in.Japan accommodation

TokyoHakubaKoyasanKobeBeppu

YakushimaNahaIrimote JimaIshigaki JimaFukuoka

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ContentsTokyoHilton Hotel Shinjuku 1-2

HakubaLa Neige Higashi-Kan 3-4

KoyasanEkoin 5-6

KobeHotel 123 Kobe 7-8

Sunflower Ferry Osaka-Beppu 9-10

BeppuRyokan Kappo Sekiya 11-12Yanigiya 13-14Ryokan Sennari 15-16

YakushimaGreen Hotel 17-18

NahaKariyushi LCH 19-20

Irimote JimaPension Hoshinosuna 21-22

IshagakiANA Intercontinental 23-24

FukuokaHotel Blossom 25-26

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Accommodation in JapanJapan has an interesting variety of accommodation to choose from. Depending on budget and personal tastes, there are a number of options available.

RyokanA ryokan is the traditional style lodgings associated with Japan and an experience worth seeking for anyone who wants to gain some insight into Japanese traditions and culture this style of accommodation offers. Ryokans are located throughout Japan and operate a little differently to hotels and other types of lodgings.

Guests are greeted at the entrance and shoes are removed. A host will usually offer the guest a beverage (usually green tea) at check in before they are shown to their rooms. Some ryokans have traditional tatami bedding which is a thin mattress on the floor this can take some getting used to, but is not as uncomfortable as it sounds. Other ryokan have a combination of western and Japanese dcor with western beds and Japanese furnishings.

Tatami bedding is taken away by the host during the day. Most rooms are equipped with a low table in the main area and a small indoor veranda with glass table and chairs (often accompanied by a lovely view of a garden). Meals are usually included in the price and multiple courses of high quality Japanese cuisine -often using local produce- are served each evening at a specific time.

Traditional ryokans serve meals in guest rooms, however there are variations to this theme and some ryokan serve meals in a communal dining area. Ryokans often have communal onsen (hot springs) attached which are open to guests at specific times, some offer a private onsen located in guest rooms. Its a homely atmosphere and guests are encouraged to wear their yukata robe (provided by the accommodation) around the ryokan.

There are many variations of this particular style of accommodation and a little research will help in order to establish which type of accommodation suits the individuals requirements.

ShukuboSimilar to a ryokan in relation to traditional dcor, the Shukubo is Buddhist temple accommodation and there are a few to choose from in specific areas of the country. An interesting cultural experience, these temples serve vegetarian meals called Shyori Rojin. Some Shukubos offer meditation and other Buddhist practices for guests to take part in.

Pensions and MinishukuPensions and Minishuku are more informal than hotels and are great for budget travellers. Quality varies and some research will help to ascertain which pension or minishuku is suitable.

Hotels and HostelsHotels and hostels function in Japan the same way as any other country. Some offer a combination of Japanese and western rooms, others focus on one or the other. Again there are variations and some accommodation concepts are specifically associated with Japan, for example the capsule hotel and business hotel - both of which are geared towards solo travellers and the love hotel which provides accommodation for couples who require a quick stop for an amorous moment!!!

The reviews are written from the perspective of a solo traveller. Japan caters for single travellers and most accommodation doesnt usually require a single supplement. Booking a ryokan can be a little challenging for a solo traveller, but some research makes finding accommodation possible.

Some of the accommodation listed include meals and this represented good value for money in most cases. This was also useful in areas which were more remote. I stayed in different accommodation in relation to star rating and type. The ratings given in the reviews are not star ratings. The ticks are based on how well the accommodation functions at the level it advertises itself. For example, accommodation which comes under the 2 star universal rating system may receive 4 ticks as it operates well in its category (and vice versa). Location has also been taken into consideration as some areas in Japan are considerably more expensive than others. A price comparison has been made to similar accommodation in the area each hotel is located. For example, when considering value for money as a factor, hotels in Tokyo have not been compared to hotels in other areas with the same star rating (which are often considerably cheaper). The hotel ratings take the following into consideration;

Value for Money (Taking into account the star rating at which the hotel advertises itself, half board options and area) Location (Proximity to public transport) Service (including facilities and staff) Room (Comfort, cleanliness and amenities)

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The Hilton Hotel Shinjuku

The Hilton Hotel Shinjuku

The Hilton brand has been associated with luxury and opulence for years and from the moment you step into the main lobby, its clear that this hotel still exudes class. Soft lighting, brushed golds and strategically placed furnishing are reminders of the high standards associated with this hotel chain.

