Japan’s known for a lot of things from tech, to temples and anime. But one thing not many people mention, is love hotels. Though their birth rates are down and the apartment walls too thin, the deed still gets done. Just in specialized locations instead.
Unlike America, adults not having the space for entanglements is a common issue so the market responded by providing accommodations in kind to facilitate your secretive trysts. While these hotels are somewhat of a novelty for tourists, they’re just a regular part of life in the major cities of Japan.
What are love hotels?
Love hotels are “resting” establishments that offer short-term stays, typically ranging from 2 hours to overnight. They are designed to provide a private and intimate space for couples, often with themed rooms, mood lighting, in-room entertainment, and discreet check-in procedures (you often don’t see the receptionist). Love hotels are popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and affordable way to spend quality time with a partner in a city that’s short on “private” and quiet spaces.
These hotels tend to be popular because they’re a lot more affordable than your traditional hotels and you only book the amount of time that you actually need.
They’re often located in and around the red light districts because… Well, you know why.
How to spot love hotels

Spotting love hotels in Japan can be challenging because some of them are designed to look like normal ones on purpose. This can be tricky to identify especially for those who don’t speak Japanese.
Here are some tips to help you identify love hotels as you browse the booking platforms and Google Maps so you get what you’re looking for and nothing more (or less):
- Neon signs: Does the hotel have colorful and flashy neon signs with hearts or flowers? That’s a dead giveaway.
- Quiet area: Most hotels are located near tourist attractions and night life for your convenience. Love hotels on the other hand, tend to be around the quieter and empty areas. That also will be located near other love hotels to
- Building design: Love hotels often have distinctive building designs, such as a discreet entrance you can’t look or walk straight into for privacy.
- Hotel’s name: Love hotels often have names that are suggestive or playful, along the lines of “Hotel Amour” or “Love Inn”.
- Room rates: Look at the rates table, if there’s 2 hour bookings with discounts for longer stays, you know what’s up.
- View into the shower: Though it’s not 100% the case, if the bedroom has a clear view into the shower room, you’re most likely at one.
- Ceiling mirror: Maybe it’s different where you’re from but in Japan, a ceiling mirror is a feature unique to love hotels.
- Themed rooms: Unless it’s a particularly nice hotel, most of them don’t bother having multiple room themes per property. That means if you see a hotel with multiple themed rooms to choose from, it’s likely a love hotel.
- Lack of a view: Love hotels don’t need a pretty view outside because most customers are in and out in a matter of hours, nothing to enjoy. So if a property you’re looking at seems to be missing pictures of the room view, you might be the wrong customer (or the correct one?).
- Rooms that encourage noise: If you see amenities like a karaoke room, this is a love hotel. Most hotels don’t want you disturbing other guests obviously but love hotels have good soundproofing on purpose so they take advantage of it to offer you more “fun” amenities.
Common features of love hotels

Cool, now that you know how to spot one, what other reasons are there for you to want to book one?
Love hotels often have distinctive features that set them apart from regular hotels. Here are some common features you’ll wanna know because it just might be your kind of place:
- Discreet check-in: Love hotels often have a discreet check-in procedure, allowing guests to check-in without being seen.
- Food services: Yes, regular hotels have room service, but love hotels have discreet delivery and sometimes an in-house kitchen to prepare food so nobody has to know how much you’ve ordered to cheat on your diet.
- In-room entertainment: Love hotels often offer in-room entertainment, such as adult movies, video games, or karaoke machines. The latter being one of few places you can do karaoke and chill.
- Good soundproofing: This goes with the previous point, anything you do that makes noise can be done without issues because the rooms have extra noise insulation.
- Themed rooms: Love hotels often offer themed rooms, such as rooms with a romantic décor, a Jacuzzi, or a private balcony. These options usually cost multiple times more at a regular hotel.
- Vending machines: Love hotels often have a vending machine on site, offering snacks, drinks (even alcoholic ones), and other “essentials”. Once you check in, you generally don’t need to leave until you choose to.
Tips for visiting love hotels
If you’re interested in visiting a love hotel, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be Respectful: Love hotels are intended to be discreet for couples, so be respectful of other guests and the hotel’s rules. Be cool, nobody likes a spoilsport.
- Check the Hotel’s Policies: Before checking in, make sure to check the hotel’s policies, including their check-in and check-out times, room rates, and any specific rules or regulations. Some do not allow friends of the same-sex to check-in. Make sure you know in advance to avoid any awkward scenarios.
- Be Prepared: Love hotel amenities vary based on the property, so don’t assume they all have any essentials you may need and prepare in advance.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask: If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask the hotel staff for assistance. This is however a tricky situation as most love hotel staff don’t speak that good English. They will however, try and accommodate you if you’re able to communicate your needs to them.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to spot them, you won’t enter one by mistake. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit one given the option though. Love hotels are a fun and curious aspect of Japan’s metropolitan lifestyle and what’s a trip without experiencing other cultures right? 😉
The main point is don’t be shy, this is no more awkward than buying condoms or booking an actual hotel room. The staff is there to render service, not judge you.
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