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Vacation rentals in Japan

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Japan

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Top guest favorite
A serene moss garden is presented, featuring stepping stones across a gentle stream. Lush greenery surrounds the area, with a stone lantern and rustic wooden elements adding character. The peaceful space reflects a harmonious blend of nature and traditional design.
Guesthouse in Matsuyama
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 226 reviews

105-year-old inn and warehouse reborn Japanese moss garden & semi-open-air bath 188㎡ [Limited to one group per day Kominka Mitsuhama Inn]

┏━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┓ ◆ Limited to one group per day/private rental - Experience a rejuvenating stay in a long-established inn and storehouse ◆ ┗━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━┛ ■ Location, history, features ■ In the port town of "Mitsuhama" in Matsuyama/Dogo, a 105-year-old long-established restaurant inn (formerly the Kawacho Ryokan) surrounded by 4 white-walled storehouses and 4 gardens built in the Edo period - white plastered earth walls, natural bamboo walls of Kannonji Temple, etc., have been renovated little by little and regenerated (in the process of regeneration). It is an old private house that initially opened as an accommodation facility for almost 100% inbound. Renovation work is being carried out on the semi-open-air bath inside the warehouse and the water area. ■ Healing moss garden ■ There are three moss gardens: the front garden, the middle garden, and the back garden, and well water flows everywhere, flowing between the hand basin, the watering hole, the deer repellent, the stepping stones, and the pot pond, where koi, medaka, tanago, and crayfish live, and a biotope space visited by wild birds. ■ Check-in lounge (cafe/bar space), souvenir corner ■ You can drink authentic cocktails on the first floor of the annex (main building). There is a souvenir corner with interior goods/accessories/natural stones/amulets imported from Bali and other countries.

Guest favorite
A serene garden setting features meticulously trimmed shrubs and a large stone planter, framed by a traditional wooden gate. Lush greenery contrasts with a clear blue sky, creating a peaceful outdoor space for relaxation.
Home in 名西郡
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 297 reviews

220-year-old Blue Merchant's Mansion with Seasonal Vegetable and Fruit Harvesting Experience

KAIWA NO SATO This old house is an indigo mansion built in the first year of the Bunsei era (1804) during the heyday of indigo. The main house and the sleeping area (a barn where indigo was stored) have been demolished due to aging, but the historic living room and garden have been preserved to allow guests to experience a little bit of that time, and it is used as a farmhouse inn. In the old days, "Indigofera" grew on the fertile land of the Yoshino River basin in Tokushima Prefecture, bringing great wealth to Tokushima Prefecture (Awa Province). Ancient documents on indigo, including cultural properties, are also available for viewing. Enjoy the charm of that era and Indigofera. ==== Feel free to pick and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables from the adjacent fields. * Please enjoy as many figs as you like in summer and autumn. Fruit examples: Spring: sweet summer Summer: Watermelon, Green Bowl (Melon) Fall: figs, pomegranates, sweet potatoes [Vegetables example] Spring: potatoes, corn, bamboo shoots, butterbur sprouts, konjac Summer: Japanese ginger, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, chili peppers, cucumbers Fall: potatoes, konnyaku Winter: Daikon radish * Please contact us in advance if you have any requests, as the harvest and timing may change depending on the weather. ====

Top guest favorite
Natural light fills a traditional Japanese room, featuring sliding doors that open to a serene garden with manicured shrubs and a stone pathway. A low table sits at the center, surrounded by tatami mat flooring, providing a calming space for relaxation.
Townhouse in Izumisano
5 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews

ABURARI, just 9 minutes from Kansai Airport, is a popular traditional Japanese inn with a moss-covered Japanese garden

It is 9 minutes by train from Kansai Airport, and 5 minutes on foot.We rent out the entire traditional Japanese merchant's mansion (ancient house).Aburi is a name that has been passed down through generations in our family. It is not just a guest house, but a place where you can enjoy a Japanese trip with family and friends, without worrying about other groups. This inn is very popular with those who are interested in traditional Japanese culture and fans of anime such as Demon Slayer and Naruto.It is an old house, but everything has been renovated so that guests can have a comfortable stay. It can be used extensively for families and groups of one to 10 people.(The price will not change for up to 3 people) [Best hospitality not found in other guesthouses] The spacious 12-tatami mat inner parlor and the Japanese garden that spreads out between the veranda are the essence of traditional Japanese architecture.Relax in the spacious tatami room while looking out at the Japanese garden. The living room, which is a converted rice warehouse, can take you back in time 200 years. [For long-term stays] Desk, chairs and whiteboards are provided.It can also be used as a working space.We also have discount plans for guests staying 28 days or more.

