Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for 'hotel' is ホテル, a loanword from English. However, Japan also has traditional inns called 旅館 (ryokan), and other types of accommodation. This guide helps you choose the right word depending on the type of lodging.
A standard hotel with Western-style rooms and services.
The most common and general word for a Western-style hotel. Used for business hotels, luxury hotels, etc.
I booked a hotel near the station.
This hotel offers free breakfast.
A Japanese-style inn with tatami rooms, futon bedding, and often hot springs and meals included.
A traditional Japanese inn. Often features tatami rooms, communal baths (often hot springs), and kaiseki meals. Not interchangeable with ホテル.
I want to stay at a ryokan in Kyoto.
That ryokan is famous for its hot springs.
A cheap, compact accommodation, often just a sleeping pod.
A capsule hotel, offering small individual sleeping pods. Common in urban areas for budget travelers or those missing the last train.
I missed the last train, so I stayed at a capsule hotel.
A hotel rented by the hour for couples, often with themed rooms.
A love hotel, used for short stays by couples. Often has extravagant decor and is rented by the hour or overnight. Sometimes abbreviated as ラブホ.
There are many love hotels on that street.
A no-frills hotel aimed at business travelers, usually small rooms but convenient locations.
A business hotel, typically compact, functional, and located near train stations. Cheaper than full-service hotels.
When on business trips, I always stay at business hotels.
Referring to the hotel building itself, not the accommodation service.
Same as the general word, but used to refer to the physical building or venue.
The wedding will be held at a hotel.
ホテル refers to Western-style hotels with beds, while 旅館 is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami and futons. 旅館 often includes meals and hot springs. Using ホテル for a ryokan can sound odd, and vice versa.
The ryokan in Hakone was wonderful.
Hotels in Tokyo are convenient.
When making a reservation, you can say ホテルを予約する (yoyaku suru). For ryokan, it's common to say 旅館を予約する or 旅館に泊まる (tomaru).