Reviews of Hotels in Japan
Many people think hotels in Japan are super expensive. So visiting one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world is out of their reach.
But in my opinion, anyone can visit Japan with some careful planning and on a budget.
I’m not rich. But for me, a hotel price ranging between $50 USD and $125 USD per night is reasonable in Japan.
This is what most 2 to 3 star hotels in Japan cost, particularly in central Tokyo.
There are cheaper accommodations, such as hostels for the young (and old) backpackers. And of course, the always popular yet claustrophobic capsule hotels for which the country is famous.
And there are family run budget guesthouses too, which I think are great if you want that fully immersive Japanese experience.
At my age, I prefer privacy. So I mainly stick with 2 or 3 star hotels found all over Japan. The hotels I stay in most of the time are business classed hotels. Where Japanese salarymen stay overnight or for a short period of time.
But these types of hotels are perfect for travelers who only care about a clean room to park their luggage and sleep. Oh, and yes, free Wi-Fi internet access too. All the hotels I’ve stayed in Japan have decent internet connections in guest rooms.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re willing to travel 2 or 3 train stations away from major city centers. You can save more money on accommodations. Be it in Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and so on. The trade off would be more travel time on the train to get to major attractions.
For example, if I were visiting Tokyo from now on. I would pick a hotel that is 2 or 3 stops away from Central Tokyo Station. I noticed that hotels from that distance are reasonable.
An area like Ueno is an underrated location in Tokyo. Or a particular hotel like APA Hotel Tokyo Itabashi Ekimae, just two stops from Shinjuku on the Shin-itabashi Metro Station.
Also, if you’re not a smoker, be sure to choose a non-smoking room. I highly recommend that you book a room on a designated non-smoking floor ahead of time. Trust me, as a non-smoker myself, you will thank me.
Months with the Best (and Worst) Hotel Rates in Japan
I’ll start with the times that have the highest rates in Japan. Japanese people love to travel. Especially within their own country. And I don’t blame them.
So when the Japanese take big holidays or long weekends, they will travel and explore their own wonderful surroundings.
That said, Japan has 3 important travel holidays where hotel rates skyrocket and are best avoided:
- Japan’s Golden Week is called such because it combines several national holidays in a week. Golden Week starts late April and ends early May. Every year, the start and end of Golden Week could change. So be sure to Google the exact dates if you’re able to budget on the peak Japan travel season.
- The Obon Festival takes place from August 13th to 15th. Obon is a time for the Japanese to remember their ancestors. Lanterns will be lit and floated down rivers and streams. I’ve never been, but I can imagine it would be beautiful.
- New Year’s and New Year’s Eve are both important holidays in Japan. Although most Japanese stay home to celebrate rather than book hotels and travel. Many foreigners take up this important time of year to visit and celebrate in Japan as well.
Now that you know which months and times have the most expensive hotel rates, that’s basically it.
The rest of the year has reasonable rates that don’t fluctuate and have little seasonality.
That said, Japan has plenty of hotels competing for guests. In Tokyo alone, there are at least 1000 hotels. Including capsule hotels, business, tourist, guesthouses, and Ryokans (traditional Japanese guest houses).
You are bound to find a place to stay that fits your travel style and budget.
