Where to Stay in Japan - A First Time's Guide to Plan Your Base

Planning a trip to Japan and feeling overwhelmed by where to even start with accommodation? Don't book anything until you've read this.

We'll help you decide which cities to visit first and how to choose the perfect neighborhood in each, tailored to your travel style, and give you useful tips on accommodation in Japan.

Where to Stay in Japan for First-Time Visitors

For your first trip to Japan, we recommend basing yourself in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the country's most iconic cities. From these places, you can easily take day trips to places like Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Nara etc.

These cities also make up the Golden Triangle route, which connects Tokyo to Osaka (or vice versa), making it easy for travelers to get around.

If you have about 7-10 days, focus on Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Day trips are quick and convenient from these cities.

If you have a 2-week itinerary, venture into Japan's countryside, such as Nagano and Takayama.

Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Stay in Shinjuku for your first visit. It's the city's bustling tourist center, and also a transportation hub to explore Tokyo and the surrounding areas - a great base if you also want to take a day trip to the Mt Fuji areas and Hakone.

For a family, Asakusa is a better choice for big family rooms and quiet surroundings. It is the areas filled with temples and charming streets.

If you are on a budget, Ueno is perfect. It offers affordable hotels and ryokans, plus great connections on the Yamanote Line.

You don't have to worry about the trouble of finding the perfect place to stay. As long as you're near a station on the Yamanote Line, you'll be in the right place—everything's easy to reach!

Where to Stay in Osaka

Osaka is Japan's food capital and a major gateway city. Most travelers spend a day or two here to dive into the incredible food and enjoy the vibrant street life.

For first-time visitors, Umeda is the perfect base for exploring Osaka and nearby areas like Kobe, Nara, and Himeji. It's a transportation hub with easy access to several major train lines.

If you like bustling street life, stay at Namba or Shinsaibashi. This area is packed with neon lights, lively bars, street markets, and endless food options.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Kyoto is a must-see on your first trip to Japan. It offers a deep dive into the country's traditions, from its shrines and gardens to unique experiences like geisha tea performances.

For the best experience, stay in the Kawaramachi area. It's the city center. You're also just a short walk from Kyoto's historic districts, like Gion.

Another great choice is the Kyoto Station area. It's the transportation hub, so it is easy to reach major attractions and shopping areas by subway. Hotels here are more affordable.

If you want to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan, stay in the Southern Higashiyama or Gion areas. However, keep in mind that hotels here tend to be more expensive.

Where to Stay in Mt Fuji

There are three great places to base yourself for exploring Mt. Fuji: Tokyo, Hakone, and the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes area.

Stay in Tokyo if you only want a quick visit. It's perfect for a day trip to the Five Lakes area, where you'll get amazing views of Mt. Fuji and take some great photos.

Consider Hakone if you want more than just mountain views.

Hakone is famous for its hot springs, beautiful scenery, and relaxing activities. Even if the weather's not great for Fuji views, you'll still find plenty to do.

Stay at the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes area if you want to wake up to a postcard view of the mountain. Here, you'll get stunning, uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji, especially on clear days.

Where to Stay to Explore the Japanese Alps and Countryside

The Japanese Alps are a huge area, but there are three key places to base yourself depending on what you want to do: Matsumoto, Nagano, and Yakayama.

Base in Matsumoto for Natural Alpine Tour

Matsumoto is the gateway to the western side of the Northern Alps. It's perfect if you're planning to visit Kamikochi for hiking or Tateyama Kurobe for the famous snow wall.

From here, it's easy to take day trips to these spots (just about an hour by car). Matsumoto also offers a variety of accommodations, from chain hotels to charming ryokan like Onyado Nono.

Base in Yudanaka (Nagano) for a Snow Monkey Visit

Yudanaka is a quaint onsen town about a 30-minute walk from the Snow Monkey Park. There are narrow streets lined with traditional ryokan, with old-fashioned gas lamps lighting the way at night.

Stay here to experience a classic Japanese ryokan, and enjoy a soak in one of the town's nine onsen.

Base Yourself in Yakayama to Explore Japan's Countryside

If you want to explore Japan's rural beauty, visit the Hida area near Takayama. Explore the iconic Shirakawa farmhouse village and wander through the charming old town of Takayama.

Stay in Takayama for an authentic experience. Choose from traditional ryokan like Ryokan Asunaro or modern options like Mercure Hida Takayama. For a mix of both, try Takayama Green Hotel, where some rooms feature tatami mats and futons.

Many ryokans here also offer onsen for a truly relaxing stay.

Base in Hakuba or Shiga Kogen for a Winter Ski Trip

These are the two major ski areas in the Japanese Alps: Hakuba and Shiga Kogen.

Hakuba is famous for steep slopes and a Western-style vibe, and lots of foreign instructors.

Shiga Kogen provides a more affordable option. It is a beautiful ski area with stunning nature and pristine forests. It's also closer to the Snow Monkey Park—just 15–30 minutes by car.

How to Find the Perfect Accommodation for Your Japan Trip

In Japan, you'll find two main types of accommodation: Western-style hotels and Japanese ryokans. Western-style hotels are similar to what you'd expect anywhere else. In a ryokan, you'll sleep on futon mattresses and enjoy meals prepared by your hosts.

We recommend staying at a Western hotel for most of your trip and spending one night at a ryokan for the experience.

How to Choose the Best Western-Style Hotels in Japan

For more comfortable space, stay at a four-star hotel or higher. Hotels with a lower rating may not offer enough room for your luggage.

Hotel Rooms are small (15–40 m²) in Japan, especially so in Tokyo. Rooms here are smaller than in Kyoto or Osaka at the same star rating.

Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect from star hotels:

Choose a Japanese-Style Room for More Space:

Some hotels offer Japanese-style rooms, which are larger and can accommodate 3–5 people. These rooms feature traditional decor, and you'll sleep on tatami mats for an authentic Japanese experience.

Most hotels in Japan don't have swimming pools. Some 4-star or higher hotels may offer them, but you'll likely need to pay extra, and they are often restricted to guests aged 12 and older or adults only.

Average hotel prices: $200 USD for a standard 4-star hotel.

How to Experience Japanese Ryokans (Japanese Inns)

A ryokan is more than just a place to stay; it's an immersive cultural experience. We recommend staying at least one night for the experience.

These traditional inns are usually small, with just 5–10 rooms, each accommodating 3–5 people. You'll sleep on tatami mats, surrounded by authentic and traditional decor.

During your stay, enjoy a Japanese breakfast, a kaiseki dinner (a multi-course meal), and the relaxing experience of an onsen bath.

For a luxury experience, stay at a high-end ryokan like Gora Kadan in Hakone, where you can enjoy a private hot spring bath in your room.

Treat your ryokan stay as a cultural experience. Sleeping on tatami mats and eating traditional meals might feel unfamiliar, but it's all part of the journey.

Hakone and Kyoto are two great places to experience Japanese Ryokans.

Prices: ¥30,000 to ¥40,000 (about $350–$400) per night, usually including two meals and access to the onsen. Be sure to confirm the details before booking.

Try Japanese Temple Stays for a Unique Experience

For something truly unique, you can stay at a temple—especially in places like Mount Koya. Here, you can join monks in chanting and take part in spiritual practices.

The facilities are basic: you'll sleep on futon mattresses on the floor, with shared bathrooms and chilly corridors in winter. But remember, you're here for the spiritual experience, not the luxury stay.

Keep in mind that temple stays are a bit pricey and require booking at least 6 months in advance.

Tips to Know Before Booking Your Hotel in Japan

1. Confirm the number of guests when booking

Hotels in Japan Charge Per Person. Even if two adults share a double room, the price can vary depending on whether you select "1 guest" or "2 guests." Always confirm the number of guests when booking to avoid any extra charges at check-in.

2. Choose a Non-Smoking Room

Many hotels still have smoking rooms in Japan. Make sure to book a non-smoking room to avoid being assigned a room with a lingering smell.

3. Understand the Room Types

In Japan, a "Double" room usually has a bed for two (1.4–1.6 meters wide), while a "Twin" room has two single beds (about 1–1.2 meters each). Triple or family rooms are typically Twin rooms with an extra foldable bed.

4. Plan Meals at Ryokans

If you're staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), opt for the "one-night, two meals" plan. This includes a traditional kaiseki dinner and a Japanese breakfast, a must for experiencing Japan's culinary culture, especially at onsen ryokans.

5. Know the Breakfast Options

In city hotels, breakfast is typically a mix of Western-style buffet and Japanese options like rice, miso soup, and grilled fish.

If you're in a rush, you can skip the hotel breakfast and grab something quick at convenience stores like 7-11 or Lawson, which offer tasty and affordable options.

6. Some Unique Hotels Require Special Booking

Some smaller or unique ryokans (e.g., Tsumago or Kiso Valley inns) may not be available on major booking platforms. You need to book directly through the hotel's website or with a local travel agency.

7. Choose Hotels Near Train or Subway Stations

Taxis in Japan can be expensive, so it's best to stay near a JR station or subway station to save on transport costs.

8. Check for Extra Accommodation Fees

Some hotels charge an accommodation tax not included in the initial price. In Tokyo and Osaka, it's usually 200-500 yen per person per night. Make sure to check when booking.

9. Check the Child Policy

Some hotels don't accept young children, especially in certain ryokans. Be sure to check their policy before booking.

10. Book in Advance, Especially During Peak Seasons

Spring (Sakura season, March–April), autumn (koyo season, November), Golden Week (late April–early May), and New Year's are Japan's busiest travel times. Make sure to book your hotel 3-6 months in advance to avoid sold-out rooms.

FAQs on Where to Stay in Japan

Can I base myself in major cities to explore Japan?

We understand you don't want to keep packing and unpacking! Yes, you can easily base yourself in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kanazawa.

Day trips are quick and convenient from these cities, and you'll have no problem reaching the countryside. If you travel with us, our private tours will save you time on the way.

Is it easy to book family rooms in Japan?

In bigger cities, you'll find plenty of twin and triple rooms in Western-style hotels. Rooms for four (usually with four single beds) are less common, and rooms for five or six are quite rare.

If you're traveling with a large family (more than 4 people), you might want to consider booking a self-catering apartment.

Some ryokans also offer rooms for up to 5 people, but keep in mind that staying multiple nights at a ryokan might be less comfortable for kids.

How Long in Advance Should I Book My Hotel in Japan?

The sooner, the better—about 3 to 6 months in advance.

If you're unable to confirm your plans early, try to book at least 1–2 months ahead. Popular spots like Kyoto's traditional machiya houses and top onsen ryokans (e.g., in Hakone) often get fully booked a year in advance.

Plan Your Japan Tours with Japan Highlights

Ready to plan your trip to Japan? We'll take care of everything—from hotel bookings to creating your personalized itinerary. Save yourself the hassle and let us handle the details. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable Japanese adventure!

More Essential Tips for Choosing Accommodation in Japan

• Hotels vs. Japanese Ryokans: Key Differences in the Experience
• What's the Real Experience of Staying in a Japanese Ryokan