Japan,  Lodging,  Travel Tips,  Travel Tips

Where to Stay, Ling? – Types of Japan Lodging

 

Luxury Hotels – Price per room averages from JPY30,000 to over JPY100,000 per night

These will be the big names like Hyatt, Keio Plaza, Westin, Sheraton, Hilton, Tokyo Station Hotel and any hotels on the other end of the budget spectrum from Business Hotels. Rooms are spacious with Western style beds and ensuite bathroom. Some of the more luxurious resort types offer Japanese style rooms and halfboard too. They have restaurants onsite, offering different cuisines and possibly an onsite spa/onsen. Rooms may be booked with breakfast option.

Expect to pay a pretty penny for a stay at these hotels but you’ll get 5 Star treatment and services. Such hotels will be able to assist you with restaurant reservations or any concierge services.

In the bigger cities, these hotels usually have direct limo bus service to the airport. Don’t expect coin operated laundry services though.

Ling! I stayed at Luxury Hotels with family when I feel like splurging or when I find a good deal. I tried my very first Onsen experience at Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort. I’ve only once stayed with a friend, in this class of hotels, as she didn’t mind splurging a little too.

What I like:

  • Big rooms with plenty of personal space
  • 5 Star treatment and services
  • Don’t have to drag my luggage to the room
  • Use of concierge services
  • Usually have direct limo bus to airport

What I don’t like:

  • Nothing much
  • When you book one of these, you’re already prepared to spend

Payment: When you’re checking out

 

Ryokans – Price per person averages from JPY14,000 to over JPY50,000 with halfboard

These lodgings are usually family owned and sometimes managed for generations. They can be Japanese style or modern buildings, usually with Japanese style rooms and bedding. There are some that offer Western beds too.

Halfboard meals options are commonly available and may be served in the room or at a common dinning area. Some Ryokans offer shared facilities where the bathing facility is at the Onsen area, that is no attached bath with the room. The fancier and pricier Ryokans have onsen bath in the room. Do note that lodgings with Hot Spring Onsen have an onsen tax of JPY150-300/pax, regardless if you use the onsen or not.

Ling! On each of my Japan trips, I always plan at least 1 stay at a Ryokan for the Onsen and Keiseki dinner. I love Onsen and it’s especially nice to soak in the hot bath on a cold day. I also look forward to Kaiseki dinners which include fresh local produce served at their best seasons.

What I like:

  • Onsen!
  • Halfboard – Kaiseki dinner

What I don’t like:

  • Sleeping on Japanese style futon beds (bad for backs)
  • Food smell when they serve meals in room

Payment: When you’re checking out

 

Onsen Hotels – Price per person averages from JPY10,000 to over JPY40,000 with halfboard

The main draw, for the category of hotels, is the number and type of Hot Spring Onsens available at their hotel. Guests stay at these Onsen Hotels to bathe in the special Hot Spring water and for the food. Do note that lodgings with Hot Spring Onsen have an onsen tax of JPY150-300/pax, regardless if you use the onsen or not.

Rooms can either be Western or Japanese style with ensuite bathroom. Some hotels offer buffet style meals, while some serve full Kaiseiki course meals which may be served in the room or at a common dinning area.

Apologies as I don’t have photos of the massive Onsen area and the different baths since there were many naked guests around. So here are food photos from the 2 Onsen Hotels I’d tried where one served Kaiseki dinner and the other a buffet style dinner.

Ling! My first try of Onsen Hotels was in Noberibetsu. It was quite an experience as I wasn’t used to the large number of guests at the hotel. It was like an Onsen Buffet and was rather fun trying out the many Hot Spring water pools with different types of minerals and temperature. Do consider Onsen Hotels for the experience.

What I like:

  • Onsen!
  • Halfboard – Kaiseki dinner

What I don’t like:

  • Sleeping on Japanese style futon beds (bad for backs)
  • Food smell when they serve meals in room
  • The crowd as they are usually big hotels

Payment: When you’re checking out

Next: Minshuku/Pensions / Holiday Homes / Guest Houses

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