SSA

We are visiting Tokyo and Kobe in mid October and we are 4 couples (8 adults), and intend staying 4 days ea in the 2 cities.
Any body knows of any Villas or banglows or private homes for rent in the 2 cities
Thanx

SSA

sorry I meant Osaka and not Kobe

KimJapan

Japan isn't a villa/bungalow kind of place. Renting a private home for holidays is unheard of. Of course, you can rent homes to live in (we currently do) but it's on a yearly lease basis. You might try a serviced apartment. Oakwood residences have a good international reputation. If you do a web search for serviced apartments in Tokyo and Osaka you will find lots of results.

If you had something more Japanese in mind, then I'd recommend a ryokan...a real ryokan, with a gorgeous bath, lovely rooms and service and gourmet meals. You do need to be careful with ryokan selection as often places that cater to low budget travelers use the word ryokan in their name, but the only thing about the place that is even close to being like a real ryokan is the tatami. You'll be able to tell by the price...if it's not at least 10,000 yen per person per night, then it's probably not going to give you a ryokan expereience beyond sleeping on a futon on tatami. japaneseguesthouses.com lists ryokan all over Japan...it's a decent listing, but do keep in mind that there are many, many more ryokan than are listed there. It is a good place to start and get an idea of what the places are like, and you might find the perfect place for you. If not, a knowledgable travel agent who specializes in Japan should be able to help you choose based on your preferences.

TimNYC

I just returned from Japan yesterday and was telling my friends the nicest ryokan I stayed at was in Osaka. It is not an elaborate ryokan serving meals, but a very nice basic setting. The owner was very friendly, helpful, and spoke English very well. I would have to repeat it is not a four star hotel, but a very comfortable, incredibly clean, and very reasonably priced. I paid about 50 USD for a single room. You can also research high-end ryokan like Kim mentioned if you have the means to experience such.

deptrai

In Tokyo you can try the Mansions in Roppongi. It is similar to a serviced apartment and very new.

Dave

SSA

Thanks Kim,Tim and Dave,
sorry did not reply to ur messages earlier. got tied up.
I am going to look up these Ryokans.

Tim can u please give the name, address or a tel # so that I can find out more and make reservations