Central Honshū
Practically in its own forest uphill from the bus station, this sprawling onsen ryokan (traditional hot-spring inn) boasts 16 rotemburo (outdoor baths),…
Must-see hotels in Central Honshū
Nagano Region
Uematsu-ya is a well-kept, good-value inn occupying a nine-storey building atop a hill. It has both Japanese- and Western-style rooms; deluxe rooms are…
Hida Takayama Temple Inn Zenkō-ji
Takayama
Good karma washes over this branch of Nagano's famous Zenkō-ji, where donations are accepted in return for accommodation. Private rooms are generously…
Nagoya
This unpretentious, good-value hotel is steps away from Nagoya Station. It's been rebranded as part of Royal Park's less-stuffy Canvas line, and features…
Central Honshū
Recently renovated, this gorgeous little 10-room traditional inn has atmospheric rooms with private baths and two blissful private rotemburo (outdoor…
Tsumago
Popular with foreign visitors, this traditional-looking inn benefits from modern construction and has a prime location on the top of the hill – all rooms…
Hotel MyStays Premier Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Spacious (guest rooms are 32 sq metres!), stylish, fresh and current: this tourist hotel a stone's throw from the station is a good-value choice. It has…
Central Honshū
This quietly upscale ryokan near Shin-bashi faces a lovely garden. Some rooms have private facilities; plans with or without meals are available.
Central Honshū
The tatami rooms at this friendly riverside inn with lots of open space to explore are clean, tidy and unexceptional, but for the better ones, which have…
Nagano Region
This stunning, though somewhat unwelcoming, eco-resort in the onsen village of Hoshino, 1km north of Naka-Karuizawa Station, is anything but basic. Modern…
Central Honshū
This recently built chain ryokan has traditional service, modern technology and intimate personal touches. Seventy-two rooms in a variety of sizes and…
Central Honshū
Day bathers (adult/child ¥700/300) at the town's only onsen can choose from a sauna, a small rotemburo (outdoor bath) and a large communal bath from 10am…
Matsumoto
Nestled quietly in the mountains above Matsumoto is one of Japan's most exclusive ryokan, revered since 1931. A variety of room types await: many have…
Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast
Sweet Daibutsu Ryokan is run by a friendly, helpful family eager to share their knowledge of Takaoka. The rambling old house is built around two Japanese…
Takayama
Occupying a lovely hillside spot opposite Hokke-ji temple, Yamakyū is a 20-minute walk from the train station. Inside, antique-filled curio cabinets,…
Nagano Region
A good midrange option 1km north of Naka-Karuizawa Station, Ikoisansō offers free pick-up and drop-off at the station. Choose from Japanese-style rooms…
Central Honshū
Atmosphere abounds here: this rustic ryokan is more than 100 years old. Its indoor and outdoor baths are absolutely delightful, as are the views. Rooms…
Kanazawa
Centrally located between JR Kanazawa Station and the sights, across the road from Ōmi-chō Market, this recently renovated hotel is an excellent choice,…
Central Honshū
Beautiful Boun offers traditional decor with elegant touches, featuring tatami rooms and common areas brightened with ikebana artwork, mossy gardens,…
Central Honshū
Ideally located at the foot of Tanigawa-dake, across from a lovely waterfall and nearby swimming holes, this lodge offers comfy, spacious Japanese- and…
Central Honshū
Although not much English is spoken, the kind staff at this hulking ryokan downhill from the bus station provide a warm welcome. Large but dated rooms…
Nagano Region
This massive hotel is a good option if you're roving by rental car: it is right beside the highway's Nagano exit (9km from Nagano Station), has a huge,…
Central Honshū
Along a road that ascends from Rte 475, Nonohana Sansō opened its doors in 2010. All tatami guest rooms are traditionally styled and have private…
Central Honshū
The friendly proprietress of this cosy guesthouse knows just what the traveller wants after a long day: a cold beer while looking out over rice paddies…
Kanazawa
New in 2015, this hotel does an admirable job of combining traditional Japanese and modern aesthetics in its comfortable, neutrally toned, oversized rooms…
Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps
Not far from Happō-One Ski Resort, this place has bilingual Japanese staff and a variety of room types. There's a guest laundry and a wonderful onsen…
Matsumoto
These folks have the bases covered: this is an extremely practical and convenient business hotel next to the Alpico Plaza building and bus terminal. No…
Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps
This elegant, year-round, top-class hotel has large rooms with great views and a wonderful garden that's popular for weddings. The Grand Spa boasts the…
Matsumoto
A few minutes' walk from JR Matsumoto Station, this large business hotel is in great shape and in a top location. The deluxe double rooms are large by…
Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast
Popular with Japanese tourists (the result of a ubiquitous television advert), the Kyubei onsen ryokan (traditional hot-spring inn) is a long, narrow…
Kamikōchi Gosenjaku Hotel & Lodge
Matsumoto & the Northern Japan Alps
Part of the Alpico Group, this complex has things nicely covered with its hotel on the bus-station side of Kappa-bashi and its lodge on the far side. The…
Nagoya
This little guesthouse outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Nagoya in the pretty Arimatsu district really is an extension of the friendly owner's…
Takayama
Visitors love the friendly homestay vibe of this small, centrally located guesthouse. Pleasant rooms with homely touches are kept spotlessly clean. There…
Matsumoto
Free pick-up (arrange in advance) and free bicycles make up for the fact that this inn is closer to Asama Onsen than Matsumoto. It's run by a friendly…
Kanazawa
This classy, masculine hotel shares its location in the heart of Kōrinbō's high-end shopping district with the likes of Gucci and Tiffany. Although it's…
Matsumoto
This newer property has compact, well-designed rooms with pleasant, neutral decor. There's an onsen featuring a sunny rotemburo (outdoor bath) and the…
Nagano Region
The tranquil Hotel Alp lies at the base of the slopes and is extremely conducive to a ski-in, ski-out holiday. There are fewer than 20 rooms, allowing for…
Kanazawa
This interesting hotel adjacent to Kanazawa Castle Park and near Higashi-chaya-gai is quiet and removed from the action. Formal, Western-style rooms are…
Central Honshū
Overlooking the river, this cheery 18-room ryokan has stone common baths, including rotemburo (outdoor baths). Some rooms have in-room bathrooms, and a…
Kanazawa
This lovely niche hotel is a breath of fresh air. Rooms have a splash of colour and have been designed to make you feel comfortable in a compact space…
