The Best Cheap Hotels in Japan

Budget-Friendly and Affordable Places to Stay in Japan

Ise, Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? There's something for everyone to enjoy here. But does Japan have cheap hotel rooms? Yes it does, and that's not a problem, because we have analyzed the best affordable hotels in Japan based on price, amenities, location, activities, and guest ratings. And we did all of this so that we could find Japan's best deals, bargains, and cheap hotels and motels with low prices that offer more than just a bed to sleep on. Whether your an experienced traveler or new to the area, here's how to find cheap rooms in Japan. As you'll see, you don't have to give up luxuries or comforts to save some money for accommodation, as plenty of these hotels offer nice features and great amenities without breaking the bank. Even a cheap motel might have something nice to offer if you know where to look. After all, saving money on a hotel leaves more room for activities, sightseeing, shopping, and dining out, too. When looking for a bargain hotel, you're probably interested in nice features such as a pool, parking, extra space, free breakfast, and more. Many of these budget-friendly hotels offer these amenities and plenty more, so read on to find out where to stay on a budget in Japan and how much the best deals actually cost. So here they are, the best low-cost hotels in Japan so you can sleep cheap!

Japan often gets pegged as an expensive destination, but for savvy backpackers and younger travelers, it can be surprisingly budget-friendly without sacrificing the quintessential experiences. Across major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, a thriving network of affordable hostels and guesthouses offers cozy dorm beds for as little as ¥2,000–3,000 per night, often featuring communal kitchens and social events perfect for meeting fellow travelers. Beyond accommodations, Japan’s efficient and reasonably priced transportation options—like the Japan Rail Pass for nationwide travel or regional discount passes such as the Kansai Thru Pass—make hopping between iconic spots accessible on a shoestring. Budget adventurers can immerse themselves in countless free or low-cost activities, from wandering serene temples and iconic shrines to exploring vibrant street markets, public parks, and seasonal festivals. Even meals can be deliciously affordable with plentiful options like conveyor-belt sushi, hearty ramen shops, or convenience store bento boxes that won’t break the bank. Combined, these elements make Japan an unexpectedly compelling, wallet-friendly playground for the young and adventurous spirit.

(Prices are listed in U.S. Dollars.)

For more terrific hotel ideas in Japan, make sure you also see Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Japan, Best Beach Hotels in Japan, Best Luxury Hotels in Japan, Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Japan, Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Japan, Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Japan, Best Hotels for One Week in Japan, Best Hotels for One Night in Japan, Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Japan, Best Adults Only Hotels in Japan, Best Party Hotels in Japan, Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Japan, Best Hotels for Skiing in Japan, or Best Business Hotels in Japan.

Is it expensive to spend the night in Japan?

After analyzing 128 budget hotels in Japan, we found the average budget hotel price to be a remarkably economical $105. Naturally, this destination has many fantastic budget accommodation options with a variety of prices. The price will vary by the hotel's amenities, available dates, and the general location. If you're interested in more information about hotels here, see our guide to hotel prices in Japan.

The average prices of our suggested budget hotels by star rating:

• 5-star hotels: $278
• 4-star hotels: $125
• 3-star hotels: $62
• 2-star hotels: $67