Rediscover Tours only select the best accommodations for your tour. To provide you a unique experience we offer a large range of accommodation styles. Years after years we have selected the best hotels, ryokans, minshukus… all around Japan. Based on your taste and the destinations you would like to visit we will give you the best options. We have created the following page to help you better understand the different types of accommodations you can find in Japan.
Ryokan are Japanese inns offering Japanese-style rooms. There are many styles of ryokans and their quality can vary greatly. Many offer full course traditional kaiseki dinner and breakfast. Ryokan can be found in most areas in Japan, including in the heart of large cities as well as in the remote countryside. Below is a shortlist of ryokans to give you an idea of what they offer. We highly recommend staying in at least one ryokan during your time in Japan.
Sanga Ryokan, Kurokawa Onsen, Japan
This gorgeous Traditional Ryokan has 15 Japanese-style rooms, and some of the guest rooms have their own private hot spring bath. Sanga Ryokan has wonderful indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women and men (same gender only), and there is also a mixed outdoor,…read more
Beniya Mukayu, Rural Kanazawa, Japan
This Luxurious Ryokan has 8 Japanese-style guest rooms. 2 Western-style guest rooms and 6 Japanese Western-style guest rooms. Each room has a private outdoor hot spring bath and all Japanese-style rooms are on the 1st floor or garden floor and face a grove of trees,…read more
Asaba Ryokan, Shuzenji, Japan
This gorgeous Luxury Ryokan complex was first constructed in 1675, and it is surrounded by a bamboo forest and overlooks a large pond. The interior and exterior of Asaba Ryokan are in the traditional Japanese style, and there is even a Japanese Noh theater across from the ryokan where Noh plays are sometimes performed,…read more
There are two main kinds of Western Style hotels in Japan: business hotels and regular western-style hotels. Regular Western-style hotels are similar to hotels found in most Western countries while business hotels cater to business people who are traveling and simply need basic accommodation. Here you will find Western Style Hotels we like to include in our tours.
Cross Hotel, Kyoto, Japan
Cross Hotel Kyoto is adjacent to Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi streets in the heart of the shopping and gourmet district of Kyoto, yet you will find several must-see heritage sights within walking distance. Cross Hotel Kyoto is a great hub to explore the beauty of the ancient capital,…read more
The Westin Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
The Westin Rusutsu Resort offers majestic views of Mount Yotei, pristine powder, and ski-in/ ski-out access. In the summer months, the resort is home to a wide variety of activities; including rafting, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, etc. Four 18-hole golf courses are also available offering immaculate greens with scenic views….read more
Marunouchi Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
Marunouchi Hotel is just a minute’s walk from Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi North Exit and a 10-minute taxi ride from Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. It features 4 dining options, a massage service, and rooms with free WiFi. Pomme d’aDam Restaurant serves French cuisine and American breakfast. Teppanyaki dishes can be enjoyed at the Daian Club. Marunouchi Hotel takes pride in delivering “omotenashi” to world travelers,…read more
Swisshotel Nankai, Osaka, Japan
Swissotel Nankai, Osaka is a deluxe hotel ideally located in the heart of Namba, Osaka’s most exciting entertainment, shopping, and dining district. The hotel sits above Nankai Railway’s Namba Station offering direct train access to Kansai International Airport and all major tourist attractions such as Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are within easy reach,…read more
A Modern Japanese inn will combine modern facilities with unique Japanese architecture. Enjoy a comfortable stay in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Hoshinoya, Taketomi, Okinawa Japan
A mere ten minutes by ferry from Ishigaki, the transportation hub of the Yaeyama archipelago, Taketomi island is a step back in time. with traditional village-scapes to explore via bicycle or water-buffalo cart, in addition to unique festivals, handicrafts, and dreamlike diving and snorkeling…read more
A minshuku is usually a small, wooden, Japanese-style building. The building is generally not very big, and the rooms are Japanese-style but not as large as the rooms in Japanese ryokans. While the building and rooms are usually clean and comfortable, the rooms and hallways are sometimes dark and a bit drafty. A minshuku tries to project a “homey” atmosphere and guests are served home-style Japanese cooking. Minshukus are generally inexpensive and the owners pride themselves on their friendly, personalized service.