The Hilton also caters for mid range budgets. The rooms in this range are functional, so whilst they may not be as plush as other hotels which have a lower star rating, the Hilton experience more than makes up for the basic accommodation.

Top notch customer service from the moment of arrival until departure and staff who went above and beyond what was expected made the experience noteworthy.

The only slight disappointment was the spartan (and expensive) room service menu. A better choice of Japanese cuisine would have been expected.

(Rating out of 5)

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Hotel Neige Higashi-Kan

This special hotel set within the snowy mountainous peaks of Hakuba is stunning. Real log fires, jacuzzi baths, beautifully designed lounges and a restaurant grill area all add to the warm atmosphere in this hotel.

Set within walking distance from the nearest slopes (for avid skiers), if you can afford it (and it is value for money considering its 5 star accommodation), this is the place for you.

The rooms are simple yet effectively designed. Reminiscent of a country house theres oodles of space and walking into the room is like entering a warm and cosy home.

Upon entering the room, guests are greeted with a small hallway leading to a huge bathroom with jacuzzi facing a window opposite a snowy landscape adding to that feeling of luxury. Imagine gazing out the window whilst relaxing in a Jacuzzi bath after a day on the slopes.. bliss

The scenery surrounding the hotel is gorgeous. Snow covered mountains lined with evergreens trees and icicles dripping from rooftops surround the grounds. This hotel is a snowy winter wonderland with a Christmas feel.

Restaurant prices at this hotel are reasonable (considering the style of accommodation). The option to book time on the slopes and rent equipment through the hotel -which is paid for at check out- is convenient and saves time scouring the internet or brochures. (Especially useful for first time skiers or snow boarders.)

Hotel staff in Japan are renowned for being especially gracious, helpful and accommodating, but there was something a little extra about the staff here that I couldnt quite put my finger on. If there was a school of training for gracious and subtle hosts, the staff at Hotel Neige would have got top marks.

Free coffee, tea and quality refreshments are available for guests in the lounge area.

(Rating out of 5)

La Neige Higashi-Kan

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Ekoin EkoinSet within the mountainous region of Koyasan, Ekoin is one of the 52 temples in the area offering accommodation for seekers, pilgrims and weary travellers.

The temple itself is lovely. Upon entering the building, visitors step on to gleaming wooden floors. Golds and deep reds set the ambience in the meditation room, Buddhist art adorns the walls throughout the lodgings and the grounds of the Shukubo are simply an invitation to explore.

The vegetarian food served here is tasty and interesting for a western palette unaccustomed to this kind of cuisine (and surprisingly filling) and meals are also served in guest rooms. (If it rains, food is served in a communal dining area due to the location of the kitchen)

Invitations to attend the afternoon meditation session and morning fire ritual is completely optional (but why not go along to observe even if you are not a practising Buddhist.)

Its a welcoming environment and the monks here are just lovely. Down to earth, honest and interesting, they live a life dedicated to Buddhism. A great source of information, they can tell you a little about the area and can point you in the right direction should you decide to take a pilgrims walk through the forest or explore the town and temples.

The room with private bath is nice and has a stunning view of a rock garden.

(Rating out of 5)

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Hotel 123 Kobe

Hotel 123

This budget accommodation in the heart of Kobe has all the basic amenities you would expect for a hotel of this type.

Near public transportationClean Friendly staff

Hotel 123 works well in the budget accommodation category, definitively catering for the budget traveller.

Theres a lounge with a microwave, (great for saving money if you are on a tight budget and warming a bento box from a nearby delhi works for you). Manga comics are are on hand to browse in the lounge area and free tea and coffee is available everyday. With prices at just over 30 per night, (including a basic breakfast) can anyone complain? Not really.

(Rating out of 5)

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Hotel

Sunflower Ferry - Osaka to Beppu

Sunflower Ferries

Sunflower Ferries offer a number of overnight crossings with different accommodation types for customers to choose. From communal tatami matted bedding, to bunk beds in private rooms and deluxe rooms with single beds.

