Where to stay in Japan: ryokan, business hotels, capsules and the best areas
In Japan you find accommodation for every budget and travel style, and even the cheapest places are clean and well organized. The important choice is not only the type of property, but the area you stay in: a good location saves you hours on trains.
Here you will find the types of accommodation, the recommended areas in Tokyo, the new accommodation tax in Kyoto, how to book and the rules to know.
- Updated October 2026
- Ryokan, capsule and business hotels
- Where to stay in Tokyo
Six ways to sleep in Japan, for every budget
Ryokan
Traditional inns with tatami, futon, yukata and often a hot spring bath (onsen). They usually include dinner and breakfast. Ideal for a night to remember, best outside the big cities.
Business hotel
Small but well-equipped rooms, with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and pajamas. They are often close to stations: the most practical choice for anyone who wants to spend little and get around easily.
Capsule hotel
Individual capsules with shared spaces: cheap and original for one night, especially for solo travelers. Little room for suitcases and not ideal for a long stay.
Minpaku and apartments
Private homes for rent, handy for families and groups. The rules are strict and not all hosts speak English: check that the property is registered.
Hostels and guesthouses
Dorms or private rooms at very low prices, with shared spaces where you can meet other travelers. Good for a tight budget.
Chain and luxury hotels
From the most popular Japanese brands to big international hotels: impeccable service and bigger rooms, but also higher prices, especially in central areas.
Four areas for your first trip, compared
| Area | Why choose it | Approximate price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | The most convenient starting point: a huge station, many lines, places open late. | Rooms often small; business hotels from about 9,000 to 14,000 yen |
| Asakusa and Ueno | More traditional atmosphere, good connections, lower prices. | Budget hotels from about 7,000 to 11,000 yen; hostels from 3,000 to 4,500 |
| Shibuya | Nightlife and the energy of the city, close to Harajuku. | Mid-range from about 15,000 to 30,000 yen |
| Tokyo Station and Ginza | Elegant and quiet, very close to the Shinkansen and the Narita Express. | The priciest areas: from about 18,000 to 35,000 yen |
Approximate prices per night for a room, based on guides published in 2026: they vary a lot with season and day of the week. A good small room in the right area is better than a bigger one 30 minutes from the station.
The accommodation tax in Japan
Kyoto: higher accommodation tax
Since March 1, 2026 the Kyoto tax depends on the room price per night: 200 yen per person under 6,000 yen, 400 yen between 6,000 and 19,999, 1,000 yen between 20,000 and 49,999, 4,000 yen between 50,000 and 99,999 and 10,000 yen above 100,000.
Tokyo and Osaka
Tokyo charges a tax of a few hundred yen per night; Osaka is similar. Other cities and resorts are introducing it more and more often. It is usually paid at the hotel, at check-in or check-out.
Keep some cash
The tax is often requested in cash. Remember to have some with you and to check the booking conditions.
Booking your accommodation, step by step
Choose the area before the property
Look at where the station and the lines you will use most are. A hotel 5 minutes' walk from the station is often worth more than a bigger room far away.
Book early in peak periods
Spring (cherry blossom), autumn and August are the busiest periods: book months in advance if possible.
Compare several platforms
Booking.com, Agoda, Rakuten Travel and Airbnb. Always check the location on the map, the size of the room, the cancellation policy and whether the room is non-smoking.
Keep the address and phone number at hand
You will need them for customs and for check-in. Save the name and address in Japanese on your phone, useful for taxis and directions.
Comforts you find almost everywhere
Luggage forwarding (takkyubin)
Many hotels send your suitcases ahead to your next stop or to the airport: you travel by train with less to carry, but the service takes one day.
Self check-in
Increasingly common in business hotels and capsule hotels: you do it with a kiosk or with your phone.
Pajamas, slippers and bath set
They are often already included, even in budget hotels. Check what is provided before bringing everything from home.
Staying in Japan: the unwritten rules
Take off your shoes
At the entrance of ryokan, private homes and some hotels. Look for the step (genkan) and leave your shoes there.
Onsen: wash first
You wash with the shower and stool before getting into the bath, which is only for relaxing. It is often not allowed if you have visible tattoos: check the property's rules.
Dinner and breakfast times
In ryokan, meals have fixed times and are served Japanese style. Let them know if you have allergies or intolerances.
Quiet and respect
In traditional properties and minpaku, avoid noise in the evening and follow the rules on trash and neighbors.
Hotel booked? Stay connected
For maps, digital check-in and directions in stations you need internet as soon as you arrive. Choose your eSIM or Pocket Wifi.
What people ask most often
Where can I stay in Japan on a budget?
Business hotels, capsule hotels and hostels, especially near the main stations. Areas like Asakusa and Ueno in Tokyo cost less than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
What is a ryokan?
A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon, yukata, often a hot spring bath and typical meals. The price usually includes dinner and breakfast.
Where is it best to stay in Tokyo the first time?
Shinjuku is the most convenient base. Asakusa and Ueno cost less and are more traditional, Shibuya is ideal for nightlife, Tokyo Station and Ginza are elegant but pricier.
Can I use Airbnb in Japan?
Yes, but check that the property is registered (minpaku) and that the registration number is shown in the listing. The rules are strict and vary from city to city.
Are hotel rooms really smaller?
Yes, especially in business hotels and in Tokyo. They are small but well organized: think carefully about where you will put your suitcase.
Is there an accommodation tax in Japan?
Yes, in several cities. In Kyoto it increased on March 1, 2026 and depends on the room price, up to 10,000 yen per person per night for the priciest rooms. In Tokyo and Osaka it is a few hundred yen.
Can I enter an onsen with tattoos?
It depends on the property: some forbid it, others allow it or offer private baths. Ask before booking.