Konnichiwa from the Japan Switch Team!

You've been looking forward to planning a trip to Japan, and now the big question:

Where should you stay?

Luxurious hotels and infinity poolside selfies have flooded our social media for years now, and they're great. Really. But you could probably travel to your nearest major city and get a similar experience, right?

Japan offers something different.

From charming traditional inns with tatami mats and hot spring baths to capsule hotels, love hotels, and even outrageously themed stays - choosing where to stay can be half the adventure!

So, let's dive in!

Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Ryokan

If your heart is set on a private onsen and a little more of a traditional experience with all the trimmings, ryokan (traditional inns) are where you want to be. You'll be able to enjoy meals consisting of several courses of local Japanese delicacies, soak in the healing onsen waters with your partner or family in privacy, and relax in a yukata. These traditional inns provide an authentic Japanese experience, combining age-old hospitality with modern comforts.

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10 Fascinating Love Hotels in Japan and Why You Should Visit One

Better known as rabuho, these establishments are designed for couples to stay for a few hours or overnight for... Well, I feel like it's in the name. While your first thought might be of some sleazy motel where you don't want to touch anything, rabuho are generally cleaned thoroughly after each guest departs. Without giving too much away, they offer a lot (and we mean a lot) of amenities, including room service for both meals and adult goods, come in a variety of themes, and you can even rent game consoles in some! Some of the higher end ones provide luxury that rivals big hotels at a fraction of the cost.

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Ultimate Guide to Homestays in Japan

If you're looking for a little more immersion, we'd like to throw homestays into the hat for consideration. For Japanese learners, we can't stress how much it helps to have someone to practice with who speaks English (or even your native tongue). If you're lucky, your host family knows the lesser beaten paths and can help you with the practical Japanese you'll need and getting around. Read on to find out what to know before you book a homestay and some of our favorite providers!

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Side note: If you're serious about visiting or living in Japan, check out Japan Switch's affordable online and offline Japanese lessons and make sure you're ready to make the most of your time here!

For more information or other updates and tips on life in Japan, be sure to check out our website here.

Your Friends,

The Japan Switch Team