Yulia Saf 
Konnichiwa traveler, welcome to your ultimate guide on where to stay in Japan! As a lover of all things Japanese and a committed sushiholic, I’m thrilled to help you plan your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun!
I put together a list of the 10 best cities to stay in Japan (including the ones I visited) and mapped out all the essentials you’ll need (top-rated hotels by budget, getting there, attractions, etc.). So all you have to do is pick your favorite and get going!
Start your visit from Tokyo, the metropolitan capital with so much culture and attractions to keep you busy for days. Then get going to other places, but read my full list below to help you decide which ones, all based on your interest!
Before we start, a reminder to book your hotels in Japan months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak season from March to May.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
You’ll most likely start your visit from Tokyo, so here are the best hotels to book here:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Tokyo – where to stay in Japan for the first time
- 2. Kyoto – best place to stay in Japan for culture
- 3. Osaka – where to stay in Japan for families and foodies
- 4. Hakone – where to stay in Japan near Mt. Fuji
- 5. Nara – best place to stay in Japan for history buffs
- 6. Kamakura – where to stay in Japan for seekers
- 7. Naha (Okinawa) – best place to stay in Japan for island hopping
- 8. Sapporo (Hokkaido) – where to stay in Japan for outdoor adventures
- 9. Nagoya – best city in Japan for an all-around cultural experience
- 10. Fukuoka – best place to stay in Japan on a budget
- FAQs about hotels in Japan
- Final thoughts on must-stay places in Japan
This map will help you visualize all the best places to stay in Japan that I’ll talk about in this post:
- Tokyo: for first-timers
- Kyoto: for culture
- Osaka: for families + foodies
- Hakone: for the hot springs
- Nara: for history lovers
- Kamakura: near Mt. Fuji
- Naha: for island hopping
- Sapporo: for the outdoors
- Nagoya: museums and culture
- Fukuoka: on a budget
1. Tokyo – where to stay in Japan for the first time
Tokyo will steal your heart the minute you step foot out of the airport! Japan’s bustling capital is a city like no other – it’s the biggest metropolitan area on Earth, has the busiest intersection in the world, hundreds of lively markets, and the list goes on.
You’ll find many great districts to stay in Tokyo, and each of them has a unique charm! From personal experience, I recommend staying in an area close to Yamanote, a central metro line. Shinjuku is a great example! From here, you have easy access to all other areas in Tokyo.
You can check out the geisha district in Shibuya, walk along the Tokyo Ramen Street in Tokyo Station district, and visit all the cool anime stores in Akihabara!
For more fun and play, go shopping on Ameyoko Street (map), see the city from above at the Tokyo Skytree (map), and don’t miss the iconic Sushi no Midori (map) restaurant.
Tokyo hosts over 20 million tourists every year, so do yourself a favor and book your accommodation in advance. Plus, if you book earlier, you can find rooms in the coolest hotels in Tokyo, including the one with robots!
Tokyo has made the Guiness World Record for the first hotel with working robots! It’s called Henn na Hotel, and it’s located in the Ginza shopping district.
INSIDER TIP: Get a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to visit multiple cities during your stay in Japan. It also covers the ride on Japan’s fast bullet train Nozomi! If you spend most of your time in the capital, use the PASMO card for inner-city transport.
With a great location, just a few minutes’ walk from the subway station and the attractions, this hotel offers spacious rooms with a simple yet chic decor and city views. Guests have access to 8 restaurants, an indoor pool, and many on-site shops. This is without a doubt the best luxury hotel in Tokyo and beyond!
Other accommodation options in Tokyo
Featuring authentic decor, this hotel has hot springs baths, a restaurant, and family rooms
A top-rated 3-star hotel in the busy Shinjuku district, ideal for couples and families
This brand-new, cozy place makes a great home away from home in the center of Tokyo
Things to do in Tokyo
- Go on a private tour of the city’s highlights
- Admire the unique Sensō-ji (map), Tokyo’s oldest temple
- Get your fast ticket to the Digital Art Museum (must-see)
- Book a fast Tokyo Skytree tower ticket and admire the panoramic views
- Enjoy the tranquility of the Meiji Jingu shrine (map)
- Buy souvenirs on the Ameyoko Shopping Street
- Catch a sumo show with chicken hot pot
- Join a day trip to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Lake Ashi
2. Kyoto – best place to stay in Japan for culture
If you want to dive into Japanese culture, add Kyoto to your bucket list! The cultural capital of the country is one of the most incredible places you’ll ever see! The best and fastest way to get here from Tokyo is on a Nozomi bullet train. It’s only a 2-hour-15-minute ride for 450 km (279 mi), starting at US$100 one-way.
