Address: 3-60, Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Website: ihg.com/intercontinental/osaka    Tel: 06-6374-5700

Dominating the waterfront of Kobe and featuring the Rokko Mountains as the perfect backdrop, Hotel Okura Kobe offers stunning views and a convenient location. It’s located a few steps from the Motomachi shopping area, Kobe’s China town Nanking-machi and the Former Foreign Settlement. Classy and minimalist rooms feature plush beds, a fridge, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and all other basic amenities. If you’re sporty or gym-obsessed, don’t fret— there’s a fitness centre, a tennis court and an indoor pool at your convenience. The hotel also offers a variety of restaurants, including French, Japanese and Chinese cuisine as well as a bar and a cafe restaurant. Address:  2-1 Hatoba-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Website: okura-nikko.com Tel: 07-8333-0111

Located in Ise-Shima National Park and overlooking Ago Bay, the newly renovated Shima Kanko Hotel the Classic boasts an unrivaled panoramic view. Watch the sunset reflect in the bay water and the flourishing flora of either the national park or the hotel’s gigantic 6,600 square meter Japanese garden where seasonal flowers bloom. You’ll be sure to marvel at the view of the Ago-Bay from the top floor on the hotel’s observation deck. Looking for relaxation other than taking in the beautiful sights? Why not have your knots kneaded at the eau Spa by Clarins or take a swim in the outdoor pool open during the summer. The hotel’s fitness gym is also a great place to sweat the stress out. As for dining, the hotel offers La Mer the Classic Restaurant where you can relish authentic French seafood dishes and simultaneously look over the bay’s view. Address: 731 Shinmei, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture Website: miyakohotels.ne.jp   Tel: 05-9943-1211

Looking for relaxation and a place to soak your bones? Look no further than the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo. Flourishingly green during the summer, and a white wonderland of snow in the winter, rest your eyes on the peaceful cityscape while soaking in the natural hot springs from the 22nd floor. The spa offers a variety of baths and saunas, as well as paid services such as a massage, body scrub treatment and even features hair salons. The 342 guest rooms located on the 23rd to 34th floors all offer a spectacular view of the city below. As for dining, the hotel offers four options, including French and Japanese cuisine. Address: 5 Nishi 2, Kita 5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Website: jrhotels.co.jp    Tel: 01-1251-2222