As noted, Esprit tours stay at a variety of accommodations, from traditional to deluxe. Because standards at Japanese hotels may be different than those elsewhere, we offer the following descriptions, so you'll know what to expect.

Ryokan: This is the most well-known type of Japanese hotel. While staying in a ryokan you will be sleeping on the floor on a futon, which is laid out (along with bedding) on top of the tatami matted floor. Shoes are never worn within the ryokan, and must be left at the front entry way. Service levels vary depending upon the quality of the ryokan, but in almost all cases it will be more formal than service at a minshuku (described below). For instance, your futon will usually be laid out for you by the ryokan staff. In most ryokans, the fee will be based on a per person charge and will include breakfast and dinner (with the exception of certain cities). Food is generally more elaborate and of a higher quality than at more modest accommodations. The best known, most deluxe ryokans are found in onsen, or hot spring areas. You will usually, but not always, have a private bath.

Minshuku: This is a Japanese-style inn that also features futons and tatami mats, but it is usually a more modest, old-fashioned and family-style inn than a ryokan, with less service. Shoes are not worn within the hotel. In Japanese inns, rooms are often expect to accommodate more than one, or even two, people. A "6 Tatami Mat" room (approximately 9 ft. by 12 ft.) would be expected to accommodate 4 adults. Minshuku rarely have private baths, although there may occasionally be private toilets. Bathing facilities are segregated for men and women, but are shared for all inn occupants. The fee is charged on a per person basis.

Student Lodging: This is western-style lodging with beds rather than futons, and it is most akin to a budget hotel in the U.S. Rooms are very small, although they most often have a small private bath. There is not a lot of staff service available and food is not included in the room rate.

Business Hotels: These are western-style hotels that are conveniently located near train stations and public transportation. They are fairly spartan in design and geared primarily for sleeping. Rooms are very small, with singles being even smaller. In Japan, these hotels do not offer non-smoking rooms and many Japanese smoke very heavily. There will generally be a small attached bath. They offer good value for those whose primary objective is to get a night's sleep while traveling and who will not be spending much time in their room.

Standard Hotels: These western-style hotels are equivalent to 3- and 4-star hotels in the U.S. The Japanese do not use a hotel rating system, so each hotel must be inspected to determine it's suitability for the customer. More services are available than in the business hotels (e.g. food on site, currency conversion, etc.). The tourist-level hotels are aimed for the tourist market and are fairly basic. The upper-end hotels are outfitted for the frequent business traveler and provide appropriate services for them.

Deluxe Hotels: These western-style hotels are comparable to 5-star hotels in the U.S. and throughout the world. The level of service, the amenities, hotel location and hotel services are all top-tier. Many of these hotels are run by large multi-national hotel chains with names recognized by travelers everywhere.