Jalan.net: Your Go-To Travel Buddy for Booking Japan Adventures

Feature	Jalan.net	Booking.com / Agoda	Rakuten Travel
Language	Mostly Japanese	Multi-language	Mainly Japanese
Stays Offered	Hotels, Ryokans	Hotels, Apartments	Hotels, Ryokans
Local Deals	Frequent	Sometimes	Frequent
Reward Points	Yes (Jalan Points)	Varies	Yes (Rakuten Points)
Local Activities	Lots available	Limited	Moderate
Payment Options	Mixed	Global-friendly	Mixed
Best For	Japan stays	Global travel	Japan-focused deals

So, What Exactly is Jalan.net?

Jalan.net is one of Japan’s top travel booking websites, managed by Recruit Co., Ltd. It started out focused on domestic travel and has become a go-to platform for thousands of people across Japan. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, a traditional Japanese ryokan, or something fun to do like soaking in a hot spring or taking a cooking class, Jalan.net has you covered.

What’s great is that it doesn’t just give you listings. You’ll also find travel guides, reviews, and exclusive deals all in one place.

Why Jalan.net is a Big Deal in Japan

The site’s popularity in Japan isn’t just a fluke. One of the biggest reasons people love it is because it has a massive selection of places to stay. Whether you’re hunting for a ryokan in Kyoto or a budget hotel in Tokyo, it has something for everyone.

Jalan.net is also run by a Japanese company, so it really understands what local travelers are looking for. You’ll find plenty of filters to narrow down your search, from room types to specific amenities like open-air baths or meals included. Plus, the site runs regular campaigns with discounts and reward points that keep users coming back.

What You Can Do on Jalan.net

Booking stays all over Japan: Jalan.net’s main focus is helping you find places to stay. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or traditional ryokans, there’s a wide variety of options. You can filter by budget, meal options, bathroom type, or even room views. The listings are detailed and often include plenty of photos.
Finding cool experiences: Jalan.net doesn’t stop at hotel bookings. You can also reserve experiences and activities to fill up your itinerary. Think along the lines of hot spring visits, kimono rentals, sake tastings, fruit picking, or even museum passes. It’s all about helping you create a full travel experience instead of just giving you a bed for the night.
Snagging coupons and discounts: If you love a good deal (who doesn’t?), Jalan.net often has coupons you can apply during checkout. These might be for new users, specific regions, or travel dates. The site also has a reward system where you earn points with each booking that can be used like cash later on.
Reading reviews from other travelers: Jalan.net features detailed reviews from actual users. These aren’t just star ratings—they give insight into the room cleanliness, food, staff hospitality, and even little things like pillow comfort. This helps you avoid surprises and book with confidence.
Getting travel tips and ideas: The site has editorial picks and travel guides written with local expertise. You’ll find recommended routes, sightseeing ideas, and even hidden gems that don’t usually make it onto mainstream travel blogs.

Can Foreigners Use Jalan.net? Totally—Here’s How

Language barrier and translations: Jalan.net is mostly in Japanese, which can be a bit of a hurdle for international travelers. The easiest way to get around this is to use a browser with a built-in translator, like Google Chrome. That way, you can get a rough translation of the site while browsing.
Cross-checking listings: Try searching property names in English on a second tab to double-check where you’re booking. It’ll give you extra peace of mind.
Payment info: Not every listing accepts foreign credit cards, so make sure to look for payment info before you confirm anything. Some listings let you pay online, while others prefer payment at the hotel.
International integration: Some Jalan.net listings are also available on platforms like Booking.com or Agoda. That said, not all of them are, so if you want those really traditional or local stays, the Japanese site is where it’s at.

The Jalan.net App Makes Travel Easier

If you’re someone who likes to plan while on the move, the Jalan.net mobile app is a game-changer. It has all the same features as the website but with a sleeker interface. You can get notifications about deals, manage your bookings, and even check into some hotels with a QR code. Plus, there are often app-only coupons, so it pays to download it.

