Japan Accommodation Types Guide

Ryokan

Tatami floors, futon beds, yukata robes, kaiseki meals, communal onsen. ¥15,000–150,000+/person. The quintessential Japanese experience. Best in Hakone, Kyoto, Nikko, and onsen resort towns.

Capsule Hotel

Individual sleeping pods, shared bathrooms. ¥3,500–7,000/night. Modern versions are excellent. Best: Nine Hours, Book and Bed (Tokyo).

Business Hotel

Japan’s standard hotel — compact rooms, excellent beds. APA Hotels, Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn. Clean, efficient, reliable. ¥6,000–12,000/night. Available in every city.

Hostel

Dorm beds from ¥2,500/night. Japan now has excellent design hostels (Wise Owl, Nui, etc.) in Tokyo, Kyoto, and major backpacker routes.

Manga Kissa (Net Café)

Internet cafes with private overnight booths. ¥1,500–2,500 for 8 hours. Includes unlimited soft drinks, shower rooms, computer access. Genuine Japanese experience and useful in emergencies.

Minshuku

Japanese B&B — family-run, meals included, more modest than ryokan. ¥6,000–12,000/person. Common in rural areas.

Temple Lodging (Shukubo)

Stay overnight at Buddhist temples, especially Mt Koya (Koyasan). Dawn prayer ceremony, vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (shojin ryori). ¥12,000–20,000/person including meals. Extraordinary experience.