How to Choose Accommodation in Japan: Your Complete Guide from Capsule Hotels to Ryokan

For first-time visitors to Japan, choosing where to stay is often the trickiest part of the trip. The price for one night can range from a few thousand yen to tens of thousands, and while some accommodations are steps away from a subway station, others require transfers and a ten-minute walk.
Don’t worry—this guide will give you a comprehensive overview of common types of accommodation in Japan: from capsule hotels, business hotels, and Airbnb rentals to traditional ryokan inns! You’ll quickly understand the differences and tips for choosing the right option. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker or a traveler seeking unique experiences, you’ll find the accommodation that suits you best. Bookmark this article for easy reference when planning your itinerary or booking your stay.

I. Capsule Hotels

Price range: ¥2,000–6,000 per night
Prices are for reference only; actual rates vary by location, holidays, and season.
Capsule hotels are a uniquely Japanese lodging style. Each guest has a private capsule, with shared bathrooms, changing areas, and lockers. Many modern capsule hotels have been upgraded to clean, contemporary environments, and some offer female-only floors.

Pros:
•    Affordable, usually located in convenient city centers
•    Clean facilities; some have public baths or saunas
•    Ideal for short stays, transfers, or early flights
Cons:
•    Very limited space; large luggage is difficult to store
•    Low privacy; average sound insulation
Recommended areas:
•    Tokyo: Ueno, Shinjuku, Akihabara
•    Osaka: Shinsaibashi, Namba
•    Sapporo: Susukino

II. Business Hotels

Price range: ¥7,000–15,000 per night
Prices are for reference only; actual rates vary by location, holidays, and season.
Business hotels are the most chosen accommodation by travelers. Rooms are compact but highly functional, equipped with private bathrooms, electric kettles, humidifiers, free Wi-Fi, and more.
Pros:
•    High value, clean, standardized service
•    Close to subway or JR stations for convenient travel
•    Safe and reliable, with 24-hour front desk
Cons:
•    Rooms are generally not spacious
•    Families or groups of three may feel cramped (Semi-Double or Twin rooms recommended)
Common brands: Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel, Hotel Mystays, Dormy Inn (some with hot springs)
Recommended areas:
•    Tokyo: Shinjuku, Ueno, Ginza, Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit
•    Osaka: Umeda, Shinsaibashi, Tennoji
•    Sapporo: Around JR Station
Tips:
Check-in is usually at 15:00, check-out at 10:00. Most hotels offer free luggage storage in advance.

III. Airbnb / Minpaku Rentals

Price range: ¥8,000–30,000 per night
(Varies by number of guests, location, and room type)
In Japan, short-term private rentals are called “Minpaku.” Legal operation requires a license. Most come with kitchens, washing machines, and living rooms, making them ideal for families or long-term stays.
Pros:
•    Spacious; you can cook your own meals
•    Suitable for families or groups of friends
•    Immersive experience of local life
Cons:
•    Self-check-in is common; some require prior coordination for keys or online check-in
•    Cleaning standards vary by host; no uniform standard
•    Usually do not provide luggage storage
Recommended areas:
•    Tokyo: Asakusa, Oshiage, Nakano, Ikebukuro
•    Kyoto: Gion, Kiyomizu-Gojo
•    Hokkaido: Otaru, Hakodate (entire house rentals)
Reminder:
Always check if the property displays a “Minpaku license number” to avoid illegal rentals.

IV. Traditional Ryokan Inns

Price range: ¥18,000–60,000 per night
Price per person or per room, usually includes dinner and breakfast.
For an authentic Japanese experience of tatami mats, kaiseki meals, and hot springs, choose a ryokan. The essence of a ryokan lies in meticulous hospitality, from removing shoes at the entrance to enjoying meals and bathing rituals.
Pros:
•    Authentic Japanese lifestyle and onsen culture
•    Excellent service and exquisite meals
•    Peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation and immersive experiences
Cons:
•    Higher price
•    Some older ryokan facilities may be dated; usually located in hot spring towns, so access can be inconvenient. Most offer shuttle buses from nearby stations—check in advance to minimize travel hassle.

Recommended regions:
•    Kanto: Hakone, Izu, Kusatsu
•    Kansai: Arima Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen
•    Hokkaido: Noboribetsu, Lake Toya
•    Kyushu: Yufuin, Kurokawa Onsen
Recommended brands: Hoshino Resorts, Kagaya, Gora Kadan, Fujiya Ryokan

V. Hostels

Price range: ¥2,500–5,000 per night
Prices are for reference only; actual rates vary by location, holidays, and season.
Hostels are great for budget travelers who enjoy meeting new people. Many modern hostels are stylish, with shared kitchens and social spaces, and some offer private rooms.
Pros:
•    Very affordable
•    Strong social atmosphere; easy to meet travelers from around the world
•    Self-service facilities, including kitchens and laundry

Cons:
•    Low privacy; shared bathrooms
•    Keep an eye on luggage security
Recommended cities:
•    Kyoto: Piece Hostel Kyoto
•    Sapporo: UNTAPPED HOSTEL
•    Okinawa: Little Asia Guest House
•    Tokyo: Khaosan Tokyo series

VI. Recommended Areas by Popular Cities

Tokyo:
•    First-time visitors: Shinjuku, Ueno (convenient transport)
•    Shopping-focused: Ginza, Shibuya, Omotesando (higher prices)
•    Budget-conscious: Asakusa, Oshiage (some areas require transfers)
Osaka:
•    Food & shopping: Shinsaibashi, Namba
•    Transfer to Kyoto/Kobe: Umeda
•    Onsen experience: Near Tennoji or Spa World
Hokkaido:
•    Sapporo: Around JR Sapporo Station (good base for day trips)
•    Otaru: Canal-area scenic rooms
•    Noboribetsu: Concentrated hot spring inns

VII. Booking Tips & Pitfalls

Booking timeline:
During cherry blossom season (Mar–Apr) and autumn foliage season (Oct–Nov), book 2–3 months in advance, especially for Kyoto, Hakone, and areas near Mount Fuji.
Recommended booking sites:
•    Booking.com: Chinese interface, user-friendly, credit card guarantee, wide variety of options
•    Agoda: Chinese interface, frequent promotions, strong in Asia
•    Rakuten Travel: One of Japan’s largest local platforms; primarily Japanese, some pages in Chinese
•    Jalan.net: Japanese platform, good for local inns and package deals
•    Ikkyu.com: High-end ryokan resources; some pages in Chinese
Pitfalls to avoid:
•    Confirm final price: check if taxes and service fees are included (usually shown as “total price”)
•    Bathroom type: “Shared Bathroom” means no private bathroom in the room
•    Room size: standard business hotel double rooms are usually 12–15㎡; under 10㎡ means limited space
•    Location: always check the walking distance to the nearest subway/JR station using map features

There is no “best” accommodation in Japan—only the one that fits you. You can experience the efficient pace in a Tokyo capsule hotel, or enjoy hot springs and autumn foliage in a Kyoto ryokan. The key is planning your itinerary and budget in advance so your accommodation becomes a memorable part of your trip.
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Next article: “Tokyo Accommodation Areas and Price Map — Where’s the Most Convenient Place to Stay for First-Time Visitors?”