Japan,  Lodging,  Travel Tips,  Travel Tips

Where to Stay, Ling? – Types of Japan Lodging

 

Hostels / Dormitories – Price per person averages from JPY2,500 to JPY6,000 per night

Sleeping area is usually a big room with bunk beds or Japanese style bedding with only a curtain for privacy. Some have gender segregated areas while some don’t. Facilities such as bathroom, toilets, washbasin and kitchen are shared. There may be limited luggage storage space for dormitories. Some hostels offer private rooms.

Do bring along a towel and personal toiletries as these are usually not provided or are chargeable.

Ling! I’m quite fine with private rooms at hostels as it allowed us some privacy. Nice dormitory beds are still okay for a night’s stay. The not so nice dormitory beds on the other hand are not quite my cup of tea. However, these are really good options when you need to keep your budget low.

What I like:

  • Low price for a night’s stay
  • Private rooms provide some privacy
  • Good for single traveller or when on a budget

What I don’t like:

  • Shared facilities (because some people are not very hygienic!)
  • Some guests are noisy and inconsiderate
  • Not much privacy at dormitory area
  • Can be noisy

Payment: Upfront when you’re checking in

 

Capsules / Cubicles – Price per person averages from JPY4,000 to JPY6,000 per night

Capsules are probably the smallest bed area that has ever been created for a night’s rest. Definitely an experience staying in this Japanese invention. Do note that most are for male guests only.

Cubicles are bigger and not so claustrophobic in size, with some tall enough for the guest to stand up. Sometimes you’ll need to crawl over bedding into the space. Some come equipped with a small TV with option for earphones to reduce disturbance to other guests.

There’s usually a small locked space near the bed for personal items. Facilities are shared and there may be limited luggage storage space.

Ling! I’ve only tried cubicles as I’m usually with luggage. It’s hard to stay at Capsule places as they lack storage space and I don’t think I can handle that small a space. I chose places with larger and nicer cubicles so that it’s still a comfortable stay.

What I like:

  • Cubicles are not so claustrophobic!
  • Privacy in your own cubicle
  • Low price for a night’s stay especially in cities
  • Good for single traveller or when on a budget

What I don’t like:

  • Climbing over the bed to get in and out
  • Shared facilities (because some people are not very hygienic!)
  • Some guests are noisy and inconsiderate
  • Not sound proof

Payment: Upfront when you’re checking in

 

Cabins / Quirky Lodging – Price per person averages JPY2,500 to JPY8,000

These are usually found in countryside and rural areas. You’ll definitely need a car to get there or plan for a long walk. There’s cabin style, campsite, dormitory and simple private rooms, all in rustic style. Lodgings are simple, usually no air condition and for winter, it’s a gas heater.

Some have shared facilities and a kitchen where you can cook your meals. While the more remote ones offer meal plans as it would be difficult to find food nearby.

Ling! The cabin that I stayed was right at the lakeside and I saw birds flying and feeding just outside my cabin. Was really nice to be so close to nature and enjoying the slower pace of life.

Another place I stayed offered campsite, bunk beds and private rooms. The owner had 2 foxes that roamed around freely, and you can see a snow capped mountain from the lodging grounds.

I was there in Spring so weather was cooler and there wasn’t a lot of insects. It got cold at night and I had to turn the gas heater on. I’m guessing in summer, it may be more crowded with people and insects buzzing around. I didn’t get to see stars as I had cloudy nights.

What I like:

  • Close to nature
  • Peaceful and quiet
  • Great for stargazing on a clear night

What I don’t like:

  • Gas heater smell in the room
  • In summer, may have lots of insects

Payment: When you’re checking in

Next: Manga/Internet Cafés / Love Hotels

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