Kyoto, Honshu, Japan

This historic luxury hotel is at the heart of Kyoto overlooking the banks of the Kamogawa River, making it an ideal base. Recently refurbished, its rooms are comfortable and pleasantly styled. As this is the tallest building in the city, most enjoy superb panoramic views eastwards across rooftops to the hills and temples of Higashiyama. The Okura also boasts a fitness room and gym, as well as swimming pool and sauna to relax in, and a choice of restaurants and bars. Only three blocks away lies one of the best places to eat in Japan – Pontocho – a narrow alleyway lined with restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine of different kinds, from succulent skewers of charcoal-grilled ‘yakitori’ to elaborate Kyoto ‘kaiseki’ suppers.