Hoshinoya Tokyo

Just when it was starting to feel that Tokyo ryokans were on the verge of extinction, along comes a major new player. Due to open in 2016, Hoshinoya Tokyo will be the capital's first luxury ryokan – and it's going to be located in central Otemachi, just a short walk from Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. The 18-storey building will house 84 tatami-floored suites, as well as a spa, Japanese restaurant and conference facilities, while offering the same standard of service that's earned awards for its sister resorts in places including Karuizawa and Kyoto. Given the lack of similar establishments in the city, it promises to present a serious challenge to Tokyo's glut of luxury hotels, though we'll reserve judgment until we see how much owners Hoshino Resorts are planning on charging for a night's stay.