Top 7 Travel Booking Websites in Japan

The travel industry has significantly evolved with the growth of the internet. In Japan, there are an array of travel booking sites, offering travelers a wide range of options to choose from. These sites provide convenient features for planning travel, such as booking accommodations, arranging transportation, and offering tourist information. However, each site has its own strengths and perks, making it important to know which sites are the most popular and user-friendly when planning a trip.

The following ranking evaluates the popularity of travel sites in Japan based on estimated PC browsing numbers. PC browsing figures are a crucial indicator of site usage frequency and user interest, providing reliable data on what many travelers actually use. By referring to this list, travelers can choose the site that best suits their needs.

Best Travel Booking Sites (By Views)

1. Jalan
2. Rakuten Travel
3. Ikyu.com
4. Japan Airlines (JAL)
5. TripAdvisor
6. JTB
7. Yahoo! Travel

1. Jalan

Image Source: https://www.jalan.net/

Jalan, operated by Recruit, is a comprehensive travel information site for both domestic and international trips. It offers a wealth of information, including detailed photos and descriptions of rooms, making it an excellent resource for choosing accommodations. The site features advanced filtering options and availability calendars, and allows bookings for flights, Shinkansen tickets, day trips to hot springs, and activities. Jalan.net's major appeal is its reward points system, where users can earn Ponta points and d-points, offering a return rate of about 2%, which is a significant benefit when booking travel. Additionally, members enjoy multiple exclusive benefits, including increased point returns and special discounts based on membership tiers, with the highest gold tier offering a 3% point return.

2. Rakuten Travel

Image Source: https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/

Rakuten Travel, one of Japan's largest travel booking sites, features a wide range of accommodations in Japan and overseas. Its robust search features, including reviews and photos, make finding the perfect place to stay easy. Rakuten Travel allows bookings for accommodations, express buses, rental cars, flights, and activities, offering the convenience of managing all travel arrangements on one site. Special articles on accommodations by area, theme, and perks help narrow down choices. Rakuten ID holders earn at least 1% in Rakuten points, which can be used for future bookings or at partner services and stores, adding further value for Rakuten users.

3. Ikyu.com

Image Source: https://www.ikyu.com/

Ikyu.com specializes in luxury hotels and inns, focusing mainly on domestic travel, while also offering international options as well. It is recommended for those seeking high-quality services and a bit of indulgence. In addition to accommodations, it allows bookings for restaurants and spas, enabling well-rounded, relaxing plans. Users can compare prices using the site's calendar feature and take advantage of time-limited sales and campaigns to stay at luxury hotels at a lower cost. Members earn 1% Ikyu points, which can be used from the first booking, with the rate increasing based on membership tiers, up to 2.5% for Diamond members.

4. Japan Airlines (JAL)

Image Source: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/

JAL's travel booking service, JAL Pack, offers flexible combinations of flights and accommodations for both domestic and international travel. This flexibility allows travelers to tailor trips according to their budget and preferences. For international tours, JAL provides 24-hour support at local tour desks for issues like lost passports or medical emergencies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

5. TripAdvisor

Image Source: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/

TripAdvisor makes it easy to compare airline ticket prices, helping travelers find the best options within their budget. Their website provides up-to-date pricing information, allowing users to check rates based on timing and availability. It offers a comprehensive selection of accommodations worldwide, supporting 28 languages including Japanese, Korean, English, and Chinese. This makes TripAdvisor an excellent resource for planning trips within Asia, Europe, and beyond. Additionally, travelers can post reviews of places they've visited, sharing their experiences. These reviews often include photos and ratings, providing detailed information for other travelers.

6. JTB

Image Source: https://www.jtb.co.jp/

JTB's travel booking site supports both domestic and international travel, featuring extensive filtering options to help users find accommodations that meet specific preferences. It also offers bookings for Shinkansen, flights, rental cars, and activities, allowing users to manage all travel arrangements in one place. JTB provides a remote consultation service with travel consultants who can offer personalized recommendations, ideal for those needing help with travel planning. Articles written by JTB staff also offer valuable insights and recommendations.

7. Yahoo! Travel

Image Source: https://travel.yahoo.co.jp/

Yahoo! Travel, operated by Japan's largest search portal, Yahoo!, specializes in urban luxury hotels and inns and offers many affordable plans that cater to a wide range of needs. The site allows detailed filtering, including searches by budget per person or themes like "popular inns and resort hotels." Users can also compare prices by date, read reviews, and view photos to find accommodations that best suit their needs. Yahoo! Travel also offers package plans combining accommodations with flight or Shinkansen tickets, allowing travelers to create custom tours. Booking with online card payment can earn up to 10% PayPay points, which can be used immediately for payments, making it a great option for those looking to save on travel costs. Note that the 10% point-back campaign is for a limited time (end date unspecified).

Conclusion

This ranking introduces the top seven travel sites in Japan based on estimated PC browsing numbers. By using this ranking, travelers can efficiently gather information, save time in making the best travel decisions, and compare site-specific perks and services to plan a more cost-effective and convenient trip. Use this ranking to choose the best travel site and make your ideal trip a reality.