A Beginner’s Guide to Japan’s Love Hotels – How to Use Them and What to Watch Out For
The way to use love hotels in Japan is different from regular hotels.
Some foreign visitors using a love hotel for the first time may be unsure, wondering, “How do I use this?”
This article is a guide for foreigners using a love hotel for the first time, covering how to enter, how to use it, and things to be careful about.
How to Use a Love Hotel
Let’s get right into the guide to using love hotels in Japan.
What is a Love Hotel?
A love hotel is a hotel basically used by a man and a woman as a pair.
In recent years, it has become more common for male-male or female-female groups to use them as well.
Love hotels offer not only overnight stays but also short breaks of 2–3 hours, and you can check in 24 hours a day.
Compared to regular hotels, love hotels are often more luxurious in room design, and are known for their extensive facilities and services.
How to Enter and Use
Next, here’s how to enter and use a love hotel.
①Enter the Hotel
At a love hotel, you enter the building first and then choose your room.
If all rooms are occupied, wait in the lounge area or go to another hotel.
②Choose a Room
Next, look at the photo panel and choose a room.
Rooms that are available will be lit up, while rooms that are already in use will be dark.
There are buttons on the panel—if you see a room you like, press the button.
Pressing the button will automatically unlock the room, and you can go in directly.
If there’s staff at the front desk, you will receive a room key from them.
③Move to the Room
Before heading to the room, check if there are free drinks or amenities in the lobby and take what you need.
④Enter the Room
Once inside, lock the door.
Some hotels have auto-lock systems, but make sure not to forget to lock the door yourself.
⑤Enjoy the Love Hotel
Love hotels often have karaoke, saunas, and large bathtubs, so enjoy to your heart’s content.
⑥Get Ready to Leave
Start preparing to leave about 15 minutes before checkout time.
Check for any forgotten items or things that need to be returned.
⑦Payment and Exit
There are two payment methods: either pay at the front desk or use a self-checkout machine.Cash payment is the norm, but some hotels accept electronic payment or credit cards.Once payment is completed, you can exit the hotel.
Points to Note
Next are some important things to keep in mind when using a love hotel.
You Can’t Leave the Room Once Entered
For security reasons, most love hotels don’t allow guests to go out once they’ve entered the room.
If you plan to leave the room during your stay, be sure to contact the hotel in advance.
Do Basic Cleaning Before Leaving
If you stay for a long time, the room may get messy after using the room.
It’s good manners to tidy up the room before leaving.
If the room is left excessively dirty, you may be charged an additional cleaning fee.
Check the Prices in Advance
Love hotel pricing systems can be complicated and hard to understand.
Many love hotels list their pricing systems on their websites, so it’s best to check beforehand.
Recommended Love Hotels in Japan
For foreigners looking for a love hotel in Japan, we recommend the Pasha Group hotels—JMEX, Perrier, an, and D-WAVE—in Shinjuku Kabukicho.
The Pasha Group’s love hotels are designer hotels and spas, known for their luxurious facilities and stylish rooms.
Some rooms come with karaoke, VOD, and saunas, offering full relaxation for both body and mind.
In addition, Perrier has a Japanese-style room that is popular with foreign tourists.
It’s a great way to experience traditional Japanese atmosphere.
▶ Check Out Recommended Love Hotels
Are You Looking for Love Hotel in Japan
This article introduced how to enter, use, and things to watch out for when using a love hotel for the first time as a foreign visitor.
Your first love hotel experience might feel confusing, but if you refer to this guide, you should be able to use it smoothly.
If you’re planning to try a love hotel, definitely use this guide as a reference.