If you’ve missed visiting Japan as much as we have, there’s lots to look forward to this year in the way of new lodging and places to explore. Massive in scale, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is actually a glossy, upmarket container for two separate luxury hotels and a vast entertainment complex. The space includes Zepp Tokyo concert center with a 1,500-person capacity; Bandai Namco amusement center; an entertainment food hall; and two full floors of live theaters and cinemas. Close to metro and subway lines, the two new hotels are the hip, 538-room Hotel Groove Shinjuku; and the classic-chic Bellustar Tokyo, with 97 guestrooms, including five penthouses. A spring opening is planned for both hotels.

© Hoshino Resorts Kai Izumo

Offering 98 guestrooms and luxury suites spread over the top seven floors of a new skyscraper, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo features all of the brand’s beloved amenities, including Bulgari Bar, fireplace lounge, Il Ristorante and Il Cioccolato store. The design was led by the Italy-based Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel firm, and includes an 82-foot-long indoor pool and full-service BULGARI Spa.

Also on the horizon is the new Janu Tokyo luxury hotel, located within the same complex as the new Aman Residences Tokyo, providing 120 rooms with windows looking into a central parkland square. The hotel will boast Japan’s largest spa, along with six restaurants, a café and multiple bars.

© Hoshino Resorts Kai Tamatsukuri

Among recent openings are three new intimately scaled KAI Ryokans properties: the 39-room KAI Izumo overlooking the Japan Sea and Hinomisaki lighthouse; the 24-room KAI Tamatsukuri, located at the site of an ancient spring in the Shimane Prefecture; and KAI Unzen, within Unzen-Amakusa National Park, home to mineral-rich hot springs.

While you’re reacquainting yourself with Japan, be sure to check out the Sapporo Snow Festival, Feb. 4–11. Stroll among the snow and ice sculptures, and enjoy ice skating, snow rafting and plenty of delicious local food. Festival venues will be located in Odori, Tsudome and Susukino. Opening Nov. 1 is the brand-new Ghibli Park, located on the grounds of Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park (Moricoro Park) in Nagakute City, close to Nagoya. Studio Ghibli will include immersive experiences rooted in the animated films of director Hayao Miyazaki.