When preparing for a trip to Japan, accommodation is often the second-largest expense after transportation.
Despite the recent surge in tourism driving up prices, Japan still offers a diverse range of options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Types of Accommodations in Japan
Youth Hostels: Affordable and Sociable
Japanese youth hostels are known for their cleanliness, modernity, and friendly atmosphere. Perfect for budget travelers or those looking to meet fellow adventurers, they offer:
- Semi-private dormitories: Often mixed or women-only, with beds equipped with curtains for privacy.
- Affordable rates: Typically between 20 € and 40 € per night, depending on location.
- Welcoming common areas: Great for socializing, and some even feature Japanese hot baths (sentô).
- Shared bathrooms: Usually well-equipped and include large communal baths.
Tokyo Suggestions:
- Cafe / Minimal Hotel Our Our (Asakusabashi, East Tokyo): From 30 € per night.
- COGO Ryogoku (Ryogoku, East Tokyo): From 40 € per night.
Budget Hotels: Comfort and Convenience
Originally designed for Japanese business travelers, budget hotels have become popular among tourists for their affordability and comfort. Features include:
- Practical amenities: Laundry facilities and toiletries.
- Compact rooms: Designed to maximize space, with small beds and efficient bathrooms that may feel snug for taller or larger Western travelers (e.g., suitable for up to 1.8m/85kg).
- Average prices: 50 € - 90 € per night for a single room.
- Popular chains: Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels, and Super Hotel are widely available across Japan.
This is the type of hotel that we book the most, particularly those of the APA chain which are the most modern and several of which offer sentô (hot water baths).
Tokyo Suggestions:
- APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (North Shinjuku): From €80 per night.
- Toyoko Inn Tokyo Nihombashi Ningyocho (Kayabachô, East Tokyo): From €60 per night.
Ryokan: Traditional Japanese Inns
Staying in a ryokan is a quintessential Japanese experience. These accommodations often include:
- Tatami rooms: Spacious, with futons laid directly on the floor.
- Traditional meals: Many offer kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal and seafood dishes.
- Access to hot springs (onsen): A relaxing highlight of Japanese culture.
- Prices: From 120 € per night for a room accommodating multiple people.
- Locations: Common in traditional cities like Kyôto and rural areas.
While these rooms are designed with Japanese tastes in mind, their low furniture and floor sleeping arrangements might require some adjustment for Western travelers.
Suggestions:
- Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei (Kyôto): From €135 per night.
- Atagawakan (Izu Peninsula): From €150 per night with ocean views.
Other Accommodation Options
- Airbnb: Limited options due to regulations introduced in 2016, but still available in convenient locations.
- Rental houses or apartments: Agencies like Japan Experience offer rentals ideal for families or groups staying several days in one city.
- Capsule Hotels: A unique, compact experience originally designed for missed trains. A bit pricier than hostels but memorable.
- Camping: Japan offers numerous campsites, including over 250 free options - great for car travelers exploring the countryside.
- Love Hotels: Found in nightlife districts like Kabukichô (Tokyo), these thematic rooms can be luxurious but costly for overnight stays.
- Manga Cafés: Budget-friendly and functional, offering semi-private spaces with a chair and desk for around 20 € per night. Some even have showers for a small fee.
Tips to Optimize Your Accommodation Budget
Book Early
Reserve accommodations at least three months in advance for better rates and availability.
Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons
Popular times like hanami (cherry blossom season from mid-March to mid-April) come with higher prices. Consider autumn for pleasant weather and lower costs.
Explore Secondary Cities
Major hubs like Tôkyô, Ôsaka, and Kyôto tend to have higher prices. Opting for smaller cities can save up to 20% on accommodations.
Leverage Booking Discounts
Platforms like Booking.com offer loyalty programs such as Genius, which provide discounts of up to 20% and perks like free breakfast.
Budgeting for Accommodation in Japan
Accommodation costs vary based on type, timing, and location. For a two-week trip, here’s a sample budget for two travelers:
Optimized Budget
- No nights near the airport
- 13 nights in budget hotels (5 in Tokyo, 8 elsewhere): (5 x 50 €) + (8 * 30 €) = 490 € per person
- 1 night in a ryokan: 70 € per person
- TOTAL: 560 € per person (~22% of a 2 500 € trip)
Moderate Budget
- 1 night in an airport hotel: 80 € per person
- 12 nights in budget hotels (8 in Tokyo or Osaka, 4 elsewhere): (8 * 50 €) + (4 x 40 €) = 560 € per person
- 2 nights in a ryokan: 160 € per person
- TOTAL: 800 € per person (~32% of a 2 500 € trip)
Typically, accommodations account for about 25% of your total trip budget