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Complete Guide to Tokyo Love Hotels: How to Book & What to Know Before You Go Inside

Complete Guide to Tokyo Love Hotels: How to Book & What to Know Before You Go Inside

Last updated: 18 September 2023

For a unique and unforgettable experience in Tokyo, consider staying at a love hotel. These are hotels that cater to couples who want some privacy and intimacy, and they offer a variety of themed rooms, amenities and services that you won't find anywhere else.

Sporting flashy names like “Hotel La Passion” or “Hotel Secret,” these hotels might strike you as different from the ones you’re used to seeing during your trip. Here, we'll share about love hotels in Tokyo, and give you some tips on how to choose one.

 
Table of Contents
  1. What is a love hotel?
  2. Where can I find love hotels in Tokyo?
  3. What to Expect Inside Tokyo Love Hotels
  4. Typical amenities at Tokyo love hotels
  5. Why do Japanese people choose love hotels and why should I?
  6. Are Tokyo love hotels expensive?
  7. 7 best love hotels in Tokyo: Book a stay
  8. Related Articles

What is a love hotel?

Poster on a love hotel in Tokyo showing some of the sample rooms. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Poster on a love hotel in Tokyo showing some of the sample rooms. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

A love hotel is a type of short-stay hotel that allows guests to rent rooms by the hour or by the night. They are usually located in discreet areas, such as near train stations, highways or entertainment districts, and they often have flashy signs and colorful exteriors to attract customers. Love hotels are popular among young couples who live with their parents and need a place to be alone, as well as travelers who want to spice up their trip.

Now especially if you're from Europe, the U.S., or other Western countries, you may think of love hotels as sleazy motel rooms. In Japan, this is most often not the case.

In fact, love hotels in Tokyo are not only relatively common, but they also compete on looks, cleanliness, amenities, services, and overall high-quality stays for their customers at prices that are often very competitive.

You can often choose among rooms with indoor or open-air sento (hot bath), jacuzzis, saunas, and karaoke machines. Many are designed around a central theme, which can be anything from a tropical resort to a cuddle anime theme to an S&M dungeon.

What are the benefits of staying at a love hotel?
  • You can enjoy a high level of privacy and security. Love hotels have automated check-in systems that don't require any personal information or identification. You can also pay with cash or card at a vending machine, so you don't have to interact with any staff. The rooms are soundproofed and have locks and curtains to prevent anyone from seeing or hearing you.
  • You can choose from a wide range of rooms and themes. Love hotels offer different types of rooms, such as standard, deluxe, VIP or suite, depending on your budget and preferences. You can also find rooms that have specific themes, such as fantasy, horror, anime, fairy tale, etc. Some rooms have special features, such as jacuzzis, karaoke machines, massage chairs, video games, etc.
  • You can access various amenities and services. Love hotels provide everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay, such as toiletries, towels, robes and slippers. Condoms are often provided for free, and toys are also available in an in-room vending machine. You can also order food and drinks from the room service menu.
  • One thing to consider is that love hotels are often unavailable for longer stays.

Where can I find love hotels in Tokyo?

Exterior of a Tokyo love hotel showing its bold, beckoning colors. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Exterior of a Tokyo love hotel showing its bold, beckoning colors. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

At glance, Tokyo love hotels are pretty easy to recognize. They are hotels with darkened windows, and with their rates displayed on bright signage right by the entrance. If you want to choose where to go before you head out, a quick google search (in English or ラブホテル in Japanese) paired with the city you're in, or a specific neighborhood, will show hundreds of results.

Love hotels appear to be in a higher concentration either near minor stations (non-heavily residential areas), as well as in neighborhoods with lots of nightlife entertainment.

While Tokyo love hotels are in many places, some of the more famous areas include Ikebukuro or Kabukicho (in Shinjuku), or the so-called Love Hotel Hill in Shibuya. Also, Uguisudani, in the trendy Ueno area, has many options.

What to Expect Inside Tokyo Love Hotels

Inside a typical love hotel is a colorfully lit entrance with a spot showing the available rooms. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Inside a typical love hotel is a colorfully lit entrance with a spot showing the available rooms. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Just outside the love hotel will be pictures showing inside the different rooms in the hotel. Besides the typical gaudy exteriors, this is one of the key ways to distinguish between a love hotel and a standard hotel.

