【せんりみち公式】Great value for money in Japan! How to choose the best cheap accommodations? /
Japan is full of various attractions, such as beautiful scenery in every season, rich cultural heritage, and gourmet food. However, in order to enjoy long-term travel or slightly luxurious experiences, how to keep costs down will be an important issue. Among them, the most important is “accommodation costs”. Many people say that “if you can keep accommodation costs low, you can spend the money on other things.” In this article, we will focus on accommodation, which is the key to such travel, and explain in detail how to choose cheap accommodation while maintaining quality.

Accommodation at an affordable price and its features

There are various accommodations in Japan, and many of them offer reasonable prices. There are a wide variety of options, each with its own unique features. Here, we will take a closer look at the main types of accommodation and their appeal.

Business hotels

Business hotels, which are mainly located in urban areas, are an ideal choice for travelers who want to keep costs down while also ensuring comfort. The clean and simple rooms are well equipped as a place to relax after sightseeing or work. Nightly rates start from a few thousand yen, and some accommodation plans include breakfast. Check-in and check-out times are often flexible, making them suitable for short stays.

If you are planning to do some city sightseeing, choosing a business hotel located near a station or in a major area will reduce travel time and allow you to make the most of your sightseeing time. Hotel staff may also provide tourist information and access information, making it a safe option for first-time travelers.

Capsule Hotel

Next on the list is the capsule hotel. The great appeal of this type of accommodation is that it is reasonably priced, making it ideal for solo travelers or those who need to find a place to stay suddenly. The capsule-shaped bedrooms are space-saving yet comfortable, and more and more facilities are equipped with shower rooms and shared spaces. In addition, capsule hotels that focus on design and service have recently appeared, offering more than just a place to stay.

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However, it is important to note that privacy is somewhat low. If you are sensitive to sound and light, it is recommended that you bring earplugs and eye masks. Still, it is a very attractive option when considering the cost-effectiveness.

Guesthouse

On the other hand, guesthouses are characterized by a more homely atmosphere compared to other types of accommodation. Dormitory-style rooms in particular are popular as a place for travelers to interact with each other. Many have shared lounges and kitchens, so you can cook your own meals and further reduce accommodation costs.

Another attractive feature is that you can hear local tourist information directly from the guesthouse owner and other guests. It is not uncommon to get real information that you cannot get on the Internet, such as hidden attractions that are not tourist spots and local gourmet information.

Tips for staying while saving money

To further reduce accommodation costs and have a comfortable stay, you need to be creative. Here, we will delve into specific ways to reduce costs.

Aim for weekdays and off-season

Accommodation prices vary greatly depending on the time of year and the day of the week. In general, accommodation prices on weekdays and off-season tend to be significantly cheaper than peak times. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, you can significantly reduce costs by aiming for these times. You can enjoy a quieter, more relaxed trip by avoiding times when tourist destinations are expected to be crowded, especially during the autumn foliage season and cherry blossom season.

Book early and make last-minute reservations

Another way to save on accommodation costs is to be creative with the timing of your reservations. In many cases, early bird discounts are available by booking early, making it ideal for planned trips. On the other hand, if a room becomes available just before your trip, accommodation facilities may lower the price to increase occupancy rates. In particular, same-day discounts and last-minute plans can lead to significant savings, so it is important to be flexible.

Tips for staying while saving money (continued)

Make use of membership programs and points

Many accommodation booking sites and hotel chains offer membership programs for repeat customers. By registering for these programs, you can receive points and special discounts. For example, there are programs that allow you to stay for free after a certain number of nights, and there are cases where large discounts are applied only during certain seasons.

You can also effectively save on accommodation costs by taking advantage of credit card point programs. Credit cards that are specialized for travel are especially recommended, and there are systems in place that give you a lot of points when booking air tickets and accommodation. By combining these methods, you can further improve cost performance.

Check the cancellation policy

When making a reservation, it is also important to check the cancellation policy in advance. By choosing an accommodation with particularly flexible cancellation conditions, you can reduce the risk of changing your plans. Also, by choosing a plan that allows cancellation, you can take the strategy of rebooking if the price drops. This increases the chances of staying at the same facility at a lower price.

Use apps and sites to find the best accommodation

Master multi-functional reservation apps

In today’s world, it is essential to use apps and online reservation sites when planning a trip. These tools offer a wide range of functions, not just reservation functions, but also price comparisons, confirmation of cancellation conditions, viewing reviews, and more. Some of them even offer discount coupons that are only available on certain apps, which can be used to further reduce your budget.

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In addition, by using the notification function, you can prepare a system that allows you to make a reservation immediately when the price drops. Using these apps as your travel planning partners will help you find accommodation efficiently.

Choose wisely by referring to reviews

Reviews are a very important factor in choosing accommodation. Cheap accommodations are attractive in terms of price, but there are big differences between facilities in terms of service and cleanliness, so the key to success is to refer to the opinions of people who have actually stayed there. In particular, facilities that have many reviews that unanimously give high ratings are candidates that you can choose with confidence.

However, when looking at reviews, you should place emphasis on the latest reviews and be careful if the time or situation of your stay is different. Past negative opinions may have been resolved now, so it is important to collect information in a balanced manner.

Summary

To enjoy domestic travel with good cost performance, the way you choose your accommodation is an important point. Options such as business hotels, capsule hotels, and guest houses each have their own characteristics, and you can choose according to the purpose and style of your trip. You can also reduce costs further by aiming for weekdays or off-season, or by making early or last-minute reservations.

In addition, you can find the best accommodation by making the most of reservation sites and apps and collecting the latest information. Reviews and point programs can also be a great help, so make use of them to plan a more fulfilling trip.

By saving wisely on accommodation costs and using the savings for sightseeing, dining, and other travel pleasures, you can have a more satisfying trip. We hope this article helps you with your travel plans.

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