Accommodation in Japan

Choosing where to stay in Japan is , for me, an integral part of the journey. Throughout my travels across Japan, alternating between different types of accommodation has allowed me to discover many facets of the country, from contemporary comfort to the most intimate traditions. So here's a short guide to help you choose the accommodation best suited to your travel style (feel free to combine several types during the same trip).

In a nutshell

Type of accommodation	Experience	Budget	Ideal for
Ryokan in Japan	Tradition & onsen	€€€	Cultural immersion
Shukubo	Spirituality & silence	€€€	An introspective experience
Hotel	Modern comfort	€€	Cities and smooth itineraries
Capsule hotel	Unusual & minimalist	€€	Trying something different for one night
Guesthouse	Meeting people & authenticity	€	Meaningful travel experiences

Hotels in Japan: comfort, efficiency and surprises!

Let's start with the most classic and enduring option: the hotel . Depending on the chosen standard, the experience can be completely different, from budget-friendly business hotels to boutique hotels ; there's something for every taste and desire. What has always struck me, regardless of the establishment, is the impeccable cleanliness and attentive service I've consistently received.

From business hotels to high-end hotels , it's a reassuring option, especially for a first-time trip to Japan, perfect for Tokyo, Osaka or during dynamic urban stops.

Advantages

• Modern comfort
• Excellent value for money
• Central locations in major cities
• Convenient when travelling with luggage

Disadvantages

• A more limited cultural experience
• Often compact rooms
• Less personal interaction

Sleeping in a ryokan in Japan: the quintessential traditional experience!

Spending a night in a ryokan in Japan is a timeless experience. You take off your shoes, slip into a yukata , walk on tatami mats, immerse yourself in restorative hot spring water, enjoy an elegantly prepared kaiseki , and sleep on a carefully made futon. Often located in historic towns, in the mountains, or near hot springs, ryokan embody authentic Japanese hospitality, ideal for a one- or two-night stay in Hakone, Beppu, Gero Onsen, or the Japanese Alps .

Advantages

• Complete cultural immersion
• Traditional kaiseki meals often included
• Access to onsen (hot springs)

Disadvantages

• More expensive than standard hotels
• Rules to follow (schedules, quiet hours and bathing etiquette)
• Futons may take some getting used to, especially for those with sensitive backs

Sleeping in a shukubo: a spiritual experience in the heart of Japan!

Spending the night in a shukubo, a monastic lodge, was a rare and profoundly memorable experience for me. Within Buddhist temples , these lodges welcome travelers seeking peace, meaning, and a break from the everyday. Here, there is no ostentatious luxury, but rather a refined atmosphere, punctuated by prayers, meditation, and the discovery of vegetarian cuisine, shojin ryori —a powerful experience, especially in Koyasan , the cradle of Shingon Buddhism .

Advantages

• A unique spiritual experience
• The opportunity to take part in morning rituals
• An introduction to Buddhist cuisine

Disadvantages

• Simple, minimalist comfort
• Strict rules (schedules and quiet hours)
• Not particularly suitable for very young children

Sleeping in a machiya: experience Japan like a local!

Sleeping in a machiya , a traditional Japanese townhouse , gave me the feeling of discovering the rhythm of family life. These old wooden houses, often carefully renovated, are mainly found in Kyoto and other historic towns. They offer a glimpse into a discreet way of life, with their inner courtyards, paper partitions, and soothing silence. With their numerous bedrooms and kitchens, they are the perfect accommodation for a trip with family or friends.

Advantages

• Full immersion in traditional Japanese housing
• Independence and privacy
• Ideal for groups of friends or families
• An authentic and elegant setting

Disadvantages

• Often more expensive than a standard hotel
• Few hotel-style services (reception, daily housekeeping)
• No meals provided
• Some houses can be narrow or spread over several floors

Guesthouse and minshuku: the encounter is above all!

Guesthouses in Japan ( minshuku ) are often family-run. I appreciate these simple moments, where travel takes on a more human dimension , filled with encounters and smiles. The atmosphere is friendly: you sleep on a futon and, around a home-style meal, you exchange a few words, often with the help of a translation app.

Advantages

• Warm hospitality
• Authentic immersion in local life
• Affordable prices

Disadvantages

• Simpler comfort
• Shared bathing facilities are common
• Very limited English spoken

Capsule hotel: an unusual experience to try

Often presented as an unusual experience , capsule hotels are, in my opinion, more like modern dormitories. I discovered a minimalist and ultra-organized Japan, where every inch is meticulously planned, sometimes in a futuristic setting. It's an experience worth having for one night, ideal for solo travelers like backpackers, but less suitable for families and couples seeking comfort and privacy.

Advantages

• A unique and original experience
• Very affordable
• Central locations
• Impeccable cleanliness

Disadvantages

• Little privacy
• Not suitable for large pieces of luggage
• Best suited to very short stays

My advice

• Alternate your accommodations to experience several Japans in a single trip.
• Book your hotels in advance , especially during peak season.
• Avoid capsules for stays longer than one night
• Get advice from our local experts to choose the right accommodation

At Shanti Travel, when creating your tailor-made trip to Japan, we select each accommodation for its consistency with your itinerary, the season and your travel style.