Abstract
To accommodate foreign visitors to Japan, which was rapidly rising prior to the spread of COVID-19, various efforts were made in the accommodations industry, including multilingual support and integration of internet and communications technology. Although these efforts have reduced overall dissatisfaction, foreign visitors have not contributed by expressing positive impressions and satisfaction. This study compares and analyzes Japanese and English reviews submitted by guests of the top 20 Japanese inns among foreign travelers on Tripadvisor 2020, and examines the value of the Japanese inn experience for foreign guests. While Japanese guests value unusual experiences, such as hot springs, spacious rooms, and baths, foreign guests value cross-cultural experiences, including the Japanese inn stay itself, access to the inns, and walking excursions in the local area.