- Short-stay Japanese love hotels are often used for sex, but there's more to them.
- Some of the love hotels in Tokyo offer rates for groups of women to visit for girls' nights.
- The accommodations are often fairly affordable, and there are usually a number of amenities.
Japanese love hotels have been catering to the needs of couples for generations. They're known for offering short stays, which some use for sex.
To those unfamiliar, love hotels can seem a bit unconventional. But they're a regular part of life in Japan that have been around for centuries.
And they're not just for couples — I love visiting them alone, and some of the long-standing Japanese attractions even offer girls' night packages.
I love the over-the-top decor and plentiful amenities
Many love hotels, also known as shōwa love hotels, are famous for having over-the-top decor.
They're often filled with elaborate chandeliers, high ceilings, round circulating beds, and other luxurious elements. I could explore some of them for hours.
The allure of love hotels is more than just the secrecy of what happens behind closed doors. I like escaping from daily life and surrounding myself with over-the-top aesthetics.
For me, the whimsical buildings stir up a feeling I often forget: Being playful is fun. Hotel Meguro Emperor, for example, is built to look like a giant castle.
There's even a love hotel called Sweets Hotel Ruby that's outfitted with vibrant colors and dessert-themed decor.
On top of providing a fun atmosphere, love hotels usually offer several exciting perks.
I've seen all-you-can-drink soda fountains and snacks, in-room karaoke machines, and complimentary Japanese-brand sheet masks and moisturizers.
I've done luxurious solo trips to love hotels for as little as $30
Tokyo isn't the cheapest city to visit. But love hotels are surprisingly affordable while still being rich in Japanese culture and history.
On a recent visit to Hotel Airport, one of the most quintessential love hotels in Tokyo, I paid just $30 for a short stay.
Short stays normally range from $20 to $60, depending on the amenities and room type. And even overnight rates are usually between $70 and $200.
For larger parties and girls' nights, there tend to be extra fees involved, and luxurious add-ons like massage chairs, saunas, and hot tubs can be more expensive.
But even with those extra costs, it's still a budget-friendly option.
There are so many love hotels to choose from in Tokyo, but a few stand out for girls' nights
Pretty much everyone in Tokyo knows Hotel Meguro Emperor — it's hard to miss a big castle. But they may not know the hotel offers party plans for three to six women starting at around $50 a person.
Hotel Pasha, located in the middle of the city, has outdoor hot tubs and private balconies. Some rooms are available for up to nine people, with rates starting at $50 for short stays and $100 for longer accommodations.
Hotel White City 23 offers baths with window ceilings where you can see the stars at night. There are also huge balconies with chairs and tables to sit outside for a drink with up to five people, starting at about $45 a person
The palm trees and neon lights make Hotel Perrier feel like an abandoned building in Miami instead of bustling Tokyo. It has rooms for up to seven people, starting at about $35 a person.
Even if you're not seeking sex, I think everyone should see what love hotels have to offer.