The best accommodations Kansai

Budget & Tips

Accommodation in Tokyo starts from ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 in dormitories or single tatami rooms. All hotels accept credit cards, but this is not necessarily the case in ryokan or small inns, even though credit cards are now widely used. Don't forget to go directly to hotel websites for discount coupons and special offers.

To be booked

The Japanese have two major vacation periods, during which hotels are packed. So book well in advance, and expect higher prices.

Golden Week runs from April 28 to around May 5. It's a week during which several public holidays come and go. This is when the Japanese take the long way around.

The Obon festival between August 13 and 16 ushers in another high-season period lasting a fortnight.

What's very local

Guesthouses in Japan, like ryokan, can easily accommodate odd numbers of people. As you only need to add a futon to a room, the price of a ryokan can be cheaper than a hotel for groups or families.

For food lovers

Hotels offer two types of breakfast: Western (bread, eggs, pastries, coffee, etc.) and Japanese (rice, miso soup, Japanese-style fish or vegetables, tea). Ryokan, on the other hand, rarely have a Western option, but it's common for them to offer half-board. We recommend the latter if you're staying in a ryokan in a spa or small town where dining options are limited.