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…

I absolutely loved this trendy, community-focused spot where boutique interiors by local artisans mixed modern and traditional Japanese aesthetics, with local art, natural materials, and a laid-back yet stylish vibe matched by the friendly staff.

My guest room at Asakusa Kokono Club was a zen-like cocoon which had both mid-century and wabi-sabi influences, bamboo hardwood floors, and retro-modern furniture including low wooden tables, rattan chairs, and sleek metal lamps. My favorite feature was the large sloping glass windows, which had cinematic city views of Asakusa’s skyline.

I downed refreshing Matcha Highballs and tucked into a crispy Vegetable Tempura Donburi in the stylish café and bar, watched a mesmerizing live taiko drumming performance in their onsite theater, and the staff even arranged a traditional tea ceremony tour for me! I also loved the local vibe of the historic Asakusa area, with Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, and restaurants just steps away!

My favorite highlights…

2. Henn na Hotel

I thought Henn na Hotel perfectly captured Tokyo’s quirky side! Known as “The Weird Hotel,” I was checked in by talking robots—a dinosaur and a blinking-lashed android—while my luggage arrived by automated trolley. It was a playful fusion of robotics, sleek minimalist décor, futuristic lighting, and traditional Japanese hospitality.

My guest room was packed with smart tech, including a voice-controlled assistant, motion-sensor lighting, facial recognition entry, and a tablet for room settings. It also had modern, functional furniture—a sleek work desk, black ergonomic chair, and minimalist bed with built-in charging ports.

I tucked into avocado toast and miso soup for breakfast in their cozy restaurant, then grabbed matcha KitKats and cans of Boss Black Coffee from the vending machine. It was conveniently located in Urayasu, Chiba, near Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Bay, just a 10-minute walk from the station. The staff told me there was also a Kyoto and Osaka version!

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 knowledgeable digital concierge!

3. One@Tokyo

I thought One@Tokyo was an Instagrammer’s dream, with a creative unfinished cedar façade and striking architecture by cult architect Kengo Kuma — its gallery-inspired design featured clean lines, neutral tones, modern art, and abundant natural wood, creating a stylish and very inspiring atmosphere!

My industrial-chic open-plan guest room mixed acid-washed metal, exposed concrete, a wood lattice and floor-to-ceiling windows which gave it an Instagram-worthy glow at night. It came with modern perks including a Chromecast TV, air-con, a trendy Nespresso machine, and my favorite—a sleek tablet to control the lights, curtains, and temperature.

There wasn’t a full restaurant, but I loved the funky bar, sleek café where I sipped iced matcha lattes, lobby art gallery featuring local creators, and the chic rooftop terrace where I relaxed and admired Tokyo Skytree’s panoramic views. The Oshiage area had a local neighborhood feel and was handily near a subway station so I could easily explore the rest of the city.

My highlights…

4. K5

I loved my stay at 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 to match!

My spacious, soundproofed room at K5 featured oak furniture, a teal velvet armchair, and earthy tones with bold terracotta accents. Amenities included a minibar, coffee maker, Aesop toiletries, and my favorite—a record player complete with curated jazz and indie vinyl!

I got served a delicious katsu curry by waiters dressed as cavemen in their trendy restaurant, downed a crisp Brooklyn Brewery Tokyo Pale Ale in the hipster-friendly craft beer bar, relaxed in the cozy Switch Coffee Lounge, and sipped a refreshing Yuzu Negroni in the stylish Ao Bar while listening to live sets from local artists — all in the sophisticated Nihonbashi area, surrounded by historic shops and gleaming modern skyscrapers.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel K5

My highlights…

• The unique ‘room-within-a-room’ design — my bed was enclosed by soft, cream drapes creating a cozy cocoon infused with calming notes of hinoki wood and jasmine that felt like a zen-like hideaway in the city!

5. Hotel Gracery

My stay at Hotel Gracery 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 Instagram-worthy moment!

I stayed on the themed Godzilla floor, surrounded by vintage posters and a gigantic wall-sized claw hand. My minimalist yet cleverly designed room featured warm wood accents, soft lighting, and a large city-view window. Thoughtful extras included an air purifier, green tea sachets, cozy pajamas and slippers, and Shiseido toiletries.

I enjoyed vegetable okonomiyaki and almond-milk matcha lattes in on-site restaurant (they served up both Japanese and Western buffet breakfasts), watched the giant Godzilla head roar to life from the terrace, and grabbed late-night drinks in the lively Shinjuku district just steps away! I just need to add that I found that The Godzilla rooms booked up fast, and the standard rooms were quite compact.

My highlights… 

6. Aoyama Grand

I thought Aoyama Grand 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 featured mid-century décor with walnut furnishings, funky leaf-printed sofas, retro swivel chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows with superb city views. I particularly loved the custom yukata robes, comfy slippers, well-stocked minibar, cool retro record player, stylish bar cart stocked with fine Japanese whisky—and the pillow menu—especially my organic buckwheat choice!

I sipped a zesty Yuzu and Sakura Blossom Martini at the chic rooftop bar, dined on a rich truffle and mushroom risotto at the elegant restaurant, indulged in a rejuvenating Hinoki wood oil massage at the spa, and ended the evening unwinding in the intimate lounge to smooth live jazz. The upscale Aoyama district location was also a huge plus – I was surrounded by chic fashion boutiques, trendy cafes, and the Watarium Museum of Contemporary Art.

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 Belcombe Lounge — it felt like a refined, old-world escape in Tokyo!

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 at the Artist Hotel, BnA STUDIO was laid-back with minimal staff interaction, giving it more of a serviced apartment feel. 

I stayed in a spacious, art-filled manga-style room where a vivid oriental dragon swirled across the ceiling and colorful wall murals made it feel like stepping into a graphic novel. The space featured sleek concrete floors, bold neon lighting, and locally crafted furniture designed by Tokyo artists, along with modern comforts like free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air-con, an air purifier, and a handy kitchenette. Although I just need to mention that reception hours were limited and there was no daily housekeeping, so it did feel more like an apartment stay.

I sipped a smooth Blue Bottle Kyoto-style Cold Brew in the lobby café surrounded by rotating art installations, browsed limited-edition prints in the mini gallery shop, and chatted with local creatives at one of the hotel’s pop-up art events all in a fabulous location in Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, I really enjoyed being close to Akihabara’s anime, manga, and gaming scene!

My personal highlights… 

• Sipping on a 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!

8. Candeo Hotel Roppongi

Candeo Hotel Roppongi was a chic, unique high-rise with modern minimalist decor, subtle Japanese touches, and plenty of wood and glass. I loved its sleek yet welcoming vibe—it felt like a refined urban retreat!

My minimalist room featured light wood accents, soft gray tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows with glittering Roppongi views (although I couldn’t open my window). It came with a sumptuous Simmons bed, smart controls, a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, and Shiseido toiletries.

I soaked in the rooftop Sky Spa’s indoor and outdoor hot pools accompanied by panoramic city views, relaxed in the sauna, worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, and started my mornings with a gourmet Japanese and Western breakfast featuring tofu steak, miso soup, and vegetable okonomiyaki before exploring Roppongi’s buzzing streets filled with sleek bars, neon lights, and art galleries!

My favorite highlights… 

• Soaking in the rooftop onsen with a glass of crisp Yamanashi Koshu white wine and admiring the glittering Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and even Mount Fuji in the distance! I just need to mention that I found the onsen was gender-segregated, so couples couldn’t soak together.

9. Trunk Hotel

I thought this hotel was beautiful—housed in a minimalist building in trendy Shibuya, it combined 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 a chic urban apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek concrete walls, and unique local artwork. I loved the reclaimed-wood bar, glasses pressed from old light bulbs, soft recycled-cotton pyjamas, and designer upcycled furniture that made sustainability feel effortlessly stylish.

I sipped on a Tokyo-distilled Yuzu Mojito at the lively Trunk Bar, tucked into miso-glazed eggplant and tofu steak at their zero-waste restaurant, browsed soy-wax candles, craft beer, and local honey at the boutique store, and unwound in the leafy courtyard, soaking up the sounds of surrounding Shibuya’s energetic buzz!

• 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 trendy Trunk Kitchen, with its sleek black décor and moody lighting!

10. Andaz

I thought the upscale Andaz hotel was simply stunning – I have to admit this was a splurge non-budget stay but it was 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 framed by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tokyo Tower, complete with buttery-soft linens, subtle Japanese design touches like shoji-style panels and hinoki wood accents, a tech-savvy control system for lighting and blinds, and an artisanal minibar stocked with sake, matcha cookies, and Yuzu soda.

I tucked into miso-marinated black cod at the elegant Tavern – Grill & Lounge, indulged in heavenly truffle fries at the relaxed American-style BeBu, stopped by the creative sushi counter, and scoffed sweet red bean croissants from the hotel’s cute pastry shop.

Later, I unwound at the 52nd-floor Rooftop Bar with a hand-crafted cocktail, dipped into the serene indoor pool, worked out in the high-tech Technogym, and melted into the modern spa’s soothing sauna — all in the cosmopolitan Toranomon district, just moments from historic landmarks like the Imperial Palace, Atago Shrine, and Zojoji Temple.

