3 must-visit Japanese accommodation spots

The travel landscape post-COVID (or during COVID) means that many of us are looking at domestic getaways with international ones put on hold until who knows when - and thankfully there are a host of Japan-based getaways to suit just about every interest and budget.

Having personally visited a large chunk of the country over the last seven years, I have some accommodation favorites that have left an impression on me and definitely warrant a visit if you have the chance.

If you’re looking into a domestic getaway in Japan in the coming months, here are three of my top picks to check out.

For iconic views and a real chance to relax

Konansou, Yamanashi Prefecture

If you’re after a weekend getaway from Tokyo that still gives you the feel that you’ve been a world away, Yamanashi is a great option. That’s even more applicable when the place you stay has incredible views of Mount Fuji that you can enjoy from your own private balcony onsen. Konansou is a fantastic ryokan which sits right by Lake Kawaguchi, and offers impeccable service and delicious food.

Words probably aren't needed. This was our view when we got to Konansou.

When I visited here I was pregnant with our second child, so I was avoiding meals containing raw fish. We advised the ryokan ahead of time that this was the case, and they were exceptionally accommodating. My dinner course was made up of meat dishes, most of which were beef - and everything was delicious. My husband and I have stayed at a number of ryokan across Japan, and we both agreed that the meals served here were some of our highest-ranking favorites. Even the desserts were adorable, and one of the standouts was a mini matcha cheesecake in the shape of Fuji-san itself. Talk about staying on theme!

Adorably on-theme!  Desset is served at Konansou, Yamanashi Prefecture.

As well as the private onsen we had on our balcony, if you head up to the ryokan’s roof you’ll find a large foot bath where you can sit and appreciate the surrounding scenery. Not all rooms face Mount Fuji - some face the lake - so if you want to catch a glimpse of the mountain the foot bath is a good place to do that.

To book a stay at Konansou, head to their website here where you can make an online reservation. 

For a getaway further south to Japan’s onsen capital

Shiosai no Yado Seikai, Beppu, Oita Prefecture

There’s probably nothing more relaxing than soaking in an onsen, and where better to do just that than in Japan’s onsen capital of Beppu. The city is Oita Prefecture’s second largest city by population, and is perhaps most famous for the Hells of Beppu which have been designated as one of Japan’s "Places of Scenic Beauty."

There are a host of great things to do in this region of the country, and one that I have to recommend if you visit is enjoying a lunch which is cooked by the power of steam. Mother Nature for the win!

Unrelated to the accommodation for a moment: try steaming your own lunch at Jigoku Mushi Kobo Kannawa in Beppu. Memorable, fun, and best of all - flavorsome!

When we visited Beppu, we wanted to stay somewhere that was truly relaxing, and opted for Shiosai no Yado Seikai. This modern ryokan has an extremely convenient location - it’s a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Beppu Station if you’re visiting via public transport, or around a 15-minute drive from the Beppu Interchange on the Oita Expressway. When you arrive you’re given tea and some traditional sweets as the check-in process is completed, and then a staff member will escort you to your room.

Spacious rooms with Beppu Bay views!

The room we picked had western style bedding - although you can opt for rooms with futon bedding if you’d prefer. There was also a living area, small kitchenette, balcony, and a tatami floored sitting room - it was incredibly spacious compared to what we’d come to expect from some Japanese accommodation spots. The balcony onsen was a large rectangular one, which allowed us both the space to lay down and submerge ourselves - it was actually a lot more relaxing this way!

The onsen here was large enough for two adults to fully lay down.

As for the food here, the most memorable dish was the Oita Wagyu. While perhaps not as well known as some of Japan’s other wagyu beef varieties (such as Kobe Beef), this was excellent. Melt-in-your-mouth good!  There were a number of seafood dishes in the dinner course menu as well, given the ryokan’s location by the water, but the beef was unforgettable.

Unforgettable, melt in your mouth Oita Wagyu

To book a stay at Shiosai no Yado Seikai, visit the English language version of their website here. 

For a smaller city urban getaway

The Westin, Sendai

I’m a big fan of smaller-sized cities. You get all of the conveniences of a built-up urban area, without as much of the stress when it comes to crowds, traffic, and finding parking. Last year on a whim we decided to drive up to Sendai to coincide with the Tanabata Matsuri, which is Japan’s largest tanabata festival. There were vacancies at The Westin, which ended up being the perfect home base for our urban getaway.

The luxe lobby elevator area at the Westin in Sendai

There are a few reasons why our stay here was so great, but a significant one was the gorgeous view we had. The hotel is set up on the 28th to the 36th floors of Sendai’s highest building, so you’re guaranteed a good view from whatever room you’re assigned. We originally booked a moderate king room, but upon arrival the staff member at check in upgraded us to a superior king room for free. It had more space than the room we’d picked, and a larger bathroom area - so it already started our trip out on a wonderful note.

The room The Westin in Sendai was spacious, exceptionally clean, and had lovely views out over Sendai's greenery.

We opted for a room service dinner after we’d had a busy day of exploring, and the food was great - I had salmon and soba noodles, and my husband opted for a club sandwich. Obviously, as can be expected for room service the prices were higher than a restaurant in the surrounding area would be, but for a relaxing dinner it was hard to beat.

The teriyaki salmon with soba noodles and greens, The Westin, Sendai

The fact that the hotel is located in such a walkable spot also makes it a great getaway spot. Even if you’re visiting the area via public transport, you won’t really need a cab - the hotel is only 10 minutes on foot from JR Sendai Station. It’s also a 20 minute stroll away from Zuihoden Temple, and there are plenty of shopping streets in the surrounding area.

Unfortunately, the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri for 2020 was cancelled, but the city still has plenty to offer. However, if you do have a chance to visit for the festival in the future I highly recommend it - the atmosphere is really special and the decorations are impressive to see first-hand. To book a stay at the Westin Sendai, visit their website here. 

What are your favorite domestic accommodation spots? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: genkidesu