Another key indicator is that love hotels will offer prices for "rests" and "stays," whereas more standard hotels will typically not advertise rates outdoors.

Available love hotel rooms will be indicated clearly and will often have a button to press to select the room. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Available love hotel rooms will be indicated clearly and will often have a button to press to select the room. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Venture into the reception area inside a love hotel, and you'll likely encounter a panel showing the different kinds of rooms that are currently available. This can take the form of a touchscreen, in the case of newer buildings, or a photo with a price indicated and a button beneath it. Rooms will often have various options for their theme. Just press the button corresponding to a room of interest, and head over to the check-in window, where staff will ask whether you would want to "rest" or "stay." Payment is often up-front, and staff will hand you a room key.

Reception at Tokyo love hotels often feels very anonymous. Here you would receive the key to the room. Depending on the hotel's system, payment may be made up front, before leaving, or made in the room itself. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Reception at Tokyo love hotels often feels very anonymous. Here you would receive the key to the room. Depending on the hotel's system, payment may be made up front, before leaving, or made in the room itself. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

You can enjoy a simple and bland room, or one littered with strategically positioned mirrors, as well as rooms filled with flowers or resembling a dungeon. Others will look like art museums or be equipped with exotic-dancing poles.

Or if the “kawaii” style is what you’re looking for, Love Hotels have got you covered. What’s more is that not only are love hotels in Japan, by and large, quite clean and well-kempt, but they also make it a point to respect the privacy of patrons and staff alike. Hence, you will likely not see the reception staff directly.

Further, if you order food or other items to your room, they will be delivered to your door and left there. You will likely never see, or be seen by, anyone from the moment you enter to when you leave.

Special amenities are often available in the reception area. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Special amenities are often available in the reception area. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Reception areas also often have a drink bar available. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Reception areas also often have a drink bar available. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
For added discretion, some hotels will offer separate elevators for entering versus leaving. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
For added discretion, some hotels will offer separate elevators for entering versus leaving. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Typical amenities at Tokyo love hotels

At first look, this themed love hotel is pretty loud on the eyes! Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
At first look, this themed love hotel is pretty loud on the eyes! Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

You will also often get a TV and free access to spicier channels. Most love hotels also have room service with more than decent food, gadgets and toys, many toiletries, and, often, free protection. There may also be a vending machine selling cosplay costumes or similar free rentals available.

Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Most rooms are almost like mini amusement parks of their own. There are so many options and features to choose from that even if you visit alone, you’ll definitely be able to have fun.

Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Many Tokyo love hotels will have unique items to accent the decor. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Many Tokyo love hotels will have unique items to accent the decor. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
The interior "scene lighting" panel is often right near the head of the bed. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
The interior "scene lighting" panel is often right near the head of the bed. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Computerized controllers will allow you to choose the look of the room (dimming the lights, changing the color of the lights, modifying the atmosphere around you from a party-inducing one to a more romantic or relaxing one.

Rooms also have complementary anything-anyone-may-ever-need in a room and bathroom.

Microwave ovens and mini-fridges are common at love hotels. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Microwave ovens and mini-fridges are common at love hotels. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Not only will you find dozens among shampoos, conditioners, toiletries, but also hair straighteners, curling irons, creams, and more.

Rooms often have the option to choose among a number of relaxing gadgets like foot massagers, self-warming eye marks, massage chairs, and a number of amenities that you’re unlikely to find in regular hotels (or for which you'd have to pay out of your nose).

You're also likely to see vending machines in the room for drinks, and sex toys, if that's your fancy.

At some Tokyo love hotels, unique vending machines can be found - offering everything from drinks to toys. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
At some Tokyo love hotels, unique vending machines can be found - offering everything from drinks to toys. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Why do Japanese people choose love hotels and why should I?

