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Like anywhere in the
world, Japan has a variety of accommodation available. However,
getting a reservation at anything other than a 5 star hotel may be
beyond your travel agents' means. That's where we come in. Being based
in Japan, we have access to over 7,000 hotels, inns, resorts, spas,
and lodges. Wherever you want to go we'll be able to fine what you're
looking for. Here's a run down of the types of Accommodation available
in Japan.
A word of warning,
Japanese Hotels (and all things Japanese in fact), do not like
surprises. Showing up at a hotel out of the blue without a reservation
is not the done thing. Even if you call from just around the corner,
you'll get a warmer welcome than just wandering in off the street.
Resort
Hotel Business
Hotel Capsule Hotel
Ryokan Minshuku
Pension Love Hotel
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Resort
Hotels / 5-Star Hotels
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Japan has some of the finest hotels in the world. All major cities and
resorts have large, luxurious hotels, catering to the rich and famous.
These are about the only places in Japan you can make a reservation in
English from overseas, and these are the hotels your travel agent
would like you to stay. You will have no problems communicating, and
Western style services (toilets, food etc) are always available.
Rates start at around 20,000yen per person, and skyrocket
from there. There are a few off peak discounts available, but don't
hold your breath.
Almost all Resort Hotels nationwide will be fully booked
months (even years) in advance for the following periods: Dec. 29 -
Jan. 4, Apr. 28 - May 7th, Aug. 5 - 15th. Other peak times are
during local festivals. |
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Business
Hotels / City Hotels
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Business hotels and City Hotels are everywhere. Even the smallest of
towns seem to have some establishment calling itself a business hotel.
You get a small room with a bed, shower/bath/toilet unit, a TV, and a
cup of green tea. Many hotels also throw in a free breakfast.
In general City Hotels are nicer than Business Hotels,
and have a lot more facilities. They are also a little more expensive.
They may be small but they are clean and comfortable, and
staying in them can save you hundreds of dollars.
Most Business Hotels are conveniently located near
stations and other major thoroughfares.
Almost all Business Hotels have information in English,
and some of the staff can speak a little. A growing number are adding
an English TV channel or two (mostly CNN).
At the cheaper end of the market there are some communal
bathrooms, but in almost all hotels built after 1980 you'll have your
own, usually including Shampoo, Razor, Toothbrush etc.
Prices start at as low as 4,000yen/person per night, and
range up to 20,000yen. Even in Tokyo however you can get a nice (but
small) room for around 8,000-9,000yen.
You pay your room charge when you check in, and the
balance of your stay (telephone calls etc.) when you check out. |
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Capsule
Hotels
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You've probably seen them on TV, the small holes in the wall where
Japanese businessmen climb in to catch-up on some sleep. They are
almost all strictly divided on a gender basis, with communal bathing.
Most offer some extras like a Sauna, Coffee Shop etc.
Some (most) have been known to refuse service to
foreigners.
My advice: Try if for the novelty, but don't plan on
spending more than a night in one. Business Hotels are much nicer, and
for the few extra dollars you get the privacy.
Prices range from 3,000yen per night up to around
10,000yen. |
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Ryokan
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Ryokan literally means "Traveler's Inn". If you want to
experience traditional Japan, then a night in one will be for you.
Most rooms are Japanese Style, where you sleep on a futon on the
tatami mat floor, but a few are introducing western style rooms.
Ryokan in the cities are not a lot different from a
business hotel, and the rates are about the same, but in the resort
areas, they are very nice and very expensive. Most charge per person,
including dinner and breakfast. Watch out for the breakfast as you
make be in for a surprise. |
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Minshuku
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Minshuku means "People's Accommodation".
Minshuku are similar to Ryokan, but are generally a more
family-run type of business, and are a little cheaper. From the
outside many look like a large house, and you sometimes eat with the
family. More often not no English is spoken.
Many foreigners think of Minshuku as quaint Japanese
Inns. However, more often than not, they are run-down old houses, in
dire need of repair.
As with the Ryokan, you'll be sleeping on the floor on a
futon. |
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Pension
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Taken from the French "Pension", yet pronounced in the
English manner (as in retirement income), Pension are the westernized
version of the Ryokan and Minshuku. They are found in most resort
area, and offer the same service as a Ryokan / Minshuku, with a
European flavor.
Rates are generally per person, including dinner and
breakfast (both Western Style, often French). Rates vary from the
standard to the very expensive.
Pension are often found in "Pension-Mura",
small hamlets of Pension. |
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Love
Hotels |
Love Hotels are the lower end of the accommodation spectrum. Rented by
the hour, they offer a discreet place for couples to meet.
They range from 30 floor concrete towers to small huts in
the countryside. The one thing most have in common is the neon signs,
usually with "hotel" written on then, and the garish color
schemes. Many also have phallic looking objects indicating there
location. If you see a Statue of Liberty anywhere, you're near a love
hotel.
On a sign near the entrance there will be 2 prices. The
lower figure is for a "rest" of generally 2 hours, the
higher is for a stay, meaning from 10 or 11pm through to 10am the next
morning. Once you enter, you'll find a panel with all the rooms on it.
The ones that are lit up are available. Push the button corresponding
to the rooms, and pay your money through a whole in the wall (no faces
are seen), and away you go.
It may sound a bit sleazy (because it is), but the stay
options are great if you show up somewhere late, and can't find
somewhere to stay. Rooms are generally large, clean, and have
excellent facilities. Many have other attractions like video games,
karaoke, and some have a breakfast service.
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