From Karaoke Rooms to Luxury Trains: 14 of Japan’s Quirkiest Places to Stay (20 Photos)

It is no secret that Japan is famous for its bold creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Its uniquely themed hotels are certainly no exception. The country continues to lead the world in one-of-a-kind accommodations, and we have rounded up some of the most extraordinary spots for your next stay.





Book and Bed Hostel, Tokyo



Book and Bed, a boutique hostel brand boasting six locations across Tokyo, seamlessly blends cozy sleeping pods with towering labyrinths of bookshelves. A standard capsule costs around £36 per night, while a pod with panoramic city views goes for slightly more at £43.





Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, personal storage lockers, shared bathrooms, and free earplugs for every guest.

First Cabin Hotel, Tokyo



Billed on its official site as a “futuristic capsule hotel,” First Cabin features sleek pods inspired by first-class airplane interiors. Just like on a long-haul flight, guests receive an amenity kit packed with travel essentials and toiletries.



A “First Class” cabin costs roughly £40 a night, with more budget-friendly “Business Class” and “Premium Economy” cabins also available.

Hotel Chapel Christmas, Narita



At Hotel Chapel Christmas in the city of Narita, the holiday season lasts 365 days a year. The entire property is decked out in full festive regalia: Christmas trees, candy canes, wreaths, and fairy lights provide an instant mood boost. Guests can choose from eight uniquely decorated holiday-themed rooms.

Keibajo US Hotel, Niigata



Japan is home to an estimated 37,000 “love hotels”—short-stay accommodations designed for couples that feature a wild variety of themes. Niigata’s Keibajo US Hotel offers 50 themed rooms bookable by the hour. Among the more innocent options is a mock classroom, where visitors certainly are not solving math problems.

Hotel Gracery, Tokyo



Located in Tokyo’s buzzing Shinjuku district, Hotel Gracery opened its doors in 2015 and quickly became a global sensation—not only for its upscale rooms, but for the life-sized Godzilla head towering over the Kabukicho entertainment quarter.



The hotel serves as an homage to the legendary kaiju, packed with memorabilia and dedicated monster-themed suites. Sleeping beside the King of the Monsters comes at a price, however, with rooms averaging around £200 a night.

Henn na Hotel, Nagasaki



Henn na Hotel is staffed almost entirely by robots. At check-in, guests are greeted by animatronic receptionists, including a multilingual dinosaur. A giant robotic arm handles luggage storage. Room rates start at an affordable £36 per night.

Nine Hours, Kyoto



Futuristic capsule hotels are spreading worldwide, but the trend got its start in Japan. Originally designed for salarymen working late or catching a quick midday power nap, they now draw curious tourists from across the globe. One of the most popular and ultra-minimalist options in Japan is Kyoto’s Nine Hours.



A pod runs about £30 a night, and flexible booking options make it easy to drop in just for a shower and a brief nap.

The Millennials: Another Tokyo Capsule Favorite



At Tokyo’s The Millennials, pods are designed with comfort and lifestyle in mind, perfect for travelers looking for a homey vibe. Guests are also treated to complimentary pastries, tea, and coffee every morning.

Karaoke Hotels



No trip to Japan is complete without an evening of karaoke. After all, Japan pioneered the private karaoke box experience for small groups. Taking things a step further, several venues now offer dedicated karaoke rooms outfitted for overnight stays, allowing you to sing your heart out until you fall asleep.

ONE@Tokyo Hotel, Tokyo



Lovers of industrial chic will appreciate Tokyo’s ONE@Tokyo, an architectural statement that feels more like a contemporary art gallery than a hotel. The building’s striking wood-and-concrete aesthetics were designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.

CLASKA: Another Tokyo Design Landmark



This boutique design hotel features just 20 rooms, each custom-designed by different architects and interior artists. Spanning four distinct aesthetic themes, guests are invited to choose the space that best fits their personal taste and travel lifestyle.

Nagomi Cafe, Tokyo



At Japanese internet cafes—commonly known as manga cafes—visitors pay by the hour, usually around £1.50 for the first 30 minutes and 70p for every half-hour thereafter. Because these private cubicles offer internet access, endless shelves of manga, and reclining couches or padded mats, budget travelers have long used them as cheap places to rest overnight.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, Tokyo



The Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is tailor-made for anyone seeking a storybook escape. Its whimsical, opulent rooms are modeled after Disney classics such as *Alice in Wonderland* and *Cinderella*.

Seven Stars in Kyushu



The Seven Stars in Kyushu is Japan’s premier luxury sleeper train, touring Kyushu, the country's third-largest island.



Onboard, passengers enjoy breathtaking countryside views, world-class gourmet cuisine prepared by renowned chefs, and exceptional five-star service. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and itinerary, and demand is so high that guests must enter a lottery just to secure a reservation.