Where to Stay in Japan: Hotels, Ryokan, Guesthouses, or Capsule Hotels?

Choosing where to stay in Japan can shape your whole trip. Each type of accommodation offers not just a place to sleep, but a different way to experience the country. Do you want the comfort of a hotel, the tradition of a ryokan, the friendliness (and savings) of a guesthouse, or the unique efficiency of a capsule hotel? As a local, here’s my honest guide to help you decide.

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Japanese Hotels: Easy, Reliable, and Foreign-Friendly

Hotels in Japan are often the simplest option for international travelers. Many have English-speaking staff, and check-in is smooth with passport scanning and clear signage. You’ll find both international chains and local business hotels in major cities.

Good for:

• First-time visitors who want a stress-free stay
• Couples looking for convenience and privacy
• Business travelers needing quick access to stations and efficient services

Business hotels are a particularly unique category in Japan. Originally designed for working professionals on short stays, they are now widely used by tourists too. These hotels are compact, functional, relatively affordable, and conveniently located near train stations. Major chains include Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Richmond Hotel, Dormy Inn, APA, and Toyoko Inn — all known for consistent quality and useful amenities.

Dormy Inn, in particular, is unique among business hotels for offering public baths or even natural hot springs, making it a favorite for travelers who want a little extra comfort. Some standard hotels also feature large public baths, so it’s worth checking when you book.

Tips:

• Check-in is usually from 3pm; early check-in often costs extra
• Rooms often include amenities like pajamas, toiletries, and a kettle
• Breakfast is usually buffet-style with both Japanese and Western options
• Business hotels are also relatively affordable, making them a great middle ground between hostels and full-service hotels

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Ryokan: A Cultural Experience You Won’t Forget

Staying at a ryokan is one of the most uniquely Japanese experiences you can have. If you’re visiting Japan, I truly recommend trying it at least once — it’s more than just a place to sleep; it’s a chance to step into traditional culture, hospitality, and a slower rhythm of life.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn — think tatami floors, futon beds, and multi-course seasonal meals (kaiseki). Ryokan come in many sizes and styles, and your experience can vary greatly depending on where you stay.

Small to Mid-Sized Ryokan

These are often family-run and located in quieter areas. Here, you can enjoy a slower pace, personalized service, and a more intimate connection with Japanese traditions. At this type of ryokan, it’s common to sleep on tatami mats with futon bedding, enjoy beautifully presented seasonal kaiseki meals, and relax in shared or private onsen baths. Many have a calm, peaceful atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

Large-Scale Ryokan

In popular tourist destinations across Japan, large ryokan are common. These are ryokan-style hotels with hundreds of rooms, buffet meals, entertainment areas, and indoor/outdoor onsen. These places are still considered ryokan — a traditional category — but their atmosphere and operations feel closer to modern resorts. Service may be more standardized, and they are more likely to accommodate large groups and families.

In this article, we focus more on the small to mid-sized type for a deeper cultural experience, but both can be wonderful depending on your travel style.

Good for:

• Couples wanting a romantic, immersive experience
• Cultural travelers who appreciate tradition
• Those interested in Japanese hospitality and the spirit of omotenashi

Etiquette to know:

• Take off your shoes at the entrance
• Futons are set up in the evening (don’t do it yourself unless asked)
• Baths are shared, and you must wash before soaking. If you’re not comfortable being seen naked by others, consider booking a ryokan with a private family bath (kazokuburo) or an in-room bath — many places now offer these options.
• Meals are often served at fixed times, either in-room or in a dining area

Tips for non-Japanese speakers:

• Some ryokan offer English support, but not all
• Booking via platforms like Rakuten Travel or Booking.com can help you filter for language options

For couples or travelers who value privacy: Look for places with private onsen baths or “modern ryokan” — they offer more privacy and comfort while keeping the cultural vibe. A thoughtfully chosen ryokan can offer one of the most memorable and enriching experiences of your trip, blending tradition with personal comfort.

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Guesthouses and Hostels: Budget-Friendly and Social

If you’re traveling light or on a budget, guesthouses and hostels are great options. These are different from private home rentals (“minpaku”) like Airbnb — they are licensed accommodations, often run like small inns, with staff on-site and facilities that are shared with other guests. They’re often located in tourist hubs like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Good for:

• Solo travelers who enjoy meeting people
• Budget-conscious couples or friends
• Adventurous types who want a more local vibe

What to expect:

• Shared facilities (bathrooms, kitchens, lounges)
• Social events like takoyaki nights or city walks
• Cozy interiors, sometimes family-run

English support: Variable — many guesthouses cater to foreigners, but check reviews

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Capsule Hotels: Compact, Modern, and Uniquely Japanese

Capsule hotels offer compact sleeping pods with shared facilities — often clean, futuristic, and well-equipped.

Good for:

• Solo travelers, especially men (some are men-only)
• Travelers needing a quick overnight stay in the city
• People curious about unique Japanese experiences

What to expect:

• Very small personal space (no luggage inside the pod)
• Gender-separated floors or facilities
• Often located near train stations or airports

Some newer capsule hotels also welcome female travelers and have upgraded amenities like lounges and private showers.

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So, Which One Should You Choose?

Think about what matters most to you:

• ✅ Want comfort and ease? → Go for a hotel (or a large ryokan if you’re looking for resort-style comfort with Japanese elements)
• 👘 Want cultural depth and memorable hospitality? → Try a ryokan (especially a small one, if you want a quiet, personal, and deeply cultural experience)
• 🎒 Want to save money or meet fellow travelers? → Book a guesthouse (or consider a business hotel for a more private but still affordable option)
• 💤 Need a quick stay or curious about something unique? → Try a capsule hotel

For couples, ryokan or modern hotels with private amenities offer comfort and privacy. For families, consider large ryokan or hotels with family rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to sightseeing.

Ryokan, especially those at a higher price point, often offer exceptional service, beautifully prepared meals, and refined facilities. If you’re coming all the way to Japan, it’s well worth experiencing a quality ryokan stay — it’s one of the most memorable and culturally rich ways to enjoy your trip.

For many first-time visitors, a mix of styles across your trip gives the richest experience.

Booking Tips from a Local

• Use platforms like Booking.com or Rakuten Travel to filter by English support
• Many places require check-in before 9pm, especially smaller ryokan or guesthouses
• If you’re arriving late, notify your accommodation in advance

We’ve tried many options over the years, and honestly — each has its charm. If you’re curious and open-minded, you’ll find something that fits just right.

Let’s explore Japan together