Japan Hotel Reviews: Our Favorite Hotel Stays Across Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama & Fukuoka
- Lani
- Feb 16
- 10 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Updated February 2026
One of my favorite parts of traveling in Japan is experiencing different hotels in each city. Over several trips, we’ve stayed in a mix of accommodations across Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, and each one offered something completely different — whether it was location, comfort, or overall atmosphere.
This post is a growing collection of honest reviews from our stays so far, sharing what stood out, what to keep in mind, and who each hotel might be best suited for. I’ve also added links to check availability and prices on Klook for readers who are currently planning their own Japan trip and want an easy way to compare options and often has good deals.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share hotels and services I’ve personally stayed at or genuinely recommend.
We are using a 5-point scale:
5⭐ Excellent - 4⭐ Very Good - 3⭐ Good - 2⭐ Fair - 1⭐ Not Good At All
Quick Comparison: Hotels We Stayed at Across Japan
(Full reviews below)
City | Hotel | Best For | Location Highlights | Star Rating | Would We Stay Again? |
Tokyo (Ueno) | Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi | First-time visitors & easy train access | Walking distance to Ueno Station, JR lines, food spots, and shopping streets | 5⭐ | ✅ Yes — excellent base for exploring Tokyo |
Kawasaki | Slash Kawasaki | Couples & Stay Close to Airport | Between Tokyo & Yokohama, with nightlife | 4⭐ | ⚠️Maybe - Fun location but not the best |
Yokohama | InterContin-ental Yokohama Grand, an IHG Hotel | Luxury Stay | Bay views & several nearby attractions | 4.5⭐ | ✅ Yes — as a treat and calmer alternative to Tokyo with a view |
Osaka | First-time visitors & luxury shoppers | Central to Osaka's city center and many shops | 4.5⭐ | ✅ Yes — convenient and lively area | |
Osaka | Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba | Second Time Traveler & Affordable stay | Centrally located in Osaka's city center & cheap eats | 4⭐ | ⚠️Maybe - Practical Stay but better options close-by |
Osaka | Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka | First-time visitors & spacious rooms | Close to major train stations & popular Osaka districts | 5⭐ | ✅ Yes — Perfect location and value |
Fukuoka | ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka | Luxury & Service | Close to airport, a major train station, & shopping | 4.5⭐ | ✅ Yes — Excellent Service & Location |
Hotels We’ve Stayed at in Japan (By City)
Tokyo Hotel Reviews
Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi - Tokyo
Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable, well-located hotel in Tokyo without paying premium prices. We chose this hotel mainly for its location, and it ended up being one of the most convenient stays we’ve had in the city.
📍Location: Ueno - Haneda Airport - 40 min Train Ride, Narita Airport - 1hr Train Ride Ameyoko Shopping District - 3 min walk Akihabara - 9 min train ride
Ueno-hirokoji Station - 2 min walk
Okachimachi Station - 2 min walk
Ueno-okachimachi Station - 3 min walk
The hotel is within walking distance of Ueno Station, Okachimachi Station, and multiple subway lines, making it easy to get around Tokyo and even take day trips outside the city. The Ueno area itself is lively but not overwhelming, with plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and shopping nearby.
Our room was compact, as expected for Tokyo, but thoughtfully designed and very clean. The bed was comfortable, and the space worked well for resting after long sightseeing days. The hotel also has a modern, calming atmosphere that felt especially nice at night when returning from busy areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. We really enjoyed our twelve-night stay there!
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Excellent access to JR lines and subways
Walkable area with food, shops, and convenience stores
Clean, modern rooms ideal for sightseeing-focused trips
Good balance of comfort and affordability
Close to Akihabara
⭐Overall Experience: 5⭐
A reliable, well-located base perfect for exploring Tokyo.
This hotel is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Tokyo, travelers planning to explore multiple neighborhoods, or anyone who values transportation convenience over luxury amenities.
👉 Check availability and current prices for Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi on Klook
Kawasaki Hotel Reviews
Slash Kawasaki
Slash Kawasaki is great choice for those seeking to stay near the airport area and want a contemporary but yet affordable stay. We chose this hotel because we wanted to explore the Kawasaki area, its location between Tokyo and Yokohama, and its affordability.
📍Location: Kawasaki - Haneda Airport - 22 min Train Ride, Narita Airport - 1hr 33 min Train, Yokohama Station - 18 mins Train Ride, Shibuya - 36 mins Train Ride
Kawasaki Station - 8 min walk
Keikyu-Kawasaki Station - 6 min walk
This hotel is conveniently located by two stations that give easy access to Haneda Airport, Tokyo as well as Yokohama. Kawasaki is an industrial city with a lively nightlife.
