the b ginza is a stylish, modern boutique-style hotel offering comfort, character and excellent convenience in the heart of Ginza. With chic interiors, warm lighting and a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, it provides an appealing mid-upscale base for travellers who want design-led comfort within walking distance of shops, galleries and dining.
Rooms are compact but thoughtfully arranged, featuring comfortable beds, mini-fridges, kettles, air purifiers and strong Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with walk-in showers or deep soaking tubs, quality amenities and good water pressure. Décor leans minimalist and elegant, giving the rooms a calm, polished feel.
Breakfast is served in the hotel’s stylish dining space, offering a Japanese-Western buffet with pastries, eggs, salads, grilled fish, rice dishes and fresh coffee. Guests also enjoy the many cafés and bakeries nearby if they prefer to explore in the mornings.
The location is excellent—set near Ginza-Itchōme and Shintomichō stations, giving quick access to the Ginza shopping streets, Tokyo Station, Tsukiji Outer Market and the Imperial Palace area. Despite its central position, the immediate surroundings feel quieter and more refined than the busier shopping arteries.
Facilities include 24-hour reception, luggage storage, self-service laundry, vending machines, microwaves and secure building access. Staff are friendly, polished and experienced in supporting international visitors.
Reviews consistently praise the hotel’s cleanliness, modern design, excellent location and strong value. Guests enjoy the elegant rooms and the ease of walking to Ginza’s shops, restaurants and transport connections. Some note that rooms are small, but the high level of comfort and design makes the stay very pleasant.
Bottom line: the b ginza is a great choice for travellers seeking stylish, modern accommodation with excellent access to Ginza’s boutiques, dining and transport links.
3 Nights
Room Only
1x King Room
Hotel
Set amid Hakone’s lush mountains and just a short drive from top sights like the Open-Air Museum and Gora Park, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a serene hot spring retreat that effortlessly blends traditional ryokan warmth with polished, contemporary design. The tranquil setting immediately impresses—every guest room features its own private open-air onsen bath, many with panoramic views of the forested valley or distant peaks, giving a real sense of escape and peace.
Inside, rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, with soothing natural colours, tatami mats, deep soaking tubs, and shoji screens. Thoughtful amenities include plush robes, local tea, yukata outfits, and a well-stocked mini-fridge refreshed daily. Sliding doors open onto private balconies, while custom-crafted Shigaraki pottery bathtubs add a touch of local artistry.
The highlight for most guests is the pair of dramatic infinity onsens—outdoor hot spring baths perched above treetops where you can soak at sunrise, gaze at waterfalls, or watch the sunset slip behind the mountains. Additional communal baths, a spa lounge, and a peaceful waterfall garden make for soothing days onsite. Guests also receive complimentary access to the neighbouring Hakone Yunessun waterpark, ideal for families.
Dining is an elegant affair: kaiseki dinners featuring local delicacies and beautifully plated courses are served in the main restaurant or steakhouse, while a comprehensive Japanese-Western buffet breakfast includes everything from seafood bowls and crab to freshly baked breads and sparkling wine. The atmospheric bar and lounge serves creative cocktails and afternoon tea overlooking the gardens.
Service consistently draws high marks for warmth and attention—a dedicated team handles everything from early check-in and shuttle transfers to dietary requests. Minor critiques may mention busy dining times or that some in-room furnishings are classic rather than brand new, but these are far outweighed by impeccable cleanliness, tranquil atmosphere, and the restorative power of the private baths.
Bottom line: Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a magical escape for couples, families, and anyone seeking an authentic yet comfortably modern Japanese hot spring experience—with every luxury and detail thoughtfully arranged for a truly memorable Hakone stay.
1 Night
Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
1x Japanese Room
Hotel
Mercure Hida Takayama is a smart, modern base just a few minutes’ walk from Takayama Station, making it a very easy option for travellers arriving by train and wanting to explore the Old Town on foot. It’s a contemporary hotel with a calm, uncluttered feel, and it works particularly well for couples or families who value comfort, convenience, and a good onsen-style wind-down at the end of the day.
The atmosphere is clean and relaxed, with simple, well-considered design touches that nod to the region without leaning too heavily into theme. It’s not a traditional ryokan experience, but it does offer a pleasant sense of place, especially in the public spaces.
Rooms are compact (as you’d expect in central Japan), but thoughtfully laid out with comfortable beds, good storage, and a neat, modern bathroom. Higher room categories give you more breathing space, and twin options are handy for friends or family members sharing.
