7 coolest Airbnbs in Japan that you should book

This newly opened retreat is a renovated extension of the Horinji Temple in the Chiyoda district of Gunma, which has a 700-year-old history. More than a vacant space to rest your head at night, this temple stay offers an immersive Zen experience where you can partake in Zazen morning meditation and Sutra scripture writing. 

While Zenso isn't the only temple stay in the country where you can put yourselves in the shoes of a Buddhist monk, this Airbnb listing takes a more relaxed approach to enjoying the quiet life. It encourages guests to find a balance between everyday past times and Zen philosophy. For instance, there's an outdoor dining area in the front garden where you can have a barbecue or take a pizza-making workshop, as well as a lounge area with a TV and a small desk for digital nomads. 

Roughly ¥18,514 per night. 

This refurbished 100-year-old machiya (townhouse) combines traditional and modern Japanese elements, offering tatami flooring, sliding wooden doors with washi partitions, a private garden, and luxurious modern amenities. It’s situated near Chomyo temple in a peaceful area, but is still just a five-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo train station and within walking distance of the famous Gion district and Heian Shrine. Its best feature is the gorgeous bathtub overlooking a Japanese garden.

Roughly ¥31,247 per night. 

This beautiful bungalow in the south of Okinawa is surrounded by banana fields and a lush jungle that oozes island charm. The beach is within walking distance from this two-bedroom abode, meaning you’ll never feel stuck indoors. The neighbourhood is also dotted with pottery studios like Naori Sato, Miyagi Pottery and Takeshi Fujimoto that have a relationship with the owners of the Airbnb, so guests will have no trouble finding a workshop to join. 

Roughly ¥24,714 per night. 

If you want to stay in a quaint country cottage that looks straight out of a Ghibli film, look no further than the Tida House in the town of Koshimizu, Hokkaido. Though the walls of this humble, two-bedroom abode are constructed from good old-fashioned straw and concrete, the house is designed to keep you warm throughout Hokkaido’s notoriously snowy winters.

Head out past the doorstep, though, and the only thing you'll find is neighbouring homes and potato fields. But inside is a projector with access to Netflix – pure bliss to anyone looking for a bit of cosy peace and quiet.

Roughly ¥8,429 per night. 

This stunning listing in Okinawa has everything you could want in your dream treehouse getaway with a hammock, a stunning ocean view and a balcony with a barbecue grill. Though you're surrounded by nature, the café around the corner of the property ensures you're never too far away from creature comforts like a morning cappuccino.

If you want to add some variety to your days spent lounging on the beach, the house is just a 15-minute car journey to the Nakijin Castle ruins, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. 

Roughly ¥22,857 per night. 

This hip guest house in Nippori seamlessly blends old and new to give guests the best of both worlds. Featuring shared spaces with a kitchen, laundry room and library, Yanaka is something between a guest house and a social hostel, where you can live like a local while getting to know other like-minded travellers.

There are two types of guest rooms available that accommodate four and six people, respectively. With unmanned check-in and check-out, guests can come and go as they please, as though staying at a friend's house.

From ¥20,514 per room per night. 

Forget the typical Airbnb homestay – this set of apartments in Tokyo’s kawaii capital of Harajuku is where you want to be. The Moshi Moshi Rooms consist of three separate living spaces and each of the floors has its own quirky yet artful theme.

The third floor, called Dosokoi, is inspired by the concept of a traditional sento (public bathhouse). It features a round hinoki wood tub with a stunning mural by Kiyoto Maruyama, one of Japan's only three public bath painters. 

The floor above is also inspired by traditional Japanese culture, with the abode reminiscent of origami paper folding craft. On the fifth floor is the Sakura Room, which offers a modern take of the neighbourhood and is covered from floor to ceiling in pink.

Roughly ¥25,714 per night.