Cheap accommodation in Japan

Here are our five tips for cheap accommodation in Japan :

Capsule hotels

Completely unusual, spending the night in a hotel capsule, is the assurance of an extraordinary experience. The concept was born in Osaka in 1979, and the clientele is often made up of salarymen who finished late or who missed the last train. The space is of course very limited but perfect for one night. The price is more than affordable from 3,000 yen ($26/23.50€).

See: Capsule hotels

Lesminshuku, cheap ryokan

For cheap accommodation in Japan, nothing better than spending a few days in a minshuku. It is in a way the equivalent of our guest rooms. This is a family establishment, the rooms rented to tourists are part of the owners' house. The comfort is basic with a futon, and the bathroom is shared. It is also possible to eat family Japanese cuisine on half board, a delight! Count between 6,000 and 9,000 yen ($52.25/47€ - $78.50/70.50€) per night (with meals).

See: Eat cheap in Japan

Wwoofing, the key to the fields is yours!

To discover Japan differently and stay for free, Wwoofing (Wwoof is the acronym for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) can be THE solution. The principle? It is a question of working with the inhabitant, for example on a farm, against lodging and board. A 100% immersion in the life of a Japanese family.

See: Wwoofing in Japan

Youth hostel, Japan in backpacker mode

And if you like meeting people in a friendly atmosphere, head to the youth hostel. Rooms in dormitories or private shared showers and a festive atmosphere, Japanese youth hostels are often the landmark of backpackers from all over the world. The price, which rarely exceeds 3,000 yen ($26/23.50€), allows you to make significant savings during a trip to Japan.

manga kissa and couch

Finally, several other solutions exist for cheap accommodation in Japan: Couchsurfing or how to sleep on a stranger's sofa. To help out, know that it is also possible to spend the night in a manga kissa, a library cafe, for 1,600 yen ($14/12.50€).

See: Kissa manga  

Renting a house: comfort and authenticity

For a slightly larger budget, renting houses and apartments in Japan allows you to experience the Japanese way of life, thanks to traditional and authentic interiors while enjoying Western-style comfort. If the price range is varied, you can easily find small houses or apartments in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Hiroshima, around $70-$89/60-80€.

See: Renting a cheap house in Japan

cheap travel to japan