In this hotel guide for Japan, you will find the best accommodations in different budget categories for multiple destinations in Japan. From ryokans in Wakayama to capsule hotels in Kyoto and hostels in Tokyo!
How cool! You are going to travel to Japan! Japan is one of the most fascinating countries we have ever visited. The culture here is so completely different from what we are used to in Europe. Sometimes it feels like you’re stepping into another world. The people are incredibly hospitable, the food very tasty and the nature beautiful! One of the most special ways to experience Japan is of course by sleeping in a ryokan. These are traditional Japanese houses, where you sleep on futon’s (special mattresses) on the floor. Most ryokans also include an onsen, a warm water bath. Perfect to complete this special experience!
Hotel guide Japan: beautiful accommodations in Japan
Below we have listed the best places to sleep from different destinations in Japan. This always includes a budget option (hostel, basic guesthouse or accommodation that costs no more than € 50). You will find a more luxurious option in the middle of each row. Often this is a hotel with a swimming pool, nice breakfast and a price range between € 50 and € 100. And finally, you will find a luxury option for every destination. These are beautiful hotels where you will be pampered. The prices range from € 100 to € 250 per night.
Note: Japan is relatively expensive compared to other Asian countries. This means you will spend a relatively large amount of money on accommodation.
Map of Japan
For your convenience, we created a simple map of Japan. This gives you a good idea of where the destinations below are geographically located. On the map, you will also see a travel itinerary (the grand Japan tour) for which you will need approximately 4-6 weeks. Click here for a shorter Japan itinerary (the three week Japan itinerary). In this hotel guide, you will find hotels for Tokyo, Takayama (Japanese Alps), Kyoto, Osaka, Kumano Kodo Trail, Hiroshima, Kochi, Fukuoka and Okinawa prefecture. Make sure you book on time, then you have the best prices and the most choice. For Japan, we advise everyone to book your hotels at least three months to half a year in advance.
Have fun with booking your hotels* in Japan!
Where to sleep in Tokyo? The best hotels and hostels!
Tokyo, the capital of Japan is huge and there is so much to see and to do! The highlights for us are the fish market with fresh sushi, the Harajuku district, and Shibuya Crossing, Japan’s busiest intersection. But there is much more to see in this busy metropolis! We recommend staying 4 to 5 days for Tokyo alone. Be aware that hotel rooms are relatively small in Tokyo.
Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa €
This hostel is located near the metro station in the Sumida district. The rooms are small but very clean. You sleep in a double bed. Sleeping in a tent from 32 euros (2 persons).
Lightning Hotel Asakusa €€
This hotel is located in the vibrant Asakusa district. Near the metro station. The rooms are a bit small but very comfortable and clean. You stay here from € 64 per night (2 persons).
Landabout Tokyo €€€
This new hotel in Tokyo is located nearby a metro station. The rooms are nicely decorated, clean and quiet. The rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view of the city. From € 101 per night (2 persons).
Read here everything about the Japan Rail Pass and why you want to have it!
The best places to sleep in the Japanese Alps (Takayama)
If you didn’t know better and you see the Japanese Alps for the first time, you would think you’re in Switzerland! Ideal for the fanatic hiker. We loved the famous Kamikochi valley to make beautiful hikes. You will also find traditional Japanese villages (such as Hida Minzoka) that you can add to your visit here.
To complete your Takayama experience, we really recommend you to sleep in a traditional ryokan. This experience is so special and definitely belongs to a visit to Japan. The village of Takayama is a nice place to spend the night and explore the Japanese Alps.
Relax Hostel Takayama €
You sleep in this clean hostel in a double bed in a dormitory from € 37 per night (2 people). You can also book private rooms here. A double bed in a dormitory cost € 65 per night.
Cup of Tea €€
You’ll sleep in a Japanese-style hotel with a futton (mattress) on the floor. The Cup of Tea is very centrally located. The rooms are small but clean. You can sleep here for as little as € 67 per night (2 people).
Ryokan Oyado Koto €€€
You can stay in a traditional ryokan in Takayama. The rooms are large and decorated in a traditional style. You can also make use of the onsen (hot water spa). From € 168 per night (2 people).
How much does travelling through Japan costs? Read here our Japan budget blog!
The best hotels and hostels in Kyoto! The best ryokan of Kyoto!
