What Kinds Of Accommodation Arrangements Are Available In Japan?

Many famous hotel chains provide the finest firstspring on their premises, so live in guests may
class and deluxe hotel living. English speaking staffenjoy the onsen. Baths are communal, and very
and gourmet restaurants are all part of thefew would have western style rooms. Typical
package. And most major hotels would provideryokan wear, a blue and white patterned cotton
limousine buses to connect the guest from hotelyukata would be provided for use.
to airport.To fully appreciate the experience, it is advised
Many businessmen find solace in the wide rangethat travelers choose a quiet district to stay in.
of business hotels across the country. LessYouth Hostels
expensive with less amenities, and no roomA backpacker's haven, these are quite the
service. Food and drinks vending machines arecheapest lodgings available. Not many are open to
available on the guest floors with a restaurant onpublic, as membership of the Japan Youth Hostels,
the ground level. Located closest to train stationsInc., or the International Youth Hostel Federation is
for convenience, few would have staffs whomusually required. There aren't any age limits
can speak or understand English. Catering toalthough an older guest may be bypassed for a
traveling businessmen, room types are usuallyyoung one in need of lodging and there will be an
confined to singles with individual bathrooms.evening curfew imposed.
Pod hotels is a unique feature of Tokyo City.Guest Houses (minshuku) and Pension Houses
Catering to people who need no more than a bedGenerally family-run, the lodgings are part of the
for one night, usually used by people who missedowners' own homes. Amenities are hardly available
the last train home, a few do have small roomsand in more suburban areas, guests may be
to cater to traveling businessmen. Guests areexpected to fold and stow away their beddings
provided with a bathrobe and towel, rooms arejust like any family members. Meals are provided
spaces only as wide as a lain adult body. , piledin most of these cases too.
onto one another and lined, much like smallPension houses are similar in running styles of the
cavities in cave walls. Facilities include a small TV,minshuku, but guests can expect more amenities
radio and lights. Baths and toilets are shared,in comparison. You may find the standard
necessary toiletries are available from vendingtoiletries in the bathroom, free internet, pay to
machines. This is, however, not for theuse washer and dryer and usage of common
claustrophobic.rooms like the kitchen and living area.
Ryokans (Traditional Inns)It is not uncommon to find both run by
These establishments are quite small with a limitedimmigrants or young Japanese couples who can
number of rooms and usually built surrounding aspeak relatively good English. In any case, it would
well kept Zen garden. Room rates normally includebe a relief to travelers who cannot speak the
2 meals, dinner and breakfast.local language and a good way to penetrate the
Ryokans are one of the unique aspects ofsurface of Japanese daily life, at lower room
traveling in Japan. Generally associated with a hotcosts.