Kyoto used to be the capital and the largest city of Japan for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868. Its name literally means “capital city” in Japanese!
Think colorful age-old shrines with the recognizable red gates (Fushimi Inari Taisha, map), cypress-wood castles (Nijo, map), bamboo forests with zen gardens, and the sights of geishas walking the streets. There’s no better place to enjoy traditional Japan than Kyoto!
FUN FACT: Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines! The sheer volume has earned it the nickname of “City of Ten Thousand shrines”. Kiyomizu-dera (map) is the second most-visited temple after Fushimi Inari Taisha.
You’ll find many amazing areas to stay in Kyoto. For easier access to the train station and other neighborhoods, I recommend lodging in Downtown Kyoto. Here, you’ll find a mix of modern and old Kyoto, restaurants, and bars.
However, there are more visit-worthy places, like Southern Higashiyama, where the geishas walk the streets just like in the famous Memoirs of a Geisha blockbuster!
Wherever you stay, remember that Kyoto is best explored on foot. You can use the metro to commute from one area to another, and then walk between all the attractions!
This 5-star hotel is located within walking distance from the major attractions, has a fabulous rooftop bar with city views and a lounge with free drinks in the afternoon and evening! The rooms are spacious, have modern furniture, and can fit from 1 to 4 guests.
Other accommodation options in Kyoto
Set within walking distance from the train station, this hotel offers great rooms with mountain views
A top-rated budget stay with big rooms for Japan standards, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi
You’ll love this traditional Japanese townhouse with a bathtub in the outdoor patio
Things to do in Kyoto
- See all of Kyoto’s historical shrines on a full-day bus tour
- Go for a walk in the zen garden at Ryōan-ji (map)
- Enjoy a tea ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple
- Join a guided walking tour in the geisha district
- Admire the scenic views from the Kiyomizu-dera temple
- Get spiritual on a tour in Kyoto’s Arashiyama Park
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3. Osaka – where to stay in Japan for families and foodies
Located just a 25-minute train ride from Kyoto (from US$6 one-way), Osaka is also known as “Kitchen of Japan” and one of the best places to stay in the country for families. If any of the 2 of its highlights tick your boxes (food and family), then you should definitely visit Osaka!
Osaka, an important port city, served as Japan’s first capital in the 4th and 5th centuries. Unfortunately, it was heavily bombed during WWII and most of Old Osaka has been destroyed.
The landmark of the city, Osaka Castle (map), magically survived the bombing and is actually considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. A visit here was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan!
PRO TIP: Cherry blossom season in Osaka is at its peak in the first week of April. Plan a visit to Osaka Castle around this time for amazingly beautiful scenery!
Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan and the world’s largest aquarium, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. What more do you need to keep the kidos entertained?
Also, don’t miss the most famous tourist hotspot in Osaka, the neon-flashing-nightlife-friendly Dotonbori (map), as this is also a foodie paradise corner! Must-try dishes from Osaka include okonomiyaki pancake, tako-yaki snack, and kushi-katsu deep-fried and skewered meat and veggies!
As for where to stay in Osaka, there are many tourist-friendly areas here. I recommend Osaka Bay if you’re coming with family. However, if you don’t mind the noise and want to be closer to the center, then you can go for Umeda.
Metro, train, and bicycles are all very popular among locals. It’s easy to navigate the metro and to rent a bike (around US$2 per hour for an e-bike like Umegle-Chari), so choose your favorite!
This luxurious hotel offers the most fantastic city views and family rooms with a contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows. Indulge in all the yummy food and try all 4 restaurants on the site!
