Best Hotel Chains in Japan: Quick Guide - Culture

If you’re planning a Japan adventure, having reliable, comfortable, and value-savvy hotels on hand can make all the difference. Here’s a bullet-style guide to the top 10 Japanese hotel chains — perfect for travelers exploring Tokyo, Fuji, Mito, or anywhere else across the country.

1. APA Hotels & Resorts

Overview: Ubiquitous budget chain, hundreds of locations nationwide especially in city centers.
Target Market: Solo travelers, business visitors, price-conscious explorers.
Price Range: ¥7,000–¥13,000 per night (budget to lower mid-range).
Why Go: Super convenient (usually near train stations), fast check-in kiosks, always clean.
Vibe: Compact, functional, modern — not for lounging, but perfect for efficient stays.

2. Toyoko Inn

Overview: Japan’s largest budget hotel network, with 350+ branches near stations and airports.
Target Market: Solo and business travelers, long-term stays, value-seekers.
Price Range: ¥5,000–¥8,000 (often includes free breakfast).
Why Go: Predictable comfort, free simple breakfast, exceptional coverage even in smaller cities.
Vibe: Consistently simple, unpretentious, practical.

3. Dormy Inn

Overview: Mid-range brand famous for its city onsen, extensive breakfasts, and nightly free ramen.
Target Market: Couples, solo tourists, wellness lovers, business trips.
Price Range: Around ¥7,000–¥15,000.
Why Go: Natural public baths, complimentary evening noodles, strong hospitality.
Vibe: Modern, relaxed Japanese comfort with “onsen chic.”

4. Super Hotel

Overview: Budget-friendly chain focused on eco-friendliness and cozy amenities.
Target Market: Green-minded travelers, budget tourists, families.
Price Range: ¥6,000–¥11,000 per night.
Why Go: Healthy breakfasts, sustainability features, choose your pillow firmness.
Vibe: Bright, clean, practical, eco-conscious.

5. Route Inn Hotels

Overview: Well-known for affordable stays with hot springs/large baths, especially in regional Japan.
Target Market: Business and regional leisure travelers, road-trippers.
Price Range: ¥5,500–¥11,000 per night.
Why Go: Large network, free buffet breakfast, easy parking, often has onsen.
Vibe: Reliable, no-frills, warm baths.

6. Mitsui Garden Hotels

Overview: Stylish, mid-range hotels with superior design and leisure amenities.
Target Market: Couples, families, “step up” travelers graduating from budget brands.
Price Range: ¥10,000–¥25,000 per night.
Why Go: Spacious rooms for Japan, often feature public baths and chic lobbies.
Vibe: Modern Japanese design, quiet sophistication.

7. Sotetsu Fresa Inn

Overview: Consistent, affordable business hotel chain with stellar locations.
Target Market: City explorers, business folk, transit-based tourists.
Price Range: Below ¥10,000 per night.
Why Go: Impeccably clean, well-located near transport, good value.
Vibe: Practical, functional, quietly stylish.

8. Okura Hotels & Resorts

Overview: Classic, long-standing luxury Japanese brand, blending tradition with modern comfort.
Target Market: Upscale vacationers, international travelers, business executives.
Price Range: ¥25,000–¥100,000+ (luxury tier).
Why Go: Legendary Japanese hospitality, top service, renowned dining.
Vibe: Elegant, timeless, polished.

9. Prince Hotels & Resorts

Overview: Wide network offering everything from city high-rises to resort locations.
Target Market: Leisure travelers, families, luxury weekenders.
Price Range: ¥12,000–¥50,000+.
Why Go: Resort locations (including near Mt. Fuji), spacious grounds, premium service.
Vibe: Upscale, often family-friendly, resort-style with Japanese touches.

10. Henn na Hotel

Overview: Quirky, “world’s first robot hotel” — AI and robots at the front desk.
Target Market: Tech lovers, families, novelty-seekers, anyone wanting a unique stay in Japan.
Price Range: ¥8,000–¥18,000 per night.
Why Go: Futurist experience, efficient check-in, fun for kids and teens.
Vibe: Playful, high-tech, minimalist with a twist.

11. Daiwa Roynet Hotels

Background: A well-established, modern business hotel chain with a focus on comfort and convenience.
Target Market: Business travelers and city tourists.
Price Range: ¥7,000–¥16,000 per night.
Why Go: Spacious rooms by Japanese standards, consistent amenities, mostly city-center locations.
Vibe: Clean, quiet, smart, business-ready.

12. JR Hotel Group / Hotel Metropolitan / Granvia Hotels

Background: Operated by Japan Railways, these hotels are attached to major train stations for maximum ease.
Target Market: Travelers using JR trains, international tourists.
Price Range: ¥10,000–¥28,000+ depending on city.
Why Go: Step right off the train and into your room; upscale amenities, reliability.
Vibe: Urban, convenient, sometimes luxury with a Japanese touch.

13. Richmond Hotels

Background: Modern, dependable chain highly rated for customer service and family-friendly rooms.
Target Market: Families and business crowds.
Price Range: ¥8,000–¥18,000.
Why Go: Good-sized beds, strong English support, practical amenities.
Vibe: Comfortable, functional, approachable.

14. Mystays Hotels

Background: Fast-expanding group offering everything from budget rooms to executive suites, sometimes with kitchenettes.
Target Market: Business, longer-term travelers, city explorers.
Price Range: ¥6,500–¥25,000+ depending on property type.
Why Go: Flexible stay types, value options, location in most major cities.
Vibe: Modern, practical, a bit corporate.

15. Candeo Hotels

Background: Mid-range chain known for stylish design and large public baths (often on rooftop).
Target Market: Couples, business, and leisure travelers.
Price Range: ¥11,000–¥23,000.
Why Go: Sky spas, chic rooms, good for sightseeing and relaxation.
Vibe: Urban retreat, boutique feel, casual luxury.

16. Comfort Hotels

Background: The Japan arm of Choice Hotels International, non-smoking policy, and free breakfast everywhere.
Target Market: Price-conscious tourists, business users, families.
Price Range: ¥6,000–¥12,000.
Why Go: Free breakfast, spotless interiors, good coverage of key Japanese cities.
Vibe: Cheerful, bright, reliable.

17. Tokyu Stay

Background: This chain emphasizes the convenience of in-room kitchens and laundry—perfect for longer explorations.
Target Market: Independent travelers, extended-stay guests.
Price Range: ¥10,000–¥20,000.
Why Go: Laundry in almost every room, central locations.
Vibe: Apartment-style, understated, home-away-from-home.

19. Hoshino Resorts

Background: Upscale Japanese ryokan-inspired resorts and hotels in both urban and nature locations.
Target Market: Luxury leisure, couples, those seeking a traditional Japanese experience.
Price Range: ¥25,000–¥70,000+.
Why Go: Deep immersion in Japanese culture, gorgeous locations, hot spring onsens, and top-tier cuisine.
Vibe: Elegant, authentic, tranquil.

20. The B Hotels

Background: City-focused boutique chain with a young, contemporary aesthetic; great for urban adventures.
Target Market: Young travelers, city hoppers, couples.
Price Range: ¥7,000–¥17,000.
Why Go: Central locations, hip design, compact yet thoughtfully laid out rooms.
Vibe: Youthful, vibrant, minimal fuss.