Top 10 Unique Places to Overnight in Japan

Have you ever dreamt of sleeping in a centuries-old Japanese inn, a unique floating hotel, or even an airport-themed hostel? If so, Japan, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, awaits you with open arms. This country is renowned for its unexpected and delightful accommodations, each one offering a distinctly Japanese experience. From the tranquility of traditional ryokans nestled in nature's lap to the avant-garde design of city-based capsule hotels, Japan offers more than just a place to sleep. Each lodging is a journey into the culture, aesthetics, and gracious hospitality known as 'Omotenashi', which defines this island nation.

In this enlightening guide, we take you on a journey through the top 10 cool places to overnight in Japan. Each location, carefully handpicked, serves as a window into the rich tapestry of Japanese life and its mesmerizing landscapes. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or an art aficionado, there's a unique lodging that promises to be a highlight of your visit.

So, are you ready to swap the ordinary for the extraordinary, step outside your comfort zone, and dive headfirst into an overnight stay that's anything but predictable? Let's discover these unforgettable places, each one offering a unique tale for your Japanese advenre.

Ryokan Hisaya (Kyoto)

Situated in the heart of Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district, Ryokan Hisaya offers an authentic Japanese lodging experience that has been preserved over centuries. The Higashiyama district is renowned for its well-preserved Kyoto streets, where walking down the cobbled pathways feels like stepping back in time.

The district is home to iconic sights like the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Yasaka Shrine, and the Maruyama Park, all within a leisurely stroll from the ryokan. Amid this wealth of cultural heritage, Ryokan Hisaya stands as a testament to traditional Japanese hospitality, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Established over a century ago, Ryokan Hisaya invites guests into its intimate setting characterized by serene traditional rooms with tatami mats, shoji screens, and futon beds. Each room overlooks a meticulously maintained garden, allowing guests to feel one with nature. The inn is renowned for its kaiseki cuisine, a form of dining that's an art form in itself, combining seasonal ingredients into aesthetically pleasing, delicious dishes.

The ryokan also arranges traditional tea ceremonies, offering a taste of the Japanese concept of 'ichigo ichie', or the appreciation of unrepeatable moments. In short, a stay at Ryokan Hisaya is not merely an overnight stay; it's a journey into Japan's cultural heart, offering a unique glimpse into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, tranquility, and deep respect for nature and history.

Hoshinoya Fuji (Yamanashi)

Perched on a hillside overlooking Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the backdrop, Hoshinoya Fuji stands as Japan's premier glamping resort. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, this idyllic spot presents a stark contrast to traditional Japanese accommodations and offers a novel way to enjoy Japan's outdoors. Each of its minimalist cabins, designed with modern aesthetics, features large windows and private terraces that offer panoramic views of Mount Fuji - Japan's highest mountain and an iconic symbol of the country.

Hoshinoya Fuji seeks to create an immersive outdoor experience without sacrificing comfort and luxury. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like horseback riding, canoeing on Lake Kawaguchi, forest therapy walks, and even a cloud terrace where one can lie back and gaze at the changing sky. The resort's dining focuses on utilizing local ingredients, often cooked on open fires, creating a beautiful fusion of simplicity and sophistication that reflects the natural surroundings.

At night, the resort organizes 'Bonfire Sessions,' where guests can gather around the fire, listen to live performances and stargaze - all with the stunning silhouette of Mount Fuji in view. Staying at Hoshinoya Fuji isn't just about lodging; it's about cherishing the harmonious blend of nature, comfort, and adventure that is quintessentially Japanese.

Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Aomori)

Located in the picturesque northern region of Aomori, the Oirase Keiryu Hotel stands adjacent to the Oirase Stream, one of Japan's most beautiful river valleys. This unique setting provides guests with an immersive experience of Japan's remarkable natural beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The hotel is nestled within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, known for its mesmerizing waterfalls, rapids, and vibrant foliage, particularly breathtaking in the autumn season. The hotel's design integrates the surrounding nature into its architecture, allowing guests to enjoy scenic views of the Oirase Stream directly from their rooms.

The Oirase Keiryu Hotel takes pride in its location and provides guests with a range of activities to connect with nature. From guided nature walks along the Oirase Stream to cycling and bird watching, guests are encouraged to appreciate the diverse ecosystem around the hotel. The hotel's unique features extend to its dining options, where it serves local Aomori cuisine using fresh ingredients sourced from the surrounding area, including seafood from the Tsugaru Strait and vegetables from local farms.

