Japan is worldwide known for its quirky and unique cultural characteristics in architecture, art, traditions, and daily life. And it's no different when it comes to staying in a hotel. Japan offers kinky stays at love hotels, affordable and slightly crammed in capsule hotels, and also something called Shukubo. It's …

With soaring property prices in Japan's capital, hotels are forced to innovate and squeeze out the most of each square foot of space. While traditional hostels might scare away the more conservative crowd, MyCUBE does not compromise essential privacy. Their fully enclosable capsules are spacious and well equipped. The unique …

Marriott group's launch of the Moxy brand in Japan signifies a new era in sleek and funky accommodation. Moxy hotels are geared towards fun-loving travelers with their playground-like interiors. The cooperation with the local-based studio Wise Labo resulted in a complete revamp of an 11-story warehouse and showroom in a …

Nagasaki Prefecture’s Hirado Castle opened Japan's first "shirohaku", castle stay. It's located in the historic hilltop castle from the 18th century with panoramic views across the Hirado Strait. On this site in 1599, Matsura Shigenobu, a local warlord, constructed a castle called Hinotake-jō, which he then burned down in 1613. …

The first capsule hotel in the world, Capsule Inn Osaka (New Japan Umeda), opened in 1979 and has been enticing guests ever since. But, sorry ladies, this accommodation is for men-only. While many modern capsule hotels are co-ed, the original Capsule Inn Osaka – located in Japan – was intended …

Concept cars tend to look so futuristic and progressive that they never make it into production in shape they were showcased at car shows. Shiki-Shima train is the concept car of trains, but somehow it managed to get approved by the East Japan Railway Company, and now anyone can book …

Maebashi, the city of water, greenery, and poets, has seen a remarkable transformation from silk manufacturing to pioneer Japan's modernization. Shiroiya Hotel has seen a similar metamorphosis from a Japanese ryokan (inn) with 300 years of history into an inspirational contemporary creation. The original inn's rough concrete walls remind its …

Different from most capsule hotels because it offers double rooms and couples accommodation. It also provides you the unusual experience of buying fresh underwear from a vending machine… which is a novelty if you are a Westerner. Also uncommon for foreigners is that bathing suits are banned from single-sex showers …

The recently opened Hotel Zen Tokyo has taken the popular capsule-style accommodation from Japan and brought it to a new level. Located in Nihonbashi Ningyocho, or "Doll town" as the locals call it, it's one of the most traditional parts of Tokyo, and it's got a great connection with the …

Park Hyatt Tokyo combines the signature luxury the chain is known for with a local flavor. Despite being located right in the center of chaotic Shinjuku, the hotel offers a soothing atmosphere of calm. Sitting in the Club on the 52nd floor or taking a dip in the indoor pool, …

Located in a remote part of Japan's beautiful Ise-Shima National Park, Amanemu is a hidden luxury retreat. The resort overlooks Ago Bay, known as the Bay of Pearls, and is surrounded by lush forests and golf courses. The architecture of Amanemu is a true celebration of minimalism. Inspired by the …

A mere four-minute walk from the Namba Subway Station in Osaka is Japan’s famous spa capsule hotel. Unlike normal hotels where you book a self-contained room, the Capsule Hotel offers brand-new spacious sleeping capsules with a bed and wall-mounted television. You will also get a locker to stow your luggage …

The First Cabin Tsukiji in Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese-style pod hotel with an aviation theme that houses 160 people. There are 119 male cabins and 41 female cabins. Tsukiji’s pods are equipped with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, electric plugs, AC, house slippers, and toiletries. In addition, the hotel offers a …

Japan is known for its unique traditions, state-of-the-art technologies, and sleek architecture. Now, you can experience all of that and more at the Zaborin, located in Niseko, Japan. Niseko is not on mainland Japan; rather, it’s a town on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island that sits by the dormant Mount Yōtei …

The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan spa hotel was originally opened in 705 AD, and in 2011 it was declared the oldest hotel in the world by Guinness World Records (currently 1317 years old). Since its inception, the hotel has been owned and operated by the same family for 52 generations. The …

Staffed by multilingual robots (yes, robots), travelers are sure to have a memorable stay at the Henn-na Hotel located in Nagasaki, Japan. Robots (one of which is an English-speaking dinosaur robot) serve to check guests in, and porter robots will carry luggage up to the guest rooms. Of course, a …

Book lovers rejoice! A self-proclaimed “accommodation bookshop,” Book and Bed Tokyo is essentially a library that guests can snooze in. This affordable hostel has room for 30 guests and a selection of 1,700 books in both Japanese and English. Those looking for Japanese literature will find English translations of works …

Japan is known for its eccentricities and unique innovations. One such innovation is their use of limited space as seen in the Capsule Hotel Rumor Plaza. It is a male-only hotel with a communal sauna as well as a shared bathroom, lounge, smoking area, and dining area. Rather than booking …

Located on the Houshi River in the Gunma Prefecture, the Houshi Onsen Chojukan is the epitome of a traditional ryokan where weary travels can experience Japanese hospitality. Built in 1875 at the source of the hot spring, the Chojukan is a secluded mountain getaway that offers majestic views an insight …

Hoshi Ryokan is the second [oldest hotel in the world](https://www.uniqhotels.com/nishiyama-onsen-keiunkan); first opening its doors in 717. Legend has it that the great Buddhist teacher, Taicho Daishi saw a vision while traveling in the local area. In his vision, a great deity made it known to him that nearby was a …