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…
Must-see hotels in Japan
Aomori Prefecture
The pre-WWII Towada Hotel has a dramatic lobby of hulking timbers, rising to a chandelier-lit cathedral ceiling. The historic main building has elegant…
Imperial Palace & Around
There are many things to be grateful for in this charming guesthouse: it's located in a quiet backstreet within walking distance to Imperial Palace Park…
Kyūshū
Opened in 2017 by a friendly former Tokyoite, this humble guesthouse across the street from Hirado's ferry port shows its Taishō-era roots in quirky…
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…
Aomori Prefecture
The colourful Dormy Inn is perfectly placed on a hill near Hirosaki-kōen, affording glorious views from the rooftop onsen and rotemburo. Rooms are…
Ehime Prefecture
The Kurokawa Kishō–designed Dōgo Kan lies on a slope behind the Tsubaki-no-yu public baths. Indoor ponds and supremely gracious staff complement the grand…
Hiroshima
Stylish Candeo has good-sized carpeted rooms with plush beds, impressive smart TVs, spacious desks, and small bathrooms with tech touches such as anti-fog…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
'Cha-bira' means 'I'm home!' in the local dialect, and anchored by a shady tree in the garden out front, this friendly place feels just like home. Its…
Shikoku
Three blocks south of the castle along Kenchō-mae Dōri is this classy multistorey hotel with luxurious onsen baths and a garden incorporating a series of…
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…
Amami Islands
Run by the effusive Shikasa-san, this hillside minshuku has spacious, comfortable Japanese- and Western-style rooms. There's a cheery kitchen area, and…
Ōsumi Islands
This simple and clean youth hostel doesn't offer meals, but there are several good restaurants close by. It's a 10-minute walk from Miyanoura port – turn…
Kamakura
Charming, slightly shabby and ultraconvenient, this hotel built in 1924 has both Western- and Japanese-style rooms, most of which share bathrooms. There's…
Niigata Prefecture
Starting on the 23rd floor of the tallest building in the prefecture, the Nikkō looms over the mouth of Shinano-gawa and the Sado-ga-shima ferry terminal…
Fukuoka
Location, location and location are reasons enough to stay here in trendy Daimyō, and this hotel gives you easy access from business-hotel-size rooms that…
Hokkaidō
This is a cosy place in Rausu Onsen, just a few kilometres inland on the road to Utoro. The Japanese-style rooms with private facilities are spacious,…
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,…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
Kimi Ryokan has been a traveller favourite for decades and it's easy to see why: the tatami rooms and shared bathrooms (including a Japanese cypress bath…
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
Reasonably priced and with more personality than the average business hotel, the Granbell is a popular pick. There's a big variety of rooms, with…
Kyūshū
Less than 500m from Aso Station, this lovely, rustic ryokan in a 300-year-old samurai house has modern touches and a tree-lined setting. Its 12 rooms have…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
The genial, English-speaking Hiro presides over this laid-back spot where young neighbours and friends cruise in to hang out. Accommodation is available…
Sendai
Perfect for families with kids or couples looking for a luxurious, old-fashioned weekender, the Royal Park feels like a Gatsby-esque film set in Japanese…
Around Tokyo
Right smack across from the Narita-san complex, this ryokan is a great choice for a last night preflight. Though aspects of its public spaces could use…
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…
Yokohama
Dating from 1927, the New Grand has a prime waterfront location and elegant old-world charm, particularly in its original lobby and lavishly decorated…
Naha
The smart business/tourist hotel owned and managed by JR Kyūshū is one of downtown Naha's nicest offerings. General design elements and old-school hotel…
Shinjuku & Northwest Tokyo
This is really an ordinary business hotel masquerading as a boutique one, but the stylish lobby, local info and helpful English-speaking front-desk staff…
Asakusa & Sumida River
Right at the heart of Asakusa, this spotless and atmospheric ryokan has mainly Japanese-style rooms with shōji (sliding rice-paper screen) doors and…
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…
Tokushima & the Anan Coast
Perfect for families or romantic getaways, charming Pension Shishikui, with an English-speaking owner, occupies a snug cove with a private beach …
Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa
This stylish, upscale hostel is pricier than average but has more amenities and services, like fresh towels every day and sheets changed every other day…
Kanazawa
New in 2015, this hotel does an admirable job of combining traditional Japanese and modern aesthetics in its comfortable, neutrally toned, oversized rooms…
Kii Peninsula
This upmarket ryokan features tasteful and spacious rooms, all with river views and private facilities in addition to onsen baths. There are some chic…
Okinawa & the Southwest Islands
A few blocks inland from the beach, this tiny guesthouse, formerly known as 'Birafuyaa', is run by a welcoming, clued-in couple who have created a kind of…
Northern Higashiyama
A great choice for budget digs, this modern hostel is within walking distance of the Path of Philosophy and many main temples. Dorms are a little cramped…
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjō
Downtown Kyoto
Just west of the downtown dining and shopping district, this smart, modern hotel offers reasonably comfortable rooms. The lobby has a lovely garden…
Western Honshū
New in 2016, this towering 195-room, all-tatami (take off your shoes in the lobby) hotel looks like it has been plopped in the middle of nowhere. Popular…
Western Honshū
This polished-up Japanese house, just two minutes from the beach, has a cute garden and soft bunk beds for a tranquil rest. The well-travelled owner…
Niseko
In an 80-year-old converted schoolhouse, former classrooms now house dorms and concerts are held regularly in the gymnasium. Friendly owners Max and Yūko…