Tsurunoyu Onsen, Nyuto Onsen, Japan
This wooden Minshuku is located near Yamanoyado Bekkan, and it has 30 Japanese-style guest rooms. None of the guest rooms have their own private bath and only a few guest rooms have their own private toilet. This is not an issue for most patrons as they prefer hot spring baths that date back over 350 years. There are indoor and outdoor hot spring baths for both women and men,…read more
Yomoshiro, Ainokura, Japan
This Gassho-Zukuri farmhouse minshuku is a part of a world heritage site. This area gets an incredible amount of snow in the wintertime. Here you will have an authentic Japanese experience. Yomoshiro is made of one building with four guest rooms and it is run by a warm welcoming family,…read more
Minshuku Shimada, Narai, Japan
This minshuku is located in a small traditional town on the Nakasendo trail. It is located close to the train station so you will be able to find it easily, and even if you can’t the locals are more than willing to help. The minshuku has a very traditional look and the whole town looks like it is still in the Edo period. It has 10 rooms,…read more
Magoemon, Shirakawa-go, Japan
This Gassho Zukuri farmhouse minshuku in Shirakawa-go has six guest rooms accommodating up to 12 guests. There is a Japanese-style open hearth, and from Magoemon guests can even see an old fashioned wooden suspension bridge over the famous Shirokawa River. Magoemon serves fresh, seasonal vegetables throughout the year,…read more
A great way to experience traditional Japanese culture is by staying at a shukubo, a Buddhist Temple lodging. While the style of accommodation can sometimes be very basic the cuisine is often very good. The temple monks serve vegetarian meals known as shojin ryori, and at most temples guests are welcome to attend the early morning prayer ceremonies.
Shojoshin-in, Koyasan, Japan
This temple on Mt Koya has a great location at the beginning of the tomb-lined pathway to Okunoin, making it convenient for your late-night stroll to the mausoleum. Originating as a thatched hut built by Kukai more than 1,150 years ago and once the second-largest temple in Koyasan after Kongobuji, today it boasts attractive 150-year-old buildings, including a large wooden structure with rooms overlooking a small garden and pond,…read more
Gyokuzo-in, Shigisan, Japan
This Buddhist temple was first established about 1400 years ago. It is located on the east side of Mt Ikoma, between Osaka and Nara. There is a morning prayer that starts around 6:00 am. As guests of Gyokuzo-in you are invited to attend the prayer services. The prayer service is about 40 minutes long. There are 50 rooms at Gyokuzo-in. Only one of them has a private bath and toilet,…read more
Saikan Dewa Sanzan Haguroyama, Dewa Sanzan, Japan
This Buddhist temple is located in Haguroyama and is part of the Three Mountains of Dewa. It’s a historical building, originally called Kezouin, but was rebuilt in 1697. Saikan Dewa Sanzan Haguroyama is a wooden temple with sliding doors, so doors cannot be locked though this only adds to the charm. Adventurous guests reach the temple by climbing up 2,466 stone steps, though there is also a bus you can take,…read more
Eko-in, Koyasan, Japan
This large traditional Buddhist Temple is one of the oldest temples on Mount Koya. A 1000-year-old Buddhist temple, Ekoin offers Japanese style guest rooms and one of them has a private bath and toilet. All of the guest rooms have a garden view. Guests are free to attend morning services and the Goma fire ritual. Guests can participate in meditation sessions from 16:30. Sessions can be translated into English and English brochures are available if there is no interpreter. WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge,…read more
For those who like to travel independently or simply would like to relax without staff around you, renting a Japanese house is a unique experience. We invite you to discover the beauty of Japanese architecture and you will have the entire house to yourself or your group.
