What Type of Accommodation Should You Book in Japan?
Whether you’re heading off to Japan for three weeks or three months, deciding on the type of accommodation to book is an important process. There are countless options available, and every single one of them is more than simply a place to stay.
From luxury boutique hotels and ryokans steeped in history to unique architectural Airbnbs and everything in between, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Join me as we find out what type of accommodation you should book for your trip to Japan.
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Design Hotels
Best for: Style Connoisseurs
One thing that makes Japan so special is the effortless blend of modernity and tradition throughout. From Design Hotels in Kyoto to architecturally unique hotels across the country, visual appeal is just one aspect of what makes this accommodation type so appealing.
High-quality materials, meticulous design, and elements that give a nod to Japan’s past. It’s the best of two time periods, and with new options opening up almost weekly, you won’t have to look far for one that fits your style.
For bookings and availabilities, browse a full selection of hotels in Japan here.
Luxury Hotels
Best for: Once-in-a-lifetime Experience
Japan is well known for its world-class service and hospitality, so it’s no surprise there are a fair few luxury hotels on offer. While this type of accommodation comes in at the top of most budgets, you’ll get what you pay for.
Whether that’s slope-side access at the Park Hyatt Niseko, an urban oasis like Aman Tokyo, or a tropical paradise like Hoshinoya Taketomi Island, you’ll never be short of options. It may only be a once-in-a-lifetime treat, but it’ll also be unforgettable.
For bookings and availabilities, browse a full selection of hotels in Japan here.
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Ryokans
Best for: Traditional Culture
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience when you come to Japan, booking yourself into a ryokan might be worth considering. These Japanese-style inns, often family-run and dating back centuries, are a fantastic way to connect with Japan’s deep-rooted culture and history while enjoying a rejuvenating night’s stay in the process.
Often booked for a single night, you can expect onsite hot spring facilities, a kaiseki-style breakfast, tatami floors, shoji sliding doors, futons, and traditional Japanese hospitality. A few rules and traditions are expected to be followed, but nothing that should put you off from booking.
For bookings and availabilities, browse a full selection of Japanese ryokans here.
Airbnbs
Best for: Remote Stays
If your trip through Japan takes you off the beaten track (usually off the golden route), you’re in a prime position to experience a completely different side of the country than most. Expect Airbnbs with unique architecture, the opportunity to explore remote locations, and the chance to encounter local life away from the big cities.
Staying in an Airbnb means you’ll have access to a large number of accommodation types that are exclusive to Japan. Ditch the formality of a city hotel, and choose somewhere that fits your preferences and style of travel.
Related Post: In With the Old: A Stay at Maana Kiyomizu, Kyoto
Capsule & Business Hotels
Best for: Central Locations
Often in the heart of cities, Japanese business hotels are a simple, straightforward, and solid option if you’re just looking for a place to rest your head after a day on your feet. Catering to Japanese businessmen, this is the kind of accommodation designed for functionality over the luxuries you might find elsewhere in Japan’s major cities.
Most hotels include a buffet breakfast, Japanese pyjamas, and any other amenities you’d need for a good night's rest. If you’re lucky, they might even have a public onsen (definitely worth braving!).
For bookings and availabilities, browse a full selection of capsule hotels here.
Hostels
Best for: Budget Travellers
Likely the cheapest on the list, capsule hotels and hostels are perfect for travellers on a budget.
In most cases, you can still expect incredibly clean lodgings, central locations, and (sometimes) themed accommodation. 9 Hours in Tokyo is beautifully designed, has all the modern amenities you’d need for a great night's sleep, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to stay there.
As is the case with hostels across the world, you’ll find shared dorms that are cheaper but private rooms are also available. If you’re a solo traveller and you’re looking for a memorable Japanese experience on the cheap, capsule hotels are the way to go!
Image © PICA Fujiyama
Camping
Best for: Unspoiled Views
Easily accessible to most, Japan has a special relationship with camping (and more recently, glamping). Mountainous regions like Nagano and Hokkaido are highly popular with campers (and very well set up for them)offering views over the Japanese Alps and Daisetsuzan respectively.
If sleeping in a little tent isn't your idea of fun, glamping is an option worth considering. Hoshinoya Fuji is Japan’s first-ever luxury glamping resort, with unobstructed views of Japan’s iconic Mt Fuji.
Tired of seeing the same recommendations for over-crowded locations in Japan?
Japan has such a special place in my heart, and having spent five years exploring every corner – from the depths of Hokkaido to the islands of Okinawa and everywhere in between – now I reveal everything in Views from Japan. In my brand new travel guidebook, I give you all the tools so that you can create a personal journey through under-the-radar neighbourhoods, unique architectural hotels, remote natural wonders and so much more. So what are you waiting for?
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