Japan: Hotels

In Japan, hotels can be divided into four basic categories.

First, there is the Ryokan which literally means "Traveler's Inn". If you want to experience traditional Japan, then a night in one these is perfect for just that. Most rooms are Japanese Style, where you sleep on a futon on the tatami mat floor. They are equipped with a large hot spring bath which guests can use freely!

Japan Ryokan 

A smaller version of a Ryokan is the Minshuku (meaning “Peoples Accommodations.”) These are family run guest houses with a warm, homely atmosphere. The rooms are smaller than a Ryokan, but many make up for this in the wonderful homemade food that they serve.

Japan Minshuku

There are also city hotels and business hotels. City hotels are generally very luxurious and there are many world-famous chain hotels and long established Japanese hotels which offer excellent foreign language services. These large-scale hotels are located around train stations and in resort areas.

City Hotel

Business hotels are reasonably cheaper and have been used by workers on business trips, however recently they have begun offering an outstanding and hospitable service aimed at tourists. You may also be familiar with “Capsule” hotels ; small cubby-like rooms available for business-men on the go. If claustrophobia is not an issue, then these accommodations may be just the fit!

Capsule hotel