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Choosing a hotel in Japan can be surprisingly difficult.
There are literally thousands of options, and after 20+ trips, I’ve realised the trick isn’t finding “the best hotel” — it’s finding the right chain for what you’re actually doing on that trip.
So here’s my breakdown of the hotel chains I keep coming back to, and who each one is actually for.
| Name | Best for | Typical price | Key highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dormy Inn | Onsen stays and late-night snacks | From ¥9,000/night | Natural hot spring or public baths with free late-night ramen and post-onsen treats |
| Tokyu Stay | Longer trips and lighter packing | From ¥10,000–12,000/night | In-room washer-dryer, microwave and slightly larger rooms |
| MIMARU | Families and groups | From ¥18,000–22,000/night per room | Spacious rooms with kitchen and dining area in major cities |
| Super Hotel | Budget stays with added comforts | From ¥7,000–8,000/night | Complimentary breakfast, pillow selection and onsen at selected branches |
| Toyoko Inn | Short stays and reliable value | From ¥6,000–8,000/night | Consistent budget rooms near train stations with free breakfast |
| OMO by Hoshino Resorts | Exploring local neighbourhoods | From ¥12,000–18,000/night | Staff-curated local maps, neighbourhood activities and modern rooms |
1. Dormy Inn — for onsen and late-night ramen lovers
This is the one I recommend most often.
Dormy Inn is technically a business hotel chain, but the perks feel almost luxury for the price.
Most branches come with their own natural hot spring baths (onsen) or large public baths, so after a full day of walking, you can just… soak.
- Onsen or large public baths at most branches
- Free yonaki soba (late-night ramen), usually 9.30pm–11pm
- Free ice cream after your onsen at night
- Free probiotic drinks in the morning
Rooms are nothing special, just standard business hotel size.
But add onsen, late-night ramen and ice cream into one stay, and somehow that’s enough to make it memorable.
If you want a step up, look out for Onyado Nono, Dormy Inn’s higher-tier brand.
I stayed at Onyado Nono Asakusa, and it’s ryokan-style — tatami flooring throughout, shoes off the moment you walk in.
UNLIMITED ikura for breakfast, free ramen at night, free-flow ice cream after your bath… honestly I kept finding excuses to stay one more night.
If you want that ryokan feel without ryokan prices, this is the one.
Prices from around ¥9,000/night for regular Dormy Inn, ¥12,000–15,000/night for Onyado Nono, though it really depends on the branch and season.
Website: en.dormy-hotels.com
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
2. Tokyu Stay — for long trips and people who hate packing
Honestly, this one’s a lifesaver if you’re travelling for 2 weeks or more.
Every room comes with its own washer-dryer and microwave, which sounds minor until you’re a week or two into a trip.
- Washer-dryer in every room
- Microwave for leftovers or convenience store food
- Laundry detergent usually provided
- Slightly larger rooms than typical business hotels
Bulky winter coats alone can take up half a suitcase. Being able to wash and dry overnight means you can just… pack less.
If you’re the type who overpacks “just in case”, this kind of fixes that for you.
Prices from around ¥10,000–12,000/night depending on location.
Website: tokyustay.co.jp/en
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
3. MIMARU — for families and groups who actually want space
If you’ve ever crammed 3-4 people into a tiny Japanese hotel room, you know the struggle.
MIMARU solves that.
Rooms are significantly bigger than the norm, often 40–60 sqm, with:
- Bunk beds or multiple beds
- Mini kitchen and dining area
- Locations usually right in the middle of the action — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
It’s pricier than your typical business hotel, sure.
But split across 3-4 people, that ends up cheaper than booking two separate rooms anyway.
If you just want space, which in Japan always feels like a luxury, this is it.
Prices from around ¥18,000–22,000/night per room.
Website: mimaruhotels.com
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
4. Super Hotel — for budget travellers who still want it to feel nice
Super Hotel is proof that budget doesn’t have to mean depressing.
Rooms are compact, but clean and functional — exactly what you need after a full day of exploring.
- Pillow selection corner, choose your firmness and type before checking in
- Some branches have their own onsen or public baths
- Complimentary breakfast (simple but decent)
- Some branches even throw in free-flow drinks in the evening
If price and cleanliness matter most to you, but you still want a few small surprises along the way, this works.
Prices from around ¥7,000–8,000/night, sometimes even less if you book direct.
Website: superhoteljapan.com
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
5. Toyoko Inn — for the “safe default” pick
Toyoko Inn is one of Japan’s largest and most consistent budget chains, and there’s a reason it’s everywhere.
- Free breakfast, simple Japanese style — rice, miso soup, small sides
- Locations almost always within a few minutes of a train station
- Basic but reliable rooms
It’s never going to be the highlight of your trip. But it’s also never going to let you down.
Good for short stays, solo trips, or anytime you just need a base and don’t want to overthink it.
Prices from around ¥6,000–8,000/night, often cheaper if you sign up as a Toyoko Inn Club member.
Website: toyoko-inn.com/eng
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
6. OMO by Hoshino Resorts — for exploring like a local
This is the one I’d pick if I wanted my hotel to actually help me discover the area, not just be a place to sleep.
OMO is run by Hoshino Resorts (yes, the luxury brand), but positioned more casual and city-based.
- Every property comes with a Go-KINJO Map, a staff-curated map of local food spots and hidden gems
- Some properties run free OMO Rangers walks and local activities
- Usually a short walk from major attractions or transport
Rooms also feel more modern and stylish than most chains.
If you want your hotel to look good too, and you’re keen to wander off the obvious tourist track, this is worth it.
Prices from around ¥12,000–18,000/night depending on the property and the OMO number (lower numbers like OMO3 are more compact, OMO7 is bigger and more resort-like).
Website: hoshinoresorts.com/en/brands/omo
Book now: Agoda Booking.com
So, which one’s for you?
- Onsen and late-night ramen: Dormy Inn
- Long trip, hate packing: Tokyu Stay
- Travelling with family or a group: MIMARU
- Budget but want it to feel nice: Super Hotel
- Just need a reliable base: Toyoko Inn
- Want to explore like a local: OMO
I’ll probably keep updating this list as I try more chains.
Is there a hotel chain you’d want me to review next, or one you’ve stayed at that should be on this list?
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