Traditionally, travel has been all about the sights, activities, and experiences at a destination—exploring historic landmarks, taking part in cultural festivals, or sampling delicious cuisine are just some of them. People plan their vacations around "things to do," often jam-packing itineraries with as much activity as possible. But lately, a new trend is emerging that flips the script on the purpose of travel: sleep tourism.
The team at Hilton recently released their 2025 Trends report, and getting a solid snooze is one of the factors they predict will drive people's travel considerations over the next year. Japan has a variety of ways to get your rest in unique ways, and these are some you might want to consider!
Ryokan stays
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers guests the opportunity for a great night's rest and a cultural experience at the same time. Many of them are located in peaceful, scenic areas like hot spring towns which helps to provide a quiet and calming environment free from urban noise and distractions.
On that hot springs note, many ryokan also offer onsen facilities where you can enjoy a soak to help relax your muscles, improve circulation, and prepare your body for a deep and restful sleep. If you're not a fan of the idea of public onsen (where you have to be naked around others), you can find plenty of ryokan with private in-room baths so you don't even need to leave your lodging.
Glamping
If you sleep better when you're surrounded by nature, you might want to consider glamping. This form of accommodation combines the tranquility of camping with the convenience of modern amenities, so you don't need to worry about roughing it on hard ground out in the elements. If you're looking for some inspiration, we have a guide to some of the best glampsites in Japan, and they are located in various corners of the country.
Capsule Hotels
Whilst they're probably not a top pick for the claustrophobic folks among us, modern capsule hotels are designed with a bunch of amenities that turn them into a cocoon-like atmosphere for uninterrupted rest. Some offer things like lighting that mimics natural sunlight patterns, gradually dimming to ease you into sleep and brightening in the morning to wake you gently, or ergonomic mattresses to ensure a supportive sleeping surface. And, since they're one of the more budget-friendly accommodation options in Japan, you can sleep soundly knowing that your bank account hasn't taken a massive hit.
Overnight Trains
Overnight trains offer a unique combination of travel and rest, making them an increasingly popular choice for those looking to maximize both their time and comfort levels. Additionally, the gentle rocking motion of train travel is something that many people find ideal for drifting off! A couple of well-known overnight train options include the Sunrise Seto Sleeper Express (operating from Tokyo to Takamastu, Kagawa Prefecture) and the Sunrise Izumo (operating from Tokyo to Izumo, Shimane Prefecture).
Shukubo (Temple Stays)
Let's be honest—a lot of us probably struggle with sleep because of distractions in our environment. Cell phones stored on bedside tables are a prime example of this, and scrolling social media, watching videos, or responding to messages ends up keeping our brains active and delaying slumber. Temple stays are a great way to cut the outside noise, and they typically include nourishing shojin ryori cuisine to aid digestion and further enhance your rest. A lot of the time, temple guests are encouraged to participate in calming rituals such as meditation, chanting, and morning prayers, which help quiet the mind and reduce stress.
The rise in interest around sleep tourism is a fantastic sign that people are prioritizing mental and physical well-being over the pursuit of doing more. In a world where a good night's sleep can feel hard to reach at times, travel with rest in mind might be the most attractive getaway of all.
