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Mount Fuji, Japan

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Where to stay in Japan

Hotels in Japan

Hotels: 

Hotels are 'Western' or 'Japanese' style, or a mix of both. Western-style accommodation is much like any modern US or European hotel, often with an excellent level of service. No-frills business hotel chains such as Toyoko Inn have become very popular; you'll find them in convenient locations in most cities and towns.

At Japanese-style hotels (ryokan), guests receive kimonos and slippers and rooms have Japanese straw mat flooring (tatami) and fold-away futon beds; there may also be paper sliding doors. Prices for ryokan range from reasonable for basic inns with shared baths to expensive for the most exclusive ones where rates will invariably include lavish breakfast and dinner meals.

Most top-end hotels levy a service charge of 10 to 15% on the bill. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also enforces a small accommodation tax of ¥100 per night on hotels and ryokan around the city that charge over ¥10,000 per room (¥200 per night if the room costs over ¥15,000).

Grading: No accommodation grading system operates in Japan.

Bed and breakfast: 

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.

Other accommodation: 

There are over 300 youth hostels throughout Japan. Many require visitors to be a member of Hostelling International (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 Japan National Tourism Organisation - JNTO (tel: (03) 3201 3331; www.jnto.go.jp) can provide a list.

Partner hotels in Japan

Okura Tokyo

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
2-10-4 TORANOMON, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
The hotel is set in the heart of Tokyo, next door to the American Embassy and is just a few minutes...
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Ana Intercontinental

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
1-12-33 Akasaka Minato-Ku 107-0052 Japan
This contemporary deluxe hotel is located in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, in the Akasaka area....
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Capitol Tokyu

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
2-10-3, Nagata-cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-0014 Japan
The hotel is located in the heart of the city, direct access from Kokkaigijido-Mae Station on...
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Cerulean Tower Tokyu

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
26-1 Sakuragaoka-Cho
The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Shibuya, a prime business and IT district, also...
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Conrad Tokyo

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
1-9-1, Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku
Located at the top of a state-of-the-art building in the new Shiodome Development adjoining Ginza,...
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Dai-Ichi Hotel Tokyo

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
1-2-6, SHIMBASHI
THIS 5 STAR HOTEL IS LOCATED IN THE CITY CENTRE OF TOKYO. IT IS CLOSE TO THE HIBIYA PARK AND THE...
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Four Seasons At Marunouchi

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
Pacific Century Place, 1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-Ku 100-6277 Japan
This hotel is located just in front of the JR Tokyo Station, and is part of the Pacific Century...
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Four Seasons Tokyo At Chinzan-So

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
2-10-8, SEKIGUCHI
Located in the center of Tokyo, but surrounded by the quiet and historical environment separated...
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Grand Hyatt

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-0032
Located right in the centre of the exciting new area of Roppongi Hills, the hotel is only minutes...
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Grand Prince Akasaka

Star Rating: 5
Tokyo
1-2 KIOI-CHO, CHIYODA-KU
The hotel is located in the heart of metropolitan Tokyo, on the corner of Akasaka-Mitsuke in...
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Show all hotels in Japan

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