Firmly planted in our homes for over a year, many of us fantasize about where we’ll go once travel restrictions ease – and most of us happen to see our sights turning to Japan. For an epic trip to this country, it all starts with a good location. busy streets of Tokyo to the crystal clear waters of Okinawanwe’ve rounded up the best Airbnb homes and vacation rentals to help you discover Japan’s hidden gems.
At the end of your trip, you’ll tick several boxes off your to-do list: sleeping in a tree house facing the ocean, waking up to the view of Mount Fujiand pass the time in a Ghibli-esque cottage that looks like it belongs to My Neighbor Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Below, the most beautiful Airbnb and Vrbo houses to book in Japan when it is again possible to travel safely.
Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Japan
1. The Harajuku-inspired apartment in Tokyo with a kawaii aesthetic
Ad Name: kawaii culture in Harajuku MOSHIMOSHIROOMS “SAKURA”
Listing type: Entire apartment
Max. nope. of guests: 5
Number of bedrooms: 1
Nothing says “Welcome to Tokyo” like a walk through Takeshita Dori. Inspired by the youth culture of Harajukuthe lively pedestrian street, this whimsical and beautifully pink apartment in Shibuya shares the trendy energy of the neighborhood to which it belongs. The bedroom, for example, is filled with neon signs, millennial pink sofas, and a figurine of a cherry blossom tree as the centerpiece. For your next stay in Tokyo, this vacation rental offers you a vibrant stay that breathes kawaii at every corner.
2. The Izu Cliff House, a modern cliffside villa in a national park
Ad Name: Izu Cliff House. Open ocean views. National Park.
Listing type: Entire house
Max. nope. of guests: 5
Number of bedrooms: 1
Thinking of going off the grid in rural Japan? Remember to book a stay at Izu Cliff Housea glazed villa with a spectacular location in Minamiizu. Just a three-hour drive from Tokyo, this Airbnb in Japan is near famous beaches, hiking trails and hot springs on Izu Peninsula.
A gem of contemporary design, Izu Cliff House offers the wonders of nature at your doorstep, along with views of Suruga Bay and the the Pacific Ocean. You can read a book on a hammock or sit in the shade of a cherry blossom tree, among other relaxing experiences at this modern sanctuary.
3. The Pet-Friendly Ski Lodge in Nagano
Ad Name: EcoCabinTogari Ski ResortPellet StovePets OK / Iiyama Nagano
Listing Type: Entire Cabin
Max. nope. of guests: 5
Number of bedrooms: 2
Now, that’s the kind of cabin fever we can get. Situated in Iiyama, Nagano near the center of the village of the Togaris slopes and the thermal baths, this pet friendly ski cabin offers modern amenities and spotlessly clean interiors for small families and groups to relax. Outside, the cabin blends into its surroundings and has space where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. The cabin truly offers a remote getaway for the age of social distancing!
Read also : 10 trending Airbnb listings for your next stay in Tokyo
4. The minimalist private villa in Nara
Ad Name: Neold
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. nope. number of guests: 10
Number of bedrooms: 3
Awaken your senses to this minimalist villa in the peaceful town of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. Guests can slow down and immerse themselves in the city’s laid-back culture. Moreover, tThis unique vacation rental in Japan is near the river and just a 10-minute walk from sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Japanese peninsula of Kii. Your stay here will definitely be immersive and memorable.
5. The wooden cabin near Mount Fuji
Ad Name: Morikashinkavilla / Minamitsuru-gun Yamanashi
Listing type: Entire chalet
Max. nope. number of guests: 10
Number of bedrooms: 2
If waking up to nature views is on your to-do list, you couldn’t ask for a better location than this two bedroom cottage in Yamanashi Prefecture. And, you’d be glad to know that it’s only a five-minute drive from Lake Yamanaka, the closest lake to Mount Fuji. You and your fellow travelers can also enjoy a barbecue on the wooden deck and free use of the charcoal cooking utensils and crockery – just bring your own ingredients.
