There are many classes of accommodations in Japan, from the ultimate in luxury to novelty sleepover facilities. With more than the usual number of options, Japan provides all sorts of mix-and-match options for even the tightest budgets. Here are the basics, starting with the cheapest:

• Gay saunas function as business hotels and even offer private rooms at a surcharge for those who want to be undisturbed during the night. With lockers, robes, bathing and snack areas, saunas are a real money-saving option.
• Capsule hotels, sometimes more appropriately called "coffin hotels," are surely a novelty but function for those who have missed the last train home and want the cheapest accommodation available. For an extra surcharge you can use the sauna and bathing facilities which sometimes sees action between tipsy businessmen before they climb into their hive pod. Don't expect to be able to sit up or stretch your legs, but, surprisingly, you can easily read or watch TV.
• Business hotels are no frills and tiny, but resemble normal hotels with scaled-down amenities.
• Love Motels rent for short time as well as overnight after a certain time of evening (usually 11pm). You should really consider them for their cheap price, unusually large rooms, novelty decor (Christmas on Mars, anyone?), and amenities like karaoke, widescreen TV and giant tubs. Usually you choose from a grid of backlit pictures in the lobby since each room may be differently themed. Not all love motels allow same-sex couples, but there are always others nearby that will.
• Ryokan are Japanese versions of bed and breakfasts and sometimes come with elaborate seasonal dinners and communal, Japanese-style bathing facilties. Here you may experience traditional rooms with sweet-smelling tatami matts, sliding paper screens, and futon that are laid out before bedtime. Great for tourists who want traditional charm, but not interesting for modern Japanese and so the price is usually reasonable.
• Budget hotels, usually found around train stations, are less expensive than brand name chains and offer plenty of amenities like Net access, safes, and fridges.
• Onsen (hot spring) resorts range from the mid-to-interstellar price-wise, but their seductive combination of traditional bathing facilities, usually outdoors or with a view of nature, and an incredible dinner of kaiseki-style edible art made from seasonal local ingredients served in your tatami matt room is something every Japan-bound tourist should experience at least once!

HIROSHIMA -- area code +81-82

• Hotel Flex UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUL 2020
  7-1 Kaminobori-cyo, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi
  223-1000, FAX 223-5678

  Inexpensive and beautifully modern hotel perched on one of downtown Hiroshima's scenic rivers. The design and decor are clean and stylish. The rooms, like most in Japan, are on the small side, but cozy.
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KOBE

• Condo By The Sea
  Rokko Grand Heights 704, 2-6-6 Minooka Dori, Nada-Ku
  +81-090-2012-4408, email

  Gay-managed rental room in a condominium with fabulous view of Osaka Bay and a short train ride to the gay area in Osaka.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT.
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KYOTO -- area code +81-75

• Guest House Hachi UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020
  46-3 Ageya-cho, Nishi Shinyashiki, Shimogyo-ku
  +81 75-746-2069, email

  Gay-owned guesthouse located in the historical Shimabara district. The building is a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse that was built around 80 years ago. Opened in Jul, 2017 and offering four private rooms and one dorm room.
  Utopia Member Benefit: FREE SOFT DRINK.
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• Hatoya Zuihoukaku
  802 Minami Fudo-cho, Seidouin Shiokojikudaru, Shimogyo-ku
  361-1231

  A traditional Japanese inn just a minutes' walk from the Kyoto Station. Exit north at the station and turn left and walk one block, it's on the opposite corner, a reddish brick building four stories high. Tatami matt rooms (your futon will be put out at night) with bathroom (there's also small communal baths for men or women on the top floor). No problem with same sex couples in a room. Very reasonably priced.
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• Jam Jar Lounge and Inn UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUL 2020
  758-2 Higashi-imako, Kamigyo-ku
  075-204-8508, email

  Gay owned and run boutique style accommodation and café lounge in north central Kyoto. Housed in a 110-year-old traditional machiya (Kyoto townhouse), seamlessly combining modern design without compromising the integrity of its original Japanese ambience. Each room has its own private bathroom and has been meticulously finished to pay homage to this unique Kyoto style of building. Combined with an on-site English speaking café serving real espresso coffee and imported Australian wines, this is a unique opportunity to experience Kyoto life through the eyes of locals, while still enjoying everything this historic city has to offer. The hosts are helpful and happy to chat. For bookings and further details please visit their website.
  Utopia Member Benefit: FREE GLASS OF WINE upon check-in.
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NAGOYA (Aichi Prefecture) -- area code +81-52

