Hotels in Japan

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2005, 2006

Opened three years ago, this Roppongi Hills tower has rooms in brown and cream that are "large by Tokyo standards," with mahogany furnishings and a tech concierge on call around the clock. Higher-floor accommodations have views of distant Mount Fuji. With eight restaurants (Asian, European, and more), "the options are endless." Guests must pay a fee to use the pool.

389 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2006

Near the Imperial Palace, this property has a Frank Lloyd Wright building and "a location that's hard to beat." Guests praise the "first-rate service, which includes an attendant who greets you at the elevator." No two rooms are alike: The decor ranges from classic to contemporary. The teppanyaki at Kamon is "as good as you'll have anywhere."

1057 rooms

Amenities: Pool

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2005, 2006

Shinjuku Park Tower, three terraced skyscrapers topped with steel-and-glass pyramids, is home to this hotel with expansive views of the Kanto Plain. Staff give guests "a warm welcome." Rooms have walls of water-elm panels and, above the deep soaking tub, paintings by contemporary artist Yoshitaka Echizenya. Choose from 1,600 wines at New York Grill; Girandole is a French brasserie.

177 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa

Also featured on the Gold List in: 2005

European art and antiques, silk wall coverings, and large floral arrangements earn this nine-year-old hotel in a mixed-use skyscraper in the Nishi-Umeda district a perfect Design score. "Well-thought-out rooms" have views of downtown. Hanagatami, which faces a traditional garden, has kimono-clad servers who deliver Japanese dishes. Perfect-scoring staff are "courteous, responsive, and always smiling."

292 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa