Top 5 Budget Hotel Chains in Japan: Cost-Effective and Convenient

Japanese Business Hotel Chains: Safe, Convenient, and Affordable!

Travelers looking for affordable accommodations should check out budget hotel chains in Japan, which include business hotels.

Business hotels are inexpensive compared to resort hotels or ryokans (luxury Japanese-style inns), offering clean rooms furnished with various items and pleasant service. These accommodations also have convenient accessibility since most are located near train or subway stations.

Top 5 Business Hotel Chains in Japan

1. Toyoko Inn
2. APA Hotel
3. Dormy Inn
4. Super Hotel
5. Route Inn

1. Toyoko Inn: The Largest Business Hotel Chain in Japan with Free Breakfast

Toyoko Inn boasts the largest number of guest rooms, managing around 350 hotels in Japan and overseas.

They have facilities in most prefectures located in urban areas near terminal stations. Toyoko Inn is also at popular sightseeing spots such as Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji, Nijo Castle (Kyoto), and Ishigaki Island (Okinawa).

Picture courtesy of Booking.com: Toyoko Inn Hokkaido Sapporo Susukino Kosaten

There are single, double, and twin rooms available that can accommodate one to four people. Some facilities have a "business twin" room, where two beds are separated further apart to offer more privacy.

All facilities serve complimentary breakfast. Additionally, children in elementary school and younger stay free when sleeping with an adult in the same bed. There is a 200 yen discount for guests who book a room on the official website and another 200 yen discount for those who complete the online payment by credit card. Some facilities run a free shuttle bus service to nearby airports and stations.

2. APA Hotel: Functional Rooms with a Convenient Urban Location

APA Hotel, a major hotel chain, manages over 300 facilities in 45 prefectures in Japan, as well as in the United States and Canada.

They are promoting a new type of urban hotel, employing a non-contact check-in/check-out system. By using the APA app and APA-choku (APA Hotel's official website), guests will face less paperwork while receiving bonus points and discounts.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com: APA Hotel Ueno Hirokoji

Most rooms accommodate one or two people and are designed compactly, so the switches and outlets are located by the bed. Some facilities are furnished with large public baths where you can relax and soak your fatigue away.

Many hotels are conveniently located within a five-minute walk from major train stations. APA Hotel is ideal for those interested in spending more time sightseeing while placing emphasis on convenience and cost-effectiveness.

3. Dormy Inn: Large Bathing Areas and Free Ramen Service

There are about 90 Dormy Inns located across Japan. Around 80 facilities feature a large bathhouse, some even featuring natural hot spring water. Although they may be labeled as a business hotel chain, guests can also enjoy an onsen (hot spring) at certain facilities.

The inns are conveniently located for business travelers and sightseers in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo. The rooms can accommodate from one to four people. Some Dormy Inn hotels in sightseeing spots and hot spring resorts such as Kyoto, Hida Takayama, and Oita are designed in a style similar to a ryokan.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com/ Dormy Inn Sapporo Annex

Dormy Inn also serves free yonaki-soba (ramen) at their restaurants. It is the perfect dish to call it a night after drinking, or as a late-night snack. Some facilities serve local cuisine such as kaisen-don (fresh seafood bowl) and soba noodles at breakfast.

This is a hotel for those who value budget-friendly rates and easy accessibility, along with a spacious bath and delicious meals.

4. Super Hotel: Free Breakfast and Welcome Drinks

Super Hotel is a business hotel chain managing around 170 facilities in Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. They are located at popular sightseeing spots such as Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Nara, and Ishigaki Island.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com: Super Hotel Tokyo Kinshicho Ekimae

The rooms are mostly single and twin types. Some facilities offer special types, such as a connected room or a Ladies Room. The latter is furnished with amenity items that are especially popular with women.

One of the hotel's features is the complimentary breakfast, which includes freshly baked bread. Services such as a bathhouse and complimentary drinks in the lounge are available at certain facilities. There is no charge for elementary school children sharing a bed with their parents (This service is limited to one child per parent). There is also a 500 yen rebate for guests booking rooms on the official website.

5. Route Inn: Boasting a Tasty Breakfast Buffet

Route Inn, managing over 280 facilities, is one of the three major budget hotel chains in Japan. Located near major train stations and sightseeing spots, they can be seen at most prefectures and are a familiar sight to travelers.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com: Hotel Route Inn Kyoto Maizuru: Nishi Maizuru Ekimae

Room types include single and double rooms for one or two people. There is also a limited number of Comfort Rooms, furnished with high-quality bedding and pajamas. This is a room for those interested in getting a good night's sleep.

Route Inn offers a complimentary buffet-style breakfast, consisting of 30 dishes. Additionally, you'll find a large public bath and sauna to relax and unwind. There is also a complimentary drink for guests booking rooms on the official website. Guests will appreciate the pleasant service and furnishing that exceeds an ordinary budget hotel.

Stay at a Budget Hotel and Enjoy a Discounted Trip to Japan

We've introduced five popular Japanese business hotel chains. Each of them has distinctive features that make them popular among domestic and international travelers. Stay at these safe and cost-effective hotels while visiting Japan!

Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Main image courtesy of Booking.com: Dormy Inn Express Asakusa