Upon visiting a distant and foreign country, a wise traveler must know where to get his basic necessities, especially temporary shelter, weeks before landing to his destination.
Well, in Japan, because of the booming tourists, they have plenty of facilities that can fully accomodate you! Read along before you plan your itinerary.
For short trips, depending on your budget, you may choose to stay with these hotels:
1. Youth Hostels
There are about 360 Youth Hostels all over Japan. These are like shared dormitories, although some have individual rooms, and are usually equipped with internet, laundry and kitchen facilities. These can be usually found in rural areas. A night usually costs 3,000 Yen.
2. Capsule Hotels
Capsule hotels contain small rooms that are 3 feet high and 6 feet long. These are popular among foreigners who stay short in a particular place, because of its cheap price. Salarymen are also commonly found in these hotels whenever they miss the train or they are just drunk. Usually, the capsule rooms are equipped with bed, airconditioning, alarm clock, and television. The hotel also have communal comfort rooms and sometimes sauna.
3. Love Hotels
If you want to have some private time with someone with anonymity, love hotels must be one of your choice! For 4,000 to 8,000 yen, you can stay for 2-3 hours or overnight. A room filled with romantic ambience is usually supplied with good music, movies and other accessories in-demand. It can be easily recognized by its kitsch front.
4. Business Hotels
For business travelers, it is much practical staying at business hotels, promising comfort in modest price. It is usually located near train stations and sometimes part of a chain (motels). It is similar, but a smaller version of Western hotel rooms, usually furnished with two beds, kettle, mini refrigirator, television, hair dryer, yukata (robe), and toiletries. Rental ranges from 6,000-10,000 Yen. Room reservation is ideal for hassle-free lodging.
5. Classic Western Hotels
These are deluxe and luxury 5-star hotels in Japan. There are also aplenty of international hotel chains especially in big cities. It usually have parking, boutiques, restaurants, and bar facilities. A night stay ranges from 12,000 Yen up to 60,000 Yen.
6. Minshuku
These are family-run guesthouses mostly serves in rural areas. It is simpler than a ryokan, and correspondingly cheaper. Supplements could be an additional cost to the guest, and self-service, like fixing and arranging futons, is implemented. It usually costs 6,000 Yen with breakfast and dinner.
7. Shukubo
Shukubo are traditional Buddhist temples that also serve as inns. Traditionally, they are intended for passing pilgrims, but they opened their doors for accomodating travelers. Most of shukubo serve delicious vegetarian cuisine.
8. Ryokan
Ryokan are the most common traditional inn in Japan, where meals are served and the guests sleep in tatami rooms. There are also ranges, from cheapest to luxurious one (as costly as 5-star hotel room), which costs 6,000 Yen to 80,000 Yen. Some ryokan also have indoor onsen or hot spring facilities.
If you plan to stay long in Japan, it is economical to rent a Gaijin house. It is a shared apartment where you can rent for months (about 50,000 Yen per month).
For a super short, unplanned, budget stay, (like missing the last train or staying in nearer place like Tsukuji Market where bidding activities start as early as 4 AM), some foreigners stay at Internet and Manga cafes where rental is paid for hours of stay. Some of them have individual quarters where you can sleep, just a little sacrifice on comfortability.
In Japan, you just have to be resourceful and research for cheap accommodations to survive your travel!
Login with Google