Guests can also relax and rejuvenate at the hotel's hot spring baths, known for their healing properties. An overnight stay at the Oirase Keiryu Hotel is a soothing experience, a retreat into nature's lap, offering an opportunity to appreciate the tranquility and beauty that is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

Book and Bed (Tokyo)

Book and Bed is a one-of-a-kind accommodation located in the bustling city of Tokyo that perfectly encapsulates Japan's fondness for unique and innovative concepts. Designed as a bookstore-themed hostel, it is an ideal getaway for bibliophiles and those looking for a unique urban stay experience.

The hostel features an open space with bookshelves that house more than a thousand books in multiple languages. The interesting part? The beds are ingeniously tucked into these bookshelves, offering guests the novel experience of sleeping in an actual bookstore.

While the sleeping quarters are admittedly simple, focusing more on functionality than luxury, the real allure of Book and Bed lies in the concept. Guests can explore a multitude of titles covering a variety of genres before curling up in their bookshelf bed with their chosen read. The hostel also encourages social interaction among guests, with shared common spaces and a cafe bar serving coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.

The entire atmosphere, while buzzing with the excitement of Tokyo's urban spirit, also maintains a sense of tranquility that's synonymous with reading a good book. An overnight stay at Book and Bed offers more than just a place to sleep; it's an immersive experience into the world of literature, seamlessly blending the worlds of dreams and reality, which is truly an embodiment of Japan's love for creative concepts.

Aso Farm Land (Kumamoto)

Aso Farm Land is a unique resort village nestled within the lush landscapes of Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. This one-of-a-kind accommodation is renowned for its innovative 'domed villas,' modeled on the concept of natural healing.

Built with all-natural materials such as loam, straw, and bamboo, each of these uniquely themed domed villas offers a cozy retreat that harmonizes with the surrounding nature. The resort is located in the Aso Kuju National Park, a region famous for its vast caldera and Aso-san, one of the world's largest active volcanoes.

Aso Farm Land is not just a place to stay; it's a wellness destination focused on health and rejuvenation. The resort offers a range of facilities that include natural hot springs, fitness clubs, and relaxation therapies. Families will particularly enjoy the resort's adventure park and petting zoo, making it an ideal destination for a family getaway.

The resort also hosts a farmer's market, where guests can buy fresh local produce and several restaurants that offer a taste of Kumamoto's regional cuisine. In short, an overnight stay at Aso Farm Land is an immersive experience that allows guests to connect with nature, enjoy a unique style of accommodation, and focus on wellness and relaxation amidst the tranquil beauty of Aso's landscapes.

Henn-na Hotel (Nagasaki)

Bringing a taste of the future to the present, the Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki is a marvel of technological innovation. The term "Henn-na" translates to "strange" in English, and true to its name, this hotel offers an eccentric but fascinating experience.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the first hotel to be staffed by robots, Henn-na Hotel welcomes guests into a realm of automation and artificial intelligence. From a dinosaur robot receptionist that helps with check-in procedures to in-room voice-activated assistants, this hotel delivers a unique blend of hospitality and technology.

While the hotel's main draw is undoubtedly its robotic staff, the Henn-na Hotel doesn’t compromise on comfort and functionality. Each room is equipped with modern amenities and cutting-edge technologies for a comfortable stay. Guests can control various room features, such as lighting and temperature, using voice commands.

Adding to the futuristic appeal, the hotel employs facial recognition technology instead of room keys, ensuring both convenience and security. The Henn-na Hotel also makes significant efforts to be environmentally friendly, with features like solar power and a smart energy-saving system. An overnight stay at the Henn-na Hotel offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential future of hospitality, where technology enhances comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.

Guntu Floating Hotel (Seto Inland Sea)

The Guntu Floating Hotel offers an extraordinary overnight experience that takes the concept of 'rooms with a view' to a whole new level. This floating hotel, or rather a luxury cruise ship, explores the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Japan's largest enclosed coastal sea known for its calm waters and beautiful islands.

The ship's design is a homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics, combining elegant minimalism with the allure of the surrounding seascape. With just 19 guest suites, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, the Guntu ensures an intimate, luxurious, and memorable stay.

