiring atmosphere.

My industrial-chic guest room, featured acid-washed metal, reclaimed wood, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also had mod cons such as free WiFi, a Chromecast flat-screen TV, air con, a handy loaner Smartphone and a coffee machine.

I found the hotel was located in the Oshiage are which had a local neighborhood feel and was handily near the iconic Tokyo Skytree and Oshiage Subway Station so I could easily explore the rest of the city. There was no on-site restaurant but there was a funky on-site bar and a coffee house which I made full use out of and a chic rooftop terrace where I sat and gazed at the Tokyo Skytree!

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

My personal highlights…

• The awesome tech features – I controlled the lights, curtains, and temperature in my guest room through a tablet, and I played my favorite music through Bluetooth-enabled speakers! 

4. K5

I loved this trendy 4-star boutique, set in a 1924 building reinvented with Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian design—its decor mixed raw materials, warm wood, greenery, and exposed concrete, creating a hip yet cozy vibe with attentive staff.

My spacious, soundproofed guest room was light-filled and well-designed, with custom furniture, soft earth tones, splashes of bold color, and a seating area, plus great amenities like a minibar, coffee maker, organic toiletries, and my favorite—a record player with curated vinyls!

I discovered it was nestled in the Nihonbashi area which was a hub for both business and culture where I was surrounded by historic shops and modern skyscrapers. It was also handily close to Nihombashi Station which connected me to the rest of the city.

My other favorite highlights included the trendy onsite restaurant where I saw waiters dressed as Caveman, a very hipster-friendly craft beer Brooklyn Brewery, the Switch coffee lounge, and the trendy Ao bar which hosted both local artists and musicians as well as serving up innovative mixology!

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel K5

My highlights…

• I loved that my guest room featured a unique “room within a room” layout, where my bed area was separated from the rest of the space by being enclosed in curtains – it felt like I was sleeping in a cozy cocoon!

5. Hotel Gracery

I thought the stay here was really enjoyable! Inside I found a mix of modern and sleek decor with subtle nods to the Godzilla theme, including movie memorabilia and themed artwork and outside I saw a huge Godzilla head towering above the hotel – it really was an Ingram-worthy moment!

I stayed on the Godzilla floor where I saw old Godzilla movie posters, a gigantic wall-sized claw hand. My guest room though, had a minimalist style but came with free WiFi, flat-screen TV, air purification, air-con, and complimentary toiletries in the bathroom.

It was located in the central lively area of Shinjuku, steps away from the Shinjuku train station (which connected me to the rest of the city), offering a unique theme experience right in the heart of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district,

is strategically located in the vibrant heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, providing direct access to world-class shopping, entertainment, and dining options, as well as excellent transportation links to explore the rest of the city. I also enjoyed the on-site restaurant which served up a tasty buffet breakfast in both Japanese and Western styles each morning and the awesome Godzilla-viewing terraces! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Gracery

My highlights… 

• I loved the attention to detail – there was even Godzilla roar sound effects in the corridor!

6. Aoyama Grand

I thought this was such a stylish and funky gem! The inviting facade pulled me into thoughtfully designed spaces with clean lines that merged mid-century modern and Japanese styling. The vibe was sophisticated and trendy but not intimidating, and the staff were very attentive! 

My luxurious room had elegant and stylish decor, floor-to-ceiling windows which had fine city views, a flat-screen TV, a well-stocked minibar. I really loved the plush custom-made Yukata robes and slippers and the pillow menu – I opted for the organic buckwheat pillow!

I found it was located in the upscale Aoyama district, and so I had access to Tokyo’s chic fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, art galleries, and the nearby Omotesando area as well as excellent restaurants and the Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art. My other favorite highlights were the luxurious onsite spa, the fitness center, the onsite eateries which served up both Japanese, sushi and Italian cuisine, and the trendy rooftop bar which had stunning panoramic views of the capital!

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

My highlights…

• I loved the European-inspired “The Belcombe Lounge” where I was served a Hojicha Roasted Tea in an ornate tea set!

7. Artist Hotel, BnA STUDIO

This quirky boutique really wowed me—each room was individually designed by Japanese artists, from traditional to manga and anime themes, and I loved that staying there directly supported the artists financially.

The vibe was laid-back with minimal staff interaction, giving it more of a serviced apartment feel. I stayed in a spacious, brightly decorated manga-style room with a dramatic oriental dragon on the ceiling, as well as free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air con, an air purifier, and a handy kitchenette.

