The first time I visited Japan more than a decade ago, I had much less money than I do now—and Japan was much more expensive. I still stayed in hostels back then; Japan, however, didn’t have very many.
Well, at least outside of big cities. I managed to make it along most of Tokyo’s tourist trail by saving on shared accommodation. When I got to Tottori in the San’in region, however, I did something that was unthinkable at the time: I booked an actual hotel.
I’m writing this post about business hotels in Japan because I want to shine a light on the fact that “nice” hotels are often not expensive at all in Japan. Well, at least if you’re able to accept the various caveats that accompany staying in one.
Business Hotels Are For Tourists, Too—Even Those on a Budget
It’s tempting to think that Japanese business hotels are only for business people (and, in turn, that they are expensive), simply based on their name. To some extent, the former fact used to be true. Well, not so much that tourists couldn’t stay in business hotels, but simply that they didn’t. But business hotels have never been very expensive, since one of Japan’s little secrets is that salaries in the country just aren’t all that high.
Now, if you want to splurge on a hotel in Japan, you absolutely can. From high-end ryokan to five-star big box hotels, those who are looking to blow hundreds of dollars per night on accommodation can definitely do so. If you aren’t independently wealthy, however, you might try your luck at online gaming, whether you go to this page to do so, or find a platform that suits you all on your own.
Top Japanese Business Hotel Brands
APA Hotel
Among Japanese (and, especially, Chinese) people, the APA Hotel brand is controversial, and to some even off-putting. But for foreign travelers, the hotels have become an increasingly ubiquitous sight (some individual Tokyo districts are home to a dozen APA outlets), not to mention a guaranteed cheap stay with a consistent product.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel
When it comes to cheap hotels in Japan, Daiwa Roynet Hotels feel like they;’re on the higher end, both due to the fact that many of its properties tend to be new, and also because its rooms are more on the chic side (and, outside of Tokyo anyway, larger). On the flip-side, many cities in Japan only have one Daiwa Roynet hotel.
Tokyu Stay
Tokyu Stay has become one of my favorite Japanese business hotels over the years, in large part because all rooms have washer-and-dryer units within them—and they’re free to use. Tokyu Stay hotels tend to feature larger rooms than some other business hotels, as well. In my experience, however, they’re also a bit more expensive.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn
Having emerged during the pandemic primarily by repurposing foreclosed properties of the once-promising business hotel brand UNIZO Inn, Sotetsu Fresa Inn has opened literally hundreds of hotels around Japan, with many along Japan’s tourist trail. These are minimalistic and mostly new outlets, like APA without the controversy.
Dormy Inn
Contrary to what its name might suggest, Dormy Inn hotels aren’t dormitories. In fact, these are some of the most handsomely equipped business hotels in all of Japan, in particular because of the on-site onsen hot spring facilities, which are often located on the roof level and can feature sweeping, panoramic views.
Other Affordable Lodging Options in Japan
Business hotels are a great tool to have in your toolbox, but if you stayed in one every night during your trip in Japan, they could get old. Here are some other places to stay in order to save on accommodation in Japan:
- Although some ryokan are expensive and luxurious, most major cities in Japan have at least one or two budget options, which allow you to save money by sharing a bathroom or sleeping on a more spartan tatami.
- Likewise, simple guesthouses (usually ones in rural areas) known as minshuku can be an affordable yet authentic place to stay there.
- While they aren’t practical for contiguous stays (since you need to take all your belongings out every morning), capsule hotels offer major savings for travelers who don’t need a lot of space.
- Finally, hostels are now much more common in Japan than they were a decade ago, though they aren’t always the nicest places to stay.
For example, you could choose business hotels in Tokyo or Osaka, then stay in a budget ryokan in Kyoto, and a minshuku along the Nakasendo Way.
Other FAQ About Japan Business Hotels
Are business hotels cheaper in Japan?
Contrary to what their name might suggest, business hotels tend to be one of the most affordable accommodation options in Japan. They’re also completely open to tourists, even though a good number of business travelers stay there.
What does business hotel mean in Japan?
In Japan, a business hotel refers to a simple and affordable (yet well-designed and appointed, and often new) hotel located near major train stations in a given city. Popular Japanese business hotel brands include APA, Dormy Inn and Tokyu Stay.
Why are hotels in Japan so expensive?
Many hotels in Japan are not expensive at all. But the ones that are—five-star luxury hotels and ryokan, plus most hotels operated by Western and international brands—cost a lot because they have larger rooms, and space above all comes at a premium in dense, crowded Japan.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve found the information I’ve shared about business hotels in Japan helpful. Contrary to popular belief, relatively good hotels in Japan don’t have to be expensive, even in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Obviously, there are some caveats, like the fact that business hotels often feature smaller rooms, and have a relatively basic level of service. At the same time, being able to stay in central areas of top destinations without breaking the bank, let alone in a nice and often new room, is priceless. Want other insider tips for your next trip? Consider hiring me to plan it!
