When it comes to finding a new place to live, most people spend weeks, even months trying to find somewhere that’s just right for them. In urban Japan, where rented accommodation is usually both more compact and in higher demand than in the West, finding an apartment can be even trickier, and prospective renters often have to make snap decisions or risk missing a good deal; opting for a ground-floor apartment and paying a little less; choosing a place with an all-in-one bath, sink and toilet unit rather than separate facilities; getting a place a little further from the station if it means living in a nicer area–you see “close enough” and you grab it.
But would you really feel comfortable living in an apartment knowing that it was once used exclusively for sexy shenanigans every single night of the week? Welcome to the world of love hotel renovation!

Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Sushi Push Pops aiming to be Japan’s newest sakura season snack sensation
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Giant pipe mysteriously rises up through street in downtown Osaka
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 3) — The ultimate breakfast? Try $45 rice porridge at a 400-year-old restaurant
Weiner Onigiri: Japanese convenience store rice ball has a surprise in store for Mr Sato
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Tokyo park lighting up with gorgeous digital cherry blossom art display this spring
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 3) — The ultimate breakfast? Try $45 rice porridge at a 400-year-old restaurant
Weiner Onigiri: Japanese convenience store rice ball has a surprise in store for Mr Sato
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Tokyo park lighting up with gorgeous digital cherry blossom art display this spring
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
Internet survey sheds light on how Japanese women deal with the hair ‘down there’
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Coca-Cola’s new limited-edition Japan travel destination bottles highlight history and culture
Over four billion yen in lost cash was found in Tokyo last year, setting new record
Number of foreigners living in Japan has grown 50 percent in four years, hits historic high
Kyoto luxury just off the beaten path at Maruyama Park’s Chourakukan【Photos】
Tea with Totoro! Ghibli star gets his own green tea and drinkware line【Photos】