Other accommodation options in Osaka
Set near Universal Studios, this hotel has restaurants, family rooms, and shops on-site
Enjoy your stay in Japan in this modern hotel with a great location, a restaurant, and family rooms
Perfect for a family of 4, this apartment comes with a private patio, a kitchen, and even working space
Things to do in Osaka
- Explore Osaka on a guided walking tour (with hidden gems)
- Visit the beautiful Osaka Castle
- Get a Day Pass for the Universal Studios Japan
- Join a delicious ramen and gyoza cooking class in Dotonbori
- Spend a fun day at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Eat delicious street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market (map)
- Have a tea ceremony experience in Osaka
4. Hakone – where to stay in Japan near Mt. Fuji
Just a short train ride from Tokyo (86 km or 53 mi, from US$10 one-way) is one of the most unique places in Japan: beautiful Hakone! Ideal for anyone who wants to discover Japan’s natural beauty and hike around the iconic Mount Fuji, Hakone will be one of the highlights of your trip!
Made up of a few small little towns, Hakone is famous for its natural hot springs (onsen) and ryokan hotels (a type of Japanese inn). To combine the best of Mt. Fuji views and traditional ryokan experience with hot spring baths, check out our article on the best Mt. Fuji hotels with private onsen!
The area is home to many iconic places like the famous Lake Ashi (map) in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This is a lovely place where you can see Mount Fuji, the Izu Islands, and the Fuji Five Lakes, all of supreme beauty.
Hakone is also a great destination for culture enthusiasts! Here, you’ll find a giant Open-Air Museum with huge gardens filled with unique installations and sculptures and a famous Pola Museum of Art, just to name a few cultural institutions. There are many more museums and landmarks to visit in Hakone, so why not save money with a Hako Ticket!
Getting around Hakone national park is super easy despite it being spread out. You can enjoy scenic train rides, cable cars, ropeways, cruises, and you definitely won’t need a car. And don’t forget the Hakone Free Pass for discounts on all modes of transport!
This fabulous 5-star property offers a sauna, a public onsen, and delicious Asian breakfast. The rooms are modern and spacious and can fit up to 4 guests. You can choose between Western-style and Japanese-style rooms with open-air baths!
Other accommodation options in Hakone
A lovely, secluded place with an onsen, complimentary breakfast and lunch, and traditional rooms
A top-rated guest house with an open-air bath and fabulous mountain views, suitable for solo female travelers
Tucked away between the trees, this private villa has lots of space and a natural hot spring bath
Things to do in Hakone
- Walk along Lake Ashi or hop on a boat
- Enjoy the hot spring baths at Hakone Yuryo
- Visit the Open Air Museum and Pola Museum of Art
- See the iconic Hakone Shrine (map)
- Catch a sunset in the Owakudani volcanic valley (map)
- Admire the views of Mount Fuji from the Hakone Ropeway cable car (map)
5. Nara – best place to stay in Japan for history buffs
Japan has a rich past and the numerous temples, gardens, and palaces are a testimony to it. If you’re hoping to learn more about Japanese culture and history during this trip, Nara has it all!
Nara is located some 30 km (19 mi) East of Osaka, and it’s just a short train drive away (50 minutes, US$4 one-way). Nara is very different from the neighboring Osaka, though. Instead of skyscrapers, you’ll be greeted by old temples, deer parks, and museums.
Nara is a great place to explore the ancient history of Japan. It has miraculously survived the mass destruction during WWII, preserving a lot of shrines dating from as early as the 8th century.
Nara is also more tranquil than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and it’s surrounded by mountains and hills. You can enjoy long walks in nature and make some new deer friends who will be super happy to eat from your hand in the Nara Park (map)!
Most of the temples in Nara are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Visit the beautiful Todai-ji (map), housing a huge Buddha statue, and Kofuku-ji Temple (map) inside Nara Park, with deer freely roaming around both!
As for getting around, Nara is very compact and small. You can easily walk around, especially since most attractions are in or around Nara Park. Two railway stations pass through Nara (ideal if you have the Rail Pass), and there’s also a good bus network.
