Japan
A destination with a rich tapestry of people and traditions
Traditions of fine detail, elegant food and honouring nature flow from past to present like a crystal clear stream in Japan’s many mountains. Whether you are exploring rustic hillside villages or pulsating cities reaching toward the sky, some things stay the same. One such keystone is omotenashi hospitality – and the genuine kindness and respect shown to visitors are only part of the story. Hosts take care of their guests with unseen gestures, from carefully laying out futons on tatami floors to the artful arrangements in onsen bathhouses, where relaxation is an ancient ritual.
This attention to detail applies to culinary experience as well. Chefs seek out the freshest ingredients from small-scale farms, and dishes are of delectable quality whether you’re dining in an avant-garde restaurant or a cosy izakaya bustling with office workers. As you travel across Japan throughout four distinct seasons, you’ll discover primeval deciduous and evergreen forests, white-sand beaches touching the warm ocean, and some of the world’s best alpine landscapes.
Our hotels
Taste of place
Japanese food evokes the past with its subtle rituals and umami ingredients, like miso and grilled fish, that bring to mind childhood home comforts for Japanese people when they travel.
Honouring traditions of using fresh, local ingredients with care and creativity, Grand Mercure chefs are mindful of Japan’s wonderfully varied seasons. The balanced menus pay tribute to each region’s culinary heritage, and many dishes form a strong part of a prefecture’s identity.
Breakfast culture
At Grand Mercure, we highlight the best elements of traditional Japanese breakfasts. Natural, well-balanced elements of the ichiju-sansai (one soup, three dishes) concept feature a clear yet flavourful soup for hydration, perfectly grilled fish or another protein, and two side dishes of seasonal vegetables. Our modern twist is evident in gourmet ingredients, playful colours and takeaway options for busy guests.
Brew culture
A Japanese tea ritual is a multisensory experience, from the warm, elemental aromas to the moment of silent reverence before the first sip is taken. The country’s tea-loving heritage goes back across millennia and touches distant regions, whether you’re savouring green tea from Shizuoka or genmaicha from Kagoshima.
Local bites
Japanese hospitality is about reliability and care – but also little surprises. Unexpected moments elevate your stay, like the presentation of traditional wagashi sweets alongside your tea. Taste the country’s diverse seasons when you discover what is hidden inside these delicate confections, masterfully crafted as they have been for centuries.
Signature dish
The stamps of our signature dishes are the freshest local ingredients and iconic recipes that Japanese families enjoy around the dining table. Like sweet monaka sushi using local ingredients – each different depending on the location of the hotel – to fill the delicate wafer sandwiches. Wherever you stay with us, the signature dish is accompanied by interactive culinary experiences and a picture-perfect presentation.
A walk through nature
Deeply rooted in Buddhism and Shintoism, Japanese culture has a deep reverence for nature, which is why our scent evokes nature itself.
Our signature scent is a spiritual journey through the woods, coastlines and mountains of Japan – places that Shinto and Buddhist ancestors may have once walked while meditating or on a pilgrimage. This calming yet invigorating fragrance brings to mind the tradition of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) with its base notes of hinoki cypress. The tang of sea breeze evokes Japan’s vital relationship with its vast surrounding oceans, while the zest of aromatic yuzu awakens all your senses.
Scentorial immersion
You are immersed in Japanese heritage and history when you breathe in your hotel’s signature fragrance. These aromas draw upon culture and the outdoors, powerfully evoking both. You are transported to the past with the scent of irori hearths found in Edo-period homes, and dream of a peaceful night’s sleep on sweet-smelling tatami. Together, these fragrances represent physical and spiritual homes.
Our cities
Awaji Island
Immerse yourself in culture on Awaji Island at a traditional puppet show or in natural outdoor onsens with spectacular ocean views. Discover the island's centuries-old royal links as the supplier of food to the Imperial Court.
Beppu
Discover bathing heaven in Beppu. This city is home to more hot springs than any other part of Japan, with 2,000-plus onsen where locals and visitors go to revive the soul and boost their health. The life-affirming geothermal
Hamamatsu
Natural beauty meets a proud musical tradition in Hamamatsu. Cruise Lake Hamana where Japan’s unagi (eel) farming industry was born, explore a museum of musical instruments, and experience an awe-inspiring annual kite festival.
Kyoto
In Japan’s historical capital, tradition and modernity are balanced like the flavours in local kaiseki-ryōri haute cuisine. Known for its abundance of temples, shrines and imperial landmarks, the diverse city also offers
Minamiboso
Minamiboso draws visitors with mountain hiking trails offering panoramic coastal views, as well as beaches with mesmerising sunset vistas. Explore the city’s bustling local markets for seasonal produce, from abalone to loquats.
Nagahama
On the shores of Lake Biwa, Nagahama is home to a rebuilt 16th-century castle, historic temples and well-preserved Edo-era architecture. Experience the cherry blossom festival in spring, or admire the fiery fall foliage in autumn.
Nara
Nara's history as a centre of government, religion and learning dates back to 710, when the city became the first permanent capital of Japan. The Buddhist temples and official buildings constructed around that time were designed
Nasu
The gateway to hiking trails through magnificent forest landscapes, Nasu is also home to flower fields, dairy ranches and natural hot springs. Don’t miss the Fujishiro Seiji Museum, a hidden gem showcasing mesmerising shadow
Okinawa
Situated in the vast blue Pacific, the 160 islands of Okinawa prefecture offer unique cultural experiences, world-class diving and beaches so secluded you could call them your own. Craft your personal Okinawan adventure at
Sapporo
A former host of the Winter Olympics, Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido is a city hugged by snow-capped mountains. The unique food is lovingly crafted with ingredients world renowned for their freshness and quality,
Shima
Shima offers breathtaking ocean views and lush forested landscapes. Explore pearl farms and lighthouses dotting the coastline, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Ama, female freedivers who harvest seasonal shellfish.
Tokyo
Graceful shrines and sakura-filled parks nestle between ultra-modern skyscrapers, where karaoke joints can be found stack atop overflowing bookstores and offbeat bars. The joy is in the details, from dedicated hospitality to
Wakayama
In Wakayama, ancient pilgrimage trails in cedar forests lead to sacred Buddhist shrines, serene temple complexes and cascading waterfalls. Unwind in hot springs and explore rugged coastlines concealing beautiful caves.
Yamanashi
Famed for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Yamanashi is home to the Five Fuji Lakes, healing onsens and peaceful Zen temples like Erinji. Fragrant peach orchards and vineyards offer fruit picking and wine tasting.
