Ryokan
Ryokan are authentic old-style Japanese hotels and inns where long-held traditions are still observed. Staying in a Ryokan offers foreign visitors a wonderful opportunity to taste the true flavour of traditional Japanese life, including Japanese-style bathing, traditional clothing, futon bedding and authentic cuisine. Ryokan are characterised by a high quality of service, including a personal maid in many establishments. Rates vary from deluxe to budget options. Over 2,000 Ryokan across Japan are registered members of the Japan Ryokan Association.
Contact your nearest JNTO Office for a copy of the Japan Ryokan Guide.
Minshuku
Minshuku are family run businesses where guestrooms are rented out in family homes. They are moderately priced lodgings, often located in popular resort areas. Minshuku do not offer the same level of service and facilities as hotels or Ryokan but guests are able to enjoy a warm family environment and home-style cooking. Minshuku accommodation is generally priced at between ¥6,000 and ¥8,000 per person, per night (including two meals).*
Kokumin Shukusha (People's Lodges)
Kokumin Shukusha offer moderately priced accommodation within National Parks and other areas of scenic beauty throughout Japan. The accommodation is simple and guestroom, bath and toilet facilities are Japanese style. Private rooms are commonly available but facilities are often shared. Accommodation in Peoples Lodges usually costs less than ¥6,000 per person, per night (room only) and ¥8,000 per person per night (including two meals)*
Home Stay
Living with a Japanese host family is fabulous way to experience daily Japanese life and culture. The Experiment in International Living (EIL-Japan) is a non-profit organisation that can arrange home-stays in Japan for individuals or groups, for a period of one to four weeks.
Visit the EIL web site for further information about home-stay in Japan.
PLEASE NOTE: EIL stress that their home stays are a cross-cultural experience for those with a genuine desire to learn about Japanese culture and not a tour, travel programme or an alternative to hotel lodgings.
Shukubo (Temple Lodging)
There are many Temples throughout Japan offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about their religion by experiencing temple life first hand. Each Temple has different expectations of its guests. Some require visitors to rise early with the monks for morning chanting or to help with temple chores, whilst others leave guests to decide how involved they wish to become in temple life. It is best to confirm these details when making a reservation. Temple facilities are generally very simple, however many have constructed special facilities to accommodate visitors. Rates for Shukubo accommodation vary but prices generally start at around ¥4,000 per person per night.*
Contact your nearest JNTO Office for a list of Shukubo.
Useful Links
Search the Accommodation Database on our Tokyo Head Office Website
* Prices are estimates only