Tucked away upriver from Kyoto, the Hoshinoya combines tranquility, traditional design and cleverly woven modern touches such as its bamboo-bend sofas.

Japan is full of rural idylls. Walk through mystical forests like this on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. 

'O-hanami' cherry blossom festivities carry on late in the evening in Maruyama Park, Kyoto.

The iconic snow monkeys of Yudanaka in the Japan Alps hang out at the hot spring pool.

At Tokyo's sprawling Tsukiji Fish Market, the main tuna auction is done by 5 a.m. and adjacent stalls selling are selling the freshest possible sushi straight afterwards.

Aman Tokyo boasts the largest rooms and suites in the city, not to mention the most phenomenal cityscape views.

Each of the Aman Tokyo's 84 guestrooms and suites draw design inspiration from a paired back Japanese aesthetic. Pictured here, the Premier Room's living area is the epitome of Zen.

Fresh green interiors and a calming atmosphere welcome you on arrival at The Palace Hotel, Tokyo.

Ryokan Kurashiki has the charm of a fine English B&B with Japanese refinement and 'omotenashi' hospitality, making it an Ampersand Favourite.

With its leafy sidewalks, coffee shop terraces and high service standards, The Peninsula Tokyo equals experiences at the sister property in Paris

Upgrade rooms at the Peninsula Hotel in Tokyo offer some of the best views of the Imperial Palace grounds.

Japan is renowned for borrowing and enhancing western ideas, which finds its finest evocation in the grandiosity of the St Regis Osaka.

Several Japanese towns vie for the title of 'Little Kyoto', but Kanazawa is perhaps the second culturally rich city in Japan with many opportunities to experience traditional arts.

The Hoshinoya in Arashiyama outside Kyoto is an exclusive tranquil retreat, reached by boat up the Hozu river.

From the city's finest pastries to the beautiful traditional washi paper lampshades, the Ritz Carlton in Kyoto is the epitomy of style and luxury in Japan's most historic city.

Ancient temples are tucked between the modern architecture of Tokyo, the most visited being Senso-ji in Asakusa.

This iconic beachside sculpture on Naoshima Island is as eccentric as the artist, Yayoi Kusama. That hasn't stopped it being the inspiration for Louis Vuitton products.

Despite stiff competition from newer hotels over the last decade, the Park Hyatt Tokyo's New York Bar is still the place for live jazz in the city.