With an abundance of accommodation options to suit all budgets and aesthetic preferences, there’s never been a better time to visit Japan!
Hostels ($)
Hostels are the accommodation of choice for backpackers, solo-travelers, students, and anyone looking to preserve their wallets. In Japan, you’ll find a range of hostels at various price points, some more luxurious than others. They’re typically located near popular tourist destinations across all of Japan’s major prefectures.
I’ve been to my fair share of hostels across Japan, from the stunning Lestel Maru in Sapporo to the more budget-friendly Hana Hostel in Kyoto. Unlike typical hostels which usually just include a shared bunk bed (these are also available in Japan), many of Japan’s hostels use a capsule-style setup where guests have their own little cube that includes a bed, storage space, and power adapters.
Hotels ($$)
While I do love going from hostel to hostel, meeting new people and sharing spaces, doing it for a while makes you yearn for a private room, and that’s where hotels come in! Still reasonably priced, you can opt for more budget-friendly stays like APA Hotel or something more extravagant like the Royal Rihga Hotel. These hotels offer pole position near all your favorite Japanese landmarks, so you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying your vacation!
Nothing quite beats the privacy and comfort of hotel rooms, particularly when you go for a 4-star or higher accommodation choice. Room service, amenities, and television are just a few of the many benefits that hotels provide that you likely won’t get at a cheaper hostel stay.
Ryokans ($$$)
For a more authentic accommodation experience in Japan, you definitely need to try the ryokan experience.
These rooms are made with traditional tatami mat flooring and features a “sit on the ground” setup including futon beds and legless chairs and floor-level dining tables.
The best part is the set ryokan dinners and breakfasts that are typically included in the package, offering a banquet of Japanese cuisine!
My personal recommendations for ryokans are the Shuhokaku Kougetsu for mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji and the Matsumoto Ryokan for a serene onsen stay in the mountains of Ginzan.
Hybrids ($$$$)
An increasingly popular choice of accommodation in Japan is this concept of modern-traditional hybrid hotels. They encompass a semi-Western semi-ryokan aesthetic, featuring tatami mats and sliding shoji doors combined with Western-style beds and leather seats. This is a great option for those wanting to experience a touch of authentic Japanese accommodation but aren’t quite ready to sleep on the floor! Hotels like SOWAKA offer this kind of tranquil accommodation in the heart of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district!
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!