Slash offers trendy, compact rooms that have projector screens and reclining beds. Free amenities, like free beer happy hour, and a rooftop patio with free coffee & tea. Just outside the hotel, there are convenience stores and dining options. We carefully explored the nightlife and appreciated our modern yet budget-friendly stay.
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Close to Airport
Affordable Area
Conveniently Sandwiched in between Yokohama & Tokyo
Nightlife
⭐Overall Experience: 4⭐
A convenient stay with affordable dining options, lively at night.
Great option for adventurous couples, those seeking affordability, or needing to stay by the airport. I wouldn't recommend this hotel for families or those wanting to be closer to Tokyo. Although mostly safe, certain parts of the ward require caution.
👉 Check availability and current prices for Slash Kawasaki on Klook
Yokohama Hotel Reviews
InterContinental Yokohama Grand, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Yokohama Grand is a modern luxury hotel off the Yokohama Bay. This iconic sail-shaped building offers amazing views of Yokohama Harbor and the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. We chose this grand hotel to make us of our IHG hotel points and its location.
📍Location: Haneda Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Cup Noodles Musuem - 10 min walk
Minatomirai Station - 6 min walk
Sakuragicho Station - 12 min walk
Bashamichi Station - 14 min walk
The hotel is centrally located to many attractions found in Yokohama. Many of them being in walking distance with no need to take a train, like the Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, Osanbashi Pier, and several shopping malls. The Minatomirai Station is a short walk away that connects you to other Yokohama Bay attractions, like Chinatown.
Check out our Yokohama guide for all the top places to visit.
The setting for this hotel is breathtaking and conveniently near the sights we wanted to see. The rooms were magnificent and generously sized. We reserved a room overlooking the harbor, providing a stunning view of the bay's sunrise and sunset. On another occasion, we stayed in a room with a city view showcasing the iconic Yokohama Ferris Wheel, Cosmo Clock 21.
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Exploring Yokohama
Luxurious stay with amazing views
IHG Member
⭐Overall Experience: 4.5⭐
A luxurious stay with an iconic view in a huge room.
The hotel is huge and provides upscale amenities. Definitely recommend for those looking for a luxury stay in Yokohama or a great hotel points redemption. This is a more upscale experience, not those seeking a budget-friendly option or a casual stay.
👉 Check availability and current prices for InterContinental Yokohama Grand on Klook
Osaka Hotel Reviews
Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre - Midosuji, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre is a stylish art deco hotel in Minami, Osaka. Located in a vibrant central area and near several high-end shops. We chose this hotel due to our IHG hotel points and its convenient location.
📍Location: Itami Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Dotonbori - 20 min walk
Hommachi Station - 3 min walk
Shinsaibashi Station - 7 min walk
Sakaisuji-hommachi Station - 9 min walk
The surrounding area has several luxury car dealerships and upscale shops on a strip that you can explore on a 20 minute walk to Dotondori. Alternatively, you can use the nearby Hommachi or Shinsaibashi stations to travel quickly.
This was a convenient 4-night stay that included complimentary breakfast. The lobby offers numerous complimentary amenities, as well as some available for an additional fee. The front desk staff were friendly and accommodating, while the rooms were both clean and contemporary. Great first time stay in Osaka!
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Centrally located in Osaka's city center
Breakfast Included
IHG Membership
⭐Overall Experience: 4.5⭐
A practical stay that includes breakfast and conveniently located.
This hotel is especially well-suited for first-time visitors to Osaka, travelers planning to explore multiple areas in Osaka or surrounding areas, or anyone who values luxury shops nearby.
👉 Check availability and current prices for Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre on Klook
Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba
Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba is a comfortable and convenient stay located in Osaka. Located in the heart of Osaka City and near many stations. We also chose this hotel due to our IHG hotel points and its convenient location.
📍Location: KIX Airport - 1hr 1 min Train Ride, Dotonbori - 16 min walk & train
Yodoyabashi Station - 7 min walk
Kitahama Station - 7 min walk
Hommachi Station & Sakaisuji-hommachi Station - 8 min walk
The surrounding area has numerous business establishments, giving it a less touristy vibe and offering affordable dining options. The hotel is ideally situated between three major metro stations: Honmachi, Yodoyabashi, and Kitahama, all of which are less than 10 minutes away.
This was a comfortable, practical two night stay. The lobby though small offers numerous free amenities, as well a 24/7 marketplace with some convenient and affordable options. A special feature of the rooms are that they have local artist-drawn wallpaper that showcase the vibrancy of Osaka. The room was both clean and cozy.
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Located in the heart of Osaka City
IHG Membership
Comfortable, Practical Stay
⭐Overall Experience: 4⭐
Plan B option that is affordable.
