These three names will upgrade your Japan trip from super to superb

Visiting a foreign country doesn’t always end in postcard-perfect memories, but a trip to Japan sure does. A land of juxtaposition, where snow-capped peaks and tranquil bamboo forests rub shoulders with neon skylines, shopping meccas and historic Shinto shrines, the island nation has something to please even the most seasoned of travellers — and Australians can’t get enough.

A stay at a Mitsui Garden Hotel will elevate your Japan stay.

Whether it’s a ski trip to Hokkaido, a cultural immersion in Kyoto or a tour through the mega malls of Tokyo, Aussies have long loved travelling to Japan, with the country’s proximity, safety and opportunities for adventure proving too hard to resist.

Staying at one of the properties under the Mitsui Fudosan umbrella offers unparalleled convenience. Guests can seamlessly transition between hotels within the brand, enjoying a consistent level of service and comfort across destinations. And — hot off the press — from January 20, they will be introducing a same-day luggage delivery between select hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, eliminating the hassle of lugging baggage and maximising guests’ experience by allowing them to explore each city freely and efficiently.

No matter where your journey takes you, you can be sure THE CELESTINE HOTELS, Mitsui Garden Hotels or sequence hotel will be there to elevate your experience. Designed for travellers who long for refined and personalised stays, these are three names worth remembering.

Retreat to Mitsui Garden Hotels

Boasting more than 30 properties across the country, Mitsui Garden Hotels ensures that comfort and relaxation are always within reach. Thanks to their nature-focused spaces, wellness-forward amenities and culinary delights, each hotel is designed to turn your stay into a garden-like escape.

If you’re chasing fresh powder in Hokkaido, base yourself at Mitsui Garden Hotel Sapporo West for delicious daily crepes and easy access to the skiing, boarding and snow play at Moiwayama and Bankei ski areas.

Planning a visit to Yokohama? Once you’ve enjoyed the rides and performances at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, head to Mitsui Garden Hotel Minatomirai PREMIER for a soak in the stunning sky pool, or retreat to your room for breathtaking harbour views or the sunset silhouettes of Mount Fuji. The hotel is also conveniently accessible from the airport, taking approximately 30 minutes by bus or train, comparable to reaching central Tokyo.

If you’re chasing the bright lights of Tokyo — and the many shopping boutiques and department stores of Ginza — Mitsui Garden Hotel Toyosu Premier offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. Sitting pretty at 165m above the ground, the hotel offers sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and the glittering city below.

Can’t get enough of those skyline views? The luxurious Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion is sure to please with its rooftop open-air bath, while a stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu will see you indulging in freshly made sushi and exploring the Yatai food stalls (and their famous ramen) every morning and evening.

Take advantage of Mitsui Garden Hotels’ dedicated baggage service for hands-free sightseeing in Kyoto — especially if the cobblestone paths of Ninenzaka Street are on your itinerary. With the newly opened Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo PREMIER as your base, you can explore the shrines of Higashiyama and sample the mochi at Nishiki Market with ease.

The ideal spot to unwind thanks to its lush Japanese gardens, ambient rooms and calming private and public baths, the hotel also runs monthly kimono exhibitions, allowing visitors to better appreciate the local area’s history.

Additionally, same-day luggage delivery services between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are available. For more information, visit the InterCity Hotel Baggage Link website.

Enjoy an intimate stay at THE CELESTINE HOTELS

After a day spent sampling the street food of Tokyo, marvelling at the Imperial Palace, wandering through Ginza Six and delighting in the city’s many themed cafes, arcades and pristine parks, there’s nothing quite like checking in at the HOTEL THE CELESTINE GINZA or HOTEL THE CELESTINE TOKYO SHIBA.

THE CELESTINE HOTELS will lift your spirits with its classic Japanese atmosphere.

Conveniently located in the heart of the capital, both properties provide unrivalled hospitality, personalised service and a moment of pause, with guests at HOTEL THE CELESTINE TOKYO SHIBA able to unwind on a sunlit patio, find bliss at SPA AMUSTAS or admire the Japanese art and book collection in the guest lounge.

If a visit to Kyoto, Japan’s spiritual heart, is on your itinerary, HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION makes for the ultimate hideaway. Boasting mindfully designed rooms, a serene miniature garden and a spacious public bath (the perfect place to retreat to after exploring the city’s temples and shrines), the hotel effortlessly blends traditional touches with modern finishes.

This property was recently awarded 1 Michelin Key by the Michelin Guide, prestigious recognition that signifies that the hotel offers an exceptional guest experience, characterised by unique personality, charm and unconventional offerings.

As with all Celestine properties, staff are always on hand to offer assistance, so be sure to make a reservation at the on-site Yasaka Endo for an unforgettable Japanese feast.

Find a heartfelt connection with sequence Hotels

sequence will enhance your trip with its outstanding accessibility and modern design.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, family or your significant other, you’ll find a space to connect at sequence Hotels. With two properties in Tokyo, sequence MIYASHITA PARK and sequence SUIDOBASHI, as well as one in Kyoto, the sequence KYOTO GOJO, these smart, culture-driven hotels offer guests a chance to mingle with the local community and easily explore Japan’s most iconic sites.

For those looking for a perfect space for family or group stays, the BunkRoom at sequence MIYASHITA PARK and sequence SUIDOBASHI is a great option.

With self-check-in open from 5pm, check-out at 2pm and breakfast available until noon, your time is your own at sequence. It’s little gestures like these that make for a memorable stay, as does the chain’s “gentle connections” philosophy focused on three key pillars: “smart” recommendations tailored to individual interests, “open” flexibility in itinerary planning, and “culture”-rich experiences that foster authentic connections with the destination.

The café-lobby hybrid, VALLEY PARK STAND, at sequence MIYASHITA PARK opens up the hotel to the leafy rooftop park beside it, providing skyline views of the city beyond. From the iconic Shibuya Crossing and Center Gai to the thrumming bars and izakaya of wider Tokyo, sequence connects you to it all.

With their sophisticated interiors, calming spaces, smart features and cultural experiences, THE CELESTINE HOTELS, Mitsui Garden Hotels and sequence hotels promise to take your Japanese adventure to new heights. So, when does yours begin?

Start your Japanese adventure right now at THE CELESTINE HOTELS, Mitsui Garden Hotels and sequence.