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The Best Hotels to Book in Japan for Every Traveller

From traditional countryside ryokan to five-star city hotels, the accommodation options are almost endless in Japan
From traditional countryside ryokan to five-star city hotels, the accommodation options are almost endless in Japan | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

No matter the kind of traveller you are, this selection of ryokan and boutique, budget and high-end hotels in Japan provides something for everyone.

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun, home to the bullet train, Mount Fuji and the cherry blossom. Japan is high on many bucket lists across the globe, thanks to its unique culture. Not only does the tech industry reign supreme, but it is also regarded as one of the safest countries to visit in the world. For travellers visiting Japan, there are as many options for hotels as there are to visit. From traditional countryside ryokan to five-star city hotels, the choices are almost endless. But, regardless of where you want to visit, you’ll find the perfect hotel experience for you here in Japan – bookable on Culture Trip.

36hostel

Hostel, Budget Hotel

The quirky front entrance to 36hostel feature surfboards and old books
Courtesy of 36hostel / Expedia

The ideal hostel for bookworms and coffee lovers, this central Hiroshima pad combines a bright, minimalist aesthetic with cosy spots for reading with a brew. The beans are selected from local Hiroshima and Okayama roasteries ranging from light and fruity to deep roasted. The book collection spans several genres and caters to multiple languages. Both private rooms and dorms are available, with toiletries and good wifi included.

Sansui Ryokan

Ryokan

The lounge area at Ryokan Sansui is filled with comfortable furniture and soothing tones to relax in
Courtesy of Ryokan Sansui / Expedia

Traditional Japanese inns, or ryokan, are often situated in quieter areas outside of the city centre. However, Sansui Ryokan benefits from a central location, within walking distance of Hiroshima’s World Heritage Sites and the train station. Offering all the cultural aspects of a ryokan experience, you can expect tatami flooring throughout, a fluffy futon to sleep on and the added bonus of heritage classes, like Japanese calligraphy sessions and tea ceremonies. If you’ve always wanted to try on a kimono, then Sansui Ryokan offers a free kimono experience, making this the ideal choice for people who want to soak up Japanese culture.

Comicap Comics and Capsule Hotel Sapporo

Capsule Hotel, Budget Hotel

The design at Comicap Comics and Capsule Hotel Sapporo is both modern and traditional
Courtesy of Comicap Comics and Capsule Hotel Sapporo / Expedia

Take a comic back to your pod or mingle in the lounge with 30,000 manga volumes to enjoy; this capsule hotel is decked out in wood, creating the perfect atmosphere to kick back and relax. Serving Japanese and Western options for breakfast as well as free drinks and soft-serve ice cream throughout the day, this is a space you’ll be eager to get back to. The capsules are roomy, and there are deluxe options with a lockable door for people who want a little extra.

Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta

Resort, Spa Hotel, Luxury

A family room at Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI no UTA features a large TV, comfortable furniture and brown and wooden accents
Courtesy of Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI no UTA / Expedia

Enjoy a touch of luxury in the hot spring town of Jozankei in Sapporo. Every aspect of Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta is designed to immerse you in nature, using earthy colours, large windows and a centerpiece tree-shaped cast-iron hearth. Sweeping forest views accompany fine teas served on Mori Terrace, and evening harp concerts add to the air of tranquillity. The dining options are particularly notable with excellent variety prepared by highly trained chefs. Combined with private onsen and spa treatments on-site, this is an ideal stay for those who want to leave rejuvenated.

Miyako Hotel Hakata

Boutique Hotel

A twin room at Miyako Hotel Hakata is styled with modern decor and a large flatscreen TV
Courtesy of Miyako Hotel Hakata / Expedia

From Tokyo to Osaka and beyond, Miyako hotels are some of the grandest hotels in Japan. In Hakata, Fukuoka, Miyako Hotel is the ideal place to stay for travellers looking to experience the finest food, views and comfort. You can’t miss it – it is an enormous, stainless steel and glass building with living exterior walls. Sink into the cosy beds before a swim in the rooftop pool. Upstairs, you will also find several gourmet restaurants to choose from, and the hotel’s staff will gladly point you in the direction of Fukuoka’s best attractions.

Zen Oyado Nishitei

Ryokan

A traditional Japanese sitting room is featured at Zen Oyado Nishitei
Courtesy of Zen Oyado Nishitei / Expedia

A traditional Japanese homestay experience in Fukuoka City, this boutique hotel provides you with a zen experience unlike anything else. This is achieved through its aesthetics and decor, as well as its location in a quiet, suburban location. A traditional, almost 100-year-old house turned hotel, Zen Oyado Nishitei is the perfect place to stay if you are searching for the authentic Japanese Zen home experience.

Zaborin

Ryokan, Luxury, Hotel

The lounge area at Zaborin has the most incredible views of the nearby lake and forest
Courtesy of Zaborin / Expedia

For guests visiting Niseko for relaxation in the heart of Hokkaido’s soothing landscape, Zaborin takes the traditional Japanese ryokan concept and combines it with unparalleled views and access to the area’s best hot springs. At Zaborin, you will have access to your own private onsen, with both indoor and outdoor hot springs available to use, ideal for those wanting to enjoy a Japanese bathing experience in private.

Lamp Light Books Hotel Nagoya

Boutique Hotel

The Lamp Light Books Hotel Nagoya is home to useful rooms for working remotely in
Courtesy of Lamp Light Books Hotel Nagoya / Expedia

Another one for the bookworms, Lamp Light Books Hotel in Japan is a café, bookshop and hotel rolled into one. Its website posts recommended reads for you to browse, and its shelves are lined with books new and old for you to read. The hotel rooms themselves, while not literature-themed, are minimalist and offer great views of the Nagoya skyline. Sofas and lamps provide an optimal atmosphere for reading and relaxation.

There’s no better place to get a feel for Japan than its capital; book your stay in one of the best hotels in Tokyo with Culture Trip. Alternatively, for a modern stay with historical significance, opt for one of the best hotels in Hiroshima.

About the author

Jessica is a full-time freelance travel writer from the UK. She splits her time between East Asia and Europe and has traveled extensively within those regions. She also manages Books and Bao, a travel and culture blog with her partner. Find her on social media @booksandbao

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