Japan is enjoying a golden era of travel.
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Over the last five years, the country’s popularity as an exotic travel destination has taken off. Jet-setters from Brazil to Australia to the US are planning trips to Japan in larger numbers than ever before. Some are on the hunt for affordable escapes in faraway places. Others are hungry for cultural tours and experiences.
Regardless, almost all visitors to Japan start their journey in Tokyo.
While you can find comfortable and affordable hotels around the city, and at many price points, if you’re going to fly all the way to Japan, why not go all-in on the experience? Don’t just stay at any old property—choose from hotels in Tokyo that actually inspire you, and add to the experience.
If you’re looking for the coolest hotels in Tokyo, start here. I’ve rounded up properties that deliver on comfort without sacrificing style, flair, and culture.
Comfy & cool hotels in Tokyo for your first visit
Nine Hours Capsule Hotel
First up, let’s cover two of Tokyo’s coolest capsule hotels. Capsule hotels are similar to hostels—each room has tiny, capsule-like beds that are sealed for privacy. All other spaces are shared, including bathrooms and common areas. These are some of the cheapest lodging options, and also some of the coolest hotels in Tokyo.
9H (or Nine Hours) Hotel is located right in the city center, offering a perfect landing pad for your daily adventures. Though the sleeping arrangement is non-traditional, the hotel’s shared working areas and lounges are light and airy. The sleeping pods are modern and state-of-the-art, along with the shared spaces and the café. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a Sci-Fi movie set.
Book Tea Bed SHIBUYA
This capsule hotel comes with a theme: books. Unlike Nine Hours Capsule Hotel, the sleeping pods aren’t sealed—they’re a bit more like bunk beds. As a perk, book-lined shelves surround the sleeping pods, letting you grab a manga or a novel whenever you want. Guests also rave about the rooftop lounge, which offers great views of the city.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
Aside from capsule hotels, Ryokans are some of the coolest hotels in Tokyo for first-time visitors. Ryokans are traditional Japanese-style inns that come with tatami mat floors, futon-style beds, community baths (called onsens), and those famously comfortable yukata robes.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu has been around for 70 years. The hotel includes private rooms with traditional décor, along with gender-separated soaking baths that come with views of the Senso-Ji Temple. Ryokans also serve elaborate multi-course meals—at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, you can choose whether or not to pay for the meal service when you book a room.
Andon Ryokan
Who says ryokans have to be austere and plain? Andon Ryokan adds a bit of flash and style to the traditional setup, especially in its shared spaces. There’s also a private hot tub that guests can enjoy, though the usual onsen isn’t available. The ryokan also has a full restaurant and bar, which recent guests have raved about. If you want a ryokan that feels a little more modern, head here.
Henn na Hotel
Henn na Hotel is famous enough that you might already know about it. That’s because the hotel’s reception is manned by two robots. They’re not state-of-the-art by any means, but they perk up and say something every now and then. (You handle check-in by yourself.) The main allure of Henn na Hotel is that it’s centrally located and very reasonably priced—just watch out for teeny-tiny rooms.
Hotel Gracery
Do you love Godzilla? Are you, at least, mildly interested in Godzilla? Either way, check out Hotel Gracery. The rooms are large and comfortable, and come with Godzilla-features like themed bedspreads. The real star of the show is the massive Godzilla figurine that hangs over the hotel’s entrance. By night, it lights up and spews smoke.
Hotel Tavinos
Decked out in a bright, neon-style décor, this festive hotel chain oozes anime-branded style. If you’re looking for an exciting place to rest your head at night, look no further. Hotel Tavinos’ various locations are photo-worthy and trendy, making you want to spend a little extra time in its shared spaces.
Petals Tokyo
Have we found both the coziest and the coolest hotel in Tokyo? It might be. Petals Tokyo isn’t like the rest because the hotel consists of floating cabins. This adults-only hotel comes with five private, floating rooms, along with an outdoor seating area, sun terrace, and picnic area. The room rates are pricey, but they’re well worth it—you won’t find bigger, more spacious hotels in Japan’s capital city.