6. The tree house with stunning ocean views in Nakijin, Okinawa
Ad Name: The TREEHOUSE Private Hotel【Free WiFi】
Listing type: Treehouse
Max. nope. of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 1
Who doesn’t want to spend the night in a tree house facing the sea in the southernmost prefecture of Japan? Wrapped in lush vegetation Nakijin Villagethis Airbnb in Okinawa, Japan is about a 15-minute drive from famous places such as Kouri Island, Uppama Beachand Nakijin Castle Ruins.
For a unique experience that embraces the great outdoors, it’s hard to beat a dreamy hideaway above the trees. Luckily, this one comes with a hammock and a cozy bedroom that faces the ocean, while the wraparound deck offers stunning forest views.
7. The Tropical Beach House on Ishigaki Island
Ad Name: Alohana beach side house
Listing type: Entire bungalow
Max. nope. of guests: 2
Number of bedrooms: 1
When it comes to choosing a warm and sunny getaway in Japan, you can’t go wrong with a private beach house in Okinawa. Say hello to your next sunny getaway: a fully equipped bungalow that offers you the best of Ishigaki Island.
Less than five minutes from the nearest beach, this house offers breakfast services, air conditioning, free WiFi, a manicured garden and beach essentials such as towels, umbrellas and snorkeling gear. Most importantly, this Airbnb in Okinawa is the perfect jumping-off point for trips to Kabira Bay. There, you can dip your toes in the white sand and spot colorful fish from glass-bottom boats.
Read also : Experience the best of island living at these 10 tropical Airbnbs in Asia
8. The adorable cottage in Hokkaido that looks like it’s straight out of a Ghibli movie
Ad Name: Le Refuge Unique for 4 people: 1 bedroom + Loft
Listing type: Entire chalet
Max. nope. of guests: 4
Number of bedrooms: 2
If we didn’t know better, we’d say that a hardcore fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s movies brought up this adorable two bedroom cottage in existence. Located in a wooded area between Niseko Station and Annupuri Village, the Tree Shell Niseko features unique touches such as a curved kitchen, rustic wood beams, bookcase, skylight, and deck with campfire space. The speckled facade brings a touch of fantasy to the chalet, while the view of Mount Yotei and the Niseko mountain range wave away.
9. The renovated Machiya in Kyoto for a glimpse of feudal-era Japan
Ad Name: Kyotofish · Gojo * DT Kamogawa / Gion * Gardenview Bath
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. nope. of guests: 5
Number of bedrooms: 3
Located on a quiet street in Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto, this recently renovated Machiya or a traditional guesthouse is perfect for anyone who dreams of exploring centuries-old temples, restaurants and teahouses in Japan’s former imperial capital.
Plus, this Airbnb in Kyoto wins praise from locals for its comfy futon beds, hot tub, serene garden, and minimalist tea room. With easy access to multiple subway lines, the Japanese-style villa is just steps away from Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple as well.
Read also : 7 Traditional Airbnbs in Japan for Unique Travel Experiences
10. The elevated villa with stunning views of Shizuoka
Ad Name: BBQ
Listing type: Entire villa
Max. nope. of guests: 14
Number of bedrooms: 4
Between the high-end entertainment system and the uninterrupted countryside views, there’s nothing better than this elevated four bedroom villa in Shizuoka. Perched on a hill, this Airbnb in Japan offers a spacious living room with high ceilings, where you can put on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Meanwhile, the surround speakers will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a movie theater.
Plus, there’s a lot you can do outside of this home, from barbecuing on the balcony to stargazing at night. The views, of course, speak for themselves.
Read also : 30 Useful Japanese Phrases You Must Learn Before Traveling to Japan
Of the best vacation homes featured here, how many caught your eye? You can bet that by the time travel restrictions ease, we’ll be ready to experience this beautiful country again. Not a day goes by that you don’t dream of visiting Japan, and thanks to these accommodations, you know exactly where you’re going.
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