Where to Stay in Japan?
🏨 Where to Stay in Japan: Best Hotels, Hostels, Inns & Family-Friendly Lodging
From luxury skyscraper hotels in Tokyo to cozy ryokan inns nestled in the mountains of Kyoto, Japan offers a wide variety of accommodations for every traveler. This guide will help you choose the best places to stay in Japan, whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple, or a family with kids.
🗾 Overview: Japan’s Most Popular Accommodation Types
🏯 1. Hotels in Japan (Business to Luxury)
- Great for: Convenience, amenities, and English-speaking staff
- Range: ¥7,000–¥40,000+ per night
- Found everywhere from Tokyo and Osaka to regional cities
Popular chains:
- Tokyu Stay (mid-range, great for longer stays)
- Daiwa Roynet (business hotels with style)
- Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Aman (luxury)
- APA Hotel (affordable but small rooms—good for solo travelers)
Luxury Hotels (Best for Families & Comfort)
- Why Stay Here? Spacious rooms, English support, kid-friendly amenities.
Top Picks:
- Park Hotel Tokyo (iconic skyline views)
- The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (riverfront luxury)
- Disneyland Hotels (perfect for families)
Business Hotels (Budget-Friendly Convenience)
- Why Stay Here? Affordable, clean, near train stations.
Top Chains:
- APA Hotel (cheap but tiny rooms)
- Toyoko Inn (free breakfast)
🛏️ 2. Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inns)
- Great for: Cultural experience, onsen baths, and Japanese meals
- Often include tatami mat rooms, futon beds, and kaiseki dinners
- Prices range from ¥10,000–¥50,000+ depending on luxury level
Top Ryokan Destinations:
- Hakone (onsen town near Tokyo)
- Kyoto (cultural ryokan near temples)
- Kusatsu, Kinosaki, and Nyuto (rural onsen towns)
Ryokans (Traditional Japanese Inns)
- Why Stay Here? Tatami floors, kaiseki meals, onsen baths.
Top Picks:
- Gora Kadan (Hakone) – Michelin-starred ryokan
- Tawaraya (Kyoto) – 300-year-old heritage stay
✅ Tip: Many ryokan are family-friendly and offer private baths and kids’ meals upon request.
🏡 3. Guesthouses & Hostels (Where to stay in Japan that is Backpacker-Friendly)
- Great for: Budget travelers, social vibes, and younger adventurers
- Prices start around ¥2,500–¥4,500 per night
- Private rooms available in most hostels for couples or small families
Top Picks:
- K’s House (nationwide chain)
- The Millennials (Tokyo, Kyoto) – modern capsule + coworking
- IRORI Nihonbashi Hostel (Tokyo) – communal cooking and cozy vibes
Hostels & Guesthouses (Backpacker Hubs)
- Why Stay Here? Social vibes, dorms from ¥2,500/night.
Top Picks:
- UNPLAN Kagurazaka (Tokyo) – Rooftop bar
- Khaosan Kyoto – Free tea & cultural events
Capsule Hotels (Solo Travelers Only)
- Why Stay Here? Ultra-cheap (¥3,000-¥5,000/night).
Top Picks:
- Nine Hours (Tokyo) – Futuristic pod hotel
- Capsule Hotel Asakusa River – Great location
🧳 Some hostels are boutique-style with family or group rooms, offering a great mix of affordability and comfort.
🛖 4. Minpaku (Vacation Rentals & Homestays)
- Japan’s version of Airbnb
- Great for families or groups wanting kitchen space and more privacy
- Especially useful in rural areas or towns with limited hotel options
⚠️ Note: Some listings may be unlicensed or not foreigner-friendly—read reviews carefully and verify host communication before booking.
👨👩👧 5. Family-Friendly Hotels and Lodging
- Look for:
- Tatami rooms for floor sleeping
- Triple or quadruple rooms (common in Japan)
- Hotels near major train stations or theme parks (Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan)
Recommended Chains for Families:
- Hotel Monterey
- Hotel Mystays Premier
- Mimaru Hotels – designed specifically for families and groups (with kitchens!)
Minshuku (Family-Run B&Bs)
- Why Stay Here? Local charm, home-cooked meals.
- Best For: Rural areas like Shirakawa-go.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Lodging Tips
Look for:
- Apartment hotels (e.g., Mimaru Kyoto – with kitchens)
- Ryokans with private onsens (kids often banned in public baths)
Avoid tiny business hotels (no space for strollers).
💡 Tips for Booking Lodging and Where to stay in Japan?
✅ Best Booking Platforms:
- Booking.com – Great for free cancellations and English support
- Rakuten Travel / Jalan.net – Japanese-based, sometimes cheaper (use Google Translate)
- Airbnb / Vrbo – For full apartments or homes
- Japanican / JTB – Special deals on ryokan and tour packages
💰 Booking Hacks to Save Money
- Use Japanese Sites – Rakuten Travel or Jalan.net often have better rates
- Last-Minute Deals – Check HotelTonight for same-day discounts.
- JR Pass Combo – Some passes include hotel discounts (e.g., Hokuriku Arch Pass).
✅ Best Times to Book:
- 2–3 months in advance for peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn leaves, Golden Week)
- 1–2 months out for off-peak stays (Jan–Feb, late June)
✅ Choose Lodging Near Train Stations:
- Especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto where walking with luggage can be exhausting
- Proximity to JR or subway lines = stress-free sightseeing
✅ Use Filters for Family Amenities:
- Look for crib availability, extra futons, non-smoking rooms, and onsite laundry when traveling with kids
❌ What to Avoid When Booking Lodging in Japan
- Assuming Rooms are Western-Size
- Japanese rooms, especially in business hotels, are compact
→ Always check square footage if space is important
- Last-Minute Bookings in Peak Seasons
- Cherry blossom (late March–early April) and autumn foliage (November) can book up months in advance
- No Elevator in Traditional Inns
- Many small inns and guesthouses are in old buildings with no elevator — pack light or confirm accessibility
- Misunderstanding Bathroom Layouts
- Shared bathrooms are common in hostels and ryokan — check whether it’s ensuite or shared before booking
- Overpaying for Meals You Won’t Eat
- Some ryokan includes multi-course dinners and breakfasts. Great for cultural experience, but if you’re planning to eat out, opt for room-only plans.
6. Non-Refundable Rates During Peak Seasons
- Why? Golden Week (Apr-May) and cherry blossom season have strict cancellation policies.
- Tips: Book free cancellation options.
7. Ryokans Without Dinner Plans
- Why? Many are in remote areas with no restaurants.
- Tips: Always book half-board (dinner + breakfast)
8. Hostels Near Red-Light Districts
- Why? Areas like Kabukicho (Tokyo) can be noisy/unsafe.
- Tips: Research neighborhoods first.
9. Tiny Rooms for Families
- Why? Japanese “double” beds often fit only 1 adult + 1 child.
- Tips: Book “triple” rooms or apartments.
🗝️ Bonus: Cultural Etiquette for Japanese Lodging
- Remove your shoes at the entrance of ryokan and some guesthouses
- Onsen rules: Wash before entering, no swimsuits, and tattoos may not be allowed (check in advance)
- Quiet hours: Respect silence after 10 PM, especially in shared accommodations.
Final Thoughts: On the question on where to stay in Japan? – consider this – Japan’s lodging ranges from $10 capsules to $10,000 suites. Book early (especially during peak seasons), read reviews carefully, and prioritize location near train stations. Now, rest easy and enjoy your trip! 🏯✨
