Japan

From iconic cherry blossoms to quiet temples off the beaten path, spring reveals Kyoto’s most enchanting side.

In Tokyo, afternoon tea is elevated to an art form, thanks to chefs’ meticulous attention to detail — and it’s also a welcome way for visitors to pause between sightseeing stops. Across the city, hotel lounges reinterpret the British ritual with a distinctly Japanese sensibility, weaving in seasonal ingredients like hojicha in tiramisu or sakura in delicate scones, all presented with impeccable precision. Here’s where to find the best afternoon teas in Tokyo.

Japan’s top stays don’t always mean sky-high prices. These MICHELIN-Key hotels are where gentle rates meet remarkable quality.

The New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. To celebrate, a look at how 10 MICHELIN Key hotels have reimagined the ancient ryokan for a new millennium.

Discover the thriving cocktail scene across the distinct neighborhoods of Tokyo, from MICHELIN Key hotels to discreet watering holes.

The garden is Kyoto’s greatest hotel amenity — a landscaped masterpiece offering painting-perfect views and a hidden oasis amid the bustle of the Ancient City.

The MICHELIN Guide announces its selection of the best hotels in Japan for 2025.

From serene hot spring retreats to sleek city towers, Japan’s new MICHELIN Key hotels capture the country’s quiet mastery of detail.

All year round, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors visit an endless procession of restaurants. And once in a while, a dish lands on their tables that is simply unforgettable.

The latest MICHELIN Guide Tokyo selection brings notable promotions, including Myojaku’s elevation to Three MICHELIN Stars and a Green Star for TROIS VISAGES. This year’s announcement also unveils the Special Awards, recognizing standout talent across the city’s dining scene.

Step outside your hotel and discover six distinct neighborhoods that capture Osaka’s scenery and ambiance, enriching every moment of your stay in this vibrant city.

Beyond mere aesthetics, the best architecture and design hotels in the world are purpose-built, immersive experiences — whether on land, sea or in the sky.

Japan offers more than skyscrapers and ryokan: It’s home to some of the most unique hotel forms in the world.

Just outside Tokyo — less than two hours by train — five Key hotels for onsen baths, bamboo forests, or mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji.

Kyoto is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Get to know two of the most iconic, Higashiyama and Arashiyama, with this itinerary blending history, art, natural beauty and culinary delights. You’ll also hear from two international hospitality professionals from MICHELIN Guide establishments who share how these neighborhoods shape their creative lives.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, internationally acclaimed for his boundary-crossing cuisine and flagship restaurants such as Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen in Kyoto, shares his insider favorites — from udon to tempura to cocktails — alongside stories that shaped his love for the city.

Mauro Colagreco, the chef behind the Three-MICHELIN-Starred Mirazur in Menton, traces his deep-rooted affinity for Japanese culture back to Kyoto — the city where it all began. Now, years later, he’s returned with his family, eager to share the place that first awakened his fascination.

Nara, Japan’s original capital, offers a peaceful blend of ancient temples, sacred deer, and walkable parklands — just a short trip from Kyoto.