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!

11. Roppongi Hotel S

This boutique hotel even won a prestigious Good Design Award! I loved its contemporary-meets-Japanese style — modern and minimalist with clever use of space, shoji screens, and natural wood accents that made the whole place feel effortlessly elegant.

I stayed in a stylish standard room that struck a perfect balance between functionality and elegance, with light birch wood floors, soft ambient lighting, and a large white bed with cloud-like pillows. It came with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge stocked with bottled green tea, senbei, and edamame crisps. I especially loved the onsen-style soaking tub and the fragrant yuzu bath salts that filled the room with a refreshing citrus aroma.

I unwound in the chic lounge bar with a glass of plum wine, browsed the art-filled lobby, and grabbed a freshly brewed Ueshima coffee and flaky croissant from the cozy café before heading out to explore Roppongi’s buzzing upscale streets and the nearby Mori Art Museum and National Art Center.

My highlights… 

• All the traditional Japanese details – my room had tatami flooring woven from rice straw with a faint earthy scent, a cozy futon bed, and low dining tables with soft zabuton cushions where I sipped aromatic 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 compact (and storage space was limited) yet cleverly designed, with light oak accents, Scandi-Japanese décor, and warm ambient lighting. The sleek bathroom featured a rainfall shower with MARKS & WEB eco-friendly toiletries, while the room came with soft cotton pyjamas, slippers, and a mini fridge stocked with bottled green tea and sparkling water.

I started my mornings with a Shibuya-roasted latte and butter croissant, then after exploring the bustling, creative Shibuya district (my favorite area!), I came back to indulge in sweet treats at the About Life Coffee Shop, a wood-fired margherita pizza at their restaurant, and a crisp Mikkeller IPA from their Danish craft brewery.

My highlights… 

• The super-cute on-site bakery and café became my go-to spot — I couldn’t get enough of the matcha-flavored cookies, the soft melon pan with its sweet, cookie-like crust, and the earthy, smoky Hojicha roasted green tea!

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 simple yet full of charm, with tatami flooring, a roll-out futon bed, shoji screens, a small TV, free Wi-Fi, and air-con. I had to get used to the shared bathroom, but the vintage tiled soaking tub and handmade Japanese toiletries made it feel authentic and special. 

I started my mornings cooking up both Western and Asian-style breakfasts in the common kitchen with fellow guests, then soaked in the beautifully tiled communal hot tub, borrowed a bike to explore the quieter streets of Taito Ward, joined a traditional tea ceremony, tried my hand at flower arranging and origami, and admired the owner’s display of handmade pottery and antique decor in the cozy lounge!

My personal highlights… 

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 in the buzzy and ultra-trendy central Shinjuku district location.

My spacious, stylish room blended Japanese minimalism with a boutique flair, featuring oak hardwood floors, walnut accents, linen and wool-blend textiles, and soft pendant lighting. I also found organic Hinoki-scented toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, a Japanese tea set with locally sourced sencha and hojicha, a handy yoga mat, and large windows where I gazed at cinematic city views.!

I enjoyed the art-filled communal spaces, modern gym, and meditation sessions, sipped matcha lattes in the contemporary art–lined café, enjoyed a miso-roasted vegetable bowl at the District Brasserie, relaxed with a hot-stone massage at the spa, chilled in the NYC-style lounge with a Shinjuku Pale Ale while listening to indie music, and ended my evenings sipping on a potent Strawberry Kiss cocktail at the rooftop bar watching Tokyo’s skyline sparkle!

My highlights… 

15. Aloft Ginza

This funky retreat completely stole my heart! I really liked how its bold, modern design was inspired by Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture, filled with colorful decor, contemporary art installations, and retro-chic furniture — it had such a fun, youthful energy, right in the heart of Ginza’s upscale shopping district!

My bright, creatively designed room was surprisingly spacious (well, for Tokyo anyway!), with dark walnut floors, striking pop-art murals, sleek metal lamps, and bold geometric fabrics that gave it a playful boutique vibe. I was also pleased to find a deep-cushioned bed, a flat-screen TV with Netflix, soft slippers, a compact fridge, and thoughtful extras such as a Bluetooth speaker and locally roasted coffee sachets.

I hung out in the funky communal spaces, sipped on a Yuzu Margarita to DJ beats in the hip W XYZ Bar, dined on creative Asian-inspired dishes (my favorite was the miso-glazed eggplant) at WAREHOUSE, relaxed in the colorful Re:Mix Lounge with a Tokyo White beer, scoffed matcha croissants from the café, and ended my nights at the lively Roof Dogs rooftop bar soaking up stunning city views!

My personal highlights…