If you’re traveling in Japan, why not try a unique experience by staying in a cultural heritage property? Across Japan, you’ll find hotels and ryokan that make use of historic buildings. Staying at one of these properties offers a special opportunity to experience the passage of time and the stories etched into the architecture with all your senses.
This time, hotel journalist Nana Iwai, who visits over 100 hotels a year, introduces seven recommended properties. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in spaces where the charm of old Japan and modern comfort are perfectly balanced.
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The Appeal of Staying in Historic Buildings
Staying in a space preserved as a cultural property allows you to feel history with all your senses—from the texture of the architecture and the way light filters in, to the tranquility of the surroundings. The fusion of modern amenities and services with these historic spaces ensures a comfortable yet extraordinary stay.
Experiencing Japanese history and immersing yourself in culture at a hotel that utilizes a cultural property will become a deeply memorable part of your trip to Japan.
[Kyoto] Marufukuro / Former Nintendo Headquarters
This hotel makes use of the historic building that once served as the former headquarters of Nintendo. Nintendo, the company behind globally popular games like Nintendo Switch, Wii, and Super Mario, was founded in Kyoto.
Marufukuro consists of three retro buildings from the former headquarters, featuring an Art Deco style, and a newly constructed, modern, and sophisticated wing. The new building was designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, and exudes a quiet presence that harmonizes with the cultural property.
Not only the exterior, but also the interior design and materials have been carefully restored to preserve as much of the original appearance as possible. During your stay, you can join a guided tour of the building led by staff, where you’ll learn in detail about the interiors and exhibits that retain the atmosphere of the 1930s at the time of its construction.
Inside, you’ll find a library with materials related to Nintendo, past game consoles, nostalgic Mario merchandise, and books about Nintendo. In the lounge on the first floor of the new building, guests can enjoy light meals and snacks, making for a relaxing time in a special setting.
This is a hotel where you can have a one-of-a-kind experience by staying in the very place where world-famous games and characters were born. The unique space where old and new quietly coexist holds special meaning for both gaming fans and lovers of cultural heritage.
- Address: 342 Kagiyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
- Access: About 6 minutes on foot from Shichijo Station
- URL: https://marufukuro.com/
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[Kyoto] Ace Hotel Kyoto / Former Kyoto Central Telephone Office
The Ace Hotel Kyoto, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Kyoto at Karasuma Oike, is housed within the complex "Shinpukan." This facility utilizes the preserved and revitalized building of the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office, constructed in 1926 and designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The complex seamlessly integrates the preserved brick building with a newly constructed wing, beautifully blending into the streetscape of Kyoto.
When you visit, be sure to step back and admire the harmonious appearance of the architecture from a distance.
The architectural design of Shinpukan and its adjoining structures was overseen by architect Kengo Kuma. Incorporating traditional elements such as the use of wood reminiscent of beams and latticework seen in Japanese machiya townhouses, the space is transformed into a modern and sophisticated environment with a sense of openness.
Furthermore, the interior design of the entire hotel was created by the Los Angeles-based design collective Commune Design. Among the highly artistic spaces, the third-floor restaurant "KŌSA" offers an impressive setting overlooking a Japanese garden, allowing guests to experience its unique aesthetic.
With excellent access to major sightseeing spots such as Gion and Kiyomizu-dera, it serves as an ideal base for exploring the city. This facility, which combines history, design, and location, is a cultural heritage hotel that preserves the precious appearance of its original construction and is well worth a visit.
- Address: 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, inside Shinpukan
- Access: Directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station
- URL: https://jp.acehotel.com/kyoto/
[Fukuoka] Yanagawa Tachibana-tei OHANA
This ryotei ryokan in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, utilizes the former residence of a feudal lord family with a history spanning approximately 400 years. Once the home of the domain lord and his family, it is still preserved by their descendants today. After a renewal in January 2025, the space has evolved to allow guests to experience the charm of its historic modern Japanese architecture even more deeply.
The grounds feature nationally designated cultural properties and the beautiful Shotoen Garden, allowing visitors to sense the atmosphere of life in those days. A major highlight is that it is the only ryotei ryokan in Japan where you can stay within a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty. This designation certifies that the landscape is recognized by the government as an especially outstanding scenic area. Experiencing a stay in a space protected for its artistic and scenic value is a unique luxury only available here.
The most popular experience is the "Breakfast on a Boat" plan, which takes advantage of Yanagawa's waterways. Dining while surrounded by the waterside scenery is sure to become a lasting memory of your trip.
In addition, there are a variety of activities to enhance your stay, such as experiences that let you feel like a feudal lord (tonosama) and a book lounge offering a wide selection of books.
The pure white Western-style building, originally constructed as the Tachibana family’s guest house, is also a must-see. In this space that still retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era, you can experience the unique charm where Japanese and Western styles intersect. Guests staying at the property can tour the cultural heritage area for free until 23:00, while day visitors can explore from 10:00 to 17:00 by paying an admission fee.
