Where to stay in Japan

published 2 March 2015

Aman

What's so special?

This is the first urban hotel in the Aman boutique chain. It sticks to the minimalist style of its other 26 hotels, but is nestled in the heart of Otemachi in Tokyo's financial district rather than in a rural idyll.

How they rate it

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The hotel is situated on the top six floors of the 38-storey Otemachi Tower, and has "fabulous city views," says Danielle Demetriou in The Daily Telegraph. The bright and airy rooms have "a sleek modern take on traditional Japanese ryokan inns", with "walls of light woods and white washi, plus sliding screens of paper-lined glass".

Steps "lead down to an expanse of windows lined with day beds framing views across the city". Better still, you can enjoy "nocturnal views across a sparkling Tokyo from the comfy confines of a deep, square-stone bath infused with aromatic bags of fresh yuzu winter citrus fruits".

The menu

The restaurant on the 33rd floor serves "European-inspired dishes with seasonal Japanese ingredients, ranging from Hokkaido scallops and sea urchins to French foie gras with Tokyo shiitake mushrooms".

The cost

Prices from £518 per night, room only. For more, visit amanresorts.com, or call 00 81 03 5224 3333.

Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

What's so special?

If you suffer from vertigo, don't go to the Andaz Tokyo, says Sarah Siese in Harper's Bazaar. It takes up the 47th to 52nd floors of Tokyo's Mori tower. If you have a head for heights, however, or can cope with the wobbles, you'll be rewarded with some spectacular view.

How they rate it

The hotel's 164 rooms "are uncomplicated, partitioned spaces with supersize circular bath tubs", says Siese. "Height brings benefits: namely light, airy space and long views of the Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace and Tokyo Skytree (the second-tallest building in the world)."

You could spend your time enjoying the views from your room, but don't miss out on the high-altitude spa. It "offers tailor-made Jiyujizai treatments, created from seasonal ingredients to suit the individual, alongside personalised yoga and gym sessions, a pool and more of those incredible views".

The menu

The restaurant offers both Japanese and Western menus, each of which revolves around seasonal produce. "I particularly recommend the local sea urchin and tairagai clams (the size of a T-bone steak)," says Siese.

The cost

Prices startfrom £327 a night for a king room, including breakfast. For more information visit andaztokyo.com, or call 0845-888 1234.

Family-friendly hotspots in Greece

For older children: Santa Marina, Mykonos: The Santa Marina isn't suitable for toddlers, says Cond Nast Traveller "too many low walls and unnerving drops". But for older children "it's bliss". There's a free kids' club for under-12s, a playground and a beach. It's also close to the airport, has super-friendly staff and gorgeous views.

Seven nights from £3,850, two adults and two children incl. flights (carrier.co.uk).

For teenagers: the Peligoni Club, Zakynthos: "The idea is simple: Peligoni sorts out your villa or hotel and then you spend your days at The Club." It is perfect for teenagers who "want fun-filled, adrenalin-fuelled days and freedom at night".

The club has "rustic driftwood signposting, white-painted furniture [and is] surrounded by olive trees". There's a two-room spa, pool and restaurant where everyone gathers for backgammon. There are lots of activities, including pizza making and a weekly fancy-dress party.

Seven nights from £2,043, two adults and two children sharing (peligoni.com).

For overworked parents Daios Cove, Crete (pictured):"A balm for overworked, whacked-out parents, with stone-built villas dotted around an olive-tree-covered cove." The kids' club has mini discos, the occasional games night and babysitting, and the shallow sea "shelves some 15 metres out, making for child-friendly rippling waves".

Seven nights from £2,025, based on three sharing, half board, including flights (sovereign.com).

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.