Kyūshū
For the no-holds-barred Yufuin splurge, look no further. From Kinrin-ko, enter the kayabuki (thatched-roof) gate to this campus of craftsman-style wooden…
Must-see hotels in Japan
Ueno & Yanesen
Although it's a little out of the way in a residential neighbourhood, this beautifully crafted wooden ryokan is an old-world oasis in the middle of Tokyo…
Western Honshū
Opposite Matsue Station, Urban Hotel is a total ugly duckling, resembling a tenement from the outside, but transforming into a sleek, modern hotel inside,…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This small ryokan is the most modern in Nyūtō Onsen. The stylish lodging combines urbane sensibility with a forest setting; think a Parisian apartment…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The stunning location, only a short stroll from Jodogahama beach, is the biggest draw for this elegant oceanfront hotel. Most rooms are Japanese-style,…
Hokkaidō
Among the fields of Biei's pretty Patchwork Road, charming Potato-no-Oka, though small, has a big variety of accommodation, including dorm rooms, private…
Hokkaidō
Expect a warm welcome at this humble wooden hostel, a 10-minute walk uphill from the bus station. There are bunk-bed dorms and a few private family rooms …
Kii Peninsula
A boon for budget travellers, this light and clean guesthouse has capsule-style bunks and a few private rooms, all with shared facilities. It's also a few…
Kansai
This is a great budget choice, with owners who love welcoming foreign guests. Rooms are simple (with shared facilities) but well cared for, and the onsen…
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…
Kyūshū
The designers of this 1935 luxury hotel clearly had a Swiss chalet in mind. A destination in itself, with lots of history on the walls, this landmark…
Shikoku
Run by the local outfit Happy Raft, these five small guesthouses can each accommodate up to 10 and all come with a kitchen, a stocked bathroom and fans…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
This large outpost of the rather generic Japanese hotel chain Sunroute offers a winning combination of price and location. The comfortably modern rooms…
Southern Higashiyama
This modern Japanese-style inn is conveniently located in a covered pedestrian shopping arcade just south of Sanjō-dōri, about 50m from Higashiyama…
Kii Peninsula
One of Kōya-san's smaller temples, with only 14 rooms, Sōji-in is also one of the most modernised: all rooms have air-conditioning, some have baths (and…
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…
Western Honshū
Walk out of Higashi-Hagi Station and straight into this modern hotel. The large rooms have some quirky features – the magnetic dartboard and puzzles will…
Western Honshū
Satoyama has a spectacular countryside setting. The Japanese-style rooms have mountain views and strong wi-fi, though neglected shared bathrooms. The…
Osaka
Housed in an atmospheric old wooden rice-store building, Pax Hostel is hidden away from the buzzing neon in Shin-Sekai. Dorms have coloured wooden bunk…
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,…
Nara
This friendly, contemporary ryokan (inn) aims to please. The 11 stylish, large Japanese- and Western-style rooms have private facilities, including a…
Western Honshū
This minshuku-style lodging has no wi-fi or mod cons, but offers large, clean tatami rooms with washbasins and shared bathrooms. From Tottori Station's…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Among the many charms of this country inn is its impressive rotemburo (outdoor bath) in an isolated building surrounded by a dense thicket of trees. The…
Northern Higashiyama
Conveniently located near the Higashiyama sightseeing district in a lovely canal setting, this immaculate vacation rental is good for families, couples…
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…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
If you're seeking something out of the ordinary, opt to stay at the singular, utterly delightful Casa de Hamaca. Run by Japanese runner and world…
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…
Kansai
In one of the thatched-roof homes within Kayabuki-no-sato, this three-room minshuku is traditional on the outside yet clean and modern on the inside, with…
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,…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Guesthouses where hosts and guests interact freely with each other are a rarity in Japan, which makes the childhood home of English-speaking Sato-san all…
Northern Higashiyama
Convenient to the sights in Okazaki, this traditional house has Japanese-style tatami-mat rooms and a three-bed male and four-bed female dorm. The deluxe…
Nara
In a 160-year-old machiya (shophouse) with a courtyard garden, this quiet, atmospheric spot beautifully integrates both traditional and contemporary…
Ehime Prefecture
A brilliant place to stay right on Yōkaichi in the protected area, Tsuki-no-ya is a beautifully restored traditional building with classic tatami rooms…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
A lovely mama-san oversees this quaint budget guesthouse. The rooms are on the small side, but the beautiful 24-hour hinoki (cypress bath), massage chairs…
Tokyo
One almost gets a feeling of guilty extravagance when sprawling out in the Peninsula’s vast rooms (starting at 51 sq metres). Latticed caramel woodwork,…
Central Honshū
Beautiful Boun offers traditional decor with elegant touches, featuring tatami rooms and common areas brightened with ikebana artwork, mossy gardens,…
Iwate Prefecture
Guests rave about Kuranoya, a classic Japanese homestay with urbane owners who sought refuge from the city in Tōno's foothills. They speak magnificent…
Osaka
In business for nearly a century right by Dōtombori, Kaneyoshi's current (1980s) building feels a bit dated, but it's offset by eager-to-please staff,…
Fuji Five Lakes
Given its views of Fuji across the lake, this retro hotel is a steal. Rooms are smart, Western-style twins with plenty of space, and all face the lake…
