How to Find Hotel Deals in Tsukiji, Japan

Tsukiji is a neighborhood in Tokyo that makes a good base for exploring the city. While generally a quiet, residential zone, Tsukiji is world famous for its fish market--and considering that things get started by 5 a.m., finding a hotel nearby isn't a bad idea. Finding the best deal depends on comparing different information sources.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Search and Compare

Step 1

Check the websites of major hotels near Tsukiji, such as the Park Hotel Tokyo, the Hotel New Hankyu Tokyo and the Mercure Hotel Ginza Tokyo. The Internet will be your best friend in finding good deals: Some of the larger hotel chains offer discounts online and many of the smaller hotels are following suit.
The Hotel New Hankyu Tokyo, which is very convenient to Tsukiji, has occasionally offered promotional Internet rates of less than $225 a night.

Step 2

Compare deals on well-known travel websites, such as Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity and Hotels.com. Enter "Tsukiji Fish Market" in the part of the site that allows you to search for a hotel near an attraction. Also consider neighboring Ginza--although it is one of the richest areas in Tokyo, it also offers a greater diversity of hotels. Some hotel names include "Ginza," but they're actually located in Tsukiji. The Ginza Capital Hotel is a good example; it's right in Tsukiji and you can sometimes find rooms for around $100 a night.

Step 3

Visit the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website, which maintains a listing of smaller Japanese hotel associations. Many of these are Japanese-style hotels: Minshuku are smaller, family-run bed-and-breakfasts while ryokan are more traditional inns with tatami flooring. Minshuku tend to be cheaper than ryokan. Try the Welcome Inn Reservation Center for a comparative search.

Step 4

Consider Japanese "business hotels," which typically are smaller with fewer amenities and are designed for busy Japanese businessmen visiting the city. Expect little to no English, but for convenience and price (typically under $100 a night) they are hard to beat. If you're a bit more adventurous, inquire about "capsule hotels"--sleeping solutions (typically only for men) that offer a half "room" just big enough to sleep in.

Step 5

Try calling the local JNTO office directly. Use the baseline you've found online to give them your price range. The JNTO staff are very skilled in finding the best fit for your needs and budget, and their services are free. Ask if they know of any hotels offering accommodation specials that include a tour of the Tsukiji market. The Royal Park Hotel, for example, has offered packages that included accommodation and a guided tour for $250--a real deal for a five-star hotel.

Tips & Warnings

If you speak Japanese well, you can ask at police stations (koban) in the area for information on any smaller hotels in the area that may not be listed.

Traditional hotels rarely offer en suite bathrooms and your bed may actually be a futon on the floor. Except for larger, Western-style chains, prices are quoted per person--not per room. Be sure to keep this in mind when comparing rates.

Traditional hotels rarely offer en suite bathrooms and your bed may actually be a futon on the floor.

Except for larger, Western-style chains, prices are quoted per person--not per room. Be sure to keep this in mind when comparing rates.

Resources

Article Written By David M.

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