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).

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.

The advantages

• Modern comfort
• Excellent value for money
• Central location in major cities
• Easy access to luggage

The disadvantages

• More limited cultural experience
• Rooms often compact
• Less human contact

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 .

The advantages

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

The disadvantages

• Higher budget than traditional hotels
• Rules to be respected (schedules, silence, baths)
• Futons can sometimes be surprising for 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 .

The advantages

• A unique spiritual immersion
• Participation in morning rituals is possible.
• Discovering Buddhist cuisine

The disadvantages

• Simple and minimalist comfort
• Strict rules (schedules, silence)
• Not 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.

The advantages

• Total immersion in traditional Japanese housing
• Independence and privacy
• Ideal for groups of friends or families
• Authentic and elegant setting

The disadvantages

• Budget often higher than a standard hotel
• Limited hotel services (reception, daily housekeeping)
• No meals available
• Houses sometimes narrow or multi-story

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.

The advantages

• Warm welcome
• Authentic local immersion
• Affordable prices

The disadvantages

• Simpler comfort
• Bathrooms often shared
• Very limited English

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.

The advantages

• A unique and original experience
• Economical
• Central locations
• Impeccable cleanliness

The disadvantages

• Little privacy
• Not suitable for large luggage
• Very short stays recommended

In summary

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.