A Guide to Hotels in Japan
Japan offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. In Tokyo and across Japan you will come across high end luxury hotels to budget friendly options, and everything in-between. We have created this page to give you a helpful breakdown on the types of hotels in Japan, and what you can expect. On this page you will find the following information :
— 30 Day-trips & Getaways Near Tokyo
A GUIDE TO HOTELS IN JAPAN
Japan is home to many different types of hotels, with some styles of hotel or concepts being different to Western hotels. Here, we will provide an overview of 4 main types of hotels/accommodation you can find across Japan and Tokyo.
1 / Capsule Hotels – For Those on a Budget and Solo Travellers
Capsule hotels are entirely unique to Japan. Originally created as convenient places for late workers leaving the office to rest for a few hours before heading back to the office, they have now become a novelty feature of Japan. They offer small, pod-like spaces where you can sleep. They are arranged in rows and stacked on top of one another creating a bunk bed type of space. For privacy, you can close shutters and lock them as you sleep. Despite being minimal, they are very functional spaces with charging points and some even have small TVs.
For safety, many capsule hotels will offer women only floors, so any female groups or female solo travellers can feel safer if anxious. These hotels will have shared facilities with shower rooms, baths and toilets. Capsule hotels will also have shared and communal lounge spaces where like minded travellers can get together, meet and talk! It is a great way to meet new people, especially if travelling alone. For large luggage, these hotels have storage facilities and lockers for guests to use. You will find these hotels mostly in urban areas and cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
2 / Business Hotels – For Those Wanting Comfort, Affordability and Convenience
Business Hotels are probably the most popular option amongst travellers to Japan, and that is because they make up the largest percentage of hotels on offer. They are known as business hotels despite leisure travellers also staying at them due to the high volume of businessmen who use them when travelling often for their jobs. They are affordable and have relatively compact rooms, but they are more than comfortable for a few days to a week.
The rooms are very functional, and will be equipped with free Wi-Fi, many charging points, kettles, TV’s and basic amenities. Reception areas will often have amenity zones where you can pick and choose from a great selection of skincare and body care, toothbrushes, razors, towels and even bath salts. You will also be provided with pyjamas and slippers to wear in your room. You will find these hotels across the Country, from small towns up to the big cities. Popular name brands of business hotels include APA, Toyoko Inn and Super Hotel.
3 / High-end and Luxury Hotels – For Those Seeking Ultimate Comfort and Elegance
High-end and luxury hotels provide guests the ultimate comfort and style. Combine all parts of traditional Japanese hospitality with modern luxury, and you get the high-end hotels of Japan. If you’re a fan of Japanese interior design, you will love admiring the craftsmanship and elegant features of these hotels. Some have their own rooftop terraces and gardens. You can expect exceptional service, with all the amenities you could want. From luxury skincare and body care, to stylish pyjamas and slippers provided to you. It is often customary for guests to change into these pyjamas when enjoying the hotel facilities such as restaurants. This will depend on the hotel, so feel free to check with staff. Some hotels will even have their own special brand of incense or products for guests to enjoy. You will feel like royalty. Some of these hotels will also have their own Onsen (hot spring) facilities, with both communal and private options costing more.
Luxury hotels will often offer both Japanese style cuisine as well as international cuisine. French and Italian food is particularly popular in Japan at more high-end establishments. High-end hotels such as Aman, Ritz-Carlton, the Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental all cater to guests looking for something truly special on their trip. You will mostly find these hotels in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
4 / ‘Ryokan’ Traditional Japanese Inns – For Those Seeking an Authentic Cultural Experience
Ryokan provide a very traditional and authentic Japanese experience to customers. The Inns are characterised by their traditional architecture and interior. Rooms will have beautiful features such as tatami mat flooring, Fusuma (sliding paper doors), and you will be sleeping on futon style beds. After dinner, staff will expertly put away seating and fold out your futons ready for you to relax. Ryokan provide inn lounge wear/ pyjamas and slippers for you to wear. A wonderful feature of many Ryokan is the traditional Onsen (hot spring baths) that you can use as part of the facilities. Be aware these are often communal and always segregated for men and women. Like the luxury hotels above, you can book special rooms in Ryokan that have private Onsen so that you can enjoy full privacy and not leave your room.
Another prominent feature of Ryokan is the food. Ryokan will serve what is called Kaiseki style dinners, which is a multi-course dinner traditional in Japan and its hospitality called ’Omotenashi’ in Japanese. For these dinners, presentation is amazing. Usually served on wooden or lacquered trays, each dish is expertly placed to offer a visual feast for the senses before you eat. Fresh fish, sea food, miso soup, pickles and rice are the typical dishes you will find as part of a Kaiseki dinner. You will find Ryokan style inns across all of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Beppu. Ryokan vary in price, and some can be highly expensive. Many tourists like to book at least one night at a Ryokan to have the opportunity to soak up this part of the culture.
BUDGET FOR HOTELS IN JAPAN
For many, figuring out how much to budget for a trip to Japan can be confusing! You have to factor in not only your hotels, but also your transport, activities, eating, drinking, and any shopping you might want to do. Everybody has a different budget, so please take this as a guide only and adjust to suit your preferences.
Hotels vary widely in cost, especially as Japan has such a large spectrum of hotels available. For lower level budgets you can expect to pay between ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 per night for anything from hostels, capsule hotels and budget hotels. Mid range budget can expect to pay between ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 per night for 3-4 star hotels and ryokans. High end budgets can expect to start paying anywhere from ¥25,000 and up for luxury hotels and high end ryokans.
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without talking about Tokyo. Most tourists will stay in Tokyo at some point during their trip, and so we have an array of information to make your Tokyo stay smooth and fun. Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night.
There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic experiences suitable for solo travellers to make your trip fun and engaging. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region.
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Ueno Station Park Gate Exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | February – November |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Mount Fuji and Hakone | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥28,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 |
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
