Michelin honours exceptional hotels in Japan

Michelin Guide's prestigious new hotel rating system called Michelin Key arrived on the scene in April 2024 with a collection of exceptional hotels in France, quickly followed by the US, Spain, and Italy.

Last week they added Japan to their esteemed collection which is designed to recognise the world’s most exceptional accommodations.

Following anonymous vetting by Michelin Guides, they have awarded their highest accolade, Three Keys, to six properties in Japan, half of which make their home in the towers of Tokyo.

Japan is the first Asian country to receive Michelin Keys and as a country is considered to be a symbol of Michelin excellence with over 400 starred restaurants (out of almost 3,500 globally) offering an exceptional culinary experience.

In Tokyo, the skyscraper and design gems awarded the prestigious Three Michelin Keys include Bulgari Hotel, Four Seasons, and Palace Hotel Tokyo singled out as offering one of the most exceptional hotel experiences in the world.

Hotels are judged for their excellence in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. The Three Keys awarded to Japan’s hotels now add to Michelin’s exemplary benchmark for delivering the world’s most ‘extraordinary stay’ experiences.

If at any time, anywhere, you can check into a Three Michelin Key hotel, do whatever you can to make it happen. It will be one of the most exceptional hotel experiences in the world. A stay for example at Palace Hotel Tokyo, sets a standard like others in its Michelin Key class, offering guests only outstanding hospitality.

Enjoy a peaceful stay in a deluxe room with private balcony offering panoramic views over Tokyo, and an exceptional breakfast at the lofty Grand Kitchen whilst relaxing on the tranquil terrace adjacent to the Imperial Palace Moat and you’ll be left wondering if you are really in one of the world’s most populated metropolises. Rates from £365 per person palacehoteltokyo.com