There are many types of lodging available in Japan, from Western style “city hotels” to capsule hotels that let you stay in the heart of a bustling city for under $40. If you’re looking for lodging while on a business trip choose one of the no-nonsense “business hotels” that can be found near any train station, and when it’s sexy time, look for one of Japan’s legendary love hotels, where you can rent privacy by the hour or night. One of the best experiences you can have in Japan is staying at a ryokan inn, which is a lot of fun. You’re provided with a traditional tatami room and given a yukata (cotton kimono), fed a beautiful meal of foods you won’t be able to identify (but no matter, it’s all delicious), and shown to an elegant bath to relax in, as seen in anime series like Hanasaku Iroha and games like Tokimeki Check-in! Sometimes a person visiting Japan doesn’t want a lot of foreigners around them disrupting their wa. If so, trade in the Western-style youth hostel you found in the Lonely Planet guide for a traditional Japanese minshuku, a kind of traditional budget ryokan or bed-and-breakfast that’s extra cool because most foreigners don’t know about them. