Traveling in Japan means marveling at ultra-modern cityscapes, strolling through centuries-old alleyways, and soaking in every moment with wide-eyed wonder. But to truly enjoy the experience, you’ll also need a good night’s sleep, without blowing your entire travel budget !
That’s why APA Hotels have become our go-to choice: comfortable, well-located, and often featuring public baths (sentô) right inside the building.
Why choose APA Hotels for your stay in Japan ?
Just a heads-up: we’re not affiliated with APA Hotels and aren’t being compensated to recommend them. We’re simply fans of the chain after many stays across Japan.
Massive presence across the country
APA stands for "Always Pleasant Amenities". Founded in 1971, the chain has an enormous footprint across Japan, sometimes with multiple hotels in the same neighborhood. This density means you’re almost guaranteed to find an APA Hotel near a JR station or subway line, making it easy to hop between neighborhoods or even cities.
Modern comfort at a reasonable Price
APA rooms are known for being compact, but they’re incredibly well-designed. You’ll typically find:
- A comfy bed
- A large-screen TV
- A minimalist work desk
- A private bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Luggage storage, even before check-in
- Self-service laundry with dryers
- Express check-in/check-out via kiosk
For a short stay, this level of comfort is more than enough, especially since you’ll likely spend more time exploring than lounging in your room.
Public baths (Sentô) in many locations
One of APA’s biggest perks: many locations include an in-house sentô. After a long day out, soaking in a hot bath is pure bliss. Here’s what to expect:
- Spacious indoor baths
- Outdoor baths (rotemburo) in some locations
- Saunas at select hotels
- Real-time crowd status displayed on your in-room TV
- Generous opening hours: usually 6 AM to 10 AM, then 3 PM until late
- Important: Tattoos are not allowed in APA Hotel baths. The chain’s owner holds fairly traditional views.
Want to learn how to navigate Japanese bath culture? Check out our full guide with etiquette tips and step-by-step instructions.
How to find an APA Hotel with a sentô before you book
Not every APA Hotel has a public bath. Fortunately, the official APA website makes it easy to filter your search:
- Go to the hotel’s page on APA’s official site
- Search by city and date
- In the detailed filters, click "Public Bath Yes", then hit "Search"
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best-located APA Hotels across Japan. You can book via various travel sites or directly on APA’s site.
Best APA Hotel in Tôkyô ?
Watch out: APA Hotel names are often similar and clustered close together in the same neighborhood.
N° 323 - APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Located in the heart of lively Kabukichô, near Shinjuku, this hotel delivers a solid experience in central Tôkyô.
- Price: 120 € to 150 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Large indoor bath and an outdoor bath, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - midnight
Note: The hotel has two separate buildings, you might need to walk between them to access the baths, which isn’t the most convenient.
N° 347 - APA Hotel Ueno-Ekimae
Just steps from Ueno Station, this hotel is perfectly located for exploring Ueno Park, catching the subway, hopping on the Yamanote Line, or boarding the Shinkansen to other cities—including Narita Airport.
- Price: 120 € to 160 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Large indoor bath and a small outdoor bath, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 2 AM
N° 238 - APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji Ekimae
A bit outside the main action in Shinagawa, this hotel offers great value while still being close to the Yamanote Line—handy for quick access to Haneda Airport.
- Price: 110 € to 140 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Indoor and outdoor baths with private soaking tubs, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 2 AM
Best APA Hotel in Kyôto ?
Kyôto is a must-visit on any Japan trip. Here’s a central, convenient option for your stay in this historic city.
N° 136 - APA Hotel Kyoto Eki Horikawadori
Just steps from Kyôto Station, this hotel is a strategic hub for city exploration and day trips.
- Price: 90 € to 140 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Two large indoor baths, an outdoor bath, and a sauna, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 1 AM
Best APA Hotel in Ôsaka ?
Ôsaka is lively, tourist-friendly, and full of energy. Here are two APA hotels we recommend that offer sentô facilities.
N° 319 - APA Hotel Shin-Osaka Ekimae
Right across from JR Shin-Ôsaka Station, this hotel is super convenient if you're using the Shinkansen or switching cities. On the flip side, there’s not much to see around the hotel itself—you’ll need the train to get around.
- Price: 60 € to 80 € for a single room depending on season
- Baths: Large indoor bath with two small baths, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 2 AM
N° 288 - APA Hotel Yodoyabashi Kitahama Ekimae
Centrally located, this hotel lets you walk to major attractions like Ôsaka Castle. It's also near a metro station, with easy access to Umeda and Shin-Ôsaka.
- Price: 50 € to 90 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath (no view), and sauna, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 1 AM
Best APA Hotels in Tôhoku and Hokkaidô ?
Japan’s lesser-touristed north still offers a few great APA options with public baths.
N° 157 APA Hotel Sendai Eki Itsutsubashi
Just 200 meters from JR Sendai Station, this hotel makes a great base to explore the region.
- Price: 60 € to 100 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Indoor and outdoor baths, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 1 AM
N° 248 - APA Hotel TKP Sapporo Eki-Kitaguchi Excellent
Located near Sapporo’s main train station, this hotel is well-equipped for a comfortable stay.
- Price: 80 € to 120 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Indoor bath and a rooftop outdoor bath! Open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 10 PM
Best APA Hotels in Kyûshû ?
In this less-traveled region, APA Hotels with public baths are rarer—but you’ll still find some in major cities.
N°338 - APA Hotel Hakataeki Chikushiguchi
Centrally located in Fukuoka, this hotel is close to JR Hakata Station (Shinkansen).
- Price: 80 € to 120 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Indoor and outdoor baths, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 2 AM
Note: This hotel also has two buildings, and you may have to walk between them to reach the bath, not ideal.
N° 167 - APA Hotel Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal Minami
About 15 minutes by tram from Kumamoto Station, this hotel is also near the famous Kumamoto Castle.
- Price: 60 € to 120 € for a double room depending on season
- Baths: Small indoor bath, open 6 AM - 10 AM and 3 PM - 2 AM
Overall, this APA Hotel is a bit underwhelming in terms of location and bath facilities. Affordable hotels in Kumamoto tend to be hit-or-miss : we actually prefer the "Toyoko Inn Kumamoto Ekimae". It’s a bit noisy and lacks a bath, but it’s located right in front of JR Kumamoto Station.
Few downsides to consider before booking an APA Hotel
Tiny rooms (but smartly designed)
If you’re used to spacious Western-style rooms, these might feel cramped. They’re great for sleeping, but space is tight. You’ll often need to slide your suitcase under the bed. Totally manageable for a short trip—but if you’re traveling long-term with lots of luggage, you’ll need to get creative with your setup.
Controversial brand image
APA’s founder has made politically controversial statements in the past, which has stirred debate both in Japan and abroad. Some travelers choose to avoid the chain for this reason. That said, it doesn’t seem to impact the guest experience, service, or facilities.