There are tons of accommodation facilities that are indispensable to travel, such as hotels, hostels, guest houses, and vacation rentals. Of course, we can’t forget to add Japan’s famous traditional-style inn, the ryokan. But as a matter of fact, there’s one more special accommodation option to be found in Japan that you may not have heard of before. That special secret is… “business hotels.” What the heck are those?!
What are business hotels?
Business hotels can be found in every area of Japan and are designed for people to stay in during business trips. For this reason, business hotels are both convenient and full of friendly services. Of course, they are also great for leisure travelers. You’ll surely miss out if you come all the way to Japan and don’t use this resource!
Here, we’ll introduce the qualities of business hotels through Japan’s representative “Sunroute Hotel Chain.”
Qualities of Japan’s amazing business hotels!
Unbeatable locations! Found right in front of train stations!
What’s important on business trips is location. Because of this, business hotels can be found near train stations all over the country. This is also great news for travelers. Take the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, for example—it’s known as the closest hotel to Shinjuku Station in downtown Tokyo. Access is easy, as you can take limousine buses directly from both Narita and Haneda airports. This will really save you if you’re worried about dragging your suitcase on and off the train.
Service equal to that of top-class hotels
It is known all over the world that Japanese business culture is strict regarding both performance and etiquette. Hotel services in Japan follow the same high standard! Because they cater to professional customers, the service quality is exceptionally high. Staff members are always thinking of busy guests returning from work and strive to be helpful without being intrusive.
Note: In 2026, many locations have upgraded to seamless Sotetsu Hotels Club digital check-in systems, allowing you to use your smartphone as a room key!
By the way, the Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku has recently added the friendly robot, Pepper to their staff!
Reasonable pricing to accommodate tight budgets
Business hotel prices are set reasonably low to accommodate company travel costs. This means affordable accommodation for travelers as well!
(2026 Update: Please note that effective March 1, 2026, new accommodation tax rates apply in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Be sure to check your final booking total!)
Compact but efficient and comfortable rooms
Many business trips in Japan are made by solo travelers, which is why the rooms are so compact. However, they are highly efficient. Most include sufficient desk space and high-speed Wi-Fi, which is perfect for working or mid-trip social media updates. Many rooms are also outfitted with high-quality beds, such as Simmons, ensuring you get a full night’s rest.
Full of amenities so you can travel as light as possible!
Business is a game of speed! Business hotels provide many convenient amenities for those who arrive in a rush. Most hotels offer a pants presser, shoehorns, toothbrush sets, and air humidifiers. You’ll also find 24-hour coin laundries and even foreign currency exchange machines in the lobby of most Sunroute hotels.
Experience staying at a Japanese business hotel with the Sunroute Hotel chain!
Business hotels are a unique and “cool” part of Japanese travel culture. With over 70 hotels in the Sunroute network (now part of the expanded Sotetsu Hotels group as of 2026), you’ll experience stellar “Japanese hospitality” trained by the highest professional standards. Make use of your newfound knowledge and stay at a business hotel on your next trip to Japan!
More details about Sunroute Hotel! http://www.sunroute.jp/english/index.html