• Dai-Ichi Fuji Hotel

  Not to be confused with their Nishiki branch. This one is just a block away from the Nagoya Train Station. Although not as new as its Tokyo cousins, it has free Internet and hotel amenities. Reasonably priced.
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• Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel UTOPIAN VERIFIED MAR 2019, UTOPIA VISITED APR 2017
  1-1-3 Meieki Nakamura-ku Nagoya

  Beautiful, contemporary hotel attached to the main train station and just above two huge shopping centers. All the amenities that modern travelers expect. Huge variety of restaurants nearby. Super convenient and plush at a reasonable price. All guests must be registered.
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NARITA (Chiba Prefecture) -- area code +81-476

• Narita Tokyu Excel Hotel

  Reported very cruisy sauna, Japanese bath and lounge. Lots of hot airline crew and Asians.
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Nasu (Tochigi Prefecture)

• ITTAN guesthouse UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020
  593-251 Takakuotsu
  +81 287-74-2548, email

  Gay-owned guesthouse located in the highland area of Nasu. They provide simple cottage accommodation surrounded by lush greenery where guests may enjoy many outdoor activities hiking, BBQ, onsen (hot spring) and snowboarding. Owner is a professional mountain guide and loves cooking, DJing, and meeting new people. Nasu area has many natural hot springs and beautiful mountains. Enjoy nature with them.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT.
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OSAKA -- area code +81-6

• Hokuoukan UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2019, UTOPIA VISITED APR 2017

  See full listing under Saunas for Men for directions and description. A cheap alternative to a hotel (if you don't mind being "bothered" throughout the night. Just leave your bags in a coin locker at the train station and take a small overnight bag. The overnight rate is inexpensive, from 6pm until noon the next day, and they also have more discount levels for those under 40 and those under 26. They also have private rooms if you want sleep mor soundly.
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• miki.kame Pension UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020
  805-10 Habu-cho, Kishiwada
  090-3874-2488, email

  Gay-owned, inexpensive homestay. Your hosts, Miki (loves traveling), and Kame (likes singing karaoke) both enjoy meeting mature friends, walking, visiting onsen (hot springs), and eating good food. Experience the spirit of Japanese hospitality while you explore the beautiful and cultural Kansai region at your own pace.
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• Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel UTOPIA VERIFIED HUL 2020, UTOPIA VISITED APR 2017
  2-1, Doyama-cho, Kita-ku
  +81 66-315-0109, FAX 66-315-6019

  Excellent, moderate cost hotel right in the gayborhood, just a few blocks for the bars and sauna. No problem with friends visiting as long as you book a double room. Discreet and convenient.
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• X Wave Umeda Hotel UTOPIA VISITED APR 2012
  1-12 Kamiyama-cho, Kita-ku
  06-6312-3200, FAX 06-6312-3111

  Bookable through Agoda. Nicely located a few blocks from the gay scene in Doyama-cho. Business inn with bright and clean modern rooms, free in-room LAN Net access and full hotel amenities. Take a double for a larger bed and if you plan to have a guest (ask your guest to register at the front desk).
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TOKYO -- area code +81-3

IKEBUKURO

• Dai-ichi Inn UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020, UTOPIA VISITED MAR 2012
  Just north of the Ikebukuro Train Station, Utopia Map
  03-3986-1221

  Reasonably priced, with free in-room LAN Net access and full amenities. It's only four train stops from Shinjuku Station on the Yamanote Line and the Narita Express now has trains going to/from Ikebukuro directly. Jinya gay sauna is just a short walk away and there are lots of cheap and good eateries in the neighborhood. You can book it on Expedia or they do have a website as well where you can book via email in Yen. Rooms are small, but not too cramped. Take a double room for a bigger bed and if you plan to have a guest (register them at the front desk). No smoking rooms available.
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• Jinya UTOPIA VISITED MAR 2012

  See listing under Saunas for Men. Inexpensive men's sauna and inn. Keep your luggage in a coin locker at the train station (the lockers inside the sauna are only wide enough for a backpack). Take a more expensive private room if you want some real rest, otherwise expect to have adventures all night long in the communal rooms.
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  SHINJUKU NI-CHOME, SAN-CHOME

  The easiest way to get to the gay area is to take the underground walkway from Shinjuku Station's East Exit (down one floor after the train exit ticket machines) or the Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station (Marunouichi Line) to Exit C5, C7, or C8 (see map):

• 24 Kaikan UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020, UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018

  See listing under Saunas for Men. Inexpensive men's sauna and inn right in the heart of the gay scene. Keep your luggage in a coin locker at the subway or train station (the lockers inside the sauna are only wide enough for a backpack). Take a more expensive private room if you want some real rest, otherwise expect to have adventures all night long in the communal rooms.
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• APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018
  2-2-8 Shinjuku, Utopia Map

  Modern, budget hotel just across the street from the gayborhood. All the amenities a modern traveler expects. Huge variety of restaurants nearby. Bonus points for the beautiful public bath in the basement, free for hotel guests! Many guests are gay and may be encountered in the bath. There's also a do-it-yourself-laundry in the basement if you are so inclined. No problem with friends visiting as long as you book a double room. Super convenient at a reasonable price.
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• Hotel Rocks UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018
  Utopia Map
  03-5367-6969

  Love motel with short term rates and inexpensive all-night rates (about US$50 for a single) after 8pm. Rooms are small and clean, but have lingering cigarette smell.
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• Hotel S UTOPIA VISITED SEP 2012
  Utopia Map

  Love motel conveniently located in the heart of the gay scene, just next door to GB bar.
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• Lone Star UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018
  Utopia Map

  Located in the heart of Ni-Chome's nightlife. Free additional amenities at the lobby and free hot coffee/Japanese tea from dispenser at 4th floor. They can store your luggage before/after check out.
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• Shinjuku Hotel Park Inn UTOPIA VERIFIED JUL 2020, UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018
  1-36-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Utopia Map
  03-3354-9000, FAX 03-3225-4466

  Great location a few block's north of the Shinjuku Gyoemmae Subway Station (Marunouichi Line) and a short walk to Ni-Chome's gay district. This clean, inexpensive (around US$100 for a double) and convenient business hotel has small bedrooms (no closets, just two coat hangers) and is OK if you don't have a lot of luggage. Book a double room for a bigger bed and register your guest at the front desk (no unregistered guests in the rooms). Free in-room LAN Net access. No smoking rooms available (book in advance as they sell out).
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Comments from Utopians:

"I just stayed at Adonis Hotel (male only), Minato-ku Minamiaoyama 4-3-2. No website, but it's listed on all major booking sites. This sexy little hostel (one dorm with 10 beds, clothing optional, lounge and multi-purpose exercise machine) is owned by the Hong Kong gay art movie director, Scud, and features a real movie theatre in the basement where one can request private screenings of Scud's movies! Because the hostel is advertised on standard booking sites, expect to encounter some naive straight guys, too (be discrete) - however, there are lots of Utopians, and the intimate 2-person shower is definitely designed to get guests close to each other. I stayed there last night and found the place very clean and well maintained, with very friendly staff who speak English, Chinese, and probably a few more languages." -- gaybergfuchs, Aug 5, 2019




UENO

• 24 Kaikan (Ni-Yon Kaikan) UTOPIA VISITED MAY 2018

  See listing under Saunas for Men. Inexpensive men's sauna and inn. Keep your luggage in a coin locker at the subway or train station (the lockers inside the sauna are only wide enough for a backpack). Take a more expensive private room if you want some real rest, otherwise expect to have adventures all night long in the communal rooms.
  Add your review, comment, or correction

  
  OTHER AREAS

• A Mountain Retreat UTOPIAN VERIFIED JUL 2020, UTOPIA VISITED APR 2017
  163-1 Koshu
  +81 42-978-8284, email

  A beautiful gay-owned bed and breakfast tucked away in Saitama's verdant mountain greenery, north of Tokyo City and an easy train ride from the city center. Experience the real Japan, away from the crowded metropolis and standard tourist routes. Take a refreshing break and enjoy local temples, hot springs, hiking, or art galleries. Also, see their Facebook page, Bunny and Bears' Bed and Breakfast. Tetsu and Stewart are excellent hosts and their home is warm and welcoming. Perfect for nature lovers, active explorers, or those wanting to escape the bustle of the city for a quiet retreat.
  Utopia Member Benefit: 10% DISCOUNT.
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