Hotels in Japan

In Japan, hotels really do come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever your budget, we can help you to save money on your stay...

City destinations feature international chain hotels from the likes of Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental, and Best Western. With large rooms and a wealth of amenities, these hotels are perfect if you want a comfortable stay with top levels of service. For something a little different, however, consider a stay in a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn. Breakfast and dinner are usually included and a stay of this kind offers a glimpse into a time-honoured way of life. Minshuku are similar, usually with breakfast included. Many temples also offer serene nights within their hushed confines. Some traditional lodgings might even have an onsen attached; these are hot spring baths (sometimes indoor, sometimes outdoor). The term onsen can be applied to the entire lodging or you might see a ryokan with onsen. While these can be good value, if you are after really cheap hotels in Japan you should consider a stay at a capsule, or pod, hotel. These are found in the major cities and are great for short breaks or budget trips (if you don’t mind sleeping in a tube with a bed).

The main cities of Japan on the largest island of Honshu are Tokyo, neighbouring Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nagoya. Sapporo is on the island of Hokkaido, to the north of Honshu. Another popular city destination, Fukuoka is on the island of Kyushu. Each offer distinctive and stimulating looks at life in Japan. 

Tokyo may be the top tourist destination in Japan, but this mesmerising country has attractions across the islands…

Top five attractions

Shinjuku

The most visited part of Tokyo is the skyscraper district known as Shinjuku. The giant structures form part of an enormous complex of offices, shops, bars and restaurants. By day, this is where you’ll find the shopping. After dark, it’s where Tokyo’s famous nightlife is at.

Osanbashi Pier

This is a great place to enjoy sunset or sunrise in Yokohama and to take in splendid views of Minato Mirai, Yamashita and the iconic Bay Bridge. On clear days it is also possible to see Mount Fuji on the horizon.

Osaka Castle

One of Japan’s most treasured attractions, Osaka Castle is a 500-year-old architectural masterpiece with gold and copper roofing, plus a superb observatory at the top of the keep that offers panoramic views of the ancient city of Osaka.

Nagoya Port

The recently redeveloped port of Nagoya (home of the car manufacturer Toyota) is fast becoming one of the city’s biggest attractions. You will find a huge aquarium, complemented by excellent restaurants, bars and shops.

Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Known locally in Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji, the golden pavilion is Japan’s most visited tourist attraction. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was restored in the 1950s and covered in gold leaf.

In a country obsessed with ceremony, you’re never far away from an important event. Here’s our pick of the bunch…

Setsuban; February: A traditional way to mark the end of winter throughout Japan is to throw down handfuls of beans near shrines while shouting “Fortune in! Devil out!” before heading off to celebrate. Curious, but fun.

Hanami; March/April: in Kyoto and Tokyo: People gather for picnics under blossoming cherry trees and toast the start of spring with sake during this traditional event. The blossoming is obviously the work of nature and doesn’t work to a timetable, but the “sakura zensen”, or cherry blossom front, generally hits Kyoto and Tokyo in late March and early April.

Hanabi Taikai; July: Tokyo’s biggest (and loudest) celebration involves a massive fireworks display over the Sumida river, followed by revelry and partying into the early hours.