The journey aboard the Guntu is a dynamic blend of relaxation, gastronomic indulgence, and exploration. Guests can participate in various activities such as yoga classes, traditional tea ceremonies, and spa treatments. Moreover, the ship’s itinerary includes stops at different ports, where guests can explore local attractions, meet artists and craftsmen, and experience the cultural richness of the Seto Inland Sea communities.

Dining on the Guntu is a culinary delight as well, with menus created by top chefs that incorporate fresh seafood and local ingredients. A voyage on the Guntu Floating Hotel transcends the traditional hotel experience. It’s an exploration of Japan's coastal beauty, a celebration of its refined aesthetics, and an indulgence in its sophisticated hospitality, all while drifting gently on the serene waters of the Seto Inland Sea.

Jumbo Stay (Tokyo)

If you're a fan of unique accommodations and have a penchant for aviation, Tokyo's Jumbo Stay is sure to excite you. Jumbo Stay, located close to Haneda Airport, is a hotel built inside a decommissioned Boeing 747.

This innovative hotel not only offers a unique lodging experience but also gives aviation enthusiasts a chance to explore the intricate details of one of the world's most famous aircraft. Each section of the plane, from the cockpit to the engine, has been repurposed into comfortable rooms, providing guests with a truly out-of-the-box overnight experience.

The Jumbo Stay offers a variety of rooms to accommodate different guest needs, from budget-friendly dormitory style rooms in the main cabin to more lavish suites in the cockpit and the upper deck. Each room is designed with an aviation theme, maintaining the original aircraft windows and including details that celebrate the 747's rich history.

On top of this unique setting, guests can enjoy meals and drinks at the restaurant situated in the plane's former First-Class cabin, adding to the aviation-themed experience. An overnight stay at Jumbo Stay offers a rare opportunity to sleep on a plane without any turbulence, cramped seats, or time zone changes, making it a memorable and story-worthy experience.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan (Yamanashi)

A stay at Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture is like stepping back in time. Established in 705 AD, this hot spring hotel holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest hotel in the world, operated by the same family for over 1,300 years. Nestled in the southern Japanese Alps, the Keiunkan is a beacon of traditional Japanese hospitality, with its tranquil surroundings and soothing hot springs that are directly sourced from the local mountains.

Each of the hotel's rooms combines the simplicity of traditional Japanese design with modern comforts, providing a serene retreat for guests. The rooms feature classic tatami mat flooring, futon beds, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. However, the star attraction of the Keiunkan is its hot springs.

With both indoor and outdoor baths that overlook the pristine natural landscapes, these hot springs offer ultimate relaxation, which is heightened by the tranquil sounds of the nearby river and the sight of the lush, green mountains. Dining at the Keiunkan is an exquisite culinary experience, with meals that celebrate the region's seasonal ingredients.

Temple Lodging (Koyasan)

Experience tranquility, spirituality, and traditional Japanese culture with a unique overnight stay at a Buddhist temple in Koyasan. Located in the remote mountainous region of Wakayama Prefecture, Koyasan, or Mount Koya, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most important religious centers. Here, visitors can choose to stay in shukubo, traditional Buddhist temples that offer lodging facilities.

Each temple lodging provides a minimalist tatami room, offering a serene atmosphere that aligns with the spiritual environment of Koyasan. However, the stay isn't just about the accommodation; it's about experiencing the Buddhist way of life.

Guests can participate in various temple activities, including attending morning prayers, meditation sessions, and the Goma fire ritual. The shukubo also serves shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, which is a delicacy in itself. This simple, yet nutritious cuisine focuses on bringing out the natural flavors of each ingredient and is prepared in a way that respects Buddhist philosophy.

Conclusion

Japan, with its fusion of tradition and innovation, offers an extraordinary range of unique accommodations that not only provide a place to rest but also a rich, immersive cultural experience. From sleeping in a centuries-old ryokan or a Buddhist temple to staying in a futuristic robot-manned hotel or a decommissioned Boeing 747, these accommodations offer more than just a good night's sleep; they offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan's remarkable culture, natural beauty, and inventive spirit.

At Trip to Japan, we're passionate about helping you explore the Land of the Rising Sun in the most authentic way possible. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or a fan of cutting-edge technology, our extensive selection of tours caters to a wide variety of interests.

If you're planning your next trip to Japan, we invite you to explore the unique stays mentioned above, and many more, through our carefully curated tours. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime and take you beyond the ordinary. Visit our website today and start planning your unique Japanese adventure. Embrace the extraordinary, because in Japan, every journey is a story waiting to unfold.