For those who enjoy a soak after sightseeing, the hotel’s public bath is a real bonus. It’s an onsen-style experience rather than a ryokan, but it’s ideal for easing tired legs after walking Takayama’s lanes, morning markets, or a day trip into the mountains.
Dining is straightforward and convenient, with breakfast typically geared to an easy start before heading out early. In the evenings, you’re better off exploring Takayama’s excellent local dining scene, with plenty of small restaurants and izakayas within a short walk. Hida beef is the must-try in town, whether as a simple grilled set, sushi, or a hotpot-style dish.
Location is one of the hotel’s strongest points. You’re close to transport, an easy walk to the Old Town and riverside areas, and well placed for day trips such as Shirakawa-go or onward travel to Kanazawa, Matsumoto or Kyoto.
Reviews tend to highlight the convenient station-side location, modern cleanliness, and the comfort factor of having an onsen-style bath on site. Guests also often mention the hotel as a dependable, good-value choice compared with pricier ryokan options in peak seasons.
Bottom Line: a comfortable, modern Takayama base with excellent access and a welcome public bath, ideal if you want simplicity and convenience without giving up a few nice touches.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Superior Room
Hotel
Hotel Forza Kanazawa is a smart, contemporary base that makes it easy to enjoy Kanazawa on foot, with Omicho Market just a short stroll away and Kanazawa Station within easy reach.
The lobby feels calm and welcoming, with warm timber tones and soft lighting that take the edge off check-in. Staff are used to helping with the practicalities, from storing luggage to sharing local tips and arranging a taxi if you need one.
Rooms are designed for comfort and practicality rather than fuss, with supportive beds, good linens and blackout curtains for a solid night’s sleep. Storage is well thought out, which helps keep things tidy even when you have suitcases open. Twin Rooms are more spacious than doubles.
Bathrooms feel a cut above the category, with separated toilet and bathing areas. Some rooms include hydro-massage showers, which are a nice perk after a day exploring.
Little extras add to the easy-going feel, including pyjamas and slippers, iPads in the room and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi. Rooms are non-smoking throughout, and higher floors can catch a few city views depending on your aspect.
Dining centres around a generous buffet breakfast with a mix of local and Western options, including a few regional specialities which are especially good. There’s also complimentary coffee available in the lounge during the day, and outside breakfast hours the space works well for a quick plan of the day or a simple meal picked up nearby.
Location is one of the hotel’s strongest points, with Kanazawa’s main sights, shops and dining areas easy to reach on foot. Practical facilities like self-serve laundry, secure luggage storage and vending machines round things out, and while there’s no on-site parking, nearby options are straightforward.
Reviews regularly highlight the hotel’s cleanliness and value for money, plus the thoughtful touches. The main drawbacks tend to be a busy breakfast period at peak times and the lack of an on-site gym.
Bottom Line: Forza is a dependable, well-located Kanazawa stay with modern comfort and excellent value, ideal if you want to be close to the action without paying luxury rates. It's a hotel we think hits the sweet spot in Kanazawa.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Double Room
Hotel
Tucked just off Sanjo-dori and within walking distance of Gion, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo stands apart for its blend of modern amenities, attentive service, and a superbly central yet peaceful address. The welcoming lobby is tranquil and streamlined, with a multilingual team ready to help with directions, bag storage, or sightseeing tickets.
Rooms are contemporary and efficiently styled, offering soft beds, blackout curtains, desk space, fast Wi-Fi, and effective air conditioning. Complimentary pajamas, slippers, and bathroom amenities are provided. Bathrooms feature deep tubs and rainfall showers, and options range from single to family rooms, giving flexibility for all types of travelers. Notably, higher-floor rooms offer lovely views of city rooftops or Higashiyama’s hills.
Location is a strong suit: you’re an easy stroll to Nishiki Market, the Pontocho dining alley, and the ancient lanes of Gion. Subway, bus, and taxi stands are close by for easy access throughout Kyoto, and the neighborhood boasts great shopping, cafés, and convenience stores.
Dining is focused on mornings, with an excellent breakfast buffet in the roomy café—Japanese and international dishes, fresh salads, and Kyoto touches are on offer. For later meals, the sheer number of surrounding restaurants and bars will satisfy every palate; the hotel provides curated neighborhood guides.
