Travel

Ryokan, Capsule, or Luxury Resort – Best Hotel Options in Japan to Consider

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4w ago

Oct 25, 2024 / 721 Views

Evan Walker

You may encounter 99 problems in Japan, but finding a hotel is not one of them. With numerous types of hotels in the country — from the traditional Japanese Ryokan to the more contemporary luxury high-rise ones — you can experience Japanese culture and hospitality first-hand. Read on to find out more about the best hotels to book on Japan.

Before diving into the various stay options in Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond, let us learn about the different types of hotels in Japan.

Accommodation options in Japan

Ryokan: If you wish to experience Japanese tradition, culture, and hospitality, stay at a Ryokan. It is a traditional Japanese inn that focuses on simplicity and uses natural materials like wooden furniture, paper lanterns, and rice straw flooring. Expect communal bathing, tatami-mat rooms, low furniture, futon bedding and shoji screens in such a stay. Almost every Ryokan will provide guests with yukata robes, onsen, quality hospitality (omotenashi), cultural activities, and a minimalistic, peaceful environment.

Luxury hotels: These luxurious stays feature Japanese or Western aesthetics where you can experience Japanese culture and hospitality at its finest.

Love hotels: It’s a popular and affordable hotel option among couples. The rooms are known for their whimsical themes, adult amenities, and an interesting selection of adult films. Couples usually rent them for a few hours or the whole night. All love hotels emphasise privacy, making the check-in and check-out process discreet.

Capsule hotels: Unlike the familiar private and spacious rooms, capsule hotels provide compact sleeping pods, cost-effective and convenient for solo travellers. Most sleeping pods have comfortable bedding, blankets, power outlets, a reading light, air conditioning, a curtain, and sometimes, a small TV. Of all the types of hotels in Japan, capsule hotels are the most interesting of the lot. Preferred mostly by solo or business travellers, these hotels have a lounge area where you can socialise and connect with other tourists.

Business hotels: Practical, affordable, and convenient, the rooms of such stays are minimally furnished. Smaller than regular hotels, these are typically located near train stations and commercial districts for ease of Travel within the city.

Hostels & guest houses: These are cost-effective and convenient options for travellers. Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms, communal lounge areas, shared bathroom facilities, and the chance to socialise with people from different ethnicities. Guest houses provide a more personalised experience. Managed by local families, they offer travellers a peep into Japanese homes, culture and traditions.

Minshuku: Promising an authentic Japanese experience, Minshukus are family-run Businesses that take pride in providing warm hospitality services. You can enjoy homemade Japanese meals and participate in cultural activities. Minshukus are also more affordable and homely than a ryokan or a regular hotel.

Serviced apartments: Want the comfort of an apartment and hotel-like amenities in the same place? More affordable than regular hotels, they make for perfect long-term stays.

Resorts: Usually surrounded by nature, resorts offer a variety of recreational activities like hot springs, karaoke booths, Golf, mini video Game arcades, board Games, and cultural experiences.

Boutique hotels: These are stylish, cleverly designed hotels that focus on aesthetic interiors, sleek furnishings, zen themes, and tailored services.

(Hero and featured image credit: Six Senses Kyoto)

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore