When booking accommodation in Japan, it is important to keep in mind that the rooms are generally small, even if you are paying a significant amount for your stay. This is especially true in Tokyo, where compact rooms are the norm. Therefore, it’s worth noting that higher prices do not necessarily guarantee more spacious accommodations.
During my three-week trip to Japan, I stayed in various hotels and hostels that prioritize location and affordability rather than luxury. While these accommodations may be categorized as 3-star hotels and hostels, it is worth mentioning that they can still be very comfortable and visually stunning. The prices for these stays ranged from 50 to 150 USD per night.
TOKYO - Super Hotel Premier Akihabara
This three-star hotel may not offer extensive luxuries by Western standards, but it compensates with an incredible traditional Japanese Onsen experience. The rooms, like most accommodations in Japan, are compact yet bery clean, functional, and comfortable. The hotel’s prime location is just around the corner from the Akihabara Metro Station. When searching for accommodation in Tokyo, proximity to a metro stop is a crucial factor to consider.
HAKONE - Hakone Onsen Guesthouse Tsutaya
This is one of two hostels that we stayed at during the trip. As we could have expected, Japanese Hostels are charming, immaculately clean and nothing like you have probably experienced before. I really enjoyed my stay at Hakone Onsen Guesthouse, mostly because of the incredible indoor and outdoor Onsen experience. The shared dorms are made up of closed knooks, rather than open bunk beds. So, although you are in a shared room you still have your privacy.
KYOTO - Tune Stay
Tune Stay Kyoto is a unique and trendy hotel with a captivating bookshop located on the first floor. The standard bedrooms are compact, with limited space aside from the bed and bathroom. However, the shared amenities and common spaces are beautifully designed and create a welcoming atmosphere. While the rooms themselves are mostly just functional, the hotel offers a great price and convenient location.
OSAKA - Hotel Noum
This charming boutique hotel is located above an adorable café. With its riverside location, guests can enjoy beautiful views and convenient access to the river promenade. The staff is exceptionally friendly, and there is a rooftop area where yous can admire urban views of the city. The rooms offer a bit more space than the average, providing a comfortable and spacious stay.
How to Plan Your Dream Vacation
HIROSHIMA - Smile Hotel
Smile Hotel is a hotel chain in Japan that can be compared to a Holiday Inn in terms of its offerings. Unlike many hotels in Japan, Smile Hotel has a more classic and sterile aesthetic, deviating from the traditional Japanese style. While it may not provide an immersive Japanese experience, it ensures comfort and cleanliness at an affordable price. As we were only staying in Hiroshima for one night, it made sense to opt for a more budget-friendly option, reserving the more luxurious hotels for longer stays ahead.
MIYOAJIMA - Hotel Miyajima Villa
Hotel Miyajima Villa is a delightful hotel located on the enchanting island of Miyajima, Japan. Set amidst stunning natural landscapes and surrounded by lush greenery, this hotel provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere for its guests. The rooms are designed in a charming cabin-like style, evoking a feeling of camping in the woods. Among all the hotels we stayed at during our trip in Japan, this hotel offered my favorite Onsen experience.
KANAZAWA - Soki Kanazawa
Soki Kanazawa was my favorite hotel of the trip. This boutique hotel showcases a breathtaking minimalist Japanese aesthetic. The bedrooms offer more space than the typical room, and the beds are incredibly comfortable. Throughout your stay, you are sure to discover architectural and design inspiration. The hotel is located right across the entrance to the city market which makes it super convenient for grabbing a quick bite. I highly recommend this hotel for an exceptional experience.
YAKAYAMA - Hotel Wood
Hotel Wood, like Soki Kanazawa, exudes a captivating Japanese aesthetic, yet with a more traditional touch. The room we stayed at was the most spacious of our entire trip. The exceptional customer service, comfortable amenities, and complimentary drinks provided by the hotel made it a perfect stay.
TOKYO - CITAN Hostel
CITAN is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking affordable accommodation in Tokyo. As a hostel, it provides shared room options, but private rooms are also available, which is what we opted for. While luxuries may not be found at CITAN, cleanliness is ensured. It’s a great place to meet fellow travellers, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The hostel features a charming café on the first floor, and its basement houses a bar and restaurant that hosts live music on weekends. If you are looking for a good vibe, CITAN has it.
Safe Travels!
This list encompasses a diverse range of hotels, from hostels to exquisite Japanese boutique accommodations. While none of them may be considered luxurious, they provide various options for different budgets and preferences. As a flexible traveler, I appreciate the occasional comfort and luxury, but I also understand the value of affordability, especially for shorter stays.
I hope this list serves as a helpful resource for planning your next trip to Japan. While some places may have been more comfortable than others, every single one provided a positive experience at a price that is remarkably rare to find in Japan.
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