Traveling to Japan and unsure how to book accommodation? This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right type of hotel to understanding Japanese booking systems and selecting the best websites to use.
Whether you're booking a luxury ryokan, a business hotel, or a capsule pod, we've got you covered.
🗺️ Hotel Booking in Japan: What Makes It Unique?
- Room types may include meals: Many Japanese hotels and ryokan offer "plans" that bundle room, meals (dinner and/or breakfast), and extras.
- Per person vs. per room pricing: Some properties list prices per guest rather than per room.
- Different types of stays: Ryokan (traditional inns) offer unique cultural experiences unlike Western hotels.
- Tattoo restrictions: Some onsen-equipped hotels restrict guests with tattoos from public baths.
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Book a Hotel in Japan
Step 1: Choose the Right Booking Site
Use trusted platforms that are foreigner-friendly and offer good cancellation policies. We recommend:
Step 2: Search by Destination & Dates
Input the city or region, select your travel dates, and apply filters such as "Private Onsen," "Breakfast Included," or "Tattoo Friendly."
Step 3: Understand Room Types & Plans
- Look for words like "Japanese-Western Style," "With Open-Air Bath," or "Dinner Included."
- Avoid confusion by reading the cancellation policy and room inclusions carefully.
Step 4: Complete Your Booking
- Credit card payments are widely accepted.
- No prepayment options are available on most OTAs.
- Save your confirmation email or app receipt.
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking without realizing meals are included → Leads to double spending.
- Thinking price is per room when it’s per person → Huge billing surprises.
- Using Rakuten Travel without understanding Japanese plan systems.
- Assuming all hotels accept tattoos → Onsen access may be denied.
💴 Best Websites for Booking Hotels in Japan
| Booking Site | Best For | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|
| Agoda | Lowest prices | Often undercuts other sites via commission-based discounting |
| Expedia | User-friendly experience | Reliable support, good for packages |
| Rakuten Travel | Domestic listings | Deep inventory but confusing for foreigners |
📸 Example: Booking a Ryokan on Agod
Search by Destination & Dates
Select a Hotel/Ryokan
Understand Room Types & Plans
Complete Your Booking
❓ FAQ
Do I need to book hotels in advance in Japan?
Yes, especially during cherry blossom season or weekends. Ryokans and hotels in hot spring towns fill up fast.
Are Japanese hotels foreigner-friendly?
Most are, especially if booked through Agoda, Expedia, or Booking.com. However, not all staff speak English fluently.
What does "plan" mean on hotel sites?
It refers to a bundled offer — room + meals + services — unique to Japanese accommodations.
Is Agoda safe for booking in Japan?
Yes. It's part of the Expedia Group and widely used across Asia.
Best Sites
Use trusted platforms that are foreigner-friendly and offer good cancellation policies. We recommend:
