How to Book Hotels in Japan (and Save Big): Insider Guide to Agoda vs Expedia, Ryokan Tips & More

Why Are So Many People Obsessed With Traveling to Japan Right Now?

It feels like a wave—suddenly every travel forum, TikTok, and even dinner conversations are lit up about Japan.

But why is this? Is it the return of sakura season crowds, the anime-fueled hype, or something deeper?

For me, after guiding thousands of English-speaking travelers through secret mountain onsens and neon-lit Tokyo alleys for over a decade, I see how Japan delivers an overload of contrasts that never gets old.

Imagine: ancient shrines nestled under bullet-train wires, vending machines with Michelin-level ice cream, and people greeting you with the same formal “Irasshaimase!” whether you’re in a 300-year-old ryokan or a pop-up izakaya.

Planning your own Japan adventure seems daunting, of course. Every year, I see even experienced travelers making the same avoidable mistakes with money, etiquette, or just bookings gone wrong.

This guide is crafted for YOU—the thoughtful first-time (or return) visitor who wants more than “superficial tips.”

Let’s dive into the most essential FAQs I get from my clients, plus some trial-by-error wisdom and up-to-the-minute booking strategies that will save you serious yen…and possibly save your whole trip.

 

What’s the Best Way to Book Accommodation in Japan—And Why Are Agoda and Expedia Top Picks?

This is the question I’ve heard more than any other since 2023, and it’s only becoming sharper as hotel prices swing wildly week-to-week.

Frankly, the answer depends on what matters most: price, cultural experience, or flexibility.

The single biggest insight after 1.5 years testing every major hotel site—while working directly with dozens of ryokan owners in Kyoto and Sapporo—is this: Agoda and Expedia are, hands-down, the two most reliable platforms for English-speaking travelers to Japan.

Why?

Agoda’s tech-driven approach, honed for Asian markets, means that you’ll frequently see rooms for 20–42% less than Booking.com or even direct hotel websites. Real-time price drops and instant cancellation are the default. Customer support is fast (and genuinely helpful) in English, which Japanese-only sites largely lack.

Expedia, by contrast, shines for its breadth. If you want airline+hotel combos, reliable package pricing, and a colossal inventory—especially in cities like Osaka, Tokyo, or Sapporo—this is your go-to. Their loyalty system sometimes outpaces competitors for multi-trip visitors.

As a local guide, when I book luxury ryokan for VIPs, I almost always begin with Agoda for its hidden deals and refined filters. But with complicated itineraries (like overnight in Hakone, plus a day-trip to Kanazawa), Expedia’s search logic saves hours.

For anyone serious about maximizing value: check both platforms before locking in your room.

Pro Tip: Agoda regularly features last-minute deals where high-end properties slash prices if booked in the last 36–72 hours. It’s seriously a game-changer for flexible travelers.

Also, both Agoda and Expedia offer "Book now, pay later" and generous free cancellation windows—indispensable if your plans change (which, trust me, happens more often than you think in Japan!).

Ready to compare? Browse top Japan hotel deals on Agoda or look for bundled savings with Expedia’s package offers here.

 

Do I Need to Tip in Japan?

The short answer: No, tipping is neither required nor expected anywhere in Japan.

If you leave extra coins on the table after a meal, your server may actually run after you to return them.

From taxi drivers to high-end hotel staff—even in ultra-luxury ryokan—tips are not part of the culture.

The only (very rare) exceptions: If you absolutely wish to recognize outstanding service at a ryokan, putting crisp cash in a decorative envelope (not loose bills!) and discretely presenting it at check-in is the traditional, face-saving way. But honestly: I have seen even experienced guides get politely refused.

Instead, focus on using “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you very much!) and a respectful bow. Gratitude is expressed in words and demeanor, not in money. This will be noticed and genuinely appreciated more than any tip.

 

How Do I Use Trains, IC Cards (Suica, PASMO), and Navigate Japanese Public Transport?

Let’s clear the fog—Japan’s rail system is rightly famous as the world’s best, but it can intimidate even experienced travelers.

IC Cards like Suica (Tokyo region), PASMO (Tokyo/major cities), ICOCA (Kansai), and others function like rechargeable stored-value cards for nearly all trains, subways, buses, and even some taxis and vending machines.

How to get one? Visit any major train station (look for English “IC Card” signage), pay a refundable deposit (usually 500 yen), and load with cash or card. Touch the card to gates to enter/exit—no need to fumble for paper tickets every ride.

You can top-up at multilingual machines or convenience stores.

Pro hack: These cards are now cross-compatible, meaning a Suica bought in Tokyo works in Osaka and Kyoto—one less thing to worry about as you crisscross the country.

What about the famed Shinkansen (bullet train)? For this, you might want to consider a Japan Rail Pass (available in 7, 14, and 21-day increments). But: New 2024 pricing means it only pays off if you plan at least 3–4 intercity trips. Many travelers over-buy this pass, so check your itinerary first using tools like “Navitime” or “JR East English Timetable.”

Last odd tip: If you’re flying into Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita, you can now buy digital Suica cards using Apple Pay (iPhone) or Google Pay—even before arrival. This often impresses Japanese commuters who had no clue foreigners could beat them at their own game!

 

What’s Different About Staying in a Japanese Ryokan?

Staying in a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn—is much more than just booking a bed. It’s an immersive, almost ritualized cultural experience unlike any modern hotel stay.

Here’s what you should know before clicking “Reserve”:

1. Shoes Off! You’ll need to remove shoes at the entrance. Some ryokan provide separate guest slippers, others just keep things barefoot and squeaky clean. Always be attentive to these unspoken “invisible rules.”

2. Tatami Mats & Futon Beds. Most ryokan rooms have woven straw mats and futon mattresses laid out at dusk by staff (not in advance). Yes, on the floor—but as someone who’s spent countless wintry nights in Hokkaido and steamy ones in Okinawa, it’s surprisingly comfortable (especially after soaking in the onsen).

3. Kaiseki Meals. Dinner often means a multi-course feast of local, seasonal specialties, eaten at precisely-timed seatings. Dietary needs? Notify your ryokan via Agoda or Expedia at booking—language can be a barrier, so use the “Request” form online. Vegan/vegetarian options vary wildly: call ahead.

4. Onsen Etiquette. Communal bathhouses have strict rules: wash thoroughly before entering, no swimsuits, tattoos (sometimes) not allowed, and absolute tranquility. If you have visible ink, email the property using Agoda’s English support—some will permit private baths or provide cover-up stickers.

Above all, ryokan staff pride themselves on genuine “omotenashi”—the art of hospitality. Treat it as you would an invitation to someone’s home.

I’ve had guests who checked into little-known places outside Matsumoto and left glowing with happiness just from a morning walk around the garden and one delicious onsen egg!

Want the widest range of ryokan at every price point? Agoda’s Japan ryokan inventory is almost always the most updated—and the filters are life-saving if you need vegan, tattoo OK, or child-friendly options.

 

Is It Really Necessary to Book Hotels Months Ahead in Japan?

Short answer: Unlike Europe (where you can often play it by ear), Japan strongly rewards advanced planning, especially in peak seasons.

Spring (late March–April cherry blossom), Golden Week (end of April–early May), and fall foliage (October–November) see prices double or triple, and the best places—especially authentic ryokan—can book out 6–8 months ahead.

For more flexible or off-season travelers, daring last-minute bookings via Agoda routinely turn up incredible value—just don’t count on those gems if you’re picky about location or require multi-night stays in rural or hot-spring towns. This is a lesson clients have learned the hard way in places like Hakone or Shirakawa-go!

On the flip side, major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka) are more forgiving. Expedia and Agoda both track flash sales—use their “price alert” and “free cancellation” features so you can lock in deals without being trapped if your plans change. This is something Booking.com rarely matches on Japanese inventory quality or responsiveness.