It was located in the Sotokanda area of Chiyoda Ward so I found myself near a nice mix of cultural and modern attractions. I especially loved being near Akihabara, a district famous for anime, manga, and video games – I found electronics shops galore!

• To book, check prices or availability for Artist Hotel

My personal highlights… 

• Hanging out at the nearby Jules Verne Coffee where my vegan latte came with a face of a cute bunny in the milk froth and the cozy R-za Dokushokan Café which had vintage writing desks and over 1,500 books to choose from and read! 

8. Candeo Hotel Roppongi

This was a such a chic and unique spot! Outside I found a stylish large high rise tower and inside I found modern and minimalist decor with clean lines, lots of subtle Japanese design elements and lashings of wood and glass. I really liked the vibe which felt sleek and sophisticated yet still welcoming – to me it felt like a refined urban retreat!

My guest room had a minimalist style came with a comfortable bed, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and great city views (although I couldn’t open my window), a sleek bathroom, and smart technology integration. It was located in the lively Roppongi district, so I was very near buzzing nightlife, art galleries, and key landmarks such as the Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown.

I also loved their state-of-the-art fitness center, the 24/7 top-floor public bath offering a traditional onsen experience, the Sky Spa with indoor and outdoor hot pools, a cold pool, and a sauna, as well as a gourmet breakfast buffet with Japanese and Western options.

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

My favorite highlights… 

• Soaking in their rooftop ‘onsen’ while gazing at the city views – I could see the Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji in the distance! 

9. Trunk Hotel

I thought this hotel was beautiful—housed in a minimalist building in trendy Shibuya, it blended modern style with sustainability and community, using locally sourced materials and quirky design touches. The vibe was hip yet socially conscious, with attentive but unobtrusive staff.

My eco-friendly guest room felt more like an apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows, local artwork, modern amenities, and designer upcycled furniture—I especially loved the bar made from reclaimed wood, glasses pressed from old light bulbs, and complimentary recycled-cotton pyjamas!

I found myself based in the funky Shibuya district so I had immediate access to some of the city’s most dynamic and unique shopping, dining, and entertainment options – I could walk to them all easily! I also really enjoyed making use of their restaurant which had a focus on zero-waste dining and served up creative Japanese-Western fusion dishes, and a lifestyle store which sold Tokyo-made keepsakes – I bought some locally craft beer and their locally sourced honey.

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

My favorite highlights…

• The trendy Trunk Kitchen which had a sleek, black decor – my dish of roasted lotus root with grilled eggplant sauce and Senkin Modern Muku sake were divine!

10. Andaz

I thought this 5-star hotel was stunning—a chic, modern design haven with locally inspired interiors, custom furnishings, natural materials, clean lines, and a luxurious yet personal feel with exceptionally attentive staff.

I adored my spacious room with floor-to-ceiling city views, high-end linens, state-of-the-art tech, artisanal minibar, and room service, plus I enjoyed the indoor pool, 52nd-floor rooftop bar with creative cocktails, funky Technogym, and spa with a sauna.

I found myself in the very well-connected Toranomon district, which is part of the Minato Ward and was filled with business and culture and near historic landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Atago Shrine, Zojoji Temple, and Ginza subway station. There were three onsite restaurants and I was very fond of all of them! I discovered the onsite Tavern – Grill & Lounge, the relaxed American comfort food at BeBu (and their incredible truffle fries!), the sushi counter, and even a cute onsite pastry shop.

• To book, check prices or availability for Andaz Hotel

My favorite highlights… 

• Sipping on a Kiyohime Amazake cocktail which contained amazake, matcha tea and yuzu citrus fruit while gazing at the Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and Odaiba from the rooftop bar!

11. Roppongi Hotel S

This won a prestigious Good Design Award! I too was a big fan of the unique boutique, I thought the contemporary design which was mixed in with quintessentially Japanese style and clever use of space, was really wow-inducing! I saw modern and minimalist, with subtle Japanese features like shoji screens and natural wood accents. 

I saw that there was a mix of hotel room accommodations and serviced apartments available but I opted to stay in a standard room which was stylish and came with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge, air con and an ensuite bathrooms with a soaking tub.

Located in the heart of Roppongi, I was just minutes away from Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown and had was within walking distance of some of Tokyo’s best shopping, dining, and cultural institutions such as the Mori Art Museum and the National Art Center. My other favorite highlights included the complimentary Asian style breakfast, the chic communal lounge, and the café that doubled as an art gallery.

