Complete Guide to Love Hotels in Tokyo
Ready to spice things up? Tokyo’s love hotels offer an exciting mix of mirrored ceilings, jacuzzi tubs, and complimentary flavored condoms. Let’s dive into the world of Tokyo love hotels!
Love hotels, or “rabuho,” also known as fashion, couple, or leisure hotels, provide unique accommodations. They’re on par price-wise with business hotels and offer a few tips to save some yen.
What is a Love Hotel?
Tracing its roots back to the Edo period, the modern love hotel emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Japanese homes, designed for dual-purpose living and sleeping, lacked privacy, especially for those with children or in-laws.
The 1960s saw the rise of love hotels along highways, introducing themed rooms and eccentric architecture. Despite police scrutiny in the late 1970s pushing flamboyant features indoors, some iconic love hotel architecture still stands.
Today, Japan boasts around 10,000 love hotels, frequented by over a million couples daily. Many have transitioned into regular hotels to accommodate foreign tourists, retaining larger bathrooms indicative of their love hotel origins.
Love hotels feature creative names and often kitsch facades. They’re found near stations, in suburbs, industrial areas, or along highways.
Who Can Use Love Hotels?
Any consenting adults. Tokyo love hotels prioritize anonymity, with minimal staff interaction. However, reports have surfaced of refusals based on clientele type, though our experiences have been welcoming.
Finding Love Hotels
Love hotels dot Tokyo and Japan. Key areas in Tokyo include Uguisudani, Shibuya’s Dōgenzaka/Maruyama, Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, and Ikebukuro’s exits.
Booking a Love Hotel
Identifiable by their unique exteriors and pricing signs, love hotels offer a straightforward booking process. Selection is made through a panel or machine, with payments typically upfront. Some love hotels allow online bookings, often indicating ‘Adults Only.’
Costs and Deals
Love hotels offer “rest” and “stay” rates, with the former for short visits and the latter for overnight stays. Look out for “service time” or “free time” deals during off-peak hours for savings.
Loyalty Programs
Some love hotels offer membership cards for points and discounts, similar to other loyalty programs.
Amenities and Legalities
Love hotels provide themed rooms, entertainment options, and complimentary condoms. They’re legal, regulated under the country’s Entertainment Business Law since 1985, and generally safe and clean.
Smoking and Age Restrictions
Most love hotels offer non-smoking options, especially in major nightlife areas. Guests must be 18 or older.
Staying at Love Hotels
Designed for short stays, love hotels may not accommodate multiple-night stays or large groups. Payment can be made with cash or credit cards in most establishments.
Looking for company? We have tips on finding that special someone to share a love hotel experience with.