From mountain retreats to waterfront escapes, discover four stays that make travel unforgettable

Luxury travel is no longer about simply arriving somewhere new – it’s about truly experiencing a place and connecting with its people and its culture. Japan, with its distinctive regions, diverse seasonal cuisine and time-honoured traditions, is particularly well suited to this type of immersive travel.

From alpine hideaways and ancient capitals to vibrant oceanside cities, each area of the country offers its own rhythm and rituals. Hilton Japan’s hand-picked properties are not just bases – they’re gateways, curating the essence of each destination while surrounding you with world-class comfort, design and service.

Here are four unique destinations where your stay becomes the key to unlocking unforgettable, authentic moments.

Karuizawa: A mountain retreat for all seasons

Only an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Karuizawa offers crisp mountain air, lush summer greenery, blazing autumn foliage and snowy winter slopes. This Western-influenced resort town is a haven of hiking trails, art galleries and ski resorts, with the historic Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and its quaint cafés and boutique shops at its heart. It’s a place where each season invites you to slow down and embrace nature in all its glory.

Where to stay: Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Set just steps from Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton is a boutique retreat that captures the quiet elegance of its mountain surroundings. Each visit here begins in the luxurious comfort of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, which delivers guests at no cost from Karuizawa station to a serene property where a charming tree-lined courtyard invites tranquil, unhurried mornings. Indoors, interiors blend natural textures with refined design, while the public bath and spa offer restorative soaks after browsing Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza or enjoying the slopes at Karuizawa Prince ski area.

Immersion here means connecting with both nature and heritage. Guests can relax in the courtyard with a book, discover seasonal flavours at the two on-site restaurants and take in beautiful views that shift with the seasons. The hotel’s intimate scale and knowledgeable staff ensure that every stay feels both deeply personal and deeply local.

Osaka: The city that always feasts

Osaka’s magnetic energy comes from its mix of culinary brilliance, neon-lit entertainment and historic charm. Known as “Japan’s kitchen”, the city brims with street food stalls, Michelin-starred dining and bustling shopping districts. Here, immersion means tasting your way through every neighbourhood, from takoyaki (battered octopus balls) in Dotonbori to kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) in Shinsekai.

Where to stay: Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda

In the vibrant heart of Umeda, steps from Osaka and Umeda stations, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda channels the city’s history and culture into its design. The ceiling lights in the entrance hall recall takoyaki sizzling in a pan, while guest rooms – each infused with touches that reflect the city’s character – offer a chance to feel a sense of place even in moments of rest.

The hotel’s rooftop bar, with its open-air terrace and beautiful water table, offers a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. Guests can explore Grand Green Osaka just next door, or work out in the fitness centre with sweeping station views. This pet-friendly property invites travellers to discover Osaka on their own terms, blending the city’s dynamic culture with Hilton’s relaxed, contemporary comfort.

Fukuoka: Where the ocean meets the city

Fukuoka is a coastal city with an adventurous spirit, known for its vibrant food stalls (yatai), cutting-edge art installations, and gateway location to both Japan’s southern islands and Asia beyond. Its beaches, modern architecture and cultural attractions offer a balance of leisure and exploration. Immersion comes naturally here, whether it’s sharing ramen shoulder-to-shoulder at a late-night stall or watching the shifting colours of the bay at sunset.

Where to stay: Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk

Set on the Momochi waterfront overlooking Hakata Bay, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk is a César Pelli–designed landmark offering up to 320-degree panoramic ocean views. Oversize windows frame each sunrise and sunset, delivering a breathtaking display of natural beauty and an unforgettable ambience any time of year. The hotel is minutes from Fukuoka Tower, team Lab Forest Fukuoka, Seaside Momochi Beach Park and the MIZUHO PayPay Dome FUKUOKA.

From spacious Japanese- and Western-style rooms ideal for families to panoramic ocean-view suites made for romance, and calm, minimalist spaces well suited to business travellers, Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk offers a stay to suit every guest.. It also offers a range of immersive pleasures, such as unwinding in a luxurious stone bath or sampling fresh seafood while watching the tides. With its sweeping ocean backdrop and effortless access to both cultural and natural attractions, this stunning hotel turns a seaside escape into an elevated sensory experience.

Kyoto: The soul of Japan

Kyoto is the keeper of Japan’s soul: a city of temple bells, tea houses and artisan traditions that have endured for centuries. Its beauty lies in contrasts – seasonal cherry blossoms and fiery maple leaves, bustling markets and quiet Zen gardens. To be here is to walk through a living museum, where every street, shopfront and shrine whispers centuries-old stories.

Where to stay: Hilton Kyoto

Located in the city centre, Hilton Kyoto is an elegant base for exploring landmarks such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple and Nishiki Market. The spacious guest rooms, spanning approximately 40 square metres, balance modern luxury with Kyoto traditions through refined textures and artisan-inspired details.

The hotel’s rooftop bar offers panoramic city views during the more temperate seasons, while the executive lounge provides a tranquil courtyard setting for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Guests can indulge in authentic spa journeys at eforea SPA – the first Hilton-operated spa brand in Japan – or savour diverse dining options across four restaurants. Here, Kyoto’s deep traditions meet Hilton’s global sophistication in a setting designed for both discovery and repose.

From the highland serenity of Karuizawa to the oceanfront allure of Fukuoka, Hilton Japan brings you closer to each destination’s heart. Immerse yourself in culture, comfort and unforgettable moments – start planning your stay today at Hilton.com

Also see: Experience more for less: Discover Hilton’s best-value hotels in Japan