Minshuku are family-run, Japanese-style bed and breakfasts that offer a great opportunity to meet local families and experience a local lifestyle. Most minshuku have only a few rooms, basic facilities and are very affordable.

Some minshuku may offer dinner, bed & breakfast, others bed & breakfast and some may not offer meals at all (futon only - known as sudomari).

If you don’t have a booking and just turn up, you’re best bet for being accepted to stay is to ask for sudomari, as no meals will need to be prepared for you.

You’ll find minshuku in small towns, mountain villages and hot spring resorts all over Japan. Sleeping is on a futon, and bathroom and toilet facilities are usually shared with other guests.

Expect to pay anywhere from ¥3,000 per person for sudomari up to ¥10,000 per person with two meals.

Practical Info

Minshuku