Categories Worth Checking Out on Jalan.net

Onsen getaways: If soaking in a natural hot spring is on your Japan bucket list, Jalan.net is the perfect place to find an onsen stay. You can search by water type, bath style (indoor or outdoor), and even by views—mountain, river, ocean, you name it.
Traditional ryokan experiences: For a real taste of Japanese hospitality, ryokans are where it’s at. Jalan.net lists plenty of these traditional inns, many of which include tatami rooms, yukata robes, and multi-course meals called kaiseki. It’s a great way to slow down and experience old-school Japan.
Family trips and group plans: Traveling with a crew? Jalan.net has group-friendly options that include spacious rooms, kid-friendly meals, and easy cancellation policies. Perfect for family vacations or group tours.
Seasonal picks: Japan’s seasons are a huge part of its charm, and Jalan.net curates special listings depending on the time of year. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage, or hitting the slopes in winter, there’s a section dedicated to helping you find the best spots.

How to Save Big While Booking on Jalan.net

Create a Recruit ID: This is your key to unlocking Jalan Points, the platform’s reward system. Every time you book, you earn points (usually around 2% to 5% of your spend), which can be used like cash on future trips.
Use coupons strategically:net offers plenty of coupons for specific regions, weekdays, and even for new users. You can usually stack these with your points for even more savings.
Watch out for flash deals: Time-limited campaigns, often labeled as “Time Sales,” offer deep discounts for a short period. These are great for grabbing a deal before a holiday or long weekend.

The Good and Not-So-Good of Jalan.net

What’s great:net’s strongest suit is its deep listing of stays all across Japan. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious onsen resort or a simple city hotel, it’s all there. The filters are super useful, the pricing is competitive, and the reviews help you book smart.
What to watch out for: The site being mainly in Japanese can be a bit of a hassle for some travelers. While translation tools help, the experience might still feel a bit clunky if you’re not familiar with the language. Also, not all listings support international payment options, so it’s something to double-check.

Some Other Sites You Can Check Out

Jalan.net is awesome, but it’s not the only game in town. If you want to compare or prefer a site with more English-language support, here are a few others worth checking:

Rakuten Travel: Similar in scope and has its own reward system.
Agoda Japan: Offers more English support and easy booking.
com: Great for international travelers with wider language options.
Airbnb: Best for apartment-style stays or long-term rentals.

Wrapping It All Up

Whether you’re planning a last-minute getaway or a long adventure through Japan, Jalan.net is a tool you’ll want in your back pocket. With its incredible range of places to stay, built-in activity bookings, and regular deals, it makes planning smooth and stress-free.

While it might take a bit of translation work, especially for international travelers, the rewards are totally worth it—both in savings and in unforgettable experiences. From relaxing in mountain onsens to sleeping on futons in a lakeside ryokan, Jalan.net opens up a whole world of travel possibilities in Japan.

Key Takeaway: Jalan.net isn’t just about booking hotels. It’s a full-blown travel companion that helps you find unique stays, score awesome deals, and dive into authentic Japanese experiences.

FAQs

Can I use Jalan.net if I don’t speak Japanese?

Yes, you can! While the site is mostly in Japanese, tools like Google Translate can help you navigate it. You’ll also find that some listings appear on global platforms if you’d rather book in English.

Does Jalan.net charge booking fees?

No, there are no extra booking fees. The prices you see are the final amounts unless otherwise noted, and you’ll often find discounts or coupons to lower them even more.

Can I book train or transportation tickets on Jalan.net?

Not directly. Jalan.net focuses on accommodations and activities. For trains or transportation, it’s best to use platforms like JR East, Hyperdia, or Japan Rail Pass sites.

What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Each hotel or activity has its own cancellation policy. You can cancel directly through your account on Jalan.net, but be sure to check if there’s a deadline to avoid fees.

Are the prices on Jalan.net cheaper than Booking.com or Agoda?

Sometimes, yes. Jalan.net often has exclusive local-only deals and coupons that aren’t available on global sites. That’s why it’s worth checking both before booking.