11 Top-Rated Airbnbs in Japan, From City Condos to Mountainside Escapes
Japan has no shortage of amazing hotels. From technologically savvy suites to luxury forest retreats to playful boutique stays, travelers might have a hard time picking just one. But space can be limited, and not all hotels can cater to those once-in-a-lifetime large group trips. Finding the right lodging can sometimes dim the excitement of trip planning, especially when having to worry about factors like group sizes, access to certain amenities, and privacy. Airbnb bridges the gap between dreams and reality. You can rent a private villa on a mountaintop that’ll accommodate all of your friends or a penthouse in Shinjuku with stellar skyline views that won’t break your budget. Renting an Airbnb in Japan will also give you a glimpse into the real lives of locals. You get a one-way ticket into the everyday lives of those who live in a city you’ve only dreamed about and can see and connect with them on a deeper level when living side-by-side.
While these Japanese Airbnbs are scattered all over the country and showcase different views, they have one thing in common: they are a favorite among bookers. Airbnb has recently featured a new filtering system where guests can search Guest Favorite properties—those with stellar reviews of 4.85 and above from reliable Superhosts with track records of little to no cancellations. From mountainside cottages to luxury penthouses with amenities that rival popular hotel chains, here are the 11 top-rated Airbnbs in Japan.
We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A contemporary Japanese villa in Ito
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Towada stone and hinoki-lined bath, a karaoke room with a snack bar, Weber gas BBQ grill
Best for: Those with the “it" factorThis colorful contemporary home was built by craftsmen in 1968 and sits on a hilltop in a fishing town in the Izu Peninsula. Everywhere you look has vibrant ’60s flair—from the purple crushed velvet couch to the karaoke room to the whimsical wallpaper in the dining room. The charming home has optimal outside seating that overlooks the forest where you can sneak peeks of the ocean through the leaves.
Traditional farmer's home in Fujieda
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: River access, garden, washer and dryer
Best for: Reducing your screen time and enjoying the great outdoorsStep outside the usual tourist destinations and experience life in rural Japan. The 96-year-old home is tucked away in the mountains and surrounded by bamboo forests, green tea fields, and rivers. This stay transcends just being a roof over your head; you’re immersed in the daily lives of the locals where you can take a bamboo workshop, participate in a tea ceremony, or enjoy fresh local seafood at the fish market.
Maisonette in Shibuya
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: PlayStation 3, book nook, guitar
Best for: A sense of peace in the bustling cityNestled in Shibuya, this three-story home with an open floor plan is connected by a romantic winding staircase. The three levels split up the bedroom, lounge, kitchen, bathroom, attic, and to top it all off—the rooftop. Filled with natural light, the bedroom intentionally doesn’t have curtains so you can wake up as the sun rises.
Woodland cottage in Saku
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Terrace, projector, hot springs within walking distance
Best for: Meditation, reflection, and relaxationThe interior of this property is a marriage between the sky and the earth. The curved doorways, shelving, and desks were intentionally crafted to mimic the moon while the hardwood (Cedar, Cypress, and Chestnut to name a few) used throughout ties in nature and earth. The town of Kasuga Onsen is incredibly spiritual, and locals look to their ancestors and the surrounding scenery for life lessons and meaning. The curves give a coziness to the cottage—on rainy days you’ll just want to snuggle in the corner with a good book.
Industrial loft in Oyama
Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Fully equipped kitchen, flat-screen TV, train station within walking distance
Best for: A large group that still wants comfortLocated in the city’s business district, the newly renovated loft has very high ceilings that make the three-bedroom space seem more spacious. While it leans industrial, the color scheme and furniture are very midcentury modern and play with texture and materials. While it boasts three rooms, this is an ideal stay for a group and can hold up to 10 guests—space is hard to come by in Japan so this is a feat for a larger travel group. The apartment is very conveniently situated right next to Oyama Station with shops and restaurants nearby. Omoi River is within walking distance and the Suga Shrine is not far off.
Tranquil home in Kyoto
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Garden view, wooden bath, Bluetooth sound system
Best for: Much-needed family timeThis serene home radiates repose. From the subtle wooden decor to the Karesansui-style garden, it feels like a luxury retreat. The Machiya-style home highlights the very best of traditional Japanese decor while adding updated appliances. The Imadegwa station is within walking distance and connects you to neighboring cities, so there’s always a way to connect with the nightlife.
Courtesy AirbnbA rare two-bedroom find in Akasaka
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths
Top amenities: High-quality mattresses, long dining room table, Muji rice cooker
Best for: EntertainingThis is a standout stay in Tokyo. While it pulls from Japanese decor and has a tatami living area, the bedroom has a Westernized setup with a Serta queen-sized mattress. The bathroom and kitchen are both spacious. The bathroom has a spa-like feel with a beautifully carved black stone bathtub and walls, while the kitchen has beautiful wood flooring with a long wooden dining table that seats up to six.
Condo with a skyline view in Toshima
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Skyline view, Sealy mattress, private rooftop
Best for: A dynamic duo looking to take on ShinjukuThis spacious one-bedroom apartment rivals some hotel stays. Picture this: You have a penthouse apartment with a private rooftop that overlooks Mount Fuji and Shinjuku. The views are unmatched, and inside you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, an intimate dining room table, and two Sealy single beds, so if you’re traveling with a friend one of you won’t have to forgo comfort.
Two-bedroom apartment along the Takase River
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Sliding doors, river view, Wi-Fi
Best for: Those looking for a bit of inspiration while they workThis traditional Japanese apartment is located directly on the banks of the Takase River. During Cherry Blossom season this is a hot commodity where you can overlook the famous Kiyamachi street. It’s steps away from Takashimaya and Marui department stores with optimal shopping options.
An oceanside apartment in Kunigami District
Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 1 bath
Top amenities: Unobstructed view of the ocean, two dedicated workspaces
Best for: A beach escapeThose who book here are lucky enough to wake up every morning to the sound of rushing waves from the Pacific Ocean. The blue hues of the apartment tie in with the oceancore aesthetic and reverberate a calmness over the coastal condo. Sip a cup of coffee on the veranda or opt to stay inside and enjoy breakfast at the breakfast nook behind the futon. Either way, every seat is the best in the house.
Tiny home in Ichinomiya
Bed & bath: 1 bedroom, 1 bath
Top amenities: Private open-air bath, wooden deck, free parking
Best for: When your social battery has been running lowIt’s not hard to see why this tiny home is a guest favorite. The moment you walk onto the private deck it feels like you’ve been transported to an exclusive spa. While the open concept could be daunting, it also allows you to connect with nature and relish in the amount of privacy you have. This stay is a must for solo travelers looking for tranquility or a duo who are looking for a romantic getaway.
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