Hotels are 'Western' or 'Japanese' style, or a mix of both. Western-style accommodation (ranging from deluxe hotels to hostels) is much like any modern US or European hotel, often with an excellent level of service. At Japanese-style hotels (ryokan), guests receive kimonos and slippers and rooms have Japanese bathtubs and paper sliding doors. Prices for ryokans are reasonable for basic inns with shared baths, or hundreds of dollars for the most exclusive. Service charges of around 20% are added to the bill.

The Welcome Card (Culture Card) offers reductions for foreign visitors on accommodation, meals, shopping and entertainment. It is available free of charge at JNTO's Tokyo Tourist Information Centres, or for a charge from information centres at Kansai International Airport, Kobe City Information Centre, Kyoto City Information Centre and Kyoto Prefectural Information Centre.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government enforces an accommodation tax on hotels and ryokans around the city that charge over ¥10,000 per room. For more information check online (website: www.tax.metro.tokyo.jp).

Grading: No accommodation grading system operates in Japan.

Minshuku, often found in vacation spots, are the Japanese equivalent of home-style lodging or pensions. Rates are moderate, and visitors receive fewer amenities than ryokan or Western-style hotels. Visitors are expected to fold up their bedding and stow it away in a closet, and towels are usually not provided. Slippers are worn in the house. Small gifts or a 5% tip may be given with the bill. The price usually includes two meals per day.

There are roughly 400 youth hostels throughout Japan. Many require visitors to be a member of Hostelling International (website: www.hihostels.com), although a guest card can be bought in advance at the Tokyo National Headquarters.

Some temples offer temple lodging (shukubo). Guests may have to join in the routines of the monks (getting up early, chanting, doing chores etc) and facilities may be basic. The JNTO can provide a list (see Contact Addresses).

Japan Ryokan Association
Website: www.ryokan.or.jp

Japan Hotel Association
Shin Otemachi Building, 2-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
Tel: (3) 3279 2706.
Website: www.j-hotel.or.jp

Japan Hotel Network
Akae Machi, Hanagashima Cho, Miyazaki City 880-0036, Japan
Website: www.japanhotel.net

Tokyu Hotel Chain Co Ltd
10-3 Nagata-Cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan
Tel: (3) 3462 0109.
Website: www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com

Japan Youth Hostels Inc
2-20-7 Misaki-Cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan
Tel: (3) 3288 1417.
Website: www.jyh.or.jp