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⭐ HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EACH CITY
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TOKYO (Arrival Overnight Not Needed; Final Nights Only)
Stay here only at the end of the trip.
A. Best Overall (comfort + style):
Hotel Niwa Tokyo (Chiyoda)
Calm, Japanese-modern interior
Quiet neighborhood
Great breakfast
Near JR + subway
B. Boutique/Design:
K5 Tokyo (Nihonbashi)
Renovated bank building
Scandinavian–Japanese design
Beautiful rooms
On-site coffee & wine bar
C. Budget-Friendly (but still stylish):
The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
Cool lobby and bar
Great views
Next to Shinjuku Central Park
D. If you want traditional:
HOSHINOYA Tokyo (luxury ryokan-style in skyscraper)
Very expensive
Sublime experience
KYOTO (Days 2–4)
A. Best Overall:
Cross Hotel Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
Excellent location
Big rooms for Japan
Clean, modern, quiet
B. Boutique/Design:
GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO (Gion/Shijo)
Eco-luxury
Beautiful rooms
Modern Japanese minimalism
Great food + rooftop garden
C. Budget-Friendly:
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
Very clean
Good location
Modern Japanese feel
D. Traditional Ryokan (nice but not overpriced):
Ryokan Yachiyo (near Nanzen-ji)
Garden views
Traditional tatami rooms
Kaiseki dinner optional
KISO VALLEY — TSUMAGO (Day 4)
This region is ryokan-based — perfect for your style.
A. Best Traditional Experience:
Fujioto Ryokan
Most authentic Edo feel
Kaiseki meals
Wood interiors
Friendly hosts
B. Secondary Option:
Hotel Kisoji (larger, modern ryokan)
Onsen
Bigger rooms
Shuttle into town
C. Budget-Friendly:
Guesthouse Kotokuya (Magome)
Simple, clean
Good for hikers
Great hosts
MATSUMOTO (Days 5–7)
A. Best Overall:
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu
Classic but modern
Spacious
Great breakfast
Near castle + museums
B. Boutique/Design:
Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto
New, modern, clean
Stylish interior
Excellent location
C. Budget-Friendly:
Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto
Next to train station
Simple, efficient
D. Ryokan Option:
Kyoubashi Ryokan
Small, traditional
Near castle
NAGANO (Days 7–9)
A. Best Overall:
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Attached to Nagano Station
Very comfortable
Top convenience for travel
B. Boutique/Design:
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan (near Zenko-ji)
Classic ryokan
Quiet, charming
Perfect for Zen temple mornings
C. Budget-Friendly:
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi
Clean
Cheap
Good location
KANAZAWA (Days 9–11)
A. Best Overall:
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
High floors with views
Elegant (but not overpriced)
Big rooms
Next to station
B. Boutique/Design:
Kaname Inn Tatemachi
Young, artsy vibe
Music lounge
Great for creative travelers
Walkable to 21st Century Museum
C. Budget-Friendly:
UNIZO INN Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Dori
Efficient
Central
D. Ryokan Experience:
Sumiyoshiya
300-year-old machiya
Traditional Japanese rooms
Good breakfast
KOYASAN (Day 11)
Important: Book early — temple stays fill quickly.
A. Most Recommended Shukubo:
Eko-in Temple
One of the best English-friendly temples
Night cemetery tour
Morning prayers
Beautiful rooms
B. Second Pick:
Shojoshin-in (next to Okunoin)
Simple
Very atmospheric
Excellent location
C. Budget-Friendly Temple:
Koyasan Sekishoin
Good value
Traditional
Quiet
TOKYO (Return — Days 12–13)
Choose one from this list:
A. Best Overall:
Hotel Niwa Tokyo
Calm, modern, artistic
Great beds
Close to everything
B. Design/Boutique:
K5 Tokyo
Architecture + style
Beautiful minimal interiors
Great food + coffee
C. Budget-Friendly:
The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
Clean
Fun public spaces
Good location
D. Traditional (Luxury Ryokan Style):
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Exceptional but expensive
If you want one “blow-out night”