in.

Jap

Tokyo
Hakuba
Koyasan
Kobe
Beppu

an

acco m m

o
d
a
t
i
o
Yakushima
Naha
Irimote Jima
Ishigaki Jima
Fukuoka

Contents

Tokyo
Hilton Hotel Shinjuku

1-2

Hakuba
La Neige Higashi-Kan

3-4

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

Ryokan

A 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.

Koyasan
Ekoin 5-6
Kobe
Hotel 123 Kobe
Sunflower Ferry
Osaka-Beppu

Guests are greeted at the entrance and shoes are removed. A host will usually offer the guest a beverage
(often 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.

7-8

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.

9-10

Beppu
Ryokan Kappo Sekiya
11-12
Yanigiya 13-14
Ryokan Sennari
15-16
Yakushima
Green Hotel
Naha
Kariyushi LCH

Fukuoka
Hotel Blossom

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.

17-18

Shukubo

Similar 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.

19-20

Irimote Jima
Pension Hoshinosuna
Ishagaki
ANA Intercontinental

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.

21-22

Pensions and Minishuku

Pensions 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.

23-24

25-26

Hotels and Hostels

Hotels 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!!!

How to read the accommodation

listings

The reviews are written from the perspective of a solo traveller. Japan caters well for solo 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.

There are clickable links to additional

photography
embedded at the
beginning of each
Camera Icon
hotel review.
Simply click on the
black camera icon
displayed in each section and type the
password when prompted to gain
access.

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;

Copyright 2015 Jo Samuel - All Rights Reserved

This publication and all content and photography or any portion
thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever
without the express written permission of the author and publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a review.
Contact Josamuel@mail.com for requests and
further information.

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 and main shopping areas)
Service (including facilities and staff )
Room (Comfort, cleanliness and amenities)

The Hilton Hotel

Shinjuku

The Hilton Hotel Shinjuku

he 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)
Password

La Neige
Higashi-Kan

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 valuable time, (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)

Password Neige

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