1. Murata, Kyushu
With its thatched roofs, earthily-hued walls and forest setting, Murata looks like a classic ryokan, or inn. The interiors, however, are by hip Tokyo architects Simplicity. Twelve lodges, each with private outdoor baths, cling to the mountainside and mix modern style with traditional tatami mat flooring, sliding screens and calligraphy. Sip cocktails in the bar or dine in the restaurant before visiting the art gallery or shopping at Murata's sleek gift store.
Murata Kyushu, 1264-2 Kawakami Yufuin Oita (00 81 977 845 000; www.sansou-murata.com). Doubles start at Y96,900 (£474), half board.
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2. Claska, Tokyo
Claska has always been more than just a hotel: its nine guestrooms compete for attention with a hip art gallery, design bookshop, DJ parties and even a poodle parlour. The shift from hotel to cultural space goes a step further today when Claska opens a new art gallery shop, along with a restaurant called Kiokuh, serving organic Japanese seasonal cuisine. Plus, three new guestrooms will mix tatami flooring with modern furnishings.
Claska, 1-3-18 Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku Tokyo (00 81 3 3719 8121; www.claska.com). Doubles start at Y21,945 (£108), room only.
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3. River Retreat Garaku, Toyama
An art gallery that hosts sleepovers is not an inaccurate description of this sleek hotel. A visit is incomplete without a soak in a hot springbath – indoors or out – with a view of the Kamitori River and mountains.
River Retreat Garaku, 56-2 Kasuga, Toyama-shi (00 81 3 5368 0790;www.ryokancollection.com). Doubles cost Y50,000 (£245), half board.
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4. Hotel Screen, Kyoto
Screen is a bold design hotel that opened its doors in December. Each of the 13 guestrooms was created by a different designer. A hip gift shop sells local artefacts and a restaurant serves a fusion of modern French and Kyotan cuisine.
Hotel Screen, 640-1 Shimogoryomaecho, Nakagyoku, Kyoto (00 81 75 252 1113; www.hotel-screen.com). Doubles start at Y62,370 (£305), room only.
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5. Dojima Hotel, Osaka
Dojima is a stylish antidote to the anonymity of business hotels in the city. The 76 guest rooms have clean white lines and picture windows, but most of the action seems to takes place elsewhere. Tuck into seaweed delicacies in the health food café, head to the bookshop (strong on photography) or watch chefs while sitting along the grill at the restaurant. Appetite sated, indulge in a massage at the Olive spa.
Dojima Hotel, 2-1-31 Dojimahama, Osaka (00 81 6 6341 3000; www.dojima-hotel.com). Doubles from Y27,500 (£135), room only.
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29 March 2008, Chosen by Danielle Demetriou
