MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Aihara

Where to Stay in Aihara

Aihara Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Found more in central Sagamihara City, Machida, or Hachioji. Hostelworld for cheap accommodation.

  • Business Hotels

    Most common in Sagamihara City (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel) near major stations. Reliable, compact, and efficient. Booking.com

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    Larger hotels with additional facilities near major Sagamihara City stations. IHG Hotels

  • Luxury Hotels

    Not typically found in Aihara. Consider Tokyo or Yokohama for high-end experiences. Booking.com

Unique Local & Rental Options

  • Ryokan (Authentic Japanese Inn)

    Fewer in Aihara; more common in Hakone or traditional tourist areas. Agoda

  • Minshuku & Guesthouses

    Family-run B&Bs or small, independent accommodations, often more rustic.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Available via platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo in larger cities or residential areas. Check regulations.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Available near Lake Sagami, Lake Tsukui, and Tanzawa Mountains.

Neighborhood Guide

Aihara itself forms a specific district, but nearby areas offer more varied lodging and amenities.

Aihara Midori Ward

Pros
  • Peaceful environment, local experience
  • Good access to natural areas
  • Very safe
  • Low noise levels
Cons
  • Limited direct tourist attractions
  • Fewer dining/entertainment options
  • Further from Tokyo
  • Limited hotel choices

Hashimoto Midori Ward

Pros
  • Excellent transportation links (JR, Keio Line)
  • More dining and shopping options
  • Several business hotels
  • Very safe
Cons
  • Busier and more urbanized
  • Less 'local' feel than Aihara
  • Higher noise levels around station
  • More commercial atmosphere

Sagamihara Station Area

Pros
  • Central business/commercial district
  • Wide range of amenities
  • Good accommodation choices
  • Very safe
Cons
  • Further from Aihara's natural surroundings
  • More urban noise
  • Longer commute to Aihara
  • Less tranquil atmosphere

Recommendation for Stay

For a quiet, local experience:

Stay in Aihara or its immediate surroundings.

For more dining, shopping, and Tokyo access:

Consider Hashimoto or Sagamihara Station areas.

Booking Strategies

Planning ahead for your places to stay can lead to better selections and prices.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Spring/Autumn): Book 3-6 months ahead.
  • Shoulder Season (May, Sep, early Dec): Book 1-3 months ahead.
  • Low Season (June-July, Jan-Feb): A few weeks out is often fine.
  • Weekends & Holidays: Always book well in advance.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Hotels.com for foreign choices.
  • Rakuten Travel and Jalan.net for Japanese platforms (may require translation).
  • Airbnb for vacation rentals. Vrbo for vacation rentals.
  • Check hotel official websites for direct booking specials. IHG Hotels

Booking Information

Negotiation & Policies
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is not customary in Japan. Prices are fixed.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary by property and platform. Always check.
  • Many options free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in.
  • Non-refundable rates are often cheaper but less flexible.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices peak during spring (cherry blossom), autumn (foliage), federal holidays (Golden Week, Obon, New Year's), and major events.
  • Prices lower during winter (excluding New Year's) and the rainy season.
  • Demand is often high, book TrustedHousesitters in advance.
  • Booking.com provides dynamic pricing.

Important Note

Minpaku Law

Japan has specific regulations for private vacation rentals. Verify legitimacy of listings.

Weekends

Local demand for accommodations can be high, especially during federal holidays.

Direct Booking

Hotels sometimes have better rates or packages on their official websites.

Accommodation Recommendations

While Aihara has limited tourist-specific accommodation, good options are available in nearby Sagamihara City and Hashimoto.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget Stays

For economical and efficient stays, consider business hotel chains in Sagamihara City or Hashimoto.

  • Toyoko Inn
  • Super Hotel
  • APA Hotel
  • Hostels/Guesthouses (near Hashimoto Station)
Mid-Range Comfort

These options provide more amenities and comfortable rooms in locations.

  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel
  • Hotel Wing International Sagamihara
  • Comfortable rooms with good services
  • Often better locations in Sagamihara City/Hashimoto

Traveler Specifics

Family-Friendly Stays

Look for accommodations with more space and amenities for families.

  • Hotels with larger or connecting rooms (in Sagamihara City)
  • Vacation rentals via Airbnb (multiple bedrooms, kitchens)
  • Properties near Sagamihara Park
  • Vrbo for vacation rental options.
Solo & Long-Stay Options

Business hotels offer safe and efficient private stays. For extended journeys, consider extended stay plans.

  • Business hotels for solo travelers
  • Hostels/guesthouses for social opportunities
  • Weekly/monthly plans at some business hotels
  • Vacation rentals with kitchen facilities

Luxury & Cultural Experiences

  • Luxury Accommodation

    Aihara itself does not feature luxury hotels. For a luxury stay, look to high-end hotels in Tokyo or Yokohama, or renowned ryokans in Hakone.

  • Cultural Significance

    Aihara, being a modern residential area, does not typically have properties with exceptional cultural or historical significance. Seek out ryokans in Hakone or Kamakura for authentic Japanese aesthetics and hospitality.

  • Homestay Opportunities

    Homestay programs are often arranged through language schools or cultural exchange organizations, not a common walk-in option for travelers in Aihara. TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

  • Strategic Booking Tip

    Book a hotel near Hashimoto Station if your plans many day trips to Tokyo or include a wide range of dining and shopping choices. It is only one stop from Aihara.

Essential Platforms

  • Global Booking Sites

    Use Booking.com or Agoda for a wide range of hotels and ryokans.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Airbnb or Vrbo for apartments or houses, especially for families or longer stays.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique lodging experiences.

  • Hostels

    Check Hostelworld for budget-friendly dormitory options in nearby cities.

Accessibility & Amenities

Accessible Rooms

Some modern hotels and major chains in Sagamihara City offer accessible rooms. Inquire directly with properties at the time of reservation.

  • Inquire directly for specifics
  • Limited in older, smaller establishments
  • Consider larger city hotels for better options
  • Availability varies greatly
Pet-Friendly Policies

Pet-friendly accommodation is rare in Japan. If traveling with pets, research specific properties or consider vacation rentals with explicit pet policies.

  • Very limited options
  • Strict policies
  • Look for specialized pet hotels
  • Vacation rentals may have certain rules

Local Insights on Accommodation

Local Daily Life

Accommodation options here are mostly residential in nature.

Commuting to Aihara

If staying in Hashimoto or Sagamihara, Aihara is accessible via the JR Yokohama Line. The commute is straightforward.

Early Booking

For popular seasons or events, booking early prevents disappointment and secures preferred options.