Where to Stay in Japan | A Complete Guide to Accommodation Styles

If you're planning a trip to Japan, one of the most important decisions you'll make is where to stay and what kind of accommodation to stay in. Japan offers a wide range of accommodation styles, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most popular types of accommodation in Japan, and rank them according to their unique features and amenities.

Ryokans - For those seeking a traditional Japanese accommodation experience

Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique cultural experience. These inns feature tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, and communal baths, making them a great option for travellers looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Some ryokans also offer "kaiseki", a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner served in your room or in a communal dining room.

Beds and chairs are generally at floor level in a ryokan, so staying at a ryokan could be an issue for travellers with mobility issues.

Ryokans will expect guests remove their shoes and slide into slippers in the foyer before entering. Due to the age of the buildings, many ryokans have extremely thin walls, so visitors will need to be mindful of their noise levels.

Most ryokans will not have a private shower room, and as such, visitors may need to share a communal bathing room with other guests.

While it is most common to find ryokans in the Japanese countryside, large cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and even Tokyo also have ryokans.

Click to view RYOKANS in KYOTO

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Click to view RYOKANS in TOKYO

Ranking: 9/10 for cultural experience and authentic atmosphere.

Capsule Hotels - Experience the life of the Japanese salary-man

Capsule hotels are a unique type of accommodation that are popular among budget travellers. These hotels feature small, capsule-like spaces that are just big enough for a single person to sleep in. Most have charging points inside the capsule, and some even have a small TV. Capsule hotels usually offer shared facilities like bathrooms, lounges, and occasionally saunas and hot tubs. Think of it like a dormitory with slightly more privacy when sleeping.

Capsule hotels became popular with the Japanese salary-man in the 1980s. It's common for Japanese office workers to stay in a cheap capsule hotel if they miss the last train home, due to working overtime, or partying with co-workers. Due to demand, some of these hotels will provide accommodation for men only.

These unique hotels are often found in large cities, and are great for travellers on a budget who don't mind sleeping in a small space. Be sure to book a capsule hotel that offers a safe storage space for luggage.

Click to view CAPSULE HOTELS in KYOTO

Click to view CAPSULE HOTELS in OSAKA

Click to view CAPSULE HOTELS in TOKYO

Ranking: 7/10 for affordability and unique experience.

Photo credit: Tyress K

Business Hotels - Perfect for the travelling worker

Business hotels are designed with the needs of business travellers in mind. They are usually located in urban areas near train stations and business districts, and often offer basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast. These hotels are often small and affordable, making them a good option for travelers on a budget, although the décor is often quite bland and dated, and rooms are generally small. I consider business hotels a great no-frills option when travelling alone.

Many business hotels in Japan will provide a cheap and basic buffet breakfast in the morning, but we sure to arrive early, as some stop serving breakfast at 9am. As these hotels are most often used by travelling workers who need to arrive at work early, there is often little demand for breakfast in the later hours of the morning.

Some popular business hotel chains are Toyoko Inn, Sotetsu Fresa Inn, and Dormy Inn.

Click to view BUSINESS HOTELS in KYOTO

Click to view BUSINESS HOTELS in OSAKA

Click to view BUSINESS HOTELS in TOKYO

Ranking: 7/10 for affordability and convenience.

Western-Style Hotels - For those who like modern amenities and convenience

Western-style hotels in Japan are the same as those found in other countries. They offer comfortable rooms and modern amenities, some of which may include fitness centers and swimming pools, plus a variety of dining options within the hotel. Western-style hotels are often located in urban areas, but can sometimes be found in more rural areas as well. Western hotels are the best option for people who want privacy and/or have limited mobility.

As Western-style hotels are often frequented by foreign tourists, there is generally English speaking staff available to assist with check-in, check-out, and and provide extra assistance if needed.

Click to view HOTELS in KYOTO

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Ranking: 9/10 for comfort and convenience.