This hotel is especially well-suited for those familiar with Osaka looking & looking for an affordable, convenient location stay.
👉 Check availability and current prices for Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba on Klook
Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka
Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka is a modern stay located in Osaka with larger rooms than the standard stay. Located very near Dotondori and Osaka Namba station. We chose this hotel due to our Hyatt hotel points and its extremely convenient location.
📍Location: KIX Airport - 49 min Train Ride or 1hr 9min Airport Limousine Bus
Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station - 5 min walk
Osaka Namba Station - 7 min walk
Namba Station - 10 min walk
Dotonbori - 13 min walk
Surrounded by many affordable and delicious eateries. The hotel is perfectly situated to a main hub station, Osaka Namba, as well as local stations too. It's not just a short walk to Dotondori, but also an enjoyable one with numerous shops and dining options along the route.
This two night stay was absolutely amazing, honestly surpassed my expectations. The lobby was open with a convenient self check-in, and the staff were attentive and helpful. The breakfast/lounge area was large and inviting. The rooms were stylish, spacious, comfortable and very clean. One of our best stays in Osaka!
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Located in a popular area in Osaka
Near a Central Station
Hyatt Membership
Larger Room Stay
⭐Overall Experience: 5⭐
Excellent location and friendly service with a comfortable room
This hotel is particularly ideal for those looking a spacious room in an excellent Osaka location. First time visit friendly.
👉 Check availability and current prices for Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka on Klook
Fukuoka Hotel Review
ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, an IHG Hotel
ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka is a great option for travelers looking for a luxurious and convenient stay in Fukuoka. We chose this hotel mainly for its location, and due to our IHG hotel points, and visiting RX-93ff Gundam.
📍Location: Fukuoka Airport - 13 min Train Ride, RX-93ff Gundam - 30 min away
Hakata Station - 4 min walk
Canal City Hakata - 9 min walk
Conveniently only 13 mins away from the airport. The hotel is within walking distance of the massive Hakata Station, which has multiple subway lines, making it easy to get around Fukuoka and surrounding areas. Inside and around Hakata Stations are plenty of restaurants, convenience stores, and multiple shopping areas.
The service was the highlight of this fancy hotel, honestly the best we have EVER received. The rooms may seem a bit outdated and on the smaller size for this type of hotel but they were comfortable and clean. The hotel lobby and lounge area were very classy.
🧳Why this hotel is a good choice:
Excellent access to JR lines and subways
Walkable area with food, shops, and convenience stores
Close to the Airport
IHG Membership
⭐Overall Experience: 5⭐
Outstanding and welcoming service in a fantastic location near the airport.
This hotel is particularly ideal for those who prioritize excellent service in a prime location over cost-effectiveness.
👉 Check availability and current prices for ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka on Klook
We also stayed on an overnight ferry, check out this post - Osaka to Beppu Sunflower Ferry (2025 Guide): Route, Tips & What to Expect
🛏️How We Choose Hotels in Japan
(As you can see there are some patterns)
🚆Location
- To Stations & Planned Attractions on our Itinerary
💰Affordability
- We visit & book during slow seasons or use flash sales/points to get discounts - Japan can get pricey in peak times!
🏨Hotel Points
- IHG & Hyatt Points - We love redeeming IHG and Hyatt points for free or low-cost nights—many of our stays were partially or fully covered this way!
🧹Cleanliness & Service
- We prioritize well-reviewed, modern properties with friendly staff (common in Japan!)
💵 What we like to spend
- We prefer to always stay for under $100 a night, preferably with points or between $40-70 a night
🔎What we look for in amenities
- Wi-Fi, luggage storage (for the day, overnight, or a couple of days), laundry Area (essential for 2+ week trips to keep costs down & pack lighter), & free amenities (like toothbrushes and bath soap)
Our choices boil down to convenience, value, and comfort so we can focus on exploring Japan without stress.
✨More booking tips for Japan hotels
📝Final Verdict: Best Hotels for Different Travelers
These picks stand out based on our actual stays—scroll up for full details!
First Time Travelers:
Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi - Tokyo
Caption by Hyatt Namba - Osaka
Luxury:
InterContinental Yokohama Grand - Yokohama
ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka - Fukuoka
We hope this breakdown of how we choose hotels (and our top picks by traveler type) makes your planning easier.
Conclusion
We hope this detailed review of our Japan hotel stays helped you decide where to stay on your next trip. For more in-depth tips on booking strategies, what to expect in Japanese accommodations, and other lodging options like ryokan or capsules, check out our dedicated accommodation guides! Drop a comment below if you’ve stayed at any of these hotels or have questions about Japan lodging—we’d love to hear from you!
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