Fall in love with these beautifully designed hotels—the perfect perch to enjoy Japan’s stunning autumnal foliage
The sakura season may draw more crowds but insiders know that autumn is an equally beautiful time to visit Japan. It’s a period when one can enjoy the cool, crisp air, savour hearty dishes like Oden and Nabe, as well as witness the changing colour of the leaves—a natural spectacle that the Japanese call koyo.
Whether you’re planning to hike through mountains blanketed in autumn leaves or to relax by way of onsen-hopping for luxuriant soaks in the hot springs, these five design hotels in Japan will make your autumn travel dreams come true.
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1. The Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Nikko’s proximity to Tokyo has made it a popular day-trip destination but there’s more to it than the ornate Toshogu shrine and picturesque Shinkyo bridge. On your next visit, head to Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park, Japan’s highest natural lake nicknamed the “Sea of Happiness”. This tranquil spot is home to The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, a minimalist retreat that elegantly fuses Japanese architecture with classic lake house design codes.
The hotel’s generously-sized lobby is a masterclass on how to bring the outside in, a thread also seen in the intelligently laid-out rooms that maximise views of the lake and Mount Nantai—scenery that looks even more stunning in autumn. Food is a particular highlight here, but no matter how much you indulge the night before, order the exquisite Japanese breakfast to your room. There’s nothing like starting the day lounging in a soft bathrobe and enjoying an array of local delights with birdsong and postcard-perfect views to boot.