There is something delightfully Japanese about love hotels. In fast-paced, efficient Tokyo, everything is orderly, compartmentalized and for sale. If you want to hug animals, you go to a cat cafe, or if you want to drink, you go to an izakaya. If you want ‘love,’ you go to a love hotel. Everything will be hyper-convenient, have fun themes and whatever you did in the relevant space can stay there when you leave.
Tokyo’s foreign residents might feel a bit nervous trying a love hotel for the first time, but what better excuse than Valentine’s Day?
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is traditionally when women give chocolate to the men in their life; ones they are romantically involved with as well as male friends, family and colleagues. The amusing term 義理チョコ, giri choco means ‘obligation chocolate,’ referring to chocolate given out of obligation rather than true feeling. Men are supposed to reciprocate a month later on White Day. Although chocolate is big business on Valentine’s Day, it’s also a busy day for Japan’s love hotels, too. If you want to, and forgive me for this, get ‘more bang for your buck’ this Valentine’s Day, read on.
For date ideas, check out our roundup of date spots in Tokyo.
No one’s here to sleep
Lesson one: know your lingo. There are usually two charging models for love hotels. ‘Stay’ for those who want to stay the whole night and ‘Rest,’ in which you are charged by the hour at any time of the day when you want to… take a nap. Actually, some tired individuals are using love hotels to do just that, and if you’re flagging during the day between meetings, feel free to make a solo trip to a love hotel for a refreshing power snooze. Many couples also find love hotels a romantic and convenient way to rest after a date instead of scrambling for the last train. For example, Yokohama’s love hotels are often cheaper than Tokyo’s, so why not finish up at one after a romantic evening up landmark tower?
From the sublime to the ridiculous
Tokyo’s love hotels are capitalizing on the influx of tourists and foreign residents are benefiting from the improved English language service. In preparation for the hordes of testosterone-fueled sports lovers who will flock to Tokyo 2020, many love hotels now have websites and online reservation services in English. This means that if you’re looking for a love hotel to suit your preferences, a quick Google search will get you quite far. For a fun and friendly middle-range love hotel, try the Bali An hotel chain, which has six locations around Tokyo and Chiba. In the Shinjuku location, as well as the room, you get the use of game facilities, a free snack area and all you can drink wine. If you’re looking for a more elaborate setup, try S&M specialists Hotel Alpha-In.
Same-sex couples
In recent years, there has been a trend of groups of women going to love hotels. The intention here is to enjoy the flat screen TV, snacks and minibar and just have fun with your friends. Interestingly, this has made it a lot easier for female same-sex couples to go to love hotels discrimination-free. Unfortunately, this is not always the case with male same sex couples who are sometimes turned away even in 2018. If this is you, you may have better luck in ‘gayborhoods’ such as Shinjuku Niichome. The tide may be turning, however. After complaints of discrimination in Tokyo and Kanazawa, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has issued guidelines to hotels and ryokan to “not reject guests on grounds for their sexual orientation or gender identity and take proper care of them.”
Whether we admit it or not, most members of the Tokyo expat community have had contact with love hotels in one way or another. It’s worth saying that Valentine’s Day is a busy time so get your reservations in early to avoid disappointment.
You might also be interested in Love Hotels in Japan: From Edo-Era Eroticism to Modern Retreats.
Love Hotel FAQs
Are love hotels only for couples?
Not anymore. While traditionally used by couples, love hotels today also see use from friends, solo visitors needing a quiet break and sometimes even groups looking for a fun themed room experience. Policies vary by hotel, however.
Is it normal to go to a love hotel in Japan?
Yes. Love hotels are a long-established and widely accepted part of Japanese culture. They exist because space, privacy and late-night transportation can be limited, especially in major cities like Tokyo.
What is the difference between “Rest” and “Stay”?
“Rest” means renting the room for a short period, typically one to three hours, during the day or night. “Stay” means booking the room for the entire night, similar to a traditional hotel stay.
Do people really sleep in love hotels?
Sometimes, yes. Although originally designed for romantic privacy, many people now use them for practical reasons such as missing the last train, taking a daytime nap or resting after a long date.
Can tourists and foreign residents use love hotels?
Absolutely. Many love hotels now offer English-language websites, online reservations and multilingual staff, especially in central Tokyo areas such as Shinjuku and Shibuya. You might be required to show some form of ID.
Are love hotels safe and clean?
Generally, yes. Love hotels compete heavily on comfort and amenities, so rooms are usually very clean, private and well maintained. Most also prioritize discretion.
Do I need a reservation?
It depends on timing. On normal days, walk-ins are common. However, busy periods such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and weekends can fill up quickly, so booking ahead is recommended where reservations are available.
Are love hotels expensive?
Prices vary depending on location, style and timing. Some offer budget-friendly hourly options, while themed or luxury properties can feel closer to boutique hotel pricing. Areas outside central Tokyo, such as Yokohama, can be cheaper.
What kind of amenities do love hotels have?
Rooms commonly include large beds, televisions, themed decor, jacuzzis or special lighting. Many hotels also offer complimentary drinks, snacks, beauty products and rental items. Some chains even provide lounges, free wine bars or game areas.
Are love hotels discreet?
Yes. Discretion is part of the appeal. Many hotels use automated check-in systems, minimal conversation, private entrances and anonymous payment options.
Is Valentine’s Day really busy for love hotels?
Yes—very. Valentine’s Day is a major commercial and romantic holiday in Japan, and love hotels often book quickly. It’s wise to plan ahead if you intend to go.
Do I need to bring ID to a love hotel?
In most cases, no. Love hotels in Japan generally do not require ID at check-in because the system is designed for privacy and discretion. Many hotels use touchscreen panels or automated machines, so you may not even interact with staff beyond paying.
However, there are a few exceptions:
Some hotels may request ID if you book online in advance
ID may be required if there is a policy concern (for example, verifying guests are over 18)
A few hotels catering heavily to tourists may ask for ID like standard hotels
Can I stay alone?
Yes. Solo stays are allowed at most love hotels, and it’s more common than you might think. Some people use them for privacy, a quiet nap, a place to relax between appointments, or simply to enjoy the amenities like large baths, big TVs, themed rooms or karaoke.
A few notes:
Policies can vary, but most hotels accept solo guests without issue
Daytime “Rest” plans are especially popular for solo stays
You’ll usually pay the same room price whether you’re alone or with a partner
Can they deny you because you are not Japanese?
Technically, they shouldn’t, but it can still happen in rare cases. Most love hotels in Japan welcome foreign guests without any issue, and many now even offer English websites, signage and automated check-in systems to make things easier. However, because love hotels operate slightly differently from regular hotels and prioritize discretion, policies are set individually by each property.
Are there rules about bringing more than two people?
Most love hotels are designed for two people only and have rules that reflect that. Traditionally, rooms, pricing systems, and security policies assume a pair of guests, so many hotels will refuse entry to groups of three or more.
However, there are exceptions, and some hotels allow larger parties in larger themed rooms.
How to check in and check out of Love Hotels?
Check-in and checkout at love hotels are designed to be quick, discreet and largely contact-free. When you arrive, you usually choose your room from a touchscreen or illuminated panel, then either pay at a machine or receive a key without much staff interaction. Many hotels don’t require names or personal details, especially for walk-ins. Checkout is just as simple: your stay time is automatically tracked, your bill appears on a screen and you pay at a machine or small reception window before exiting. Payment options vary by hotel, but many now accept card as well as cash. Overall, the entire process is anonymous, efficient and intentionally low-stress.
Origingally published in 2019, updated December 2025 to include updated FAQs.
