From traditional ryokans and authentic minshukus to luxurious high-rises, explore the best hotels in Japan to find your perfect stay.
You may encounter 99 problems in Japan, but finding a hotel is not one of them. With numerous types of hotels in the country — from the traditional Japanese Ryokan to the more contemporary luxury high-rise ones — you can experience Japanese culture and hospitality first-hand. Read on to find out more about the best hotels to book on Japan.
Before diving into the various stay options in Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond, let us learn about the different types of hotels in Japan.
Accommodation options in Japan
Ryokan: If you wish to experience Japanese tradition, culture, and hospitality, stay at a Ryokan. It is a traditional Japanese inn that focuses on simplicity and uses natural materials like wooden furniture, paper lanterns, and rice straw flooring. Expect communal bathing, tatami-mat rooms, low furniture, futon bedding and shoji screens in such a stay. Almost every Ryokan will provide guests with yukata robes, onsen, quality hospitality (omotenashi), cultural activities, and a minimalistic, peaceful environment.
Luxury hotels: These luxurious stays feature Japanese or Western aesthetics where you can experience Japanese culture and hospitality at its finest.
Love hotels: It’s a popular and affordable hotel option among couples. The rooms are known for their whimsical themes, adult amenities, and an interesting selection of adult films. Couples usually rent them for a few hours or the whole night. All love hotels emphasise privacy, making the check-in and check-out process discreet.
Capsule hotels: Unlike the familiar private and spacious rooms, capsule hotels provide compact sleeping pods, cost-effective and convenient for solo travellers. Most sleeping pods have comfortable bedding, blankets, power outlets, a reading light, air conditioning, a curtain, and sometimes, a small TV. Of all the types of hotels in Japan, capsule hotels are the most interesting of the lot. Preferred mostly by solo or business travellers, these hotels have a lounge area where you can socialise and connect with other tourists.
Business hotels: Practical, affordable, and convenient, the rooms of such stays are minimally furnished. Smaller than regular hotels, these are typically located near train stations and commercial districts for ease of travel within the city.
Hostels & guest houses: These are cost-effective and convenient options for travellers. Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms, communal lounge areas, shared bathroom facilities, and the chance to socialise with people from different ethnicities. Guest houses provide a more personalised experience. Managed by local families, they offer travellers a peep into Japanese homes, culture and traditions.
Minshuku: Promising an authentic Japanese experience, Minshukus are family-run businesses that take pride in providing warm hospitality services. You can enjoy homemade Japanese meals and participate in cultural activities. Minshukus are also more affordable and homely than a ryokan or a regular hotel.
Serviced apartments: Want the comfort of an apartment and hotel-like amenities in the same place? More affordable than regular hotels, they make for perfect long-term stays.
Resorts: Usually surrounded by nature, resorts offer a variety of recreational activities like hot springs, karaoke booths, golf, mini video game arcades, board games, and cultural experiences.
Boutique hotels: These are stylish, cleverly designed hotels that focus on aesthetic interiors, sleek furnishings, zen themes, and tailored services.
(Hero and featured image credit: Six Senses Kyoto)
Best hotels in Japan to book: From luxury boutique properties and Ryokans to capsule and love hotels
Jump To / Table of Contents
- 1 Amanemu Resort
- 2 Six Senses Kyoto
- 3 Aman Tokyo
- 4 Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
- 5 Yachiyo in Kyoto
- 6 Yama No Chaya
- 7 Mizno
- 8 Manposo
- 9 Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa
- 10 Ninja & Geisha
- 11 9h nine hours Capsule Hotel (capsule hotel)
- 12 Dormy Inn Fukui
- 13 River Retreat Garaku
- 14 Yumotoya Onsen Ryokan
- 15 Suzu Onsen Takarayu Bekkan
Amanemu Resort
Hotel type: Luxury resort
Where: Ise Shima
An onsen resort called Amanemu rests peacefully in the forest hills of Ise Shima. Surrounded by nature, the hotel offers a view over Ago Bay. The overall aesthetic take a leaf from traditional ryokans, with plenty of calming wood furniture and crisp whites in its decor to give guests a safe space to rest and rejuvenate.
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Six Senses Kyoto
Hotel type: Luxury hotel
Where: Kyoto
This urban hotel offers its guests a sanctuary to connect with ‘self’ and bond with nature. Located in the cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto, the hotel’s design symbolises a fusion of tradition and modernity. Guests can admire the city’s panoramic view of temples, courtyards, a Toyokuni shrine, tea shops, and charming wooden Japanese houses from their hotel rooms.
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Aman Tokyo
Hotel type: Luxury hotel
Where: Tokyo
Those looking to explore the luxurious side of Tokyo should stay at Aman Tokyo. Sitting tall and proud on the top floor of Otemachi Tower, this luxury hotel offers guests impeccable service and a bird’s-eye-view of the city. The interiors blend traditional and contemporary aesthetics, making it one of the best places for discerning travellers who want to experience Japanese culture.
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Hotel type: Luxury resort
Where: Okinawa
One of the perks of choosing this hotel over the others in Okinawa is that you get to wake up to gorgeous waterfront views. In addition, the hotel’s architecture and theme are a fusion of European and Okinawan influences. Apart from relaxing by the beach, guests can enjoy other facilities such as saunas, a selection of pools, a spa, several restaurants, and shopping at the in-house souvenir store.
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Yachiyo in Kyoto
Hotel type: Ryokan
Where: Kyoto
This ryokan boasts seven suite rooms and nine standard rooms, each offering tatami flooring, futon bedding, low furniture, and flat-screen TV sets. Popular for its kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner), guests can enjoy authentic, fresh, and delicious Japanese food here. This ryokan also offers guests a complimentary bicycle renting service to explore the neighbouring gardens, shrines, and lanes.
