The principles of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection and natural aging, guide the modest Japanese aesthetic, with architecture and interior design often defined through clean lines, natural wood, and an overall stark style. Traditional Japanese inns known as ryokans, which originated around the 17th century, offer one of the best structural representations of ancient Japanese design, and today many hotels in Japan’s capital derive inspiration from those ancient dwellings. Below, our top picks for the best boutique hotels in Tokyo whose interiors look back to look ahead.