Like many other Japanese cities, Kumamoto offers a wide range of accommodations to accommodate both local and foreign tourists, some of which are in western style and others in traditional Japanese, while there are some unique types of accommodations, too.
Below are the basic types of Japanese accommodations and their examples that can be found in Kumamoto:
Kumamoto Hotels
These are pretty much the same as the hotels you can find in major cities of the world, some of which even belong to international hotel chains. They offer western style rooms with bathrooms, all equipped with various guest amenities. Most have their own restaurant and fitness center, as well. This is the most expensive type of accommodation in Kumamoto, with the room rate ranging from 10,000 yen (around 130 USD) to 30,000 yen (around 400 USD) per night.
ANA Hotel Kumamoto New Sky
Located by the Shirakawa River and part of the IHG chain, this hotel has 188 air-conditioned guest rooms, as well as two restaurants, a cocktail lounge, a beauty salon and on-site laundry facilities.
Hotel New Otani Kumamoto
This hotel is conveniently located right next to the Kumamoto train station, and offers 5 restaurants and bars and 5 banquet facilities to go with its 130 guest rooms that come with in-house movies.
Washington Plaza Hotel
Also one of the city’s best hotels, each of the guest rooms at the Washington Plaza are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, internet access and a mini bar among others. There is also a restaurant, laundry services and a car park.
Chisun Hotel Kumamoto
The rooms at the Chisun Hotel also have comprehensive amenities, including cable television, a refrigerator, a telephone, a hair dryer, a humidifier, an electric kettle and a tea set. Dry cleaning and massage services are available, as well.
Kumamoto Hotel Castle
The Kumamoto Hotel Castle has both western style and Japanese style rooms which are all air-conditioned with free high-speed internet access and satellite TV. It also has a luxurious modern restaurant with amazing views of Kumamoto Castle.
Business Hotels…
Business hotels are just like hotels, except that they are more practical and inexpensive, with smaller, single-bed rooms.
Popular business hotels in Kumamoto include the Kumamoto KB Hotel, Kumamoto Tokyu Inn Hotel, Hotel Sun Route Kumamoto and JR Kyusyu Hotel Kumamoto.
Youth Hostels…
Youth hostels are much like dormitories, with the rooms shared by four or more people. There are common bathrooms, and in some cases, common kitchens. There are womens-only youth hostels, as well. These are budget accommodations, with the rates ranging from 2000 to 4000 yen (around 25 to 50 USD).
Youthpia Hostel Kumamoto, Suizenji Youth Hostel and Hostel Nakashimaya are some of the most popular youth hostels in Kumamoto City.
Ryokan…
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami floors, sliding doors, futon beds and communal baths. Meals are often included with the rooms and guests are expected to wear yukatas. Ryokans are priced about the same as hotels and sometimes, are even more expensive.
Ryokans are often located near hot springs and mountains, and so can be hard to find in cities. In Kumamoto City, there is only one ryokan – Maruko Hotel which is five minutes away from Kumamoto Castle. It has both indoor and outdoor baths, which are all communal, with the main ones equipped with ultrasonic therapy.
Minshuku…
A minshuku is similar to the ryokan, but is smaller and typically family-run, with a premium on friendly service – the equivalent of the western bed-and-breakfast.
Examples in Kumamoto City are the Minshuku Ryokan Kajita, which has seven rooms and coin laundry facilities, and the Kumamoto Minshuku Higoji, which is near the train station and is known for its helpful owner.
Capsule Hotels…
For tourists, particularly men, who simply need a place to spend the night and a bed, capsule hotels, which are unique to Japan, are an excellent option. Coin lockers and communal bathrooms are usually provided, and the rates are affordable.
The Kumamoto Capsule Hotel is the only one of its kind in Kumamoto City but is known for its great value and service, as well as for being strategically located in the heart of the city.