Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Best Japanese Hotel Chains

You didn’t fly all the way to Japan to eat at McDonald’s, so why stay in foreign hotel chains in Japan? Okay, maybe you’re part of a foreign hotel chain’s rewards program. But if you have the choice, you can save a lot of money by staying in a Japanese hotel chain rather than their foreign equivalent.

The Okura Tokyo junior suite
The Okura Tokyo junior suite

Why Stay in a Japanese Hotel Chain?

Hotel Granvia Kyoto junior suite room
Hotel Granvia Kyoto junior suite room

The only foreign hotel chains with properties in Japan are luxury brands. When you stay in a foreign hotel chain in Japan, you pay a huge premium for that brand’s name. When you stay in a Japanese hotel chain, that premium doesn’t exist. In the luxury hotel range, you will find that Japanese brands consistently cost less than half of what their foreign counterparts cost. For example, the rates for a standard room in early April 2023 were as follows:

Japanese brand
Foreign equivalent
Okura Tokyo
US$566
Park Hyatt Tokyo
US$1415
Granvia Kyoto
US$197
Hyatt Regency
US$529

 

But it’s not just the price: Japanese service, cleanliness and efficiency is deservedly famous. When you stay in a Japanese hotel chain, you get top-notch service for less money, which is truly a great deal. With that in mind, here are some great Japanese hotel brands to look out for.

Okura (luxury)

The Okura Tokyo Prestige corner double room
The Okura Tokyo Prestige corner double room

The Okura chain is a longstanding luxury hotel brand in Japan with properties in many Japanese cities, including Tokyo and Kyoto. The Okura Tokyo has just undergone a thorough renewal and is more appealing than ever. The Okura Kyoto remains one of the best hotel values in the city and the deluxe rooms here are among our favorite rooms in the city.

Granvia (luxury)

Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto

The Granvia chain is owned by JR West, one of Japan’s main train companies. Thus, you’ll find them located within the train station buildings in cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Okayama. The standards are very high at these hotels and the deluxe rooms are on par with rooms at foreign luxury brands costing two or even three times the price. And, Granvia has just rolled out a budget/midrange brand called Vischio with branches in Kyoto, Amagasaki and Toyama.

Mimaru (mid-range to luxury)

Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo deluxe family apartment
Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo deluxe family apartment

The Mimaru chain is a relatively new brand in Japan but they’ve expanded fast by catering specifically to families and small groups, a niche traditionally underserved in Japan. With suites offering multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, in-room laundry facilities, living and dining areas and simple kitchens, they’re easily the best choice for families who can afford mid- to upper-budget rates. Best of all, they’re found in all major Japanese cities, often in multiple iterations.

Mitsui Garden (mid-range)

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station

The Mitsui Garden chain offers comfortable rooms and stylish surroundings at midrange prices. These are the ideal hotels for those who have graduated from budget hotels but don’t want to spend all their travel budget on luxury hotels. With branches in just about every city you might visit, this is a great brand to know about.

APA Hotels (budget)

APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent guest room
APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent guest room

The APA hotel brand is a bit of a controversial due to the fact that the owner insists on putting some nationalist propaganda in the hotel night tables (you won’t find it unless you look for it), but you cannot argue with the rates. If you just want a comfortable and clean room to lay your head for US$100 or less, keep an eye out for the APA name. You’ll usually find them right outside train stations.

Sotetsu Fresa (budget)

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo

Like the APA chain, Sotetsu Fresa specializes in clean business hotels located close to major train stations. You’ll find at least one branch in most Japanese cities. With rates below US$100 outside of peak seasons, it’s very hard to beat the Sotetsu chain for value.

Toyoko Inn (ultra budget)

Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-omiya single room
Toyoko Inn Kyoto Shijo-omiya single room

Toyoko Inn was among the first pioneers of the budget hotel market in Japan. Famous for the free and healthy Japanese breakfast included with room fees, the Toyoko Inn is a great choice for the budget traveler who wants something nicer and more private than a hostel or a capsule hotel. Sure, rooms are small, but they’re well maintained and have everything you need. And, outside of busy seasons, you can often get a room here for around US$50. Just try getting a clean hotel room in a major city back home for that price!

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