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

My highlights… 

• I loved that my room had traditional Japanese elements – there was a tatami mat flooring woven from rice straw, a cozy futon bed, and low dining tables with zabuton (floor cushions) where I enjoyed jasmine green tea.

12. all day place 

After my stay in this hip place, I knew it had to make the list! I found funky industrial-chic interiors with a minimalist, modern design and quirky artwork everywhere. I loved that there was a trendy vibe but it didn’t feel pretentious at all, and the staff were the same!

My room was clean and bright and compact with a minimalist decor, with eco-friendly toiletries and an ensuite rain shower. I also found cozy pyjamas, slippers, air con, a fridge and a flat-screen TV. It’s located in the bustling, creative Shibuya district, which was my favorite area, and I also loved that it was located near the famous Shibuya Crossing, Center-gai Shopping Street, the recently opened Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya station.

I also really enjoyed their on-site Pizza restaurant, which used locally sourced ingredients and homemade dough, the Danish craft brewery, the About Life Coffee Shop (I loved their handmade cakes!), and the full English breakfast with veggie options which was served each morning! 

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

My highlights… 

• The super-cute on-site bakery and cafe – I opted for the matcha-flavored cookies, the melon pan, which was a sweet, fluffy bread with a cookie-like crust, and hojicha, a roasted green tea which had an earthy and smoky flavor. 

13. Andon Ryokan

I thought this was a fun, affordable gem—outside it glowed like a traditional Japanese lantern, and inside its award-winning twist on a Ryokan blended modern design with an intimate, sociable, and artistic yet chilled vibe.

My hypoallergenic guest room was sparse – in a true Ryokan style – but it was a very interesting experience. It came with a futon bed (that needed to be unrolled), tatami (woven-straw) flooring, a small TV, free WiFi, air-con and a small built in wardrobe. I had to get used to sharing a bathroom though! 

It was located in the quieter part of Taito ward so I found myself in a relaxed part of the city while still being conveniently close to attractions such as Asakusa, Ueno Park and public transportation too. It was located only a 5-minute walk from Minowa Subway Station.

My other favourite stand out features included the Western or Asian-style breakfasts, which were cooked to our preferences each morning and served in the common kitchen, the communal hot tub, loaner bikes and the awesome classes – I could choose from flower-arranging, cute tea ceremonies and interesting origami sessions! There was also communal hot tub, bicycle rentals and Japanese-style rooms with free internet.

• To book, check prices or availability for Andon Ryokan

My personal highlights… 

• The tasty homemade breakfast each morning – I especially loved the freshly made tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) and the pickled vegetables! 

14. Kimpton Shinjuku

This chic 5-star boutique had a “Manhattan meets Tokyo” style! I loved how it mixed New York loft-inspired design with Japanese artisanal touches—dark wood, custom furniture, bold colors, and modern art—creating a chic urban oasis.

My favorite amenities included the art-filled communal spaces, chic terrace bar, modern gym, meditation sessions, District Brasserie with wine and creative cocktails (loved the Strawberry Kiss!), NYC-style lounge bar with coffee, craft beer, and indie music, and a rooftop bar which had incredible city views.

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Shinjuku

My highlights… 

• The evening social hour – I met other guests while sipping on complimentary wine, sake and lightly salted edamame! 

15. Aloft Ginza

This funky retreat stole my heart! It stood out to me with its funky modern design inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture complete with bold and colorful decor, contemporary art installations, and retro-chic furniture – I loved the fun and youthful vibe it had too.

My bright and creatively designed room was actually spacious (well for this city, anyway!). As well as dark hardwood floor and lots of artistic touches there was also a good-sized comfy bed, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with Netflix streaming, a sofa, slippers and a fridge. If found it centrally located in the exciting upscale shopping district of Ginza, and I was close to Ginza Station as well as excellent restaurants, department stores, boutiques and cultural attractions such as the Kabuki-za Theatre.

I liked the funky communal spaces, 24/7 fitness centre (small but handy), hip WXYZ bar with live music, and WAREHOUSE restaurant’s creative Asian-inspired menu, but my favorite was the lively Roof Dogs rooftop bar with incredible city views!

• To book, check prices or availability for Aloft Ginza

My personal highlights… 

• The tech – I especially loved the awesome mobile key access where I used my smartphone to enter my room and control all the settings inside!