Nagoya

You can't get closer to Nagoya-jō than this, located across the moat. The castle is popular for its 'heavenly beds', spacious bathrooms, fitness facilities and restaurants. — Lonely Planet

A restful Japanese interior with wood floors and wainscoting, calligraphy, and a cypress public bath. — Frommer's

The Imperial Family is among those served by the city's oldest hotel, which is also a haunt for celebrities in search of a little privacy. — Fodor's

Occupying a prime riverside Nayabashi location, this modern business hotel with crisp, clean lines and dark-wood furniture is an excellent choice. — Lonely Planet

Perched above JR Nagoya station, the mammoth Marriott Associa literally tops everything in town, including in price. — Lonely Planet

This upper-midrange property—the first launched in Royal Park’s casual, contemporary Canvas—marries fashion and function in a convenient city-center location. — Oyster

It's just steps from Meieki, but a quiet aesthetic of clean lines and a European contemporary style prevails in this 115-room hotel. — Lonely Planet

Opposite Higashi Betsuin temple, this ryokan is beyond the shadows of skyscrapers. Rooms have a traditional feel, and there's a lovely hanare (separate) room by the back garden. — Lonely Planet

This friendly, 14-room, family-run ryokan is good value for its tatami rooms. The best ones overlook the garden. Not much English is spoken, but the owners dispense a helpful map. — Lonely Planet

A short walk north of Kanayama station in a pleasant residential block, this former ryokan has been nicely remodelled to offer cheap digs for backpackers. — Lonely Planet

Centrally located and affordably priced, this business hotel is a good alternative when you're looking to save a few yen. — Fodor's

This slick looking hotel has uber-compact rooms and a youthful, stylish vibe in an enviable Fushimi location, near the Hilton. Cheaper rates may be available online. — Lonely Planet

If you're merely transiting in Nagoya and need cheap, clean (and yes, compact) digs near the station, look no further than this modern business hotel with refreshingly comfortable bedding. — Lonely Planet

Situated one block north of JR Gifu Station, this conveniently located hotel comes with larger-than-average Western-style rooms and some of the best views in Gifu. — Fodor's

This 22-room ryokan doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside it's quite professional. — Lonely Planet

This popular ryokan centred around an attractive Japanese garden can get a little noisy when busy, but it has a lovely common bath and an even lovelier self-contained private suite. — Lonely Planet

Microscopic (though spotless) rooms with private bath, free Internet access in your room with your own computer... and central location, a few minutes' walk from Nagoya Station. — Lonely Planet