Where to Stay When Visiting Japan
With fancy cherry blossoms covering the streets, stunning summer fireworks blooming on festival nights, colorful fall foliage decorating the mountains, and inspiring winter fun with snow and ice, choosing where to stay during a Japan tour is always a key consideration. For your reference, here are some of the top recommended places to stay when traveling to Japan.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo, one of the most modern cities in the world, offers a wide variety of districts to stay in and experiences to enjoy. Whether you prefer a high-end luxury hotel with sweeping city views and full amenities, or a traditional ryokan with tatami rooms and a cozy restaurant to enjoy a cup of sake, Tokyo has accommodations to help you unwind and prepare for your next day's adventure.
Shinjuku - Cozy city that never sleeps
Staying in Shinjuku is often a delightful experience. Most hotels are clustered around Shinjuku Station, making it easy to get to your next destination - just wait a few minutes for the next train.
To the west are skyscrapers housing various department stores, shopping malls, and business hotels, with the bustling streets always within reach. To the east is Shinjuku Gyoen, once the garden of the Naito family in the Edo period, now an ideal place to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant foliage in autumn.
For a lively evening, head to Kabukicho in northern Shinjuku, known for its energetic nightlife. Enjoy a traditional Kabuki performance or relax in a cozy bar lit by swaying lights - it is sure to be an unforgettable night in this lively, sleepless neighborhood.
Shinjuku
Shibuya - Darling of the New Wave
Shibuya is another lively district popular among young people, home to the bustling scramble crossing that appears in the Resident Evil series, and the Hachiko statue marks an entrance to Shibuya Station.
Opening your hotel curtains in the morning to see the sun shining over the bustling crosswalk below, inspiring you to start your day at the same lively pace. From Shibuya's shopping streets, Meiji Shrine is just a 5-minute drive away. Surrounded by serene forests, the shrine offers a rare retreat in this bustling city.
Or stay in Harajuku, a vibrant place close to Shibuya, perfect for exploring modern Japanese street culture and cutting-edge fashion, with the shrine close by for a peaceful escape in just a 10-minute walk.
Shibuya
Asakusa - Culture Immersion & Historic Taste
With its 400-year-old traditional Japanese style, Asakusa stands out as a unique place to stay in modern Tokyo, preserving the charm and atmosphere of Japan's Edo period.
You can wake up on tatami mats, enjoy a kaiseki meal with wagashi as the dessert, and explore the Edo-style shops behind the iconic Kaminarimon gate. The magnificent Senso-ji offers the perfect backdrop for dressing in a kimono and strolling as if you've stepped back into the Shogunate era.
Asakusa is also home to numerous festivals, like the famous Sanja Matsuri held in May, which celebrates the shrine's founding with traditional music and dance. Staying near Asakusa offers you a front-row view of these festivities and an authentic slice of Japan's cultural heritage.
Akihabara - Electronics Mall & Anime World
Akihabara is the go-to district for electronics in Japan, offering everything from common household appliances to the latest digital gadgets, versatile accessories, and even rare, out-of-print items - all at competitive prices.
Just right outside the train station, it's an ideal final stop on your Japan trip, where you can use your hotel as a base to stock up on unique finds or gifts for family and friends, best for family, kids, and fans of Japanese anime culture to stay over for nights.
It's a pure destination to immerse yourself in anime, manga, novels, and all kinds of related merchandise. Nearby hotels make it easy to refresh and get into character for cosplay events, visit maid or butler cafés, attend exciting underground concerts, or stay in anime-themed accommodations for an unforgettable travel experience.
Akihabara
Where to Stay in Kyoto
With thousands of years of history and countless ancient sites, shrines, and temples, Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and the birthplace of some of its most famous arts, including the tea ceremony, geisha traditions, and kaiseki cuisine. A stay in Kyoto is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in this rich and storied culture.
Shimogyo - Easy Access & Temple Hopping
For a convenient base from which to explore Kyoto, consider staying in the Shimogyo district near Kyoto Station, where you can easily reach top sights such as the stunning Kiyomizu Temple - ideal for cherry blossom and fall foliage viewing - and the famous vermilion tunnel of thousands of torii, which leads up to the Fushimi Inari Taisha at the summit of Mt. Inari. Even the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), though a little further from the city center, is only a 40-minute ride away.
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
Nakagyo - Authentic Japanese Culture Experience
For a more immersive cultural and traditional experience, the Nakagyo Ward is a wonderful choice. Home to the impressive Nijo Castle and close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this area offers easy access to traditional neighborhoods such as Gion, where you can see cherry blossom dances performed by geisha artists during a spring visit.
Or if possible, make your stay around Gion. You'll also find teahouses offering guided Japanese tea ceremonies and time-honored restaurants with rock gardens serving authentic kaiseki cuisine, as delicate and artful as any French dish.
Gion
Where to Stay in Osaka
As one of the most popular cities in western Japan's Kansai region, contrasting with Tokyo in Kanto, Osaka boasts vibrant streets, various food, entertainment, and excellent transportation links, making it an ideal stopover gateway to all parts of Japan. Even a short stay in Osaka is enough to experience the city's unique charm.
Kita Ward - Crossroads & Entertainment
Home to Umeda, Osaka's main business district, and Osaka Station, it is easy to navigate and find suitable accommodation between the skyscrapers along the Yodo River, which has several parks around it that you can stop by during your visit.
Meanwhile, you can get a good view of one of the landmarks, the Umeda Blue Sky Building, which offers a good view of the whole city, especially at times with the slowly sinking sun and the gradually glowing neon lights.
If you are a big fan of film, a 15-minute train ride from Osaka Station will take you to Universal Studios, where you can interact with movie characters before staying in one of the themed rooms, perfect for families.