Love hotel bathrooms are often something in an entirely different league, offering different skincare product samples, bubble bath soaps, and a variety of other freebies. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Love hotel bathrooms are often something in an entirely different league, offering different skincare product samples, bubble bath soaps, and a variety of other freebies. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

Japanese customers and those who are not simply passing by, choose love hotels for a number of reasons. While some people may legitimately seek a rest, many are looking for a reasonably discreet place with thicker walls than the typical Japanese apartment.

Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

More recently however, there are many other reasons for people to choose love hotels above a standard hotel. Love hotels tend to offer fancy services like heated rock floors, jacuzzis, hot tubs, and more, do so at a fraction of the price regular hotels offer.

You won't need to book a room beforehand. You might find a couple that have no available rooms, but it's near impossible to not find a room within a few blocks, even during peak hours. Unlike many hotels, you can rent a room in love hotels by the hour.

There aren't really many cons to staying in a love hotel, except maybe the feeling of being in a slightly-too-unconventional place. Love hotels are made to stay in until check-out, so in many of them you won't be able to leave your room, once you get in.

Some love hotels might also be resistant to renting a room to a single person, or may ask for increased rates. Some also tend to turn down same-sex couples (but there are a number that you can find online that are same-sex-couple friendly).

Are Tokyo love hotels expensive?

More than a tub: many love hotels in Japan offer jacuzzis or other luxury features. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.
More than a tub: many love hotels in Japan offer jacuzzis or other luxury features. Photo courtesy of YouTuber @OzzyAwesome.

As mentioned before the prices for Tokyo love hotels are by and large lower than those in their more mainstream counterparts.

Prices, of course, change greatly depending on the room you choose, the services, the extras, and so on. Love hotels usually have two types of rates: short stay and long stay.

On average a short stay will be around 4,000 yen. Longer stays vary from 4,000 yen (simple, lower-end with rooms similar to those of a regular business hotel) to 20,000 yen (you'd be staying in a high-end room with lots of amenities). On average you can expect to spend around 9,000 - 12,000 yen for a night stay.

If you're looking for a bargain, though, love hotels offer several (aside from those coming with membership).
Those hotels that allow booking online, often have special prices on some rooms.

More commonly, though, almost all love hotels offer reduced prices during non-peak hours. Look for "service" or "free" time offers for discounts of up to 50%. They usually appear after 6 am (Tokyo nightlife can be pretty engaging, and it won't be unlikely for you to go for a few drinks and realize it's morning and time to rest), and they continue well into the afternoon.

When it comes to paying, as mentioned before, usually, you'll pay in your room, before leaving, or upon checking in. Most hotels accept cash and credit cards, but some only take cash, so be prepared. If you want to use your card but don't want the charge to show on your statement, you will find that many establishments will charge under a different business name.

Love hotels can be comfortable, cheaper, and an interesting new experience. They are also very much part of Japanese society and subculture, so they may be worth trying out during your trip to Japan.

7 best love hotels in Tokyo: Book a stay

More and more frequently, Tokyo love hotels can be found on booking websites. We've selected five of Tokyo's most highly rated and recommended love hotels. These love hotels in Tokyo are within walking distance of major sightseeing areas and train stations. Experience one of Japan's most unique subcultures - make your booking today!

  • AROMA+ (Adult Only)
    • Address Toshima-ku Ikebukuro 2-64-7, Tokyo, 171-0014
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ikebukuro Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Seibu Ikebukuro Line / Tobu Tojo Line)
      10 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

  • BaliAn Resort Forest Ikebukuro
    • Address 2-36-10 Ikebukuro, Tokyo, 171-0014
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ikebukuro Station (JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Seibu Ikebukuro Line / Tobu Tojo Line)
      10 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Written by:

Lucio Maurizi

Lucio Maurizi

Lucio Maurizi is an automotive expert specializing in Japan's car scene and auto-tourism. With an MA in East Asian History from La Sapienza Università di Roma, he's a multi-talented contributor to travel platforms like LIVE JAPAN, Japan Travel, and GPlus Media. His Instagram account (50k+ followers) offers insider views on Japan's automotive culture. Lucio also actively collaborates with professional drivers and influencers and organizes can't-miss car events in Tokyo. Instagram: @italian_in_japan Other links: https://linktr.ee/italianinjapan

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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