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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
The interior of the traditional house features a spacious room with tatami flooring and sliding paper doors. Natural light filters through large windows, illuminating a wooden table surrounded by comfortable seating. Lush greenery is visible outside, creating a serene atmosphere.
Home in Fujieda
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 550 reviews

Japan Charm&Tradition-Yui Valley(easy Tokyo/Kyoto)

Welcome to Yui Valley ! A refreshing stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. In the countryside, a simple farmers traditional house surrounded by Lush Green Mountains, Bamboo forests, Rivers and Tea Fields. Outside the usual tourist path, discover the real countryside of Japan. Come to relax and enjoy different activities: Hiking with view of Mt. Fuji, walk crossing Bamboo groves and tea fields, Green Tea ceremony, Hot spring, Bicycles, Bamboo workshop, Shiatsu, Acupuncture treatment or River Dipping.

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.

Guest favorite
A serene room features large windows with a view of the Kamo river. Tatami mats cover the floor, complemented by a low wooden table and two cushions. Natural light fills the space, highlighting traditional wood paneling and shoji screens.
Townhouse in Kyoto
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 192 reviews

K's Villa Kamogawa - Excellent River View

K's Villa Kamogawa-an is an authentic Kyoto style wooden house located right beside the Kamo river only 3 mins walk from Shichijo station. Maximum 7 guests, Suitable for 2 - 5 guests Please ensure you select the correct number of guests when booking <Important> Please come to K's Villa Office (K's House Kyoto) to CHECK-IN before 20:30pm. ※Please do NOT go to K's Villa directly. ・If you arrive before 16:00, we can keep your luggage at K' s Villa Office(K's House Kyoto) anytime after 9:00am.

Top guest favorite
A serene view of a wooden hinoki bath is presented through large glass doors. The interior features light-colored tiled walls, and a warm wooden bench can be seen along the outside. Delicate branches with blossoms frame the view, enhancing the tranquil setting.
Townhouse in Kyoto
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 417 reviews

Artist's house in Kyoto with a big cypress bath

I am an Artist / Photographer born in Kyoto I started hosting because I love meeting people from all over the world and making new friends. This place used to be one big guesthouse, but during Covid19, I have stopped running the guesthouse and I moved in with my wife and 2 kids. Still I didn't want to give up so I left the good parts. Private cypress bath and renovated rooms and made another entrance for the Guests. So now it is 2 separate house Please check the house rules before you book.

Top guest favorite
A Japanese-style living room features natural wooden furniture and a soft beige color palette. Two comfortable chairs and a low table are positioned on a textured rug. Sliding doors reveal a glimpse of greenery from the garden, enhancing the serene ambiance.
Villa in Kyoto
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 798 reviews

kyoto villa soso (Near Kyoto station)

《May 2019 TV can be watched.》 It is located 15 minutes on foot from Kyoto station. It will be lent to a Kyoto townhouse style building. I put the finest furniture and the finest bed. You can also use wifi. The bath is about the size of two adults and uses Japanese cypress. It will be a very beautiful room just opened in January. Please try and stay at once. The location of the hotel is in a place where you can walk to downtown area of Kyoto and famous temples. It is a very convenient place.

Guest favorite
A cozy lounge area is highlighted by a curved, plush maroon sofa and matching chairs. A circular pendant light provides warm illumination, while a sleek, round table sits at the center. Colorful album covers adorn the walls, offering a vibrant visual display.
Cottage in Itō
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 200 reviews

Beautiful Mid-century Japanese Villa

THE LAYER | ITO One of Conde Nast Traveler's top Airbnbs in Japan! This perfectly designed mid-century home has been deeply cared for since it was built by highly skilled craftsmen in 1968. Our loving and detailed renovation accentuates the gorgeous original features, while adding layers of modern design details, fun, and premium comfort. Come relax in our traditional Japanese home in the charming, retro onsen town of Ito on the Izu Peninsula. *****Please read House Rules before booking

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.

Guest favorite
An open living space features polished hardwood flooring and warm wooden walls. A large, traditional sunken table is centered, surrounded by floor-level seating. Natural light enters through multiple windows, and a sliding door leads to an outdoor area, enhancing the room's connection to nature.
Hut in Osaka
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 356 reviews

Traditional house of Japan. Near the station.

Please experience or your friends and genuine good old Japanese life with your family. You can feel free to use, such as 12 people a large digging your stand is there an event-party sit at the same time. System kitchen, refrigerator, microwave oven,cookware, has to offer, such as tableware. Since there is a loft it is possible acceptance of the organization. Bedding will be available in the Japanese style. It is an old town house, but is already all the water around the renovation.

Guest favorite
A traditional Japanese living space is presented, featuring tatami flooring and sliding doors. A wooden low table is positioned at the center, accompanied by a small bench. A bold orange wall contrasts with the neutral tones, while calligraphy artwork enhances the serene ambiance.
Townhouse in Osaka
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 305 reviews

Traditional Japanese House 74㎡ Osaka Namba KIX

This is a newly renovated old Japanese house, a middle-class residence built in 1929 and renovated in 2017. It is a legal accommodation permitted by the city of Osaka. Located in the southern part of Osaka, a very quiet residential area. 10 minutes away from the nearest subway station, Kishinosato. It is easy to reach Namba, Umeda by subway, KIX and Koyasan by Nankai Railway. The 7-11 convenience store is one minute away. The Sento public bath is also very close to my house.

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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