Looking for the best Airbnb alternatives in Japan? Whether you’re traveling to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hokkaido, Japan offers a wide range of vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and unique stays beyond Airbnb. From traditional ryokan to luxury villa platforms, here are the top 10 Airbnb alternatives in Japan for comfort, convenience, and authentic experiences.
1. Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the best Airbnb alternatives in Japan, offering thousands of apartments, vacation rentals, ryokan, and serviced residences across the country. Travelers can filter by entire homes, traditional Japanese houses (machiya), or family-friendly stays. One major advantage is flexible cancellation policies and 24/7 multilingual support, which is especially helpful for international visitors. Booking.com also lists licensed minpaku properties that comply with Japanese regulations. With competitive pricing, verified reviews, and frequent discounts, it’s ideal for travelers seeking reliable short-term rentals in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
2. Rakuten Travel
Rakuten Travel is a popular Japanese booking platform and a strong Airbnb alternative in Japan. It specializes in ryokan, traditional inns, and local guesthouses that may not appear on international platforms. The site frequently offers domestic travel deals and regional promotions. For travelers wanting authentic Japanese stays with tatami rooms, onsen baths, and kaiseki meals, Rakuten Travel is an excellent choice. While the interface is more Japan-focused, English support has improved significantly. It’s especially useful for booking countryside accommodations and culturally immersive experiences throughout Japan.
3. Vrbo
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) focuses on entire-home rentals, making it ideal for families and group travelers visiting Japan. Unlike shared accommodations, Vrbo emphasizes privacy and full-property bookings. In major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll find modern apartments, while rural areas feature traditional homes and scenic villas. Vrbo is a reliable Airbnb alternative in Japan for longer stays or travelers who prefer more space. Clear pricing, guest reviews, and secure payments make it a trusted platform for booking licensed Japanese vacation homes.
4. Agoda
Agoda is highly popular in Asia and offers a wide selection of apartments, ryokan, and serviced residences throughout Japan. It frequently features flash deals and member-only discounts, making it budget-friendly. Agoda’s strength lies in competitive pricing and last-minute bookings. Travelers can find short-term apartment rentals in Tokyo as well as boutique guesthouses in Kyoto. With user reviews, multilingual support, and secure payment options, Agoda stands out as a practical Airbnb alternative for travelers seeking affordable vacation rentals in Japan.
5. HomeAway
HomeAway, part of the Vrbo family, offers a strong portfolio of entire-home rentals across Japan. It caters mainly to families and larger groups seeking privacy and full amenities. Listings often include traditional Japanese houses and modern city apartments. HomeAway’s clear policies and secure booking system make it a dependable Airbnb alternative in Japan. Travelers looking for extended stays or holiday homes near ski resorts, beaches, or countryside destinations will find excellent options on this platform.
6. Japanican
Japanican specializes in traditional Japanese accommodations, including ryokan, onsen hotels, and cultural inns. Operated by JTB, one of Japan’s largest travel agencies, Japanican provides trustworthy listings and English-language support. It’s an excellent Airbnb alternative for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience rather than a modern apartment. Many properties include dinner and breakfast plans featuring local cuisine. For visitors who want to experience tatami rooms, futon bedding, and hot spring baths, Japanican offers reliable and culturally rich lodging options.
7. StayJapan
StayJapan focuses on unique, locally hosted experiences such as farm stays, countryside homes, and traditional machiya townhouses. It emphasizes cultural immersion and legally registered minpaku properties. Unlike mass-market platforms, StayJapan highlights community-based tourism and rural experiences. This makes it a great Airbnb alternative in Japan for travelers wanting to explore beyond major cities. If you’re interested in staying in a renovated kominka or experiencing rural Japanese hospitality, StayJapan delivers authentic options with strong local connections.
8. Expedia
Expedia offers a wide variety of vacation rentals, serviced apartments, and hotels across Japan. One key advantage is bundled travel deals that combine flights, hotels, and car rentals. Expedia frequently lists apartment-style accommodations suitable for families and long-term travelers. With secure booking, loyalty rewards, and flexible cancellation options, Expedia serves as a dependable Airbnb alternative in Japan. It’s particularly convenient for international visitors who prefer managing flights and accommodations on one trusted global platform.
9. Relux
Relux is a premium Japanese booking platform focusing on luxury ryokan, boutique hotels, and upscale accommodations. While not strictly a home-sharing platform, it’s a strong Airbnb alternative for travelers seeking high-end stays with personalized service. Properties are carefully curated and rated for quality. Many listings feature private onsen baths, scenic views, and gourmet dining experiences. If your priority is comfort, exclusivity, and refined Japanese hospitality, Relux offers some of the finest accommodation options in Japan.
10. Plum Guide
Plum Guide curates high-quality homes that pass a strict vetting process. Though its Japan inventory is smaller compared to major platforms, it emphasizes design, comfort, and reliability. Listings often include stylish Tokyo apartments and unique homes in cultural districts. Plum Guide is a solid Airbnb alternative in Japan for travelers who value aesthetics and verified standards. With detailed property descriptions and professional photography, guests can book with confidence, knowing each home meets premium quality benchmarks.
Which Airbnb Alternative in Japan Is Best?
The best Airbnb alternative in Japan depends on your travel style. For budget-friendly apartments, Agoda and Booking.com are excellent. For authentic ryokan stays, Rakuten Travel and Japanican shine. For luxury experiences, Relux and Plum Guide stand out. By choosing the right platform, you can enjoy a smooth, legally compliant, and memorable stay anywhere in Japan.