Kyoto is known as the cultural capital of Japan. There are many gorgeous temples and other holy places. Did you know that the geisha is originally from Kyoto? Besides, there is a lot of nature in and around Kyoto. For example the famous bamboo forest in Kyoto! From Kyoto, you can also easily visit Nara. Take a minimum of 3 to 4 days for Kyoto. Below our favourite hotels in Kyoto!
Urban Hotel Kyoto €
This hotel is a 5-minute walk from the JR line. Ideal if you have the JR pass. The rooms are clean and you can use the large swimming pool. Breakfast is also delicious! From € 42 per night (2 persons).
The Millennials Kyoto €€
Japan is also the place to try a capsule hotel. Very minimalist yet equipped with all conveniences. Location is right in the city centre. You can sleep here for as little as € 30 per night (1 person).
Kyomachiya Ryokan €€€
You sleep here in a traditional ryokan in Kyoto. The rooms are nicely decorated and quiet. This location is a 5-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station. From € 160 per night (2 people).
Where to sleep in Osaka, Japan?
This great city is known for its great food! They say the best beef is coming from this place. It is called the Kobe steak and it is very expensive! Also, have a look in the Minami district to experience the nightlife in this beautiful vibrant city. Osaka also has beautiful castles that are more than worth a visit. Below nice hotels in Osaka.
Mad Cat Hostel €
The name of the hostel says it all: you have a lot of (sweet) cats walking around here. You sleep in a traditional Japanese house. The rooms are clean and comfortable. You can spend the night here from € 46 per night (2 persons).
Hostel Yu €€
Believe it or not, you will sleep in very luxurious cabins here in a mixed dormitory! Everything has been thought of, so it doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping in a dormitory! This is Japan to the max! From € 52 per night (2 persons).
Hotel the Flag €€€
Hotel the Flag has large and clean rooms. The location of the hotel is very central. Guests can especially appreciate the free coffee and the ability to do laundry. You sleep here from € 101 per night (2 persons).
The best hotels and hostels in Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a port city on the main island of Honshu. On 6 August 1945, this city was bombed with an atomic bomb. More than 145,000 people died and large parts of the city were completely blown away. The city has since been completely rebuilt, but there is still much attention for this sad event. We were positively surprised by what a cool place Hiroshima is.
Closeby is also the island of Miyajima where one of the most famous tori’s of Japan is located. The island of Miyajima can easily be combined with a visit to Hiroshima. Two to three days in Hiroshima is long enough. Below, you find our recommendations for cosy and affordable accommodations in Hiroshima!
Hostel J-Hoppers €
This guesthouse has a very homely atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and clean. Furthermore, you are only a few steps away from the Peace Park. From € 45 per night (two persons).
Pension 88 House €€
This popular guesthouse is located right next to a rice field and is just located outside the centre. The rooms have tatami mats and traditional futon beds. You can sleep here from € 57 per night (2 persons).
Share Hotels Kiro €€€
Do you want to sleep in a beautiful design hotel, close to the Peace Memorial? Then choose this wonderful hotel where you will be pampered! From € 111 per night including breakfast (two persons).
Why should you go to Japan? Read here 5 reasons why Japan is special!
The nicest and best places to sleep in Kochi
The city of Kochi is located on the island of Shikoku. You can reach this island in a very cool way: you can cycle from the mainland to this island! A ride of 60 km over a very long bridge. Kochi itself is known for its beautiful Kochi Castle. Outside Kochi, you will find vast sandy beaches and the Iya Valley. This remote place is surrounded by steep mountains and rocky walls. There are wooden walkways across the valley to get from one side to the other. You will also find many natural onsens, hot water springs here.
All in all, you can easily spend three to four days here. Below you will find the nicest accommodations in the centre of Kochi.
Bright Park Hotel €€
This hotel is located in the heart of Kochi, close to major shopping areas. Rooms are large by Japanese standards and of course spotless! You can sleep here from € 58 per night (two persons).
Guesthouse Tosa €€
How cosy, this guesthouse has a garden and super helpful staff. You sleep on traditional futon beds. And believe me, that sleeps very well! You can stay here for as little as € 67 per night (2 persons).
Comfort Hotel €€
This hotel is a 3-minute walk away from Kochi station. Free tea and coffee is served and you can join the delicious breakfast buffet every morning. From € 87 per night including delicious breakfast (2 persons).
Where to sleep in Fukuoka? The best accommodations for sleeping!
