A New Chapter in the MICHELIN Legacy
The MICHELIN Guide has long been known as the world’s most trusted name in fine dining, but in recent years, it has expanded its expertise beyond restaurants to recognize excellence in hospitality. With the introduction of the MICHELIN Key Hotels program, the brand now honors hotels that offer experiences as memorable as any Michelin-starred meal.
The Second Annual MICHELIN Key Hotels list for Japan (2025) reaffirms the nation’s mastery of the art of hospitality—where design, culture, and service come together in perfect harmony.
What the MICHELIN Key Represents
Much like MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the Key system awards one, two, or three Keys to hotels that go beyond expectations.
- One Key stands for a very special stay.
- Two Keys mark an exceptional experience.
- Three Keys represent truly extraordinary properties that set a global standard for excellence.
Rather than focusing solely on luxury, the MICHELIN Key celebrates places that create a sense of connection—to people, culture, and environment.
Japan’s Timeless Hospitality
Japan’s 2025 selection reflects its profound understanding of equilibrium. The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi continues to shine with Three Keys, offering sleek modern design while providing calm, peaceful views of the city skyline.
On the other hand, HOSHINOYA Kyoto immerses guests in the old tradition which includes wooden ryokan architecture, calming river views, and the serene rhythm of nature.
In addition to these well-known establishments, the selection also features small hotels and countryside ryokan that embody the quiet refinement Japan is famed for. Each property, from the gentle waves of Okinawa to the peaceful snow of Nagano, conveys a unique message about place and purpose.
The Emotional Experience
The distinguishing criterion for the MICHELIN Key is the focus on emotional experience. Inspectors evaluate the feelings that a stay evokes in guests—peace, awe, or a sense of fellowship—which transcends mere furnishings and features.
