Japan Hotel Tips by cheesecake17 Top 5 Page for this destination

HOMESTAYS

Take a look at the site for home stay information

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Youth hostel

Japan has a vast network of well-placed hostels. The basic price is around ..2,700 per night. They follow the same pattern as in the West, but usually have an early 'closing time,' prohibiting late-night forays.

Many are in or near national parks, catering to hikers and school parties. Since they can be booked up by large groups, it's wise to check in advance if they have vacancies

Other Contact: http://www.hostels.jp/

Theme: Hostel

Website: http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/index.html

CAMPING

Most camp sites are simple affairs. They usually have just a clear, flat area for erecting tents, and a small reception, with toilets, washing and cooking facilities.

Many don't even have showers. What's more, almost all are only open in summer, or from April to November in popular areas.

Rates are cheap for simply putting up your tent, but renting a bungalow or log cabin can be expensive.

Be careful with older maps, many smaller camp sites have closed in recent years.

The downside is that the water supply and all electricity will invariably be turned off. The plus side: tranquillity

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Website: http://www.outdoorjapan.com/section-accommodation.html

BUSINESS HOTEL

In down-town areas these can be your only option. They are mostly cheerless, with rooms not much larger than the bed, but even in downtown Tokyo you can get an affordable rate. Look for them near the train station in many cities

Prices are about ..6,000-8,000 PER PERSON, maybe breakfast is served but not always

Price: US$40-80

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JAPANESE INN

Minshuku & Ryokan:
Both commonly referred to as Japanese inns, Ryokan are the Japanese equivalent of Western inns or hotels, and Minshuku are more like pensions or B&B's.

Ryokan

provide classic Japanese surroundings, attentive service, a full-course meal, and are usually located in tourist areas. Their price varies greatly, from around the ..4-5,000 yen to ten times that, but the average is probably around ..10,000

Minshuku

minshuku are family-run businesses, with the rented rooms being part of the owners' own home. They are often found in choice resorts and vacation spots, and feature moderate rates.

minshuku offer considerably fewer amenities than strictly professional establishments. Guests, for example, are expected to fold up their bedding in the morning and stow it away in a closet, just as a family member would.

Also they don't provide the kinds of courtesies you can expect from a hotel or ryokan, such as towels and yukata. Minshuku rates are about 6,500 yen, which includes two meals, usually served family style.

NOTE.....The 'per-person' bit is important to remember, because most prices in Japan for accommodation are quoted per person, not per room. Even if you tell them your group is two or three people, they will still repeat the per person price. It's not a bad deal, though, when you consider that you're getting two meals included

Minshuku, are often in the less traveled back streets or quieter rural areas.

The Ryokan are definitely more stylish, some going back hundreds of years, and are well worth the extra money.

Other Contact: http://www.jpinn.com/

Theme: Inn

Website: http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html

LOVE HOTEL

After 10 o'clock at night most 'love hotels' accept 'stay' customers as well as 'rest' customers. For as little as ..6,000, you and your partner can get a room with 'interesting' decor (look for the ceiling mirrors and oddly-shaped beds). Because they charge per room, it works out at a great deal

They are also very easy to spot, with flashy neon signs, gaudy architecture, and suggestive names like 'Hotel With,' 'Dream' and so on.

In cities you can find them near entertainment areas, and in rural areas near highway interchanges and tourist spots

You enter by a small door, into a subtly lit lobby, and choose a room from a lit display. You take the key, and ascend to your chosen room

Price: US$40-80

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Website: http://www.nikkanren.or.jp/english/

HOSPITALITY CLUB

If you wish to be hosted In japan by someone or worldwide take a look at this site

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Website: http://www.hospitalityclub.org