Multiple occupancy in a room
 

I understand japanese hotels re ryokan charges per head due to inclusion of food, but how often do western chains put those charges in (IGH, SPG etc)... or it's hit and miss and i should go ask in those forums instead?

Virtually all Japanese hotels, Western chains or otherwise, have different charges for singles and doubles, and will charge you the difference if they catch you bringing in more guests than you've paid for.

Also, unlike in the West, many hotels rooms that are sold as a single in Japan really only have room for one person, so it's not always just a matter of paying the proper rate for two people - you may need to pay for two people to get a room with more than just one single bed.

Many years ago, not recognizing the single room issue, I brought Mrs SJUAMMF on a trip. We managed to sleep in a single bed but asked for an extra pillow. I think on the third night, I was reminded that it was a "single" room. So we stopped asking for the pillow and managed the rest of the week. They never asked for more money.

After that, I would ask for a double room whenever Mrs came along.

ya, but IHG/Crowne sold me a room w 2 single beds...

If the room is described as "twin room, single occupancy" then you can expect the hotel to charge the rate for two people if they discover an additional guest.

If there's no language about "single occupancy" or "one person" in the room description or reservation document, then it's likely that the rate allows for two people to use the room. With an international chain in Japan this is not unusual. With Japanese owned hotels it's less common.

Usually in Tokyo when by myself I stay at a traditional inn. More fun (and cheaper).

But I was in Tokyo a couple of years ago with another and we found for a double it was a lot cheaper to book through Priceline or Expedia (lots of special 3-5 day deals available that only appear when you search for certain dates with a three or four or five day etc. stay).

Apparently P and E booked rooms often have a much lower charge for two people that directly booked rooms.

thanks for tips. that's whre we'd be in now, except we'd be in Kyoto