Reviews consistently highlight the value for money, spotlessly clean rooms, caring staff, and the practical amenities that make longer stays easy (coin laundry, vending machines, luggage hold after check-out). Some mention compact rooms in the lower categories, but the high standards and location earn repeat stays.
Bottom Line: Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo is a smart, easygoing hotel for visitors wanting a tidy, well-equipped base from which to experience both the classic and contemporary energy of Kyoto’s city center.
5 Nights
Room Only
1x Double Room
Hotel
Saizenin is a historic Buddhist temple lodging (shukubo) in the heart of Koyasan, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered for its ancient temples and tranquil atmosphere. Set within walking distance of landmark sites like Danjo Garan and Okunoin Cemetery, Saizenin offers a chance to experience traditional temple hospitality while surrounded by serene gardens, wooded hills, and centuries-old spiritual practices.
Accommodation is in tatami-mat rooms with futon bedding, sliding paper doors, and views of the meticulously landscaped temple gardens. Some larger suites offer private bathrooms and sitting areas, while others use modern shared facilities. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with flat-screen TVs, safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests praise the comfort, quiet, and authentic Japanese design that encourage relaxation and contemplation.
Dining at Saizenin is a special part of the experience. You are served shojin ryori—a refined style of vegetarian Buddhist cuisine—crafted with seasonal, local ingredients. Breakfast and dinner are usually included, and meals can be enjoyed in your room or the communal dining area. The temple also provides an indoor public bath, ideal for unwinding after a day’s sightseeing or walking Koyasan’s forest paths.
Guests are warmly welcomed by the resident monks, who often speak English and share insights about the temple’s rich history and customs. Each morning, visitors are invited to join a Buddhist prayer ceremony—a rare opportunity to witness (and take part in) sacred rituals in the temple’s main hall. Meditation classes and introductions to temple culture are sometimes available by request.
Top tips:
- Book a room with a garden view for extra tranquility
- Join the morning prayers, starting around 7:00, for a unique spiritual experience
- Check-in is from 3:00 PM; the gates close at 9:00 PM for security and peace
- Pack light and be prepared for early bedtimes, as curfews are typical on Koyasan
- Vegetarian meals are strictly observed—notify in advance if you have other dietary needs
Saizenin blends comfort, tradition, and temple life, making it an outstanding choice for travellers seeking a memorable and contemplative stay on sacred Mount Koya.
1 Night
Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
Guest House
Citadines Namba Osaka is a modern serviced-apartment style hotel in a brilliant, walkable pocket of the city, sitting between the buzz of Namba and the character of nearby neighbourhood streets. It’s an excellent choice for travellers who like having a bit more space and independence, with the option to self-cater lightly while still being close to Osaka’s best eating and shopping.
The atmosphere is contemporary and relaxed, with a “live like a local” feel rather than a full-service, formal hotel vibe. It’s particularly handy for families, longer stays, or anyone who appreciates the flexibility of apartment-style living in a big city.
Rooms are designed for practicality, with apartment-style layouts and useful extras that make day-to-day travel easier. Many options include kitchenette facilities, dining space, and good storage, which is ideal if you want to keep breakfasts simple, reheat takeaways, or travel with children. The overall look is clean and modern, with comfortable beds and well thought-out lighting and charging points.
If you can, consider a larger room category for a noticeably easier stay, especially if you have more than two people or you plan to spend a bit of downtime in the room. Having that extra space can make Osaka feel far more relaxed.
Dining is flexible here, as you can self-cater or head out, and this is one of the city’s best areas for doing exactly that. You’re close to excellent casual spots, izakayas, and café-style breakfasts, plus easy access to Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh snacks and easy lunches.
Location is a standout. You’re well placed for Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and the wider Namba area, while still having straightforward connections to the rest of Osaka via nearby stations. It’s also a convenient base for day trips, with easy rail access for places like Kobe or Himeji.
Facilities suit the serviced-apartment style, with a gym and practical guest services rather than resort-like extras. The real value is the combination of space, flexibility, and being right where you want to be for Osaka’s food and evening atmosphere.
Reviews tend to highlight the excellent location, the comfort of apartment-style rooms, and how easy it is to explore the city on foot from here. Guests also often mention it as a strong-value option for longer stays, especially compared with smaller, more compact city hotel rooms.
Bottom Line: a flexible, well-located Namba base with apartment-style comfort, ideal for travellers who want independence and space while staying right in the heart of Osaka.
2 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
1x Studio Room
Hotel
