Tokyo – and Japan as a whole -- is a trendsetter in terms of fashion, gadgets and many other things. When it comes to hotels and accommodation, visitors will be offered a variety of choices they don’t usually see elsewhere. Accommodation in Tokyo is categorized as Japanese or traditional and Western, with distinct subclasses that fit every taste in lifestyle and budget.

Capsule Hotels
3,000 yen and above
Capsule hotels gained popularity because of its unique bedding feature that strikingly resemble medicine capsules, hence the name. In a space-conscious Tokyo, capsule hotels provide basic amenities such as television, lockers and shared bathroom.

Love Hotels
6,000 yen and above
Intended more as a place to provide privacy for couples more than a regular hotel accommodation, love hotels offer varying rates for “rest” and overnight stay. Entrances are often discreet and interaction with staff is minimal to provide extreme seclusion for partners.

Ryokan
6,000 yen and above
Very traditional and located in truly enchanting locations, ryokan manifests genuine Japanese hospitality and rich cultural background. If you happen to be a guest in this type of accommodation it is likely that your hosts have been running the business for generations. Common sights in a ryokan are tatami floors, red mats for bare feet or socks, and manicured garden.

Minshuku
4,000 yen and above
Family-run minshuku is the Japanese equivalent to a British boarding house and bed and breakfast lodging. This is usually a spare room in the house with no dedicated bathroom and serving simpler food. This is ideal for low-budget backpack travelers who care more about exploring outdoors than being too critical about accommodation.

Youth Hostels
2,500 yen and above
Youth hostels are among the cheapest accommodations you’ll ever find in Tokyo. With comparable rates with its Western counterparts, youth hostels can be found in many large cities in the country. Lodging is composed of shared dormitories, basic facilities and strictly enforced curfews. This is also a good way to meet fellow travelers whom you can share itineraries and other travel ideas.

Business Hotels
4,000 yen and above
Business hotels are typical hotels ideal for an average salaryman and offers simplistic Western-style lodging with snacks and drinks available through vending machines. Rooms are compact, practical and relatively cheaper. There are several hotel chains operating this type of accommodation all throughout the country.

Pension Houses
4,000 yen and above
Pension houses are similar to minshukus only that they offer Western-style accommodation rather than the latter’s Japanese theme.

Depending on your discriminating taste, Tokyo hotels come in different shapes and sizes. And whether you’re adventurous, frugal or easy going, a special type of accommodation during your Tokyo travel will always be there at your disposal.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_italy