Fukuoka is the largest city on Kyushu, the southernmost island of the four main islands of Japan. It is a student city and due to its location on the coast, the summers are wonderful here. When we were here in November, it was pretty cold.
Sumo wrestling competitions are often held in this city, a unique experience to visit such an event. You also have a large Asahi beer brewery here where you can do a free tour! Don’t miss this one during your visit to Fukuoka. This city is very small compared to Tokyo or Kyoto, so in two days you have seen everything here. Here you will find the nicest hotels and hostels for Fukuoka!
Hostel Toki €
This nice and cozy hostel is very popular among budget travellers. Rooms are small but fully equipped. The staff is very helpful and friendly. From € 48 per night (two persons).
WeBase Hakata €€
This hostel is centrally located. The common areas are very cosy and the hostel has a nice roof terrace. You can sleep here from € 62 per night in a double room with shared bathroom (2 people).
Richmond Hotel €€€
Ready for more luxury? Then book this hotel. This beautiful hotel is located in the centre near a metro station. The rooms are very large and comfortable. Wifi is very good! From € 138 per night (2 persons).
The best hotels and hostels during the Kumano Kodo Track
This is the place to be for hiking the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Imperial route, also called the pilgrim route of Japan. This is the route that pilgrims walked hundreds of years ago. We walked a part of the Kumano Kodo trek ourselves in three days, very beautiful.
You are not tied to three days and you can walk as much and as little of the pilgrim route in Wakayama as you want. On the way, you will sleep in amazing Ryokans. Hereby some nice hotels in the area of Tanabe and Wakayama.
Guesthouse Ogawaya €
This guesthouse in Tanabe is located in a convenient place to start the Kumano Kodo trek. It is close to a bus stop, very convenient! The guesthouse has clean and comfortable rooms. From €45 per night (3 persons).
Tsukiji Hostel €€
These rooms have a shared bathroom. You can rent bikes for free here. There is also a free pick-up service, how handy! You can sleep here for as little as € 55 per night (two persons).
Pension the Cue €€
This beautifully decorated ryokan is located in Tanabe. Kii-Tanabe station is just a 2-minute walk away. There is a kitchen and utilities at your disposal. The staff is very helpful. From € 75 per night (2 persons).
The best hotels on the Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa Prefecture is a wonderful destination to relax. It consists of different tropical islands (as many as 160!) Which are no less in terms of beaches than the Philippines. Ishigaki is the second-largest island of the Okinawa Prefecture and is close to Taiwan. This is a wonderful place to end your holiday with the sun! You will find many hotels, shops and more than enough fun activities here. The most beautiful place of this island is Kabira Bay. Here you have a clear blue sea and white beaches!
Below a number of fine hotels on the Okinawa Prefecture.
Ishigaki Guesthouse €
In this guesthouse, you stay in a mixed dorm. However, the beds provide lots of privacy. Furthermore, this guesthouse is very clean and you can also eat very well here. From € 41 per night (2 persons).
Pension Shiraho Friends €€
This guesthouse gives hospitality a new definition. The hosts are so friendly and help you with everything. In addition, you are two minutes walk from the beach! From € 51 per night (two people).
B&B Lulaliya €€€
This bed & breakfast is only 300 meters away from Kabira Bay! The rooms are clean and the breakfast is tasty. There is also a terrace and garden to relax in. From € 102 per night (two people).
The best places to sleep in Sapporo, Hokkaido
The capital Sapporo is a fun, bustling city in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. Here you will find many mountains and in the winter thick layers of snow. Perfect for skiing! At summer time it can get pretty hot here and you have fields full of flowers. Below our favourite accommodations in Sapporo.
Hotel the b Sapporo €
Nice modern hotel located in the city centre. Rooms are very comfortable and equipped with all kinds of conveniences. The breakfast buffet is also great here. You sleep here from € 48 per night (2 persons).
Gardens Cabin €€
Gardens Cabin offers compact hotel rooms and has a swimming pool! The rooms are modernly furnished. You can also opt for traditional Japanese rooms here. Prices start from € 68 per night (2 persons).
Hotel Potmum Sapporo €€€
This stylish hotel is two minutes from the metro. The rooms are clean and fully equipped. Really a cosy hotel and a nice place to sleep. From € 105 per night (two persons).
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Hello Charlotte-san, this hotel guide looks great! You even covered my favourite town Wakayama!!