Established in the 9th century by Saichou, founder of Tendai BuddhismFeatures a 400-year-old beech tree
Temple Stays & Monasteries
Shintoism’s reverence for nature and Buddhism’s quest for inner peace led to shrines and temples in remote areas. To shelter pilgrims overnight, temple lodgings called shukubo were built. Today, they offer spiritual retreats with prayer readings and meditation. Experience tranquility at a historic shukubo—explore our curated list of serene temple stays and monasteries!
2-Star
Superb(227 reviews)9.2
Ancient to Early Medieval
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Ancient to Early Medieval. Click to know more about this period.
Villas & Guesthouses
Villas and guesthouses offer privacy and scenic locations. Guesthouses are commonly smaller and tend to have a practical layout and design, while villas are grander, boasting amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, and private pools. For a private yet budget-friendly stay, browse through our curated list of historic villas and guesthouses.
4-Star
Very good(15 reviews)8.3
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
5-Star
Fabulous(526 reviews)8.7
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
First five-star hotel in the PhilippinesRecognized as the Philippines' Leading Hotel at the 2025 World Travel AwardsWon the Best Heritage Hotel Award at Tatler Best Philippines 2025
Historic Hotels
Recognized for their venerable age and for being steeped in history, heritage hotels are seen as icons in their locality. They are often emblematic of certain time periods due to the architecture, or for hosting significant events. They are differentiated further from modern hotels by providing meaningful cultural experiences. Take a look at our recommendations!
5-Star
Very good(1833 reviews)8.5
Interwar & Early Modern Heritage
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Interwar & Early Modern Heritage. Click to know more about this period.
Machiya
Machiya are traditional Japanese townhouses, especially in Kyoto, but also found in Naraijuku, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kurashiki. Although construction ceased after the 1950 Building Standards Act, many historic machiya remain, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s architectural heritage. Check our list of machiyas for a memorable vacation!
4-Star
Superb(18 reviews)9.2
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Shimogyo-ku Shimozaimokucho 446, 600-8017 Kyoto, Japan
Retro aesthetics in Taisho Roman style, particularly the bengara-colored tiles
Machiya
Machiya are traditional Japanese townhouses, especially in Kyoto, but also found in Naraijuku, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Kurashiki. Although construction ceased after the 1950 Building Standards Act, many historic machiya remain, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan’s architectural heritage. Check our list of machiyas for a memorable vacation!
4-Star
Superb(3 reviews)9.3
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Features an outdoor Noh stage used for special annual performances
Ryokans
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns known for native architecture, authentic cuisine—especially kaiseki-ryouri dinners—and serene onsen baths. Often run by the same family for generations, they preserve Japan’s rich hospitality heritage and offer an immersive cultural experience Choose a ryokan from our list for an authentic experience!
4-Star
Superb(649 reviews)9.3
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.
Listed as one of the Top 30 Hotels in Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler 2021 Readers' Choice Awards
Historic Hotels
Recognized for their venerable age and for being steeped in history, heritage hotels are seen as icons in their locality. They are often emblematic of certain time periods due to the architecture, or for hosting significant events. They are differentiated further from modern hotels by providing meaningful cultural experiences. Take a look at our recommendations!
5-Star
Fabulous(12101 reviews)9.0
Industrial & Imperial Era
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Industrial & Imperial Era. Click to know more about this period.
Boutique Hotels
Although smaller that most mainstream and chain hotels, boutique hotels offer standout touches like eye-catching decor, unique experiences, and personalized services. Many heritage properties are given a makeover to turn into charming boutique hotels. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay, check out our curated list of heritage boutique hotels!
4.8-Star
Exceptional(44 reviews)9.8
Early Modern & Colonial Expansion
Every historic hotel tells a unique tale of its time. From Renaissance’s Gothic cathedrals to Japanese simplicity, each location reflects the culture, way of life, and architectural style of its era. This property belongs to Early Modern & Colonial Expansion. Click to know more about this period.