A key mistake: relying on Rakuten Travel as a foreigner. Despite being Japan’s biggest booking site for locals, its English interface is limited and customer service responses in English are often delayed.

Stick with Agoda or Expedia for smoother experiences—most properties also have “no prepayment” and instant rebooking options indispensable for dreamy, ever-changing itineraries.

 

How Can I Avoid Common Cultural Mistakes and Connect Deeper With Japanese People?

You’ve read the guidebooks, sure. Yet here are the five things most travelers don’t expect—and that genuinely transform first impressions:

1. Silence is Golden. In trains, elevators, and even elevators packed with people, speaking loudly is seen as inconsiderate. Whisper, or better yet—listen. The calm can be contagious.

2. Bow, Don't Shake. Handshakes are fine in business, but otherwise, a quick bow—just a nod of the head—communicates thanks and respect more than you can imagine. Try it in shops and see the reactions!

3. Handing Cash or Cards. Use the small tray placed near every register. Passing money directly hand-to-hand is sometimes seen as too direct.

4. Shoes vs. Slippers Maze. Always check for the “Genkan” (sunken entrance step) in restaurants, homes, ryokan, or some traditional shops. If you see slippers laid out—swap your shoes, and never forget to remove slippers before stepping on tatami!

5. "No" is Rarely Said Directly. If someone says “That may be difficult…” or hesitates, it's often a polite no. Adapt in kind by sidestepping confrontation rather than insisting.

My own breakthrough: spending months in rural Yamagata, I found things often worked out best when I simply observed and copied what locals did—"reading the air" is real!

 

Are There Unique Stays or Surprising Lodging Options Beyond Standard Hotels?

Absolutely! Japanese accommodation is mind-bogglingly diverse.

Apart from ryokan, consider:

Capsule Hotels. Surprisingly comfortable for solo travelers, cost-conscious visitors, or last-minute emergencies (like missing your train after midnight in Shibuya!). Try “nine hours” or “FIRST CABIN” chains for futuristic pods with luxury touches.

Minpaku (private home-stays, now Airbnb-style): Regulations are strict but growing; expect some unique “machiya” (townhouse) rentals, especially in Kyoto and Kanazawa. Check Expedia’s filter “Vacation Rentals” for English support.

Temple Stays. For spiritual seekers, spots like Koyasan or Nikko offer overnight “shukubo” lodging—shared tatami rooms, Buddhist vegetarian meals, and (optional) pre-dawn meditation or chanting with monks. Reserve WELL ahead.

Love Hotels. For a fun, linguistically adventurous night, “rabu ho” offer super-clean, themed rooms often at lower prices than business hotels. Try booking via Agoda’s discreet category listings.

Even after hundreds of trips, I’m still stumbling on small “designer inns” run by artists or repurposed folk homes in remote valleys. Don’t be afraid to filter for “specialty lodging” on Agoda—you’ll be amazed.

 

Is Rakuten Travel a Good Choice for Foreigners? Why Not?

This is one of the most misunderstood points—even among seasoned travelers!

Rakuten Travel is the largest site used by Japanese citizens, brimming with exclusive ryokan and special deals…but the English site is a watered-down version and notoriously difficult to navigate.

I’ve personally tested Rakuten Travel on behalf of guests from Canada, Australia, and the UK—results are mixed. Main complaints:

- Many properties offer less availability and higher prices on the English version.

- Customer service replies to emails are slow, sometimes only in Japanese.

- Most bonus point systems are only usable in Japan or in-person via the Rakuten ecosystem (Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Mobile, etc.).

Instead, stick with Agoda for unbeatable English support and frequent discounts, or Expedia for full package travel in one unified system.

Exceptions? If you’re already fluent in Japanese or aiming for super-niche, rural stays, give Rakuten a shot—but otherwise, I’d avoid it for most English-speaking visitors.

 

What’s the One Booking Mistake That Costs Foreigners Most in Japan?

Every year, I see travelers shell out double the necessary price—especially “golden week” (May), summer fireworks season, or New Year’s.

