This research report combines three themes: the care environment, aesthetics and the case of Japan. The case of Japan is unique in having a long aesthetic tradition, the healthiest and most long-living people of the world and at the same time facing huge demographic, structural and economic challenges in organizing its society. This report outlines current trends in Japanese healthcare architecture and the underlying debate and design philosophies, the focus being on the aesthetics of the care environment. Through the case study of eleven Japanese best practices, aesthetics of the care environment is viewed through dimensions such as integrity and personification, home and family, sense perception and ambience, and, context and (Japanese) tradition. The main underlying aesthetic practices and design trends found in the case study buildings and the current debate on healthcare design are suggested as Japanese models that can contribute to the design of aesthetically and ethically rewarding care environments more widely.