Would you believe it if we tell you there are no luxury hotels in Japan? But there is a Ryokans. A Japanese lifestyle affair complete with futon beds, tatami floors and local cuisine. The opulent ones have onsen (hot spring pools), kaiseki (Japanese haute-cuisine), omiyage (traditional gifting stores) and sleek architecture.

Hoshinoya is a premium example in Tokyo where the black lattice-patterned exterior and the tatami hallway with ikebanas welcome you to experience the traditional Ryokan with a vogue personality. The stay at Hoshinoya is complete with wooden minimalist furnishings, a constant sandalwood aroma, an open-roof hot spring bath, a soft kimono, a sake lounge on every floor and Nippon cuisine based on seasonal ingredients and forest minerals.

Nestled amid the secret gardens, Aman Kyoto is another luxury ryokan. Light-filled suites and pavilions breathe in the neutral shaded furniture with a minimalistic approach while the maples and wild cherries wave from its floor-to-ceiling forest windows.

Yoshimatsu in Hakone is a traditional Sukiya-style ryokan surrounded by sweeping vistas of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. The ancient Japanese heritage oozes into this magnificent resort with its classic traditional architecture, Yukatas (bathrobes) and koi ponds.

Lavishness is at its peak at Zaborin Rokyan surrounded by Hokkaido’s birch trees overlooking the Hanazono Forest and Mount Yotei volcano. Zaborin’s 15 plush villas boast private indoor and open-air onsens, doughy futons, pine-scented bath products and a full stock of Hokkaido juices.