PRO TIP: Nara is a popular day-trip destination from Osaka and Kyoto, but I recommend staying here at least 1 night so you can explore without rushing. Much like with other places in Japan, avoid visiting during the Golden Week (from April 29 to May 5) because the accommodation prices will be much higher and there’ll be insane crowds everywhere.
A beautiful ryokan (that also receives some deer as guests) is set in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every room offers forest views and has traditional Japanese decor with tatami floors! The best place to enjoy a traditional Japanese experience like royalty!
Other accommodation options in Nara
This hotel is set near the train station and it offers family rooms with free Wi-Fi and breakfast
Guests will love this hotel with temple views, Japanese-style rooms, and a terrace
Perfect for nature lovers, this place comes with a kitchen, a garden and free parking space
Things to do in Nara
- Take a half-day walking tour of Nara’s UNESCO sites
- See the iconic Buddha statue at Tōdai-ji temple
- Learn how to make matcha tea on a tea ceremony
- Dive into art and culture at Nara National Museum and Neiraku Museum of Art
- Visit Kasuga-Taisha (map), a 1000-year-old temple in Nara
- Check out Hōryū-ji (map), one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings
- Enjoy the views at Mount Wakakusa (map)
6. Kamakura – where to stay in Japan for seekers
Kamakura is the place to go for spiritual seekers, whether you’re just interested in spirituality or actively seeking it. Ask any Buddhist person in Japan which place they enjoy the most, and chances are it’ll be Kamakura.
Kamakura is very similar to Kyoto for spirituality, but it’s much smaller, thus more private (1.5 million residents vs. 170k residents). With an abundance of temples, gardens, and beaches, it’s a top site for anyone who wants to explore the country at a slower pace.
This small town is located just an hour’s train ride from Tokyo (ticket is US$6.50 one-way), and it’s also a great, cheaper alternative to Tokyo if you’re traveling on a budget.
Local-favorite, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (map) is the city’s most important Shinto shrine. It was founded in 1063 and is dedicated to Hachiman, patron god of samurai.
Other must-see places here include the Kōtoku-in temple (map) which is home to a giant Buddha statue, and the Hokokuji Temple (map), with its stunning bamboo garden. This is just the beginning of the long list of temples and shrines in Kamakura!
PRO TIP: Most temples in Kamakura close around 4:30 PM. Start your visit early, and ideally plan an overnight stay. Also note that the admission for main temples is around US$2, with an extra fee if you want to attend a tea ceremony.
Head to the pedestrian Komachi-dori Street (map) for souvenir shopping, rooftop dining, and urban sightseeing. By the way, many restaurants in Kamakura close for lunch break from 2:30 to 5 PM, so plan your day accordingly!
Finally, getting around Kamakura is easy. You can walk to most places, rent a bike, or go hiking on hillside trails. When needed, you can also take a bus or taxi.
4-star luxury hotel in the heart of Kamakura (across the train station) with fabulous interior, an on-site restaurant, and family rooms. They have a kid amenity bag with slippers and traditional Japanese pajamas, so cute! An ideal luxury stay for travelers of all ages.
Other accommodation options in Kamakura
One of the most popular places to stay in Kamakura with a nice garden and daily breakfast
A favorite hostel with mixed dorms and private rooms and a sun terrace
Set just a few minutes walk away from the beach, this place has 2 spacious rooms and a kitchen
Things to do in Kamakura
- Explore Kamakura on a private walking tour with a local
- See the giant Buddha Statue at Kōtoku-in temple
- Admire the views of Mount Fuji at Zushi Beach (map)
- Enjoy some tranquility at Kōtoku-in and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu temple
- Walk the vibrant Komachi-dori Street and grab a bite there
- Go for a swim at Kamakura Yuigahama Beach (map)
7. Naha (Okinawa) – best place to stay in Japan for island hopping
Okinawa Prefecture is a group of 150 remote islands located in the far South of Japan, and Naha is its capital. Naha is located on the main island that is also called Okinawa.
Naha is your gateway to the rest of Okinawa where you can enjoy the nightlife and delicious food before heading to the beaches that Okinawa is known for!