Fuga Funaya, Ine, Japan
It is a traditional waterfront building with a garage for boats on the first floor and residential space on the upper floors. Fuga Funaya has 2 rooms. Usually, there is no staff at a Funaya. Only during check-in or check-out someone will assist you,…read more
Iizukatei, Nakagawa-machi, Japan
In a spacious residence, you will find a living room with a sofa and a dining room with a full kitchen.
You will feel completely at home whether it is a short or long stay.
Each residence has two bedrooms with two semi-double beds, and is capable of accommodating a group of four to five guests,…read more
Maruyama Village, Sasayama, Japan
This Traditional Cottage is located in the mountains in the North of Osaka. In this inn guests reserve a whole Japanese house with a kitchen, bathroom, garden,… There are 3 traditional houses available, they are 150 years old and have been recently renovated. Please be aware that there is no air conditioning available.
In contrast to the limited privacy experienced in a traditional ryokan, guests use the houses on their own. In a cottage you actually rent an entire house,…read more
Stay in a renovated Japanese home located in a neighborhood in Kyoto or Kanazawa and feel like a native. Your machiya townhouse is only rented out to one group at a time so you will have the entire house to yourself or your group. This is a great way to relax and feel Japanese culture.
Machiya Momohana-an, Kyoto, Japan
Located in the Shijo downtown district o fKyoto, “Momohana-an” machiya holiday house is tucked down a quiet residential lane – your private retreat in Kyoto. Like many Kyoto machiyas, “Momohana-an” served not only as a living space but also as a store. Enter the house to discover a ‘mise no ma’ space,…read more
Staying at a Japanese home is probably the best way to meet and get to know the Japanese people and learn about the local culture. At a Japanese home, guests have the chance to eat home-cooked Japanese food, discover the local culture, and interact with the local people. Your room may be Japanese or Western Style.
Bishamon House, Rural Kyoto, Japan
Tsuzumi and her husband own this beautiful house. Tsuzumi studied in Italy after graduated from Osaka University. While staying in Italy she met her future husband Christian. They have moved back to her hometown, Kameoka with two kids, and bought a Japanese traditional house (about 150 years old), and renovated it. They have finally started a home stay business in 2018,…read more
Fukiko’s House, Rural Kyoto, Japan
A unique opportunity to discover the rural side of Japan, in Kameoka (near Kyoto). Fukiko will provide you a variety of experiences that only she can give. She will cook traditional Japanese dishes for you; using fresh ingredients from her organic garden. If you like; she can dress you in one of her beautiful kimonos, Fukiko likes Kimonos very much and owns a fantastic collection. Fukiko will also tell you the fascinating story of her family and ancestors,…read more
Nonomura Family, Rural Kyoto, Japan
This is the perfect option if you want to have contact with a Japanese family. You will discover the rural side of Kyoto. Their house is located in a tiny village facing rice fields. They are proud of their sumptuous Sukiyaki prepare with premium Japanese beef. While guests are staying in the modern building, it’s possible to have dinner in the Honkan,…read more
Rediscover Tours arranges amazing trips whether you are traveling with your family, on your honeymoon, as a couple or as a group of friends. We work with you to make sure everything is exactly as you want it.
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...
Our team of Japan experts have all lived in Japan for years and know its the hidden treasures. Our team is here to answer all your questions and to build your tour just the way you want it.
Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.
Great trips don't just happen; it takes expert knowledge and years of experience to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on Rediscover Tours to make your perfect Japanese experience. Our dedication to excellence makes the difference.
Your Japan travel expert will create your trip just for you
Your interests and travel style will be front and center when designing your tour
Accommodations will be selected based on your style and we will inform them of all your special meal and physical requirements
Your Japan expert has lived in Japan or is Japanese
They know the hidden treasures of Japan that you will love and most tourists miss
Most of our team lives in Japan giving them first hand knowledge of the latest trends and experiences for you to enjoy
Private local guides add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour
We only hire the best guides and review each trip with them insuring excellent experience
Your private guide will listen to you, show you sights of interest and will make on the fly changes to match the weather and crowds
Our office in Japan is here to assist and support you
Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000
You will arrive comfortable in the knowledge that all details are taken care of and that our Japan office is just a call away