The deluxe -which could be described as standard- on the Osaka to Beppu route was fairly basic, the only positive was that it offered some privacy. The Kobe to Oita route accommodation would appear to be the more deluxe option.

The whole set up had a bit of a production line feel to it. (Guests were unceremoniously ushered on and off board and the restaurant only had a buffet style menu to choose from).

Value for money? The communal type bedding arrangements for this particular route (its about 50 less), may be the better option although the buffet style restaurant was reasonable eat as much as you like for about 10.

It was an interesting experience as far as overnight crossings go, but bog standard.

(Rating out of 5)

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Ryokan Kappo Sekiya

Ryokan Kappo Sekiya

Close to Beppu station, this ryokan was a little difficult to find due to a lack of English Signage. No big deal, but worth noting if you cant read Kanji.

Greeted by a friendly host who allowed a slightly earlier check in at no extra cost - this ryokan is cosy. Set on 4 floors there are a mix of Japanese and western rooms.(Note -the Japanese rooms are the only ones available with sea view).

Parts of the ryokan do look a little tired and worn, (the carpet and walls are in need of a bit of love outside of the rooms), however the room itself was fine. The Western style room -though a little on the dark side- was pleasant enough and had a unique ambience, in part due to the rather expensive looking bed linen.

The food served in this ryokan is simply divine. Bungo (mountain) food served in guest rooms is an absolute treat. Course upon course of visually appealing and appetising morsels just kept coming. Wonderful after a day visiting different onsen.

The food will draw people to this ryokan and the reasonable price.

(Rating out of 5)

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YanigiyaYanigiya

Tucked away in a small side street, Yanigiya is a haven full of delights. If you require a little R&R without being too far away from it all, this is the place to come.

The concept revolves around a Japanese/Italian fusion reflected in the hotels design as well as the food.

From the stone cobbled courtyard with bamboo screens and a Jigoku Mushi (Hell steam) stove, to the adjoining cake shop snugly nestled in a path beside the hotel. (Reminiscent of a small Italian back street). The dcor is a continual dual cultural integration.

Upon arrival guests are seated at a beautiful large mahogany dining table, poured a cup of Barley tea and presented with a choice of Yukata robes. Moving further on into the hotel, guests find themselves immersed in traditional Japanese style in the rest area complete with cushions and low tables.

The superior twin room has a traditional feel with western style highlightscomplimenting the ambience. Japanese screens, western beds, low tables and cushions fill a large airy space all put together beautifully. The serene location and the enveloping Beppu mists give this place a very strange otherworldly feel that is doubtful could be experienced anywhere other than here.

The food fusion works well and every dish is an interesting spin of 2 cultural combinations subtly blended.

The only slight downside worth mentioning was that staff appeared to be very busy and explanations about where everything was located felt a little rushed. If happy to explore the grounds independently and ask questions as and when required this should not impede upon anyones stay here.

2 days wasnt enough. Value for money absolutely.

(Rating out of 5)

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Ryokan SennariHotel

Ryokan SennariRyokan Sennari

Dark wood greets the visitor as they step up onto the stairs of this ryokan and any guest would feel that they have stepped back in time to the old traditions.

The design of this ryokan gives an initial impression of class and tradition, but it is not a traditional Ryokan. The service was gracious and the staff were helpful, (lovely actually) however, considering the price of this accommodation- if you are expecting a true traditional ryokan experience, this may not be the accommodation you are looking for.

The food at this accommodation was pleasant and well presented (served in the dining room and not in guest rooms as would be expected with a traditional service). The Japanese garden surrounding the accommodation is lovely, well maintained and wonderful to gaze at.

This ryokan (like most in the area) also comes with its own onsen (3) and a slightly different system. Bathing is private rather than the usual communal onsen experience and guests simply turn the sign to occupied and lock the door to inform other guests that the onsen is in use. A nice idea, however guests who may not be aware of onsen etiquette should be informed of the rules (no soap in the bath please!).

Ideally situated 5 minutes walk from Beppu Station, it is conveniently located.

