Japan Hotels

Chosen by Aleem Raheem, Earth Trip co-founder and Japan specialist · Updated October 2026

Where to Stay in Japan: Hand-Picked Hotels and Ryokan

Japan has some of the best hotels in the world, with spotless rooms, excellent service and locations right by the stations. Mix modern city hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with a night or two in a ryokan, a traditional inn with tatami-mat rooms, hot spring baths and a multi-course kaiseki dinner, for the full Japanese experience.

Every hotel on this page has been chosen by our Japan specialist Aleem Raheem for its location, comfort and service, with most close to a station so you can travel easily by train. Any of them can be combined into a tailor-made Japan holiday, and our Japan travel guide has practical advice for your trip.

How We Choose Our Japan Hotels

• Location: close to stations and the main sights, so you spend less time travelling and more time exploring.
• Room size: Japanese city rooms can be small, so we choose hotels with rooms comfortable for two people and their luggage.
• Character: a mix of modern hotels, historic properties and ryokan with hot spring baths.
• Service: helpful, English-speaking staff and good breakfasts, Japanese or Western.

Our Japan Hotels by Region

1. Tokyo

• The Prince Park Tower Tokyo: a large hotel in leafy Shiba Park, right next to Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple, with views over the city.
• The Blossom Hibiya: a calm, modern hotel in central Tokyo, close to Ginza, Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace.
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: a landmark hotel in Shinjuku, by the station and the restaurants and nightlife of west Tokyo, with views over the city.
• InterContinental Tokyo Bay: a waterfront hotel overlooking Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, a good choice for families.

2. Hakone

• Fujiya Hotel: one of Japan’s oldest Western-style hotels, opened in 1878 in the hot spring village of Miyanoshita, with historic buildings, gardens and its own hot spring water. A memorable place to stay before or after Tokyo.

3. Takayama and Kanazawa

• Takayama Green Hotel: a comfortable hotel near Takayama Station with natural hot spring baths, close to the old town and morning markets.
• Hyatt Centric Kanazawa: a stylish hotel right beside Kanazawa Station, decorated with work by local artists.
• Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi: a boutique hotel a five-minute walk from Omicho Market, with furniture made from local cedar, deep-soaking baths and free late-night udon in the lounge.

4. Kyoto

• Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo: a large, comfortable hotel opposite Kyoto Station, perfect for day trips to Nara and onward bullet trains.
• Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo: a modern take on a ryokan, with tatami-floored rooms, natural hot spring baths and free late-night ramen, a short walk from Kyoto Station.

5. Hiroshima

• RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima: a tall hotel in the city centre with views of Hiroshima Castle, within walking distance of the Peace Memorial Park.
• The Royal Park Hotel: a modern riverside hotel about eight minutes’ walk from Hiroshima Station.

6. Osaka

• Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka: a lively, social hotel in Namba, a short walk from the food stalls and neon of Dotonbori.
• Hotel Leben Osaka: a comfortable base in the centre of Osaka.

Japan Hotels at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ryokan?

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. You sleep on futons laid out on tatami mats, wear a yukata robe, bathe in hot spring baths and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast. We recommend at least one night in a ryokan, often in Hakone or the Japanese Alps.

Where should I stay in Tokyo?

For a first visit, Ginza, Hibiya and the area around Tokyo Station are central and well connected. Shinjuku is lively, with great restaurants and nightlife, while Shiba Park and Tokyo Bay are quieter and good for families. We choose your hotel based on what you want to see.

Where should I stay in Kyoto?

Staying near Kyoto Station is the most convenient for bullet trains and day trips to Nara and Osaka. For atmosphere, the Higashiyama and Gion areas are close to the old streets and temples. We’ll suggest the best location for your plans.

Are hotel rooms in Japan small?

Rooms in Tokyo and other cities are often smaller than in Europe, especially at lower prices. We choose hotels with comfortable rooms for two people and their luggage, and can arrange larger rooms or suites for families.

Can I send my luggage between hotels in Japan?

Yes. Japan’s luggage forwarding service, known as takkyubin, sends your suitcase ahead to your next hotel, usually arriving the next day. It means you can travel on the bullet train with just an overnight bag. We arrange it for you.

How far ahead should I book hotels in Japan?

For cherry blossom season in late March and April and the autumn colours in November, especially in Kyoto, we recommend booking nine to twelve months ahead. Golden Week, in late April and early May, is also very busy. At other times, four to six months is usually enough.

Plan Your Stay

See how these hotels fit together in our 15-day Japan Classic Holiday or our Japan Family Holiday, explore Japan’s regions, or read our Japan travel guide. To start planning, request a video call with our specialist.