Accommodations and Accommodation Tax

From high-end hotels and luxury ryokan to boutique hotels and trendy hostels, Tokyo has accommodation options to suit every taste and budget

With the plentiful options available in Tokyo, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. For those on a budget, Tokyo has many great hostels and guest houses that provide both safety and comfort. Some of the newly built hostels have been awarded for their design, and more continue to open up. There are also capsule hotels, some of which are women-only. For more privacy, there are mid-tier and business hotels that provide convenience and all the basic amenities, making a great option for travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring the city. Luxury hotels in central Tokyo provide excellent 5-star service, city views and views over the water if you decide to stay in the Tokyo Bay area. Most of Tokyo’s luxury hotels are concentrated around the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Nihonbashi, Roppongi and Asakusa areas with convenient access to the city’s main sightseeing spots and shopping. There are also many hotels focused on art and design, and some host social events. If you’d like to try something a bit off-the-beaten-path, unique options outside the city include camping cabins and glamping.

Make your Japan experience a safe one

Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of private lodging based in apartments and detached houses claiming to offer a more typical everyday experience of life in Japan than hotels can offer. However, some of these facilities are in violation of Japanese regulations, so a little basic knowledge is essential if you want to enjoy a stress-free experience. The key to getting the most out of your time in Japan is finding a reliable place to stay.

Definition of private lodging in Japan

Private lodging in Japan (also known as "minpaku") refers to accommodation facilities operated in individual apartments or detached houses. Unfortunately, many illegal private accommodations are run without the necessary permits and notifications. These places might look appealing and you may even find them listed on reputable booking sites, but staying at illegal private lodgings carries risks.

Risks of using illegal private lodging

The risks of using illegal private accommodation include sudden cancellations before arrival or even during your stay, inadequate fire safety equipment, other safety or hygiene issues, a lack of contact information to turn to for help in an emergency, and conflicts with local residents. All of these things could turn the trip you had dreamed of into a nightmare.

How to choose reliable private lodging

Please check these points first if you plan to stay at private lodging facilities in Japan:

• Are the terms of use (cancellation policy, etc.) and house rules provided in advance?
• Is a registration or permit number listed?

If a facility has been registered or permitted in Tokyo, please check that it has one of the following:

• A registration number beginning with “M13” (e.g., No. M13000000)
• A permit number that combines numbers with characters such as kanji or hiragana (e.g., 99西保生き第 999号)

This information is not always listed on websites, so if in doubt, contact the facility directly to check.
This will help you to identify and avoid illegal private lodging as you plan a stress-free trip.

Accommodation Tax

In Tokyo, an Accommodation Tax may be levied if the room charge is ¥10,000 or more per person per night.
This tax revenue is allocated to expenses to develop Tokyo as an attractive international city and to promote its tourism.

Accommodation Tax (external link)