- Address: 1 Shingai-machi, Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture
- Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Yanagawa Station
- URL: https://ohana.co.jp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
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[Aichi] THE TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA / Nagoya TV Tower
This hotel allows you to stay inside Nagoya’s iconic landmark, Nagoya TV Tower. Completed in 1954 as a symbol of postwar reconstruction, the TV tower actually has a longer history than Tokyo Tower. At the time, there was a shortage of construction machinery, so some of the work was carried out manually, and it took about eight years to complete. Its historical and technological value has been recognized, and it is registered as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
At the heart of this gathering place, “THE TOWER HOTEL NAGOYA” was opened in 2020. It serves a new role as a “local media tower,” sharing regional traditions, culture, art and craft, and regional cuisine that expresses the area’s history and culture through local ingredients.
The guest rooms are scattered throughout the tower, and from the large windows you can enjoy sweeping views of Hisaya-odori Park and the cityscape of Nagoya. The ever-changing scenery, depending on the time of day, is a special privilege unique to this location atop the tower.
Furthermore, the hotel has been selected for the “Michelin Key” by the Michelin Guide, a testament to the high quality of the guest experience.
The hotel’s restaurant offers dishes made with local ingredients, making your stay here a destination in itself.
- Address: 3-6-15 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
- Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Sakae Station
- URL: https://thetowerhotel.jp/
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[Nara] Hoshinoya Nara Prison (Opening June 2026)
Scheduled to open in June 2026, “Hoshinoya Nara Prison” is Japan’s first luxury hotel utilizing the former Nara Prison, built in the Meiji era and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This one-of-a-kind project, which preserves and revitalizes prison architecture, is attracting significant attention.
The focus on prison architecture stems from the Meiji government’s drive to transition Japan into a modern nation. The Prison Act of 1872 set out more humane forms of punishment, and new prison architecture was required, incorporating Western systems. The radial cell blocks, a symbol of Nara Prison, are based on the “Haviland System” devised by architect John Haviland. This design, which allows for surveillance from the center while ensuring privacy in individual cells, embodies both Japan’s modernization and its evolving awareness of human rights.
The all-suite guest rooms have been reconstructed into a refined space while preserving the stately charm of the brick architecture. Additionally, at the adjacent "Nara Prison Museum by Hoshino Resorts," you can explore exhibits on architecture and history, as well as art installations that connect the inside and outside of the prison, making your stay an intellectually stimulating experience.
- Address: 18 Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Access: About 10 minutes by car from Nara Station
- URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/brands/hoshinoya/
[Kyoto] Imperial Hotel Kyoto
Part of Yasaka Hall, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, will be preserved and repurposed as a small luxury hotel opening in Gion, Kyoto in March 2026. Yasaka Hall was built as a theater for performances, located next to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, which is known for performances by geiko and maiko (apprentice geisha). Although it had not been used for a long time, it has now begun a new chapter as the Imperial Hotel Kyoto.
This project aims to preserve and pass on the scenic landscape of Gion to future generations. The tiles adorning the exterior walls have been carefully removed, with about 10,000 tiles—accounting for 10% of the total—secured and reused. The copper-tiled roof has been faithfully restored to its original state, presenting new value as a cultural property that is not only preserved but also actively used.
Located in the heart of Gion, it is within walking distance of popular tourist spots such as Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji Street. In addition to its convenience as a sightseeing base, the hotel offers the charm of being able to feel the history and culture of the city up close.
This hotel offers a high-quality accommodation experience where the extraordinary atmosphere unique to Gion and the sense of relaxation envisioned by Imperial Hotel coexist.
- Address: 570-289 Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access: About 8 minutes on foot from Gion-Shijo Station
- URL: https://www.imperialhotel.co.jp/kyoto
[Hokkaido] Former Soma Residence Kazeno Heritage
This hotel utilizes a nationally designated Important Cultural Property in Hakodate, Hokkaido. It was the residence of Teppei Soma, a wealthy merchant active during the Meiji era, and is designated as a cultural property for its unique blend of Japanese and Western architectural styles and refined design.
For its rebirth as a hotel, the kura (storehouse), which is an Important Cultural Property, and the former private residence added later have been repurposed into accommodation facilities. To maintain the authenticity of the building, physical alterations to the designated cultural property areas have been kept to a minimum, and the space has been reborn as an all-suite, luxurious environment.
The interior preserves the atmosphere of the era while offering modern comfort. During your stay, you can enjoy a quiet and enriching time, as if you are appreciating the architecture itself. This is a "cultural property you can stay in," where you can deeply experience the history and culture of Hakodate.
- Address: 33-2 Motomachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Suehirocho Station
- URL: https://www.kazenoheritage.jp/hotels/old-soma-residence/
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A Place Where Staying Itself Becomes the Purpose
The experience of staying in a historic building is more than just accommodation—it offers a special opportunity to connect he history and culture. The beauty of the architecture, the stories passed down through generations, and the comfort of modern amenities all come together to make your journey deeper and richer. By choosing a place where “staying itself becomes the purpose,” you can discover the charm of Japan from a new perspective.
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