Suggested Reading:

• Transportation in Japan and the Best Ways to Travel Within Japan | Planes vs Trains

• 8 Things to See in Sapporo City | Hokkaido | Japan

• BEST Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka (advice from a local) | Japan

Minshukus - A taste of the traditional Japanese life

Minshukus are similar to ryokans in that they offer a traditional Japanese experience, but are more similar to a bed-and-breakfast. These lodgings are typically run by families located in the deep Japanese countryside, offering simple, traditional rooms with tatami mats and futon beds. Some minshukus also offer traditional Japanese home-cooked meals for guests served either in the room or in a shared dining hall. Most of these traditional styles of accommodation only offer communal bathing, so perhaps not great for those looking for privacy.

Guests at minshukus will be expected to abide by traditional Japanese manners, such as taking shoes off before entering the establishment and keeping the noise down. Some minshukus will even have a curfew, where external lights will be turned off, and in some cases, doors locked. Many owners of the minshuku accommodation style may only have very basic English skills, so some patience may be required if your Japanese isn't great.

Those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle can experience a traditional minshuku experience at this minshuku in Kyoto, or this one in Nagano.

Ranking: 7/10 for affordability and cultural experience, and possible slight inconvenience.

Love Hotels - A quirky option for couples

Love hotels are a unique type of accommodation that are popular among couples. These hotels offer themed rooms, often with large beds and hot tubs, and are typically rented by the hour. While they may seem seedy to some, love hotels are actually very popular in Japan, and are considered a fun and unique way for couples to spend time together. Many have a wide range amenities available at no extra cost.

Love hotels are often well-located in city centre, and rooms are spacious. However, guests will need to keep an open mind when booking this style of accommodation, due to the nature of the hotels.

Guests should be aware that many love hotels will unfortunately not accept same-sex couples.

Click to view LOVE HOTELS in KYOTO

Click to view LOVE HOTELS in OSAKA

Click to view LOVE HOTELS in TOKYO

Ranking: 7/10 for uniqueness and novelty.

Hostels - The backpacker's favourite place to stay

Hostels in Japan are similar to those found in other countries, offering affordable dormitory-style accommodation for budget travelers. Many hostels in Japan also offer private rooms for those who prefer more privacy. Hostels are a good option for travellers who want to meet other travellers and don't mind sharing facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. The level of cleanliness in the majority of Japanese hostels is unbeatable. Hostels in Japan are generally Western style accommodation, although some hotels offer Japanese style rooms with futons.

Hostels are often well located in city centres, although some may be located a few stops from the centre due to rising costs. Those located in the city can get quite rowdy on Friday and Saturday nights.

We recommend Hostel World for booking hostels in Japan.

Click to view HOSTELS in KYOTO

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Click to view HOSTELS in TOKYO

Ranking: 6/10 for affordability and social atmosphere. 7/10 for those who remember to bring earplugs.

Temple Stays - For those seeking a Zen experience

Temple stays are a unique way to experience Japanese culture and spirituality. These stays involve spending a night or two at a Buddhist temple, where you'll often be invited to participate in meditation and other temple activities. Temple stays are usually very basic, with shared facilities and simple meals, although some offer private facilities and multi-course meals.

As usual at traditional Japanese accommodation, guests will be expected to abide by traditional Japanese customs, and temple stays often have an early curfew.

One of the best places to do a temple stay is in Koyasan (also called Mount Koya), Wakayama. I recommend Souji-in, for a peaceful stay and delicious food.

Ranking: 9/10 for spiritual and cultural experience.

Your opinion on the best type of accommodation in Japan

Which style of accommodation would you choose to stay at on your trip to Japan? Let us know down in the comments!

Before leaving, we suggest you click-through to our post about transportation in Japan. We compare planes versus trains, and discuss the pros and cons of each. We mention things like price, convenience, time taken, comfort, and luggage limitations.

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