Reservations and Charges
Booking Accommodations
Hotel occupancy in Japan tends to be very tight almost all
year-round, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto. If possible,
secure your reservations before you depart for Japan. Hotel
reservations can be made through Japanese or other international
travel agents, some airlines, or reservation offices of
international hotel chains. A list of all Japan Hotel Association
members called "Hotels in Japan" is available at the
JNTO offices .
For a Welcome Inn reservation, fill in the reservation form
attached to the Welcome Inns directory obtainable at the
JNTO offices .
The form must be sent to the Welcome Inn
Reservation Center at least two weeks in advance of departure
date. The Center accepts reservation requests for up to
three locations, subject to room availability, if you have a
confirmed flight booking. The reservation request for the first
night in Japan is accepted only with a firm booking for a
flight arriving before 3:00 p.m. of your arrival day.
For other types of accommodation, ask JNTO for the
"Japan Ryokan Guide," "Pensions in Japan" and "Minshuku
in Japan."
Tax and Service Charges
If the total charge for accommodation, food and beverage,
and other services per person per night is 15,000yen or less, a
3 percent tax is imposed. If over 15,000yen, a 6 percent tax is
added.
At the best hotels, a 10 to 15 percent service charge is
added to the bill in lieu of tipping. At the Japanese inns, with
individualized maid service, there is usually a 10 to 20 percent
service charge.
No service charges are imposed at business hotels, pensions,
economy inns, minshuku and youth hostels.