02 January 2026
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While MICHELIN Key properties are recognised for their service, architecture, and personality, prices vary widely. At some of the world’s most renowned hotels, rates can be astronomical, yet at others, the experience can be surprisingly reasonable. Among the selections in Japan are ski resorts, historical retreats, and city escapes that meet these standards while remaining light on the wallet at under $300.
Sansui Niseko (One MICHELIN Key)
Celebrated for its world-class powdered snow, Niseko in its summer ‘green season’ offers milder temperatures, verdant scenery, and a wealth of warm-weather activities that attract travelers seeking a slower rhythm — all while prices remain refreshingly more affordable than in the snowy peak months, starting at USD 243 during the low season.At the One MICHELIN Key hotel Sansui Niseko, zen-like contemporary interiors frame iconic views of Mount Yotei and spacious accommodations, many with kitchens and some with private mineral-rich hot spring baths, are clearly designed for extended stays at any time of year.
Book Sansui Niseko on The MICHELIN Guide →
ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort (One MICHELIN Key)
Appi Kogen is among Japan’s premier ski destinations, yet its dramatic landscapes make it just as enchanting in spring, summer or autumn. Set amongst the sky and slopes, the ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort feels like a private jewel box. With only 38 rooms, the experience is intimate and personal, yet the amenities are anything but modest.On the top floor, serene onsen baths gaze out over the treetops, while the signature restaurant Shiratsuyu showcases the region’s finest produce with exquisite farm-to-table cuisine. Rates during the low season are sensibly priced, starting at USD 230, and can reach up to USD 2,338 in the high season.
Book ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort on The MICHELIN Guide →
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto (One MICHELIN Key)
With its wooden machiya townhouses and stone-paved lanes, the Gion district captures the historical spirit that defines Kyoto. It is also one of the most coveted (and costly) areas in the city to stay, which makes the Hotel Celestine Kyoto a rare hidden gem, with prices starting at USD 270.Blending light wood interiors with a distinctly Japanese sense of warmth and soul, its modern rooms feel both serene and authentic. Guests enjoy complimentary access to soothing onsen facilities, and the hotel’s garden — which can be viewed from the lobby and corridors — offers a poetic glimpse of the seasons in motion.
Book Hotel The Celestine Kyoto on The MICHELIN Guide →
JW Marriott Hotel Nara (One MICHELIN Key)
Too often dismissed as a simple day trip, Nara reveals so much more for those who stay longer. With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, its temples, gardens, and famous “bowing deer” are best appreciated at an unhurried pace.Among the city’s accommodations, the JW Marriott Hotel Nara stands out, combining proximity to cultural landmarks with the full breadth of five-star amenities, from a 24-hour fitness center to seamless in-room dining. Elegant interiors and attentive service provide a sanctuary of calm after a day of discovery, allowing guests to encounter Nara with the ease and elegance it deserves, with room rates starting at USD 272.
Book JW Marriott Hotel Nara on The MICHELIN Guide →
InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 (One MICHELIN Key)
Just 40 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Yokohama greets visitors with a lively waterfront that hums with energy from day to night. As a historic port, it features a blend of Eastern and Western influences reflected in the city’s architecture and vibrant food scene.Perfectly situated beside the landmark Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse — a historic complex housing a shopping mall, banquet hall, and event spaces — the InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 stands as one of the city’s most distinguished addresses, with rates starting at USD 275. The property’s sleek, contemporary accommodations open onto sweeping views of Yokohama Bay and its iconic bridge, while direct access to the Hammerhead Shopping Mall, nearby boutiques and family-friendly attractions makes it an exceptional base for exploring.
Book InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 on The MICHELIN Guide →
Header image: © ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