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Yama No Chaya
Hotel type: Ryokan
Where: Kakone
Hakone is known for its onsen resorts, and this one is famous for a good reason. This wooden ryokan has private hot spring water pumped up from 300 metres underground and poured into all four hot springs. The water is warm, clear and rich in minerals that naturally soften and brighten the skin. Some rooms also have private outdoor baths. To add to the allure, their restaurant has won Michelin stars for its kaiseki cuisine.
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Mizno
Hotel type: Ryokan
Where: Kawaguchiko
There are different types of hotels in Japan that promise glorious views of the majestic Mount Fuji. However, Hotel Mizno in Kawaguchiko offers one of the best views of the sacred mountain. On a clear, sunny day, Mount Fuji is visible from the hotel rooms, terrace deck, and onsen area.
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Manposo
Hotel type: Minshuku
Where: Fukuoka
Those making a trip to Shikanoshima should consider staying at Manposo. Surrounded by sea and mountains, this minshuku is the perfect little place for a BBQ and to celebrate special occasions. An oasis of tranquillity, all four guest rooms offer panoramic views of the blue sea. Come here to connect with nature and create lasting memories with loved ones.
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Hotel type: Capsule
Where: Asakusa
While most capsule hotels are compact and minimalistic in design, this one is the total opposite. The pods are spacious, artsy, and equipped with the latest amenities. The lounge area looks like a tatami tea room where guests can relax, socialise and enjoy a warm cup of green tea.
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Ninja & Geisha
Hotel type: Capsule
Where: Osaka
This capsule hotel is a fusion of modern and traditional Japanese decor and aesthetics. The dim lighting, wooden furnishing, and indoor Japanese dry garden create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for guests. You can’t miss out on this capsule hotel in Japan.
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Hotel type: Capsule
Where: Several locations
This chain hotel operates from Tokyo, Osaka, Miyagi, Fukuoka, and Aichi. It gets its name from the three basic actions of one hour to wash off sweat, seven hours of sleep, and one hour to get ready. Guests would be delighted to learn that every hotel from this brand differs in design, theme, and space.
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Dormy Inn Fukui
Hotel type: Luxury hotel
Where: Fukuii
With a laid-back atmosphere, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay at this Fukuii hotel. Equipped with an on-site restaurant, sauna, spa, and outdoor baths, it’s a popular hotel choice for travellers visiting Fukuii. This hotel is ideal for young families since it offers an all-you-can-eat buffet and dinosaur-themed decorations.
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River Retreat Garaku
Hotel type: Ryokan
Where: Toyama
This cosy luxury ryokan offers guests river-facing rooms with minimalistic interiors. Surrounded by nature and modern art creations, the hotel creates a peaceful and inviting space for its guests. It offers unique facilities such as a heated stone room, outdoor/private onsen, library, and indoor shopping area. The best part about staying at this ryokan is that all the rooms have different interiors featuring both Western and Japanese aesthetics.
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Yumotoya Onsen Ryokan
Hotel type: Ryokan
Where: Niigata
Since this luxurious ryokan is in a geothermal area, guests can treat themselves to a relaxing onsen experience. Surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views, they also have the option to rent cycles and explore the property and garden area. In terms of food, you can expect to feast on the freshest Japanese traditional dishes here.
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Suzu Onsen Takarayu Bekkan
Hotel type: Minshuku
Where: Ishikawa
Those looking to make a short trip to Ishikawa should consider spending the night at Suzu Onsen Takarayu Bekkan. This minshuku has Japanese-style rooms with futons placed on tatami flooring. There are two types of baths: an indoor hot spring and an old public bath area. Stay here for an authentic Japanese home experience.
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This story first appeared on Travel + Leisure Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokyo has more modern hotels and hostels than traditional Japanese inns (ryokans). From the handful of them, we recommend Yuen Shinjuku in Shinjuku, Yuen Bettei Daita in Setagaya, Ryokan Seiko Honkan in Suginami, Homeikan in Bunkyo, and Hoshinoya in Otemachi.
Minshuku hotels are often family-operated businesses that provide guests with a more personal and authentic cultural experience in Japan. You won't find them easily in Tokyo, but in Japan's countryside and onsen towns. Places that offer more or less similar experiences in Tokyo are guest houses and service apartments.
Known as 'Kokyu Hoteru' in Japanese, which translates to 'high-class hotel' in English,these hotels offer luxury accommodations with amenities and impeccable services.
With the interiors of a ryokan, a machiya is a traditional wooden townhouse/bungalow. It's possible to find them listed on Airbnb. Like a regular house, you can access basic amenities like a fridge, TV, WiFi, air-conditioner, microwave, washing machine and more.
You must spend a night or two at a themed hotel in Japan. Add Henn na Hotel in Chiba, Book and Bed in Shinjuku, Thalassa Shima Hotel & Resort in Mie Prefecture, Hello Kitty Room at Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji, Pokemon Room in Mimaru Hotel, Nine Hours in Hamamatsucho, Disney Resort in Tokyo, Legoland Hotel in Nagoya and more to your Japan itinerary.
For those who enjoy the fine things in life, luxury hotels like Aman Tokyo in Otemachi, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto in Kyoto, Conrad Osaka in Osaka, The Ritz Carlton in Fukuoka, Hotel Monterey in Okinawa, and Hoshino Resorts Risonare Tomamu in Hokkaido will not disappoint.
The newest hotels that opened in 2024 are Janu Tokyo in Tokyo, Hyatt House Tokyo in Tokyo, Ryoten no Yu Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei in Tokyo, Royal Park Hotel Iconic Nagoya in Nagoya, Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto, DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle in Osaka.
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Written by
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, she worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte.
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