The Cheapest Places to Stay in Japan
I keep telling people that traveling to Japan is much more affordable than they think, especially if you book the right accommodations. We’re only talking $ 20 to $ 50 a night if you know where to look! These are clearly not five star resorts, but they are worth it for the money you save.
Capsule hotels
Staying in a capsule hotel – pictured above – could have been one of the strangest travel experiences I’ve ever had, but not in a bad way. Yes, you mostly sleep in a huge coffin (not for claustrophobic sufferers), and yes, the level of privacy you get is roughly -100%, but that’s a huge savings in money. For about $ 20-40 a night (I have $ 30) you get a capsule bed; locker for your luggage; access to the bathhouse; coin access to the laundry; and usually a common room with a TV and food available for purchase.
These establishments are primarily aimed at business people who have drunk too much, but you will be surrounded by many tourists if you find yourself in a popular area. My night was about too much whiskey at Golden Gai, late at night at KFC, and then woke up in my capsule and forgot where I was. There was a brief moment when it seemed to me that I woke up from a cryo-sleep on a spaceship, and that my whole life was just one long sleep, but I’m sure that this will not happen to you. Whether you are traveling alone or with adventurous friends, it will be well worth it.
Internet or manga cafe
Internet cafes or manga cafes known as “manga kissaten” are not actually hotels and are not necessarily meant for overnight stays, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them for that. These places are filled with computers and comics, but you can rent individual rooms for a long time at a very low cost. A kissaten manga costs about $ 15 for an eight-hour stay, including unlimited access to comics, drinks, occasional snacks, and a public toilet and shower. You can shower and catch a couple of Zs in a comfy chair for a lunch fee.
Some of these places even have beds, laundries, and offer extended stay options where you pay a certain amount per week or month (usually between $ 20 and $ 25 per day on average). Kissaten manga is not ideal for group living or if you need certain amenities that they don’t offer, but they can save you in a pinch.
Business hotels / Western hotels
If you want the usual amenities you’d expect from a Western hotel chain, there are many options in Japan: APA, Dormy Inn, Flexstay, etc. These places will appear on popular search engines, so start your search and try to find a good price. I usually stay at these places when I visit Japan because it is nice to have a separate shower and toilet and many of these places offer great breakfast that can be included in your room rate.
The downside is that they can get expensive if you don’t plan ahead (up to $ 200 a night), so book as early as possible. I recently stayed at the Gran Ms Kyoto for three nights for only $ 49 a night because I had booked in advance and traveled during the off season. If you can get a great deal on these types of hotels, you can take advantage of this as well.
Economy hotels
Economy hotels, or kanshuku (simple lodging), represent a step up from capsule hotels and kissaten, but they do not offer the same amenities as business hotels. When you search for places with a search engine, they are likely to be listed as “hostels,” which they are very similar to except for one thing. Bathrooms, dining areas and common areas are shared, but you still get your own room with futon or tatami mat. So, if you don’t like the idea of hostels, but want a little privacy, try kanshuka. They usually cost between $ 20 and $ 60 per night.
Night buses
Why not get some sleep and head to your next destination at the same time? Night buses, or yako buses, can cost anywhere from $ 30 to $ 120, depending on where you are going, and can save you tons of time and money in the long run. These are the two main yako bus companies in Japan:
These won’t be the most comfortable nights of your life, but they are much cheaper than a hotel night and a bullet train ticket.
Note on booking accommodation in Japan: You must make sure to book everything in advance. It is considered polite to book your accommodation at least 30 days in advance of your arrival. Finding places to stay during the day (such as capsules and kissaten) is possible, but it will be more difficult (especially on weekends), and in some places it may not even be allowed on principle. Also, make sure you have cash before registering. Many small establishments only accept cash. Finally, check-in and check-out times are strictly limited. Don’t expect flexibility there.