Accommodation
1
Stay Somewhere
Special!
In Japan, some accommodations let you experience living history - staying in them also helps preserve cultural heritage. Here are a few unique places you might find compelling:
- Traditional inns renovated from old sake breweries
- Temple lodgings where monks live and pray
- Samurai residences turned into guesthouses
- Machiya townhouses and historic hotels
- Western-style mansions from Japan’s Meiji era
2
Have You Tried Staying
in a Tatami Room?
Try spending a night in a washitsu, a traditional Japanese tatami room. The soft scent of tatami has a calming effect and gives a cozy, peaceful atmosphere. During the day, you can sit on the floor to relax, and at night, spread out a futon to sleep - one room, many ways to enjoy your stay. Here are a few tips for enjoying and protecting your tatami room:
- Take off your shoes - walk barefoot or in socks only.
- Avoid placing heavy luggage directly on tatami; use a luggage stand if available.
- Do not place wet towels or clothes on the tatami mats.
- When using a futon, spread the sheets neatly before sleeping.
- Handle items in the room gently - tatami and sliding doors are delicate.
Most of these stays include two meals - dinner and breakfast - made with local ingredients, and many also have relaxing Japanese baths or hot springs.
3
Remember —
People Live Here Too
When staying near local homes, please be mindful of the community’s daily life. Keep quiet during early mornings and late nights, especially if you’re staying in a residential area.
If you’ll be checking in late at night, plan ahead - maybe stay close to a train station or in an area with easy access, so you can arrive smoothly without disturbing others. It’s also helpful to check your route in advance, as some rural or residential areas can be hard to find after dark.
Many hotels and inns provide local sightseeing maps and recommendations, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their favorite spots - they’ll be happy to help!
4
Doing Your Part
for the Planet?
Many hotels and inns in Japan are taking steps to reduce waste. Instead of providing all amenities in your room, some ask guests to pick up only what they need at the front desk. Please help by using amenities wisely and avoiding unnecessary waste. If you stay for several nights, some hotels offer an eco-cleaning option, such as “no room cleaning, towel change only.” Choosing this option helps save water and energy - a small action with a big impact!
Japan also has beautiful Dark Sky Parks, areas that protect the natural night sky by reducing light pollution. If you stay in these regions, please close your curtains and keep your room lighting low at night to help preserve the night view. Japan’s certified Dark Sky Parks:
- Bisei Town, Okayama Prefecture
- Minami Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture
- Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, Okayama Prefecture
Your thoughtful actions make a real difference - thank you for helping keep Japan’s skies clear and beautiful!