When preparing for a trip to Japan, one essential expense you can’t overlook is accommodation. It's the second biggest budget item after transportation, so it's worth giving it some careful thought. The good news? Japan offers a wide range of lodging options, from budget dorms and capsule hotels to traditional inns and luxury ryokan.
Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets... if you plan wisely.
What types of accommodations can you find in Japan?
Hostels: affordable, clean and social
Japanese hostels reflect the country’s reputation for order and cleanliness. They’re modern, well-maintained, and often located in prime areas. A top pick for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
- Location: Mostly in major cities like Tôkyô and Ôsaka
- Average price: 3 000 ~ 8 000 yen per night (~20 to 50 €)
Key features
- Semi-private bunk beds with curtains or multi-bed rooms
- Thoughtful shared spaces (lounges, kitchens, sentô baths)
Easy access to train stations and lively neighborhoods
Recommended in Tôkyô
- Cafe / Minimal Hotel Our Our (Asakusa district), from 30 €
- COGO Ryogoku (sumo district), from 30 €
Capsule hotels: a unique Japanese experience
Originally created for salarymen who missed the last train, capsule hotels have become a curiosity for international travelers.
- Location: Near major train stations in large cities
- Average price: 6 000 ~ 10 000 yen per night (~40 to 60 €)
Key features
- Individual pods with TV, AC and blackout curtain
- Stylish communal spaces, often with sentô
- Usually gender-segregated
Recommended in Tôkyô
- Anshin Oyado Ogikubo (near Shinjuku), from 40 €
- “9h nine hours” chain, locations throughout Tôkyô, from 40 €
Budget hotels: great value for money
Originally aimed at Japanese business travelers, business hotels are ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience at a reasonable price. Found all over Japan, especially near train stations, they’re a go-to choice for many.
- Average price: 6 000 ~ 30 000 yen per night (~40 to 180 €)
Key features
- Small but efficient rooms
- Compact yet functional bathrooms
- Free Wi-Fi, kettle, and toiletries included
- Top chains: APA Hotels, Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel
Recommended in Tôkyô
- APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower, from 80 €
- Toyoko Inn Tokyo Nihombashi Ningyocho, from 60 €
Ryokan: a traditional Japanese experience
Spending at least one night in a ryokan is a must if you want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Think tatami mats, futons, hot baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals.
- Location: Mostly outside city centers
- Prices: From 15 000 yen (~100 €) for two people, breakfast included
Key features
- Tatami rooms with roll-out futons
- Traditional dinner (kaiseki) and breakfast
Communal or private onsen, depending on the ryokan
Recommended
- Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei (Kyôto), from 135 €
- Atagawakan (Izu Peninsula), from 150 €, sea view included
Other Options
- Airbnb: Regulated since 2016, still a solid choice. Prices from 50 €, depending on location and type.
- Vacation rentals: Great for families, offered through specialized agencies. Prices from 100 € outside big cities.
- Love Hotels: Themed rooms for couples, with comfortable amenities near nightlife districts. Prices around 120 € per night.
- Manga Cafés: Suitable for a quick night’s rest. Around 30 €, with private booths and sometimes showers.
- Camping: Over 250 free campsites across Japan, ideal if you're traveling by car.
How much do prices vary by city?
Accommodation prices in Japan vary greatly depending on the location. Tôkyô, Ôsaka, and Kyôto are pricier than the national average, while regional cities are much more budget-friendly.
Tourist pressure
Tôkyô alone accounts for over 70% of hotel searches by international visitors. Kyôto and Ôsaka also see huge spikes in demand during cherry blossom season and fall foliage, driving up prices, especially in central areas like Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, and Gion.
Higher operating costs
Real estate and rent are more expensive in major cities, which affects hotel rates. Even budget chains like APA or Toyoko Inn often charge 15-25% more in big cities than in regional towns.
Price comparison (indicative averages)
| City/Region | Avg. 3★–4★ Hotel Price | Estimated Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tôkyô (central districts) | 110-130 € | Reference |
| Kyôto / Ôsaka / Yokohama | 80-100 € | -15% to -25% |
| Narita, Chiba, Kobe | 50-70 € | -30% to -50% |
| Regional cities (Fukuoka, Kanazawa, Okayama, etc.) | 45-70 € | -30% to -50% |
How to make the most of your accommodation budget in Japan
Even though hotel rates in Japan are generally lower than in Europe / U.S. for better service, here are some tips to stretch your budget further:
Book in advance
Booking at least three months ahead can secure better prices and availability. Most major sites offer free cancellation up to a few days before arrival.
Avoid peak seasons
Prices spike during:
- Cherry blossom season (mid-March to mid-April)
- Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Obon (mid-August)
- Fall foliage season (October–November)
- Traveling in January, June, or September can save you up to 40%.
Check out our article on the best seasons to visit Japan.
Sample accommodation budgets by travel style
These estimates are based on average travel periods (excluding peak or off-season). Japan offers excellent quality even at the budget level. Unless you spend your whole trip in a manga café, expect to spend at least 500 € for two weeks.
Accommodation usually makes up about 30% of the total travel budget for a two-week trip.
Budget Traveler (~650 €)
- 6 nights in hostels (major cities): ~250 €
- 7 nights in budget hotels (regional towns): ~300 €
- 1 night in a basic ryokan: ~100 €
- Total trip budget: 2,500 € → Accommodation = 26%
Mid-Range Traveler (~1 000 €)
- 6 nights in business hotels (major cities): ~500 €
- 6 nights in simpler or more remote hotels: ~250 €
- 2 nights in a standard ryokan: ~250 €
- Total trip budget: 3,000 € → Accommodation = 33%
Comfort Traveler (~1 300 €)
- 7 nights in centrally located business hotels: ~700 €
- 4 nights in regional hotels: ~150 €
- 3 nights in mid-range ryokan: ~450 €
- Total trip budget: 4 000 € → Accommodation = 32%
Note: Single and double room rates are often similar. Traveling as a pair doesn’t mean doubling your costs—especially at business hotels.
For more information:
- Budget Guide for a Trip to Japan
- Estimate your travel budget for Japan (online tool)
For more travel planning: