More about hotels in Kanto
About Kanto hotels
Kanto is Japan turned up to eleven. One part, and you get Tokyo’s neon, Nikko’s cedar forests, Hakone’s steaming onsen, and coastal calm in Kamakura. You can slurp ramen at a standing counter in Shinjuku, then be soaking in a mountain hot spring by sunset. Stumble onto a shrine behind a 7-Eleven. Catch sumo in the morning and sumire blooms by afternoon.
It’s the mix that undoubtedly works: the buzz, the beauty, the efficiency. Whether you’re here for cherry blossoms, backstreet bars, or that first glimpse of Mt Fuji from the train, Kanto doesn’t make you choose. It hands you the lot.
Where to stay in Kanto
- Tokyo: This is the centrepiece. One moment you're under the neon in Shinjuku, the next you're padding through tatami rooms in Asakusa. Tokyo has it all: slick towers, smart boutiques, capsule pods near late-night ramen joints.
- Yokohama: Just half an hour south of Tokyo. Think bayside strolls, design hotels, and a city that still moves, but with less rush. Ideal if you want skyline views without the squeeze.
- Hakone: When the city starts to blur, head here. Mountains, open-air art, and onsen steam rising from forested hills. Stay in a ryokan for the full experience: futons, set dinners and a soak with Fuji on the horizon.
- Nikko: Quiet paths. Moss-covered shrines. Proper history. Nikko slows everything down. Accommodation leans local, with timber ryokans, small guesthouses and stays that open straight onto the trees.
- Kamakura: Less than an hour from Tokyo, but it feels a million miles away. There’s a giant Buddha, temples in the hills, and a calm, surfy vibe by the sea. Good if you want a mix of culture and coast without going far.
How much is Kanto accommodation?
Prices in Kanto swing widely, just like the region itself. You’ll find hostel beds near busy train hubs, tatami-mat ryokans in the mountains, and city towers with Michelin-starred views. On average, expect to pay around AU$170 per night, though that number moves depending on whether you’re in downtown Tokyo or deep in onsen country. Peak season? Cherry blossoms, autumn colours, New Year, book ahead.
- Backpackers and basic hostels: From AU$25 per night. Capsule beds, shared bathrooms and common rooms near places like Asakusa, Yokohama or Nikko. Good for solo travellers or those stretching the JR Pass.
- Mid-range hotels: From AU$100 per night. Smart stays near train stations, clean design, and usually with Wi-Fi, pyjamas and vending machines. You’ll find them across Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura.
- Boutique and heritage hotels: From AU$180 per night. Converted townhouses, design-forward ryokans and small stays with big charm. Best in spots like Hakone, Kamakura and outer Tokyo.
- Luxury hotels and resorts: From AU$350 per night. Think skyline pools in Ginza, forested suites in Hakone, and ryokans with ten-course dinners and private onsen. Not cheap, but unforgettable.
Top-rated hotels in Kanto
- K’s House Nikko – Kinugawa Onsen Hostel: A quiet winner up in the hills. This hostel has everything you want after a temple-heavy day in Nikko, with clean rooms, a shared kitchen, and an onsen just down the road. It’s simple, friendly and easy on the wallet.
- Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse: Tucked into a backstreet in Asakusa, this small guesthouse feels more like a friend’s home. Tatami mats and sliding doors, run by people who care.
- Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park, Tokyo: A polished boutique stay edges right up to Yoyogi Park with wood-panelled rooms, local art, and an infinity pool that looks out over the city. Stay here if you want space, design and a bit of peace near the buzz.
- Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya: Playful, artsy, and unmistakably Tokyo. This hotel blends colour, comfort and curated chaos, with murals on the walls and Shibuya’s skyline from the rooftop bar. Great for travellers who want style without stiffness.
- InterContinental The Strings Tokyo: A quieter kind of luxury just above Shinagawa Station. Big windows, plush beds, everything polished to a T. Good if you’re city-hopping, or just want a smooth landing in Tokyo.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Kanto
- Use the rail map as your filter: If you're riding the JR Pass or metro hopping, staying near major stations, like Tokyo, Yokohama or Shinjuku, will save time and transfers. A good location beats a fancy room when you're out all day.
- Book early for blossom or leaf season: March to April and November mean full trains, full hotels. If you're travelling in peak sakura or koyo season, lock in your stay early, especially in hotspots like Hakone or Nikko.
- Try a ryokan at least once: Even if it’s just a night. Tatami mats, set dinners, maybe even an onsen. The experience hits differently than a Western-style stay, and it’s part of what makes places like Hakone or Kamakura worth the detour.
- Check if it’s walkable, and what’s nearby: A place might be close to a train station, but if it’s wedged between highways or shops shut early, you might not love your evenings. Look for cafés, kombini, even a laundromat nearby.
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