(Note that booking this ryokan can be difficult for solo travellers and bookings should be made months in advance)

(Rating out of 5)

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Yakushima Green Hotel

Yakushima Green Hotel

Located in Anbo, -one of Yakushimas small towns- the Green Hotel is a pleasant accommodation choice on this island.

The rooms for solo travellers -though on the small side and fairly basic- were pleasant enough and the location of the hotel is ideal.

The hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds landscaped with subtropical foliage. A beach sits a little further beyond the main building and can be seen from the entrance of the hotel. Some of the rooms also offer a sea view.

Communal baths are available (though not hotspring water) and there are therapeutic treatments on-site for guests who require some pampering. Staff are friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable about the local area.

The restaurant at this hotel serves the most wonderful creative dishes and catering staff provided explanations in English of what was served each day (A very nice touch). Meals were always a treat to come back to after a day of exploration on the island.

(Rating out of 5)

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Kariyushi LCH Kariyushi Izumizaki Kencho Mae LCHThis hotel located in Naha is 5 minutes walk from the nearest monorail station and 20 minutes train ride from the airport. Its a fun budget choice for people who want to be based in the central part of town.

The room arrangements are a little different to the norm with a sleeping area at the top and everything else situated beneath the bedding area.

Accommodation is purchased in advance via a ticket machine, however there are friendly staff on hand to help with the purchasing. The 7/11 store attached to this hotel is handy for purchasing a quick breakfast or any amenities required for the duration of stay. A restaurant is also available.

The hotel also caters for travellers with disabilities and a disabled room on the ground floor with a different layout was available. A few minutes walk from Kokusai Dori , its central, excellent value for money and comfortable.

(Rating out of 5)

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Pension Hoshinosuna

Pension Hoshinosuna

Located on Hozisuna beach, this pension offers accommodation 10 minutes drive from the port. The hotel is near bus stops and a local shop, however there is not much else within walking distance, so be prepared to hire some form of transportation or jump on the local buses.

The hotel itself has the look and feel of a motel from the outside, however the rooms are large, clean and come with stunning sea views.

The food at this hotel is basic ( It reminded me of school dinners Japanese style) however the location of this accommodation makes up for the lack in quality food and dining al fresco on the veranda watching the sunset on the beach makes up for the lower standard of Japanese cuisine.

Staff are helpful and offer free pick ups from the port. Transportation is also offered free of charge to some of the tours in the area at scheduled times each day.

(Rating out of 5)

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ANA Intercontinental - Ishagaki

The ANA Intercontinental is conveniently located. Near Ishigaki airport, this hotel has everything that you would expect in this category of accommodation. Two restaurants, a golf course, outdoor pool, a sea salt indoor pool, gym, spa, beach and a chapel.

The rooms are large and well equipped with views of the sea from a distance. Staff were helpful, friendly and provided a top class service.

The adjoining beach offers a number of activities for guests, from snorkelling to glass boat tours so visitors dont have to travel too far from the hotel to enjoy some of the activities the island has to offer.

The restaurant prices were surprisingly reasonable for this standard of accommodation (although breakfast was a little on the expensive side) and catering staff were flexible in regards to changing items on the menu to suit customer requirements.

The building housing the indoor pool has seen better days, but overall the hotel is beautifully presented as would be expected for the price.

Note Solo travellers are charged for a double room which dependent on budgets may not be worthwhile, however this hotel represents good value for money with 2 people sharing.

(Rating out of 5)

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ANA Intercontinental Ishigaki

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Hotel Blossom Fukuoka

Entering the lobby at Hotel Blossom, one gets a sense of refinement. This hotel exudes a certain air and grace reflected in the dcor. Soft lighting, and a small front desk gives this hotel a very intimate feel.

Located within walking distance of Hakata station, its convenient. The rooms are reasonably sized (if not a little on the dark side), and beds were larger than average and comfortable.

The staff at this hotel are reserved, but friendly enough and helpful.

The attached restaurant serves reasonably priced meals and breakfast vouchers can be purchased at the hotels front desk which represented good value for money.

Its worth noting that hotel policy requires full payment at the beginning of guests stay.

(Rating out of 5)

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Hotel Blossom Fukuoka

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2Pikachu at the piano! ANA Intercontinental Hotel