Japan offers a wonderful range of places to sleep. Mixing a few styles — a city hotel here, a traditional ryokan there — is part of the experience.
A quick guide to the main styles, from budget-friendly to a special-occasion splurge.
Traditional inns with tatami rooms, futon bedding, and often kaiseki dinners and onsen baths. Best for one or two memorable nights.
$$–$$$ · SplurgeCompact, spotless, reliable, and well-located near stations. The everyday workhorse for city stays.
$$ · Mid-rangeA modern, budget-friendly pod for a night — fun to try once, surprisingly comfortable.
$ · BudgetInternational chains and boutique properties for those who want familiar comforts and larger rooms.
$$–$$$ · ComfortFamily-run B&B-style lodging, especially in the countryside. Friendly, affordable, and authentic.
$–$$ · Local feelStay overnight at a temple — vegetarian meals and morning prayers. Koyasan near Osaka is the classic spot.
$$ · UniqueSuggested neighbourhoods and stay styles for each stop on the route, with a rough nightly range for two.
| Region | Suggested style | Good areas | Approx. / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Business or boutique hotel | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza | ¥15,000–35,000 |
| Hakone | Onsen ryokan | Gora, Hakone-Yumoto | ¥30,000–60,000 |
| Kyoto | Machiya townhouse or hotel | Gion, Kawaramachi, near Kyoto Station | ¥18,000–40,000 |
| Osaka | Business hotel | Namba, Umeda | ¥12,000–28,000 |
| Hiroshima | City hotel | Near Peace Park / Hondori | ¥12,000–25,000 |
| Kanazawa / Alps | Guesthouse or ryokan | Kanazawa centre, Takayama old town | ¥14,000–35,000 |
| Countryside onsen | Hot-spring ryokan | Kinosaki Onsen, Gero Onsen | ¥30,000–70,000 |
October is popular — book ryokan and Kyoto stays a couple of months ahead. Look for places within a short walk of a train station to make the rail-based route effortless, and check whether ryokan rates include dinner and breakfast (they often do).
You don't have to choose just one style. Here's a balanced approach for first-timers.
Use well-located business or boutique hotels in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima — reliable, central, and easy on the budget so you can splurge elsewhere.
Treat yourselves to an onsen ryokan in Hakone and a traditional stay in Kyoto or the Alps. These are the nights you'll remember most.
Consider a temple stay at Koyasan or a thatched-roof minshuku in Shirakawa-go for a uniquely Japanese night.
Capsule or guesthouse nights on travel days keep costs down. Many hotels also offer luggage forwarding (takkyubin) so you can travel light between cities.