by: Sammy Ho

The accommodation cost in Japan is very expensive. Self-service travelers may find that Japan gets the highest accommodation charges in the world. In addition to the language problems, it would be quite difficult for many travelers to travel in Japan. This article introduces six types of accommodations available in Japan which gives travelers to have a more in-depth understanding on Japan's accommodation services.

There are totally about 80,000 accommodation facilities for travelers in Japan which could be classified as Japanese style and western style. Most of the low price accommodation will not provide private toiletry and bathroom and have to share publicly. Besides, most of the owners do not know English. In general, the check in time would be around 15:00-16:00, and the check out time is 10:00.

Youth Hostel

There are about 400 Youth Hostel in Japan, and most of them are private-owned. Resident must be the member of the Youth Hostel or otherwise they have to pay a higher charge. In general, the accommodation cost would be around JPY 3,000 to 3,500 per night depending on the location and facilities. Most of the Youth Hostel provides breakfast and dinner with separate charges since the room has no kitchen facilities. It is suggested to contact your local Youth Hostel Association and book the Youth Hostel in Japan in advance. Otherwise, you have to pay a higher charge for on-site booking, and remember you have to bring your photo to become member.

Minshuku (Living with Family)

Minshuku is a family style accommodation, and it has a higher charges compared to Youth Hostel, at around JPY 4,000-6,000 per night including breakfast and dinner. Most of the Minshuku have around 10-20 living units, and most of them are located at resort areas or small town. Many of the Minshuku are franchised with unique logo but it is quite difficult to locate if you don not know Japanese. Therefore, if you want to find a better priced one, it is better to find a friend who know Japanese to book the room for you.

Ryokan (Japanese Styles Motel)

Ryokan has a better facility than Minshuku with a slightly higher charge. It is usually located around the railway station in towns but most of the staffs would not know English. Accommodation cost would be around JPY 3,000 to 5,000 not including meals. You may contact an organization called "Japanese Inn Group" which provided English information about its franchised Ryokan.

Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotel is the same as its name; the room is just like a capsule or a box with 3 meter long and 1 meter high, providing TV, small safe and a small desk. Your luggage has to be kept in the storeroom separately. Most of the Capsule Hotels are for male only, but now starting to accepts female guests. Capsule Hotels are usually located at the big city downtown with room charges at around JPY 3,000 to 4,000. You have to consider whether you could cater yourself in such a compact area before you make the reservation.

Business Hotel

There are many Business Hotels for local traveled businessmen. The hotel room is quite compact but with private bathroom facilities. The room charge is ranging from JPY 6,000 to 7,000. Most of the Business Hotels locate at downtown, railway station or subway station and you may find their pamphlets at the railway station counter.

Western Style Hotel

Western Style Hotels are located at the downtown of all major cities with room rates starting at JPY 6,000 not included meals.