Universal Studios, Osaka
Chuo Ward - Osaka Castle & Culinary Delight
The central Chuo district is one of Osaka's most distinctive areas. Staying in a hotel near Osaka Castle Park provides a quiet retreat and views of the iconic Osaka Castle itself. With the park so close, you can easily find a great spot to admire the castle adorned in cherry blossoms during spring or enjoy a serene night stroll among the illuminated sakura.
Alternatively, consider staying near Shinsaibashi, a European-style pedestrian shopping area filled with large department stores, century-old shops, and smaller stores for all tastes. Nearby, the Dotonbori food court offers a chance to sample Osaka's culinary delights in a lively, down-to-earth setting.
Where to Stay in Hakone
When visiting Hakone, the land of hot springs (onsen), why not stay at a hot spring resort to fully enjoy the soothing hot bath?
Along Lake Ashi, many resorts and ryokan offer a variety of hot springs: from rich, mineral-colored springs with earthy aromas to clear-water baths decorated with floating yuzu and apples, and even simple open-air baths where you can relax in the warmth while admiring tranquility.
Best of all, the ryokan with a private onsen, with your room is just a sliding door away. With a cozy bed inside and a steamy hot spring just outside, you can unwind with a warm cup of sake and perhaps a couple of eggs to cook in the water - true Japanese elegance at its finest.
Where to Stay Around Mt. Fuji
With its iconic snow-capped peak, Mt. Fuji is one of Japan's most celebrated landmarks and a must-visit destination for first-time travelers.
Booking a hotel nearby can enhance your experience, offering views of Mount Fuji framed by large windows, often with bustling cities like Fujiyoshida, Hakone, or even Tokyo in the foreground - perfect for stunning photographs without leaving your room.
For those planning to climb Mt. Fuji in summer or wishing to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the peak, staying near the Fuji Five Lakes region at the mountain's base is ideal, providing the closest access to the summit.
Where to Stay in Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest island located in Northern Japan, with a high latitude and a special landscape of volcanic plateau, making this area a natural resort for summer holidays and winter skiing.
Sapporo - Base for Celebrating
As the largest city of Hokkaido, Sapporo offers a range of business hotels amidst its central skyscrapers, especially near Sapporo Station or around Odori Park.
Staying in these areas gives you easy access to the hidden bar, chocolate factory, and unique beer museum with its wheat-scented history and classic red-brick architecture, just a 10-minute car ride away.
In February, a hotel around Odori Park becomes even more valuable, especially during the Sapporo Snow Festival. From this prime location, you can enjoy the snow sculptures and ice displays from your window for a quiet view, or step outside to capture the stunning creations up close. Best of all, it provides a warm, comfortable base to return to after a full day in the wintery outdoors.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Niseko - Skiing Paradise
Nestled beneath Mt. Yotei, often called Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido, this picturesque mountain with gentle green slopes transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter, offering exceptional ski resorts.
These resorts in Niseko provide a perfect stay for both beginners learning the ropes and experienced skiers seeking thrilling challenges, with slopes and courses catering to every skill level and an array of modern facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
For spa enthusiasts, many resorts feature hot springs where you can unwind after a day on the slopes. Whether you prefer a relaxing soak indoors or an open-air hot spring experience surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, these resorts combine the best of skiing and rejuvenation.
Where to Stay in Hiroshima
Located in southern Japan near the Seto Inland Sea, this vibrant prefecture offers a wealth of islands and parks to explore, making it a delightful destination during your Japan tour. With its warm weather and low humidity, Hiroshima stands out as one of the most comfortable places to stay and enjoy.
Hiroshima City - Peace Memorial City
With the bustling city center and traffic flowing beneath the skyscrapers on one side, and the solemn remnants of the atomic bomb on the other, staying on the banks of the Motoyasu River offers a truly unique experience.
As a peace memorial city rebuilt after the war, Hiroshima boasts numerous parks, including the famous Peace Memorial Park, where you can view the iconic A-Bomb Dome, the preserved ruin from that tragic event.
The city is also perfect for leisurely strolls. Just a 10-minute walk from Peace Memorial Park is Hiroshima Castle. The walk along the coast is especially delightful, often leading to unexpected parks where you may hear the birdsong that greeted you this morning.
Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
Hatsukaichi-Departure for Miyajima
Hatsukaichi is known for its bustling markets, where you can join in with the local life at a morning market, shopping for fresh fruits, seafood, and vegetables.
If you're looking for authentic souvenirs, an early arrival at a hotel near the coast would be ideal.
Most importantly, it is close to Miyajima Island, with a 30-minute ferry you will arrive at Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its rare floating torii gate set in the sea.
Whether you're catching the sunrise over the orange seawater or experiencing the low tide at dusk with twilight providing the perfect moment to enter the shrine from the torii gate, staying nearby ensures you won't miss capturing the beauty of these scenes.
Japan Accommodation Tips
- Rooms in Japan can be compact, so be prepared for smaller spaces and pack lightly.
- It's advisable to make your room reservation in advance, especially during peak cherry blossom season and the fall foliage period, as rooms can be limited.
- Be sure to confirm the type of bedding. While a traditional tatami room offers an authentic cultural experience, it may not be that friendly to travelers with back problems.
Travel Around Japan With Odynovo
What is your ideal accommodation in Japan? Is it a night town in the middle of a bustling city, a street ryokan with a twist, a classic Japanese tatami in an old town, a hot spring inn with a unique experience, or a picture that has yet to be painted in your mind? Tell Odynovo about your idea! Whether you have questions or are just curious, we always look forward to traveling with you on your next journey.
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