Accommodation

View your options - from traditional Japanese futon's to western style luxury.....

Hotels

Hotels are generally of very high standard. Instead of Europe's star system, they are categorised as First Class Hotels to Business Hotels to Boutique Hotels - otherwise known as Love Hotels! Some of our favourite hotels in Japan are included in our escorted tours.

First Class Hotels

Usually part of an international group like Ritz Carlton, Marriot or Four Seasons. Double or twin rooms cost from 40,000 Yen up as far as 1 million yen! They have everything you desire from secretarial and interpreter services to shopping malls and beauty salons. Compare them to their Irish equivalent and you'd probably award them 6 stars.

Superior Hotels

A bit below first class hotels, a superior hotel is equivalent to an Irish 5 star. With great service and well equipped rooms, Japan Ireland Travel includes Superior Hotels as part of its deluxe packages. Each hotel has a choice of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a business centre, with all the 5 star extras you'd expect. Prices range from 11,000 per person sharing (ex. breakfast).

It's a long journey from Ireland, we say "Go 5 star" Even for one night it's a great way to see how the world's greatest hotels operate.

Standard Hotels

In terms of facilities and room size, Standard Hotels are a step down from Superior Hotels but they're ideal for tourist and business travel.

Single rooms can be quite small so if you would prefer a double room for single occupancy, please specify. Prices start from 8,000 yen PPS (ex breakfast).

Business Hotels

Japanese business hotels in Japan work the opposite to business class on airlines. Small, simple, basic bed- rooms with fewer facilities, smaller beds, a TV, cup of green tea and a bath/shower/toilet plastic unit. There's no room service but each floor has vending machines with snacks, drinks and cigarettes. Business hotels are used by Japanese businessmen, so they're generally near train stations. Little or no English spoken by staff. Prices start around ¥4,000 yen per room, per night.

Love Hotels

There are over 30,000 love hotels throughout Japan, offering couples a place to meet and stay for anything from two hours to a full stay.

They are very noticeable, with themed decor inside and out, which could consist of anything from cartoons to grecian nymphs. The word Hotel appears in neon - probably pink.

Guests have no contact with staff. Room numbers are displayed on a vending machine and those with a red light showing are available. You buy a ticket and exchange it for a key through a keyhole at reception. Prices start at around ¥3,500 and go up to ¥30,000. Rooms can't be reserved - you just show up and hope for the best!

Capsule Hotels

Here, you literally sleep in a capsule smaller and shorter than a single bed, with just a mattress, a light towel and a shared bathroom. They were originally introduced for salary men who missed the last train.

Men and women are on different floors, prices start at 3,500 yen per night. Worth the experience if you want to see the weird and wacky side of Japanese accomodation.

Ryokan

If you want to experience traditional Japan, stay in a Ryokan. The decor is typical Japanese, you sleep on a futon on the rice straw flooring (tatami), eat traditional food (kaiseki ryouri) and, in some cases, use their private onsen (hot spring)

Prices vary but usually from around ¥10,000 including breakfast and dinner - probably more if there’s an onsen.

Minshiku

Similar to a local guesthouse, a Minshiku is a family home that takes in guests and, like B&B’s, some are nicer than others. It’s a cheaper option than a Ryokan and remember, owners probably don’t speak English. Again, it’s a futon on the floor with a Japanese style breakfast. Some offer dinner, occasionally with the whole family.

Prices range from ¥5,000 per person, including breakfast.

Hostels

Hostels are increasingly popular in Japan. There aren’t many in Tokyo and demand is high, so book in advance. In the country they can be remote, and you may need a car, but city hostels are easy enough to find.

Most hostels offer both private or shared rooms, with prices from about ¥2,500 PPS.