But the #1 mistake: Over-reliance on one booking site—especially Booking.com or directly with hotels (which often don’t process non-Japanese cards smoothly).

Diversify your search. For my most discerning clients, I always open a private “price battle” between Agoda and Expedia. At least one will feature a flash sale, geo-targeted coupon, or unpublished deal unique to foreigners.

Also, always—ALWAYS—read the positive and negative guest reviews in English AND in Japanese via Chrome translate. Japanese reviewers are often stricter about noise, cleanliness, or distancing from stations—important issues for those not used to Tokyo’s sprawl or the countryside’s quiet evenings.

If you use Agoda’s “Secret Deal” filter and pair it with a desktop Google Maps search (zooming in on proximity to stations and attractions), you can save both money and travel time, which sometimes trumps a small “points reward.”

Want to give it a try? Agoda’s secret deals for Japan are updated hourly.

 

How Should I Choose Between Agoda and Expedia for My Japan Trip?

Let’s put them head to head—here’s how I perspective as an on-the-ground guide and frequent booker (even for my own family!):

Agoda – Best for price hunters, wide range, and ultimate flexibility.

- Lowest prices 70% of the time (in my real-world testing). - Often more options for “No prepayment” and free cancellation than Booking.com. - Excellent with Asia-centric properties, hidden gems, and “locals only” deals.

- 24/7 robust English support—crucial if you need to cancel or modify last-minute.

- Real-time price drop alerts app (surprisingly accurate!)

- Frequent partner with Japan’s best luxury and onsen hotels.

Expedia – Best for broad selection, air+hotel packages, and mainstream convenience.

- Listings for nearly all Western chains, national hotels, plus boutique and family-focused accommodations.

- Clear package pricing for flights + hotels = visualization of exact savings, rare on other sites.

- Effective for cross-country trips where you want to bundle multiple legs.

- Rewards program sometimes equals a free night every 10–20 bookings (if you travel a lot!).

- “VIP” perks at select properties for loyalty members.

Bottom line: Check Agoda if you want a Japan-specific deal, last-minute flexibility, or more boutique/local options. Use Expedia if your needs are more complex (multi-leg, flight bundles) or if you prioritize a big, mainstream inventory and loyalty perks.

To compare both instantly, click here: Agoda’s Japan hotels and Expedia booking page.

 

Is There Anything I Should Absolutely Try—Or Avoid—For a First Japan Trip?

Must-try: Onsen baths (even if only a quick footbath at a mountain temple), konbini (convenience store) food tours, neighborhood izakaya for after-dark snacks, and an early morning stroll through a city park or shrine.

Surprise bonus: try staying in a machiya townhouse in Kyoto or Kanazawa—search “vacation rental” on Agoda or Expedia for listings.

Unexpected delight: department store food halls (“depachika”) at noon; even if you buy nothing, it's a spectacle.

Things to skip (maybe): crowded ramen chains in tourist zones, robot restaurants, and overbooked group tours unless you crave the comfort.

Instead? Seek local experiences—join a tea ceremony, rent a kimono for a walk, or try a farm stay.

Your trip will be richer for it, and the Japanese hosts will remember your smile and questions long after you depart.

 

Final Thoughts: Power-Plan Your Japan Trip for an Authentic, Rewarding Journey

If you take away just one thing: Start with intentional research, book in advance (but use “free cancellation” features!), and always, always approach every encounter—with a train conductor, a ramen cook, or a ryokan owner—with humility and curiosity.

Japan rewards those who are curious, patient, and open to layers of newness. The payoff is not just in the iconic sights, but the invisible ways you’re welcomed, taught, or sometimes gently baffled by daily life here.

With insider-tested tips, the right booking tools, and a spirit of wide-eyed adventure, your journey can become a legend in your own storybook.

Ready to make your plans? Adventure (and delicious surprises) await—start with Agoda or Expedia for a smooth, confidence-boosting start.

See you in Japan!