Finding accommodation in Japan is an experience in itself. From serene traditional inns (旅館, ryokan) with hot springs to futuristic capsule hotels, the options are as diverse and fascinating as the country itself. Navigating the world of Japanese hotels offers a unique glimpse into the culture of hospitality, or omotenashi.
While booking online is easy and many hotel staff speak English, learning a few key Japanese phrases will enrich your stay, help you navigate smaller establishments, and allow you to interact more deeply with the famously polite staff. This guide to essential Japanese will help you navigate the diverse Hotels in Japan, preparing you for everything from making a reservation to checking out of a traditional ryokan.
A Bed for Every Budget: Types of Japanese Hotels
Japan offers a vast range of lodging options, each with its own character and price point. Understanding the differences is the first step to finding your perfect stay. Broadly, the prices for Hotels in Japan can range from ¥3,000 per night for a basic capsule to well over ¥50,000 for a luxury ryokan, meaning there truly is something for every budget. Prices are highest in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto and during peak seasons like the cherry blossom (spring) and autumn leaf viewing periods.
Types of Accommodation (宿泊施設 – Shukuhaku Shisetsu)
ホテル (hoteru) = Western-style Hotel
Standard hotels you’d find anywhere, from international chains like Hyatt to Japanese brands like APA Hotel.
旅館 (ryokan) = Traditional Japanese Inn
Features tatami mat rooms, futon beds, public baths (often onsen), and includes elaborate dinner (kaiseki) and breakfast.
ビジネスホテル (bijinesu hoteru) = Business Hotel
Compact, no-frills, and affordable rooms typically located near train stations. Perfect for solo travelers and short stays.
カプセルホテル (kapuseru hoteru) = Capsule Hotel
Provides a small sleeping pod instead of a room. Extremely budget-friendly, with shared bathrooms and lounges.民宿 (minshuku) = Guesthouse / Japanese B&B
Family-run establishments offering a more personal, home-like experience, similar to a bed and breakfast.
Making a Reservation: Booking Your Stay
While online booking sites are the easiest way to reserve a room for most Hotels in Japan, sometimes you might need to call, especially for smaller, family-run ryokan or minshuku. The key phrase is “予約をお願いします” (Yoyaku o onegai shimasu – I’d like to make a reservation).
すみません、部屋は空いていますか。
すみません、へやはあいていますか。
Sumimasen, heya wa aiteimasu ka.
Excuse me, do you have any vacant rooms?
予約をお願いします。
よやくをおねがいします。
Yoyaku o onegai shimasu.
I would like to make a reservation.
九月五日から一泊、二人です。
くがついつかからいっぱく、ふたりです。
Kugatsu itsuka kara ippaku, futari desu.
For two people for one night from September 5th.
Booking Vocabulary (予約 – Yoyaku)
空室 (くうしつ) = Vacancy
予約 (よやく) = Reservation
一泊 (いっぱく) = One night
二泊 (にはく) = Two nights
一人 (ひとり) = One person
二人 (ふたり) = Two people
禁煙 (きんえん) = Non-smoking
喫煙 (きつえん) = Smoking
At the Front Desk: The Check-in Conversation
The check-in process for Hotels in Japan is typically very smooth and efficient, rooted in the culture of omotenashi. You’ll be greeted warmly upon arrival. Approach the front desk (フロント, furonto) and let them know you’re checking in.
The Check-in Script
You:
チェックインをお願いします。
ちぇっくいんをおねがいします。
Chekku-in o onegai shimasu.
I’d like to check in, please.
Staff:
お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか。
おなまえをうかがってもよろしいですか。
O-namae o ukagatte mo yoroshii desu ka.
May I have your name, please?
You:
スミスで予約しています。
すみすでよやくしています。
Sumisu de yoyaku shiteimasu.
I have a reservation under Smith.
Staff (for foreign tourists):
パスポートをお願いします。
ぱすぽーとをおねがいします。
Pasupōto o onegai shimasu.
Your passport, please.
The Check-out Script
You:
チェックアウトをお願いします。
ちぇっくあうとをおねがいします。
Chekku-auto o onegai shimasu.
I’d like to check out, please.
Staff:
お部屋の番号をお願いします。
おへやのばんごうをおねがいします。
O-heya no bangō o onegai shimasu.
Your room number, please.
You (if you need to pay):
お会計をお願いします。
おかいけいをおねがいします。
O-kaikei o onegai shimasu.
The bill, please.
Inside Your Room & Making Requests
Once you have your key, you might have questions or need to report an issue. Here are some simple phrases to help you communicate with the staff about your room.
Asking for Information
Wi-Fiのパスワードは何ですか。
わいふぁいのぱすわーどはなんですか。
Waifai no pasuwādo wa nan desu ka.
What is the Wi-Fi password?
朝食は何時からですか。
ちょうしょくはなんじからですか。
Chōshoku wa nanji kara desu ka.
What time is breakfast?
大浴場はどこですか。
だいよくじょうはどこですか。
Daiyokujō wa doko desu ka.
Where is the large public bath?
Making Requests & Reporting Problems
タオルをもう一枚お願いします。
たおるをもういちまいおねがいします。
Taoru o mō ichi-mai onegai shimasu.
One more towel, please.
すみません、エアコンが動きません。
すみません、えあこんがうごきません。
Sumimasen, eakon ga ugokimasen.
Excuse me, the air conditioner isn’t working.
部屋の掃除をお願いします。
へやのそうじをおねがいします。
Heya no sōji o onegai shimasu.
Please clean the room.
Room Vocabulary (部屋 – Heya)
鍵 (かぎ) = Key
エアコン (えあこん) = Air conditioner
お風呂 (おふろ) = Bath
トイレ (といれ) = Toilet
冷蔵庫 (れいぞうこ) = Refrigerator
金庫 (きんこ) = Safe
コンセント (こんせんと) = Electrical outlet
The Ryokan Experience: Special Vocabulary
A stay at a ryokan (旅館) is a highlight of any trip to Japan, offering an experience that sets them apart from typical Hotels in Japan. It’s a deeply cultural experience that involves specific customs, especially around bathing and dining. Staff will usually explain everything, but knowing these terms will help you feel more comfortable.
Ryokan-Specific Vocabulary
温泉 (おんせん) = Hot spring. The main attraction of many ryokan.
露天風呂 (ろてんぶろ) = Open-air / outdoor bath.
貸切風呂 (かしきりぶろ) = Private-use bath that you can reserve.
夕食 (ゆうしょく) = Dinner, often a multi-course kaiseki meal.
朝食 (ちょうしょく) = Breakfast, typically a traditional Japanese set meal.
浴衣 (ゆかた) = A casual cotton kimono provided for you to wear around the ryokan and to the bath.
布団 (ふとん) = The traditional bedding laid out on the tatami floor.
女将 (おかみ) = The female manager of the ryokan, who oversees guest services with exceptional grace.
When using the onsen, remember the most important rule: always wash and rinse your body thoroughly at the washing stations *before* entering the bath water. The bath is for soaking, not cleaning.
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