Japan Hotel Types Explained: Ryokan, Business Hotels, Capsules and More
Ryokan, business hotel, capsule, minshuku or temple stay? What each Japanese accommodation type offers Australian travellers, based on JNTO guidance.
# Japan Hotel Types Explained: Ryokan, Business Hotels, Capsules and More
Japan has more styles of accommodation than most Australians are used to, and picking the right one shapes the whole trip. This guide summarises what the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) says about each type.
Quick answer
| Type | Best for | What JNTO notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business hotel | City stays near stations | Compact rooms, usually sleep up to 2, generally cheaper than standard western hotels |
| Ryokan | A traditional, often luxury stay | Tatami, futon, yukata, kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast are common |
| Capsule hotel | Solo, short stays | Bed-sized private capsules with shared toilets and showers |
| Minshuku | Budget, regional stays | Family-run, simpler amenities, often shared bathrooms |
| Minpaku | Self-contained stays | Generally unattended residences, e.g. converted machiya |
| Shukubo | Culture | Overnight stays at temples |
Business hotels: practical city bases
JNTO describes business hotel rooms as compact, so they may not suit people travelling with large suitcases. They usually do not sleep more than two people, though some offer triple rooms. Pricing is typically somewhat more economical than standard western hotels but varies by location, for example being next to a train station. (JNTO)Families of three or more should filter for triple or family rooms before booking.
Ryokan: the traditional inn
Ryokan range from very traditional to modern, and from sprawling resorts to private villas, onsen ryokan and urban inns. JNTO notes that outside the major cities, ryokan are often the best chance of finding five-star service, while budget options also exist. Common elements include tatami flooring, futon bedding (many now also offer western beds), yukata robes, in-house kaiseki multi-course dinners and a Japanese breakfast. (JNTO)Tip: if you want meals included, check whether the rate is room-only or includes dinner and breakfast. We do not list rates here.
Capsule hotels
Capsule (pod) hotels are rows of compact, self-contained capsules giving a private place to sleep with access to communal toilets and showers. Styles range from futuristic pods to more upmarket sleeping cabins. (JNTO)Minshuku and minpaku
Minshuku are family-run, often in regional areas near resorts. Amenities are simpler than ryokan, bathrooms are often shared and you are usually expected to put away your own bedding. Minpaku are generally unattended residences, many of them converted old houses such as Kyoto's machiya. (JNTO)Temple stays and homestays
Shukubo let you spend a night at a temple, and homestays and farmstays focus on simple work and cultural exchange with a host family. (JNTO)What to expect at check-in
JNTO states that visitors must fill in nationality and passport number (plus name, address and occupation) on the guest registration form and present their passport to be photocopied. Keep your passport handy at every check-in. (JNTO)Related guides
- Japan visa for Australians - Where to stay in Tokyo for first-timersFAQ
Do Japanese business hotels fit three people? Usually not; most sleep up to two, though some offer triples (JNTO). Do ryokan have western beds? Many now offer rooms with western beds as well as futons (JNTO). Do I need my passport at a Japanese hotel? Yes, foreign visitors present it for photocopying at check-in (JNTO).Checked against the sources listed on 11 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the official source before you travel.