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Hotels in Japan

Inside a typical love hotel in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Hotels in Japan are quite affordable. There are three main types:

  • Tourist hotels
  • Business hotels
  • Love hotels

A tourist hotel, also known as a luxury hotel, is a type of hotel that caters to tourists and travelers who are looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay. These hotels offer a wide range of amenities, such as high-end restaurants, swimming pools, spas, and fitness centers, to ensure that guests have a relaxing and enjoyable experience during their stay.

A typical Tokyo business hotel room. Small, but well appointed.

A business hotel is a type of hotel that caters to business travelers who are looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay during their business trips. These hotels are typically located near business districts or transportation hubs, and offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and business centers to help guests stay productive during their stay. These tend to be cheaper (about USD$65/night even in Kyoto), but feature single beds.

A single-unit bathroom based on the Tokyo 1964 Olympics fast-build-hotel bathroom is very common, even in many apartments today

A love hotel is a type of hotel that is typically used by couples who are looking for a private and romantic space to spend time together. These hotels are often located in discreet areas and offer a variety of themed rooms, such as fantasy rooms or suites with private hot tubs. Love hotels often offer short stays and are rented by the hour or overnight. These can offer karaoke equipment, video games, and even a heavy sound-proof door, so guests in the hallway cannot hear anything from the rooms.

Boudoir portrait session in a Tokyo hotel, Nov 2016.
Boudoir portrait session in a Tokyo hotel, Nov 2016.