Top guest favorite
A modern black house is framed by lush green trees and plants, set against a clear blue sky. Large windows are visible, providing a glimpse of the interior. The natural landscape enhances the serene environment surrounding the property.
Villa in Hakone
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 547 reviews

[SAKURA Villa] Natural hot spring★ resort atmosphere Heal in★ nature [Hakone] [Koshimadani]

We offer a stylish house with a private hot spring bath in Koshimadani. It is a 7-minute walk from the Saru-no-Chaya bus stop, making it very convenient. (The front road is a steep slope.) The natural hot spring baths are constantly replenished by the source spring and can be enjoyed 24 hours a day. The hot spring source is Kowakudani Onsen, which is weakly alkaline. We also have a★ BBQ space for your convenience! (We also provide equipment for rent. We will charge you 4,000 yen after use. ) We have introduced a★ bioethanol heater for★ winter only. Please let me know when you use it. We'll charge you 2,000 yen after use. Parking for 2 cars is available on site. Looking forward to welcoming you! * The entire house will be rented, but the price will vary depending on the number of people. The displayed price is for 2 people, so please enter the correct number of people before booking.

Top guest favorite
The living room features traditional wooden beams and shoji screens that provide a view of the garden. A low wooden table is centered on tatami mats, with a cozy rattan chair nearby. Soft natural light fills the space, complemented by warm wooden tones.
Home in Setagaya City
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 102 reviews

/Japanese Old Traditional Style House_HARUNOYA

We renovated a traditional Japanese house that was formerly a teahouse for Airbnb. The architect is Saeko Yamada. Although it is a small space of about 10 tatami, it is a historic house wrapped in soft and colorful light, and we hope you will have an experience that sharpens your senses. It is located in a quiet residential area, so it can only be used by those who follow the house rules. * As a general rule, this building does not allow visitors other than guests. * We renovated an old Japanese-style house, which used to be a tea room, for use on Airbnb. The architect was Suzuko Yamada. * As a rule, this building is not open to non-guests. *

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features wooden walls and ceiling, with large windows allowing natural light. A green sofa is paired with a coffee table, while a dining table sits adjacent. A hammock is suspended from the ceiling, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Decorative items add a touch of warmth.
Cottage in Takashima
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 382 reviews

Haruya Guesthouse

Our guesthouse is in a beautiful mountain village, near to it are pristine forests with beech trees and an ancient mountain path that was used to carry sea products from Japan sea to Kyoto in old days. In front of the guesthouse runs a stream that is a source of Lake Biwa and its water is crystal clear ; in early summer nights many fireflies fly over the stream. In winter, we have a lot of snow ; sometimes it reaches 2 meters from the ground! On clear nights you can enjoy the sky full of stars.

Top guest favorite
The guesthouse exterior features traditional Japanese architecture, with a sloped tiled roof and wooden accents. Surrounding greenery and vibrant flowers enhance the tranquil setting. The blue sea and distant mountains create a serene backdrop, inviting guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the location.
Hut in Owase
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Mikiura Guesthouse

Reservation start from 2 person / 2 nights minimum. We only take one reservation everyday so house is yours to use privately.We have no meal service since corona pandemic 2020. Guesthouse is a typical old Japanese house, not like a resort Hotel or Ryokan for business. Mikiura village is surrounded by the clear blue sea and natural green mountains, and located close to the World Heritage of "Kumano Kodo" You'll enjoy real Japan such as rural life experience, quiet time and beautiful nature.

Top guest favorite
A spacious living area features a low wooden table surrounded by comfortable seating. Natural light enters through sliding shoji doors, revealing a serene garden view that includes snow-dusted rocks and greenery. Traditional Japanese aesthetics are blended with modern comfort in this inviting space.
Home in Kyoto
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 322 reviews

CITY-CENTER, UNIQUE, LUXURY, HISTORICAL TOWNHOUSE

Centrally located our historic property offers a tranquil retreat just minutes from Kyoto Station and Gojo Station. You’ll be captivated by the stunning 150-year-old manicured garden that enhances the charm of the home. Our Machiya, registered as a significant historical asset, has been thoughtfully renovated by award-winning architects and retrofitted with luxurious modern amenities, including insulation, floor heating, double-pane windows, ensuring your comfort throughout your stay.

Top guest favorite
A spacious tatami room features traditional wooden architecture and a sunlit area with large sliding doors. A central hearth surrounded by tatami mats and round cushions creates a welcoming space. Natural light filters through shoji screens, illuminating the harmonious interior design.
Home in Kameoka
5 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews

Kyoto countryside , 5 min.from Hozugawa kudari

Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with all the modern conveniences. Tsuzumi and Christian welcome you join them in their beautifully restored 150 year old traditional Japanese home, located in the picturesque village of Kameoka, 25 minutes from Kyoto . Hozugawa kudari departure is 5 minutes from the house,Torokko train station 5 minutes from the house, Arashiyama is 10 minutes by train. Prices are intended with breakfast. Many experiences available ask us.

Guest favorite
A traditional town house features a wooden exterior, characterized by dark hues and a sloping tiled roof. Slatted wooden doors provide entry, and a small garden area is visible, enhancing the quaint charm of the setting.
Hut in Nara
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 239 reviews

Nara / Traditional town house / Private use only

Our guesthouse is located in the old town called Nara-machi. There used to be many traditional wooden townhouses known as Machiya. We restored Machiya while keeping the original structure in order to provide you with a traditional Japanese experience with local atmosphere.This house is for only private use and has only one floor with Japanese style room, shower room, washroom, sink and small garden.

Top guest favorite
A traditional Japanese room features a low wooden table at its center, surrounded by tatami flooring. Natural light filters through large sliding glass doors, revealing a manicured garden with stone sculptures and greenery visible outside.
Hut in Nabari
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 764 reviews

Private Traditional Japanese house [B&B Matsukaze]

Our house is traditional Japanese style house. 150 years old and in a very quiet location. We are renting house. Not shared with other guests. There are 2 bedrooms(Tatami-room) and 1 living room, gameroom, bathroom, shower toilet, all of the room are only for you. *Children is free of charge if your children don't need a bed and break fast. There are air conditioners in bedroom and livingroom.

Top guest favorite
A serene outdoor scene is captured at dusk, featuring a cozy fire pit surrounded by simple seating. Soft candlelight illuminates a traditional wooden structure, creating a calming ambiance against the backdrop of nature.
Hut in Nara
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

Toyoukenomori Experiential Guesthouse

Life at Toyoukenomori is anchored in the Japanese tradition of a shared community based on simplicity, sustainability and harmony. We offer visitors an opportunity to experience life in a natural setting that celebrates the rich four season of Japan. Toyoukenomori is a place to cultivate an inner peace; being content with what you have, and rejoicing in the way things are.

Popular amenities for Japan vacation rentals

Your guide to Japan

Welcome to Japan

Whether you’re new to Japan or you’ve traveled here many times, this country of 430 inhabited islands will unveil a new facet at every turn. You can take in the lakes and shrines surrounding Mount Fuji, the brilliant building-high signs of Osaka, the ancient temples of Kyoto, and the avant-garde architecture on remote Naoshima Island. Tokyo is a feast for urban aesthetes, with globally chic design stores, fashion boutiques, and cocktail bars, while the dramatic gorges and vapor-wrapped volcanos of Hokkaido’s national parks will thrill lovers of the outdoors.

It’s hard not to make Japanese cuisine a cornerstone of your visit, whether you’re sampling your way through regional styles of ramen or honoring the season’s most evocative ingredients with an elegant kaiseki meal. The twin assets of Japanese hospitality and the country’s well-designed infrastructure make it easy to experience Japan’s many delights, traveling between megacities and remote coastal villages.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Japan

Though it’s hard to make generalizations about an archipelago that stretches 1,900 miles, Japan is generally considered to have a temperate subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers, cool but mild winters, and a distinct spring and fall. The farther from Tokyo you travel, of course, the more you’ll want to consult local conditions. The climate in the snowy northern island of Hokkaido — where winter temperatures dip below freezing for a month or two — can be quite different from that of semi-tropical Okinawa in the south, where humid 90-degree summer days are the norm. On the main island of Honshu, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most comfortable, not to mention the most popular times to visit. The landscape is at its most expressive then, especially during Japan’s famed cherry-blossom season in late March and early April. If you are traveling to Japan in late summer, monitor the weather reports for tropical cyclones blowing in from the Pacific Ocean, and keep in mind, September and October are the height of the country’s rain season, so bring waterproof outerwear as well as indoor plans.


Top things to do in Japan

Kyoto’s Higashiyama District

As the imperial seat for more than a millennium, Kyoto has preserved hundreds of stunning temples, palaces, gardens, and of course, the legendary geisha districts. The historic Higashiyama District is one of the most atmospheric corners in this tradition-minded city, and you can spend hours wandering down narrow streets lined with wood-frame houses and centuries-old artisan shops, darting into side streets to peek in small shrines, before visiting the 1,200-year-old Kiyomizudera temple, with its terrace overlooking downtown. Higashiyama shines brightest during the 10-day Hanatoro festival in March, when thousands of paper lanterns appear.

Hiking in the Japanese Alps

Seventy percent of Japan’s landmass is covered in mountain ranges, which curve along the entire sweep of the archipelago. One of the most glorious spots in the northern Japanese Alps is the 673-square-mile Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, located between Toyama and Nagano, 150 miles northwest of Tokyo. In the summer, you can hike along the Azusa river at Kamikochi, seek out the hot springs around Okuhida, or if you’re an experienced mountaineer, trek from mountain hut to mountain hut (make reservations beforehand). In winter, skiers and snowboarders make pilgrimages to the resorts at Hakuba.

Island-Hopping in Okinawa

If you don’t think of traveling to Japan for sublime beach time, you’ve never visited the Okinawan archipelago at the southern end of Japan. Using Okinawa City as your base, you can take ferries or short flights to reach some of its 160 far-flung islands. Go snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters surrounding Tokashiki Island, where clownfish and butterfly fish dart among the coral reefs. Loll on the powdery white-sand beaches of Hateruma Island. Wander around historic houses with tiled roofs and sculptures on Taketomi Island. Everywhere you go, you can sample Okinawa’s distinctive Ryukyuan cuisine, which incorporates influences from China and southeast Asia.

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