Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This simple inn has become a symbol of post-tsunami sustainable tourism in the small community of Higashi-Matsushima, which bore the full force of the…
Must-see hotels in Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Hotels in the Richmond group are usually a fairly slick affair and this branch, located a few blocks from the train station, is shinier than most. The…
Aomori Prefecture
Sometimes the thought of exiting the train station can be too daunting. Luckily Japanese urban planners have perfected the covered arcade, which includes…
Richmond Hotel Yamagata-ekimae
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The most elegant of the uniform business hotels in Yamagata, the Richmond has large enough rooms and comfortable beds, as well as a good buffet breakfast…
Iwate Prefecture
It's not cheap, due to the lack of competition in Hiraizumi, but Musashibō is within walking distance of the main sights and is fine for a night or so…
Hotel Route Inn Tsuruoka Ekimae
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The restaurant, lounge and lobby here befit a more expensive hotel, and the staff are invariably friendly and professional, though rooms are a little…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Constructed in the style of the Taishō era, retro Oomiya is one of our favourite ryokan in pretty little Zaō. It's highly functional for skiers and hikers…
Aomori Prefecture
Campers will be pleased with this lush, open campsite, with clean facilities and rental equipment available. It's located at the end of a small access…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The JR-run business hotel is ideal if you are in town for only one night. The sights are a pleasant 15-minute walk away, and by staying in these neat,…
Sendai
The best ryokan in Sendai is a humble, good-value establishment that will appeal to those seeking a more character-filled abode than the typical business…
Niigata Prefecture
The Prince Hotel runs this mountain hut on Kagura. Sleeping elbow-to-elbow on futons in a communal room, you'll make friends and cut first tracks in the…
Sendai
This small hotel on a prime corner spot near Sendai Station is a curious mixture of faux-art-deco architecture and Japanese Shōwa-period interiors. The…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Corner rooms on the top floor of this lovingly maintained '80s-style hotel at the other end of town from the bus terminal have stunning views of the…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The decor may be a little dated, but the rooms are noticeably larger than in standard business hotels and many feature small sitting areas and stylish…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
The rooms are really starting to fade at this otherwise pleasant pension in a glorious location perched on a hill overlooking the bay. Meals are a feast…
Niigata Prefecture
This ostentatious four-star hotel in the heart of the entertainment district has a cracking Italian restaurant and Japanese whisky bar, and piles of fake…
Aomori Prefecture
This basic ski lodge is conveniently located right at the base of the Hakkōda Ropeway. Rooms have their own TV, but not all enjoy mountain views. The…
Sendai
A minimalist, airline-club-lounge mood echoes through the lobby at Hotel Washington, where state-of-the-art rooms are very reasonably priced. It's a cut…
Niigata Prefecture
Located halfway between Sawata and Mano, Yahatakan is a professional operation popular with larger groups and business folk, but it also suits independent…
Niigata Prefecture
A 10-minute walk from the station and easy access to the river make the Crowne Plaza a convenient choice for affordable luxury. The Japanese suites are…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Right in the heart of the modest action, Yoshida-ya has a more international feel than most due to the presence of young, foreign adventurers and helpful…
Aomori Prefecture
In the hip part of Dote-machi is this discreet business hotel, where the concrete facade belies the personal touches awaiting inside. Pillow menus, a…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Here's a model for independent business hotels in Japan: homely touches, bright interiors, light and fresh meals and enough floor space to stretch. It's a…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This modest, very welcoming ryokan servicing the Tazawa-ko ski fields is well priced and perfect for families. Some of the spacious rooms (only eight…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This well-maintained and -managed hotel opened in 2013. Rooms are small, but more than adequate for the price and the breakfasts are substantial. There…
Aomori Prefecture
The Richmond is a reputable brand that adds a welcome sense of affordable refinement to the Aomori hotel landscape. Try to nab one of the rooms at the top…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This very comfortable independent hotel is in a fun part of the city next to popular izakaya and a high school. English-language TV, locally sourced…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This is a lovely rural escape, with a number of piping-hot baths and a separate building for Japanese-style accommodation. Delicious meals are included…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Wonderfully located just across the road from Shirahama beach, this unassuming ryokan provides a very hospitable atmosphere, has a private bookable…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
This basic business hotel provides everything you'll need, albeit without much flair, but the staff are smiling and it's clean throughout. Free station…
Iwate Prefecture
Conveniently located two blocks from the train station, this relaxed business hotel caters primarily for single travellers. Rooms are on the small side,…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Built in 2013 the low-rise Accommo Inn has modern rooms with soft colours, quality linen, small desks and lots of natural light. The complimentary…
Niigata Prefecture
This is a fairly typical midrange onsen hotel, with both indoor and outdoor baths available for a post-ski soak. A free shuttle bus is available from…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Friendly, English-speaking owners and a fine location within walking distance of shops and restaurants make Wakaba the pick of the town's ryokan. Rooms…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Shirabu Onsen is a tiny village 20km from Yonezawa, up a winding mountain road. This ryokan is a delight, especially in winter, though rooms are a little…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
Well located for hiking in the Urabandai region, this recently renovated hotel has a dozen small but pristine rooms, a light-filled dining room and a…
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
In the main commercial area, a 10-minute walk from the train station, this business hotel has compact, state-of-the-art rooms and on-site onsen baths.
Northern Honshū (Tōhoku)
In the heart of Kitakata, this traditionally styled ryokan has lots of dark wood, a Meiji-era ambience and its own art collection.
Aomori Prefecture
This pretty riverside campground has well-maintained facilities, and rental gear (tents etc) available.
Iwate Prefecture
Popular with single travellers is this simple minshuku (guesthouse) behind the train station. The large tatami rooms are a little dusty, but the homestyle…
