“Love hotels” are hotels that offer both short-time and overnight accommodation in Japan. They cater primarily to couples looking for a place to spend some “quality time.” But they can be very handy for travelers as well. Here our favorites in Tokyo.
First: What Are Love Hotels?
Love hotels are a Japanese institution that grew out of the fact that people often lived in multi-generational houses where there was little room for intimacy. Later, as people moved into small apartments in the cities, the need for separate spots for romance only increased.
Unlike standard hotels, love hotels rent their rooms for two- or three-hour “rests” or overnight stays. Even if you don’t read Japanese, you can usually figure out what’s going on by reading the sign out front that shows these rates: If one number looks like the cost of a nice lunch and the other looks like the cost of a decent dinner, you’re probably looking at a love hotel. Another clue is some sort of physical barrier outside the entrance – some high shrubs, a large stone, a wall. This allows furtive lovers to discretely duck inside without being spotted by passers-by.
The check-in counters continue the discreet theme: The attendant is usually hidden behind a screen and you can only see their hands. Rooms are often chosen by looking at pictures of the rooms on offer and pressing a button for the one you like. Most love hotels offer rooms with themes like tropical, race car, train compartment etc. Some of the more ambitious places also offer rental costumes (nurse, student, maid etc). Porno movies are usually available, along with condoms, lotions and other accoutrements. With all this going on, you might conclude that love hotels are louche and seedy places. Actually, most of them are perfectly clean and comfortable.
Why Would You Stay in a Love Hotel?
Beyond their intended use, there are several other occasions where a love hotel might come in handy. Because love hotels are designed for impromptu trysts, they don’t require reservations. So, if you find yourself in Tokyo without an accommodation, you can always try a love hotel. Likewise, if you find yourself in need of an actual rest for a few hours (and a shower to go with it), you could always check into a love hotel (although in this situation, we might be more inclined to find a capsule hotel or sauna). Likewise, if you’ve gone out drinking and missed the last train home and you just need a place to crash, you could always stumble into a love hotel (just don’t stumble too much as they will refuse obviously intoxicated people). And, of course, many people want to try a night in a love hotel just for the experience of staying in a super kitchy room and getting a story and some pics for the folks back home.
Where Can You Find Love Hotels?
Love hotels are usually found in or near nightlife districts. The most famous is “Love Hotel Hill” in Shibuya’s Dogenzaka neighborhood. You’ll also find plenty of love hotels in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district and Ikebukuro’s nightlife zone. Basically, if you see a lot of bars and clubs, you can be pretty sure that there’s a love hotel nearby.
How Much Do Love Hotels Cost?
A two- or three-hour “rest” will cost between ¥2,000 and ¥5,000, while an overnight stay will cost from ¥7,000 to ¥15,000. You cannot reserve “rests” in advance, but you can reserve overnight stays in advance at some love hotels via sites like Booking.com.
Recommended Love Hotels in Tokyo
Here are some of the best love hotels in Tokyo. These places are all comfortable with foreign guests and can be reserved in advance online.
BaliAn party room
BaliAn Resort Forest Ikebukuro
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A short walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, the BaliAn is a “premium” love hotel with beautiful tropical themed rooms and some great features like excellent room service and unlimited amenities. This “destination love hotel” is highly recommended.
Superior double room at HOTEL PAL
HOTEL PAL Otsuka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located up in Otsuka, at the north end of the Yamanote Loop Line, the HOTEL PAL offers spacious rooms, private hotel tubs and excellent food that can be ordered to your room. Whether you’re there for loving or lounging, you’ll find this very comfortable. Check out the pics online (and note how cheap the rates are).
Deluxe room at PetitBali
HOTEL PetitBali Higashi-Shinjuku
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Very close to Higashi-Shinjuku Station and within walking distance of Shinjuku Station, this is a beautiful and welcoming love hotel that is perfectly suitable for “normal” stays.
HOTEL Lotus Shibuya guest room
HOTEL Lotus Shibuya
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
A short walk from Shibuya Station, the Lotus is a classic love hotel with clean, well-kept rooms, lots of amenities and prices that put it firmly in the budget bracket, making it a great value for Shibuya.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