The flight from Tokyo to Naha is 3 hours and the prices start from US$50 one-way. You can also fly in from Osaka, it’s an even shorter and cheaper trip! I highly recommend at least a full day in Naha before you head further.
Shop for Okinawan handmade souvenirs or go food tasting at Kokusai Street (map). Then, visit the iconic Shurijo Castle (map) that unfortunately burned down in 2019, but is to be reconstructed by 2026 (the park around it is open for visitors).
Oh, and beer lovers, make sure to try Okinawa’s signature beer, Orion, or even join the beer-making-process tour in the Orion Happy Park (map).
After you get familiar with Naha, you can jump to exploring other places in Okinawa. We have a whole article dedicated to the topic, check it out here! Hint: Miyako islands are the top destination for diving, Naga has some great beaches and attractions for the whole family, and Nakijin is best for exploring ancient castle ruins!You can use the The Yui Rail, express ferries, buses, bike rental, and flights to move around Okinawa and the islands, depending on how far you want to go. Car hire is a good option to get around the main island.
This 5-star hotel is set in the main street in Naha, boasts fantastic city views, a sauna, a kids’ club, 5 on-site restaurants, and an indoor swimming pool. The rooms are spacious for Japan standards, and most come with a complimentary breakfast. Great place to stay with family or as a couple!
Other accommodation options in Okinawa
A lovely 3-star hotel with a central location, luggage storage, and clean and cozy rooms
Choose from capsule or regular rooms in this top-rated budget place to stay in Naha
A lovely apartment in Naha for 4 guests traveling on a budget steps from the train station
Things to do in Okinawa
- Visit the beautiful Shurijo Castle
- Tour Naha on a unique and custom go-kart ride
- Mingle with the locals at Tsuboya Yachimun Street (map)
- Spot some whale sharks at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Join an e-bike tour of Naha’s Zodiac Temples
- Take a snorkeling day trip to Keramas Islands
8. Sapporo (Hokkaido) – where to stay in Japan for outdoor adventures
Looking for a place in Japan where you can hike in the morning, ski in the winter, and spot cute penguins in their natural habitat? Hokkaido checks all the boxes! The area is set in the Northernmost part of Japan, and it’s filled with volcanos, national parks, and flower fields!
Sapporo is the capital city in Hokkaido Prefecture and your getaway to the region. The flight from Tokyo takes 1.5 hours and the prices start from US$30 one-way.
If you like winter vacation, there’s no better place to be than Sapporo! The city is best known for its Sapporo Snow Festival with its giant ice buildings and sculptures, but beer lovers know it as the home of the Sapporo beer sold worldwide. The Beer Museum is among the city’s most cherished attractions and the beer production has been going on here since 1876!
Of course, also check out the Tanukikoji Shopping Street (map), the main thoroughfare in town, have a family outing in the Shiroi Koibito Park (map), and see local shrines in Sapporo.
Some iconic sites in Hokkaido outside of Sapporo include the Daisetsuzan National Park (map) known for its hiking trails and sights of Mount Asahi, the tallest mountain on the island! Also include a tour of Asahiyama Zoo for penguin sightings, Biei Blue Pond (map) for surreal landscapes, and stop by the Farm Tomita lavender fields (map).
Downtown Sapporo is very walkable, but if you plan to explore Hokkaido further, it’s best to rent a car. You can also use the local trains and buses, but I’d avoid the buses (unless you’re traveling on a budget) since the travel times are longer.
This amazing 5-star hotel is located in the center of Sapporo just a short walk from the Beer Museum. It has modern rooms, a gym, private parking, a restaurant, and delicious complimentary breakfast. A school book example of a 5-star service!
Other accommodation options in Hokkaido
There’s no going wrong with The Knot boutique hotel chain, especially when it comes with great city views like this one
A modern place to stay in Japan near the university, that has a restaurant on-site, a bar, and lockers
Amazing location by the river with dreamy views of Sapporo, suitable for up to 6 guests
Things to do in Sapporo
- Take a day trip of Hokkaido’s highlights
- Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
- Explore the local Hokkaido Jingu shrine (map)
- Join a day trip of Hokkaido Biei Blue Pond and Furano Flower Sea
- Visit Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo
- Marvel at the ice buildings at the Sapporo Snow Festival
9. Nagoya – best city in Japan for an all-around cultural experience
Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture known as the manufacturing and shipping hub of Japan. This town with 2 million residents has it all – beautiful historical temples, authentic food, tons of interactive museums, plus it’s the center of Japan’s automotive industry!
You can easily reach Nagoya on the bullet train from Tokyo (2h 30 min, US$100+ one-way) and Osaka (50 min, US$40+ one-way).
When in Nagoya, climb the sky deck of the Mirai Tower (map), the oldest TV tower in Japan, then eat some high-end sushi in Nagoya’s Sakae entertainment district. After you get familiar with Downtown, head to Nagoya Castle (map), another must-see landmark.
NOTE: There are projects aiming to tear down the Nagoya Castle’s main keep for which the place is renowned (due to security reasons). The plans keep getting delayed, but it’s only a matter of time when the castle may be closed for renovation. Initially, the work was supposed to be completed by 2028.
For science nerds, Nagoya is the city of museums. You can enjoy a variety of really cool ones here like the Nagoya City Science Museum, Electricity Museum (map), and of course, the star of the show, Toyota Commemorative Museum.
And for foodies like me, the main appeal of Nagoya is its local cuisine. They even have a special name for it, Nagoya-meshi, and many people come here just to eat local foods! Most dishes are made with the dark miso paste, including the specialty dish of the town, misokatsu.
Nagoya has 6 subway lines that make commuting very easy for tourists. The local bus system can be confusing for foreigners, so I don’t recommend it. But you can hop on the Meguru Loop tourist bus that connects all major attractions, including museums and castles! The daily pass is just US$3.5.
Finally, just outside of Nagoya, you’ll find some amazing old villages like Takayama and Shirakawa-go that I recommend you see on a tour!
Stay in this 5-star hotel with some of the best views of Nagoya, even from the fitness center! They have comfortable and modern rooms (including options for solo travelers), a very good breakfast, and a central location close to the train station.
Other accommodation options in Nagoya
A dream hotel for bookworms with a central location and attentive staff
The best budget stay in male and female capsule rooms, ideal for overnight stays
Good option for longer stays, an entire traditional house with all the basic amenities
Things to do in Nagoya
- Walk around the beautiful Nagoya Castle
- Visit the popular City Science Museum
- See where Toyota comes from in its Commemorative Museum
- Mingle with the locals and tourists and go food tasting in the Sakae district
- Explore Nagoya’s Public Aquarium
- Learn exciting things about trains at SCMaglev and Railway Park (map)
- Go on a picturesque day trip to Shirakawa-go Village
10. Fukuoka – best place to stay in Japan on a budget
Fukuoka is the closest city to mainland Asia and among the Southernmost in Japan’s Hakata Bay. It’s a thriving place for entrepreneurs and proudly carries the nickname of The Startup City. Add age-old castles, temples, and a vibrant Old Town to the business atmosphere, and you get a better idea of how interesting this place is!
The easiest way to reach Fukuoka is by flying from Osaka (1h 15 min, from US$40 one-way) or Tokyo (1h 40min, from US$50 one-way). The Nozomi train from Tokyo takes longer and is more expensive, but it’s also an option.
Fukuoka is also one of the most affordable places in Japan for tourists! As a member of the polyglot community, I attend yearly conferences worldwide, and just recently they had one in Fukuoka because it offered the best value for money of all Japan!
When in Fukuoka, shop in the iconic Canal City mall (map) in downtown Hakata, see the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle (map) in the central Maizuru Park, and get familiar with marine life in the Marine World Aquarium.
FUN FACT: Fukuoka is closer to Seoul than Tokyo (883 km vs. 540 km). If you’re continuing your journey to South Korea, you’ll find the cheapest flights to Seoul from here!
For a uniquely Fukuoka dining experience, eat some Hakata ramen at Fukuoka’s signature yatai, open-air food stalls (map).
In the afternoon, stroll to the lively Tenjin area for some more shopping in underground malls or go bar hopping and food tasting. After sunset, see Fukuoka from above from the Fukuoka Tower (map, closes 10 PM), the tallest seaside tower in Japan with a height 234 meters (767 feet).
As for getting around, you can walk, take the tourist Fukuoka Open Top Bus, or use the subway like a real local!
Get a 5-star royalty treatment in this posh hotel with spacious rooms boasting city views! The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, 2 on-site restaurants, and it’s located just next to the Hakata train station. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with family, too!
Other accommodation options in Fukuoka
Guest-favorite 3-star hotel in Hakata with modern rooms and daily buffet breakfast
A capsule hotel near major attractions with concierge services and free Wi-Fi
An authentic Japanese room in a hotel with stunning rooftop views of Fukuoka
Things to do in Fukuoka
- Explore Fukuoka’s distinct neighborhoods on a day tour with a local
- Have an authentic Hakata doll painting experience
- Visit the ruins of Fukuoka Castle
- Have fun at night in the Tenjin district
- Climb the Fukuoka Tower for captivating views of the city
- Stroll down Ohori Park (map)
- See Nanzoin (map), the largest bronze statue in the world
| 🌆 Top city in Japan: | Tokyo |
| 👪 Best place for families: | Osaka |
| 🏰 Most historical area: | Nara |
| 💰 Avg hotel price: | US$150 |
| 🧳 Cost of traveling: | medium |
FAQs about hotels in Japan
🌆 Where is the best place to go in Japan for the first time?
Tokyo is one of the best places to stay in Japan! The capital city is huge and it offers countless attractions and the best hotels like the Imperial Hotel.
🤔 Should I stay in Kyoto or Tokyo?
👪 What is a better place to stay for families between Tokyo vs Osaka?
Both are family-friendly. Tokyo is ideal with its diverse attractions and endless entertainment options, but Osaka is home to Universal Studios and the world’s largest aquarium.
📅 How many days do you need in Japan?
I think if you spend between 10 and 14 days in Japan, that will give you enough time to visit the country’s main attractions and cities.
⛩️ Which are the best traditional places to stay in Japan?
Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is the best place to stay for an authentic Japanese experience. You’ll find them in all towns and villages in the country, including Tokyo. You can also find hotels with traditional Japanese architecture like Nara Hotel.
🎎 What are the different types of accommodation available in Tokyo?
Chain hotels for all budgets, capsule hotels, ryokans, Airbnbs, guest houses, hostels, and temple lodgings are the most popular accommodation options in Tokyo.
💰 What is the average cost of accommodation in Tokyo?
The average price is around US$140 per night for a 3-star hotel in Tokyo.
🫰 What is the cheapest part of Japan to visit?
Fukuoka in the South of Japan is one of the cheapest places to visit in Japan for tourists.
🗓️ Which is the best month to go to Japan?
March to May and September to November are the best times to visit Japan. For cherry blossom (sakura) trips that most people love, it’s best to visit starting from the end of March to May, but the exact time varies from region to region.
🚶 What is the most walkable city in Japan?
A lot of cities in Japan are walkable. Tokyo is one of the most walkable cities in the world, but Kyoto, Nara, Sappora, and Fukuoka are all known for being super walkable, too.
Final thoughts on must-stay places in Japan
Sadly, our virtual tour of Japan had to end sometime! If this is your first time visiting Japan, I recommend staying for 2 weeks so you can see at least 5 or 6 different cities. I know you’ll be wanting more in the end!
Now if you’re still indecisive about where to go, these are my 2 favorite places in Japan (apart from Tokyo, of course):
- Osaka – as a lifelong foodie, a visit to Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba Market is a must
- Kamakura – the charm, privacy, and immense cultural heritage of Kamakura just speaks to me on another level
After 10 cities, 30+ hotels, and tons of attractions, which place are you most looking forward to visiting in Japan? Share your top 3 in the comments below!
Oh, and don’t forget to book your hotels, train tickets, and tours in advance! Japan receives over 30 million tourists every year who are eager to book the best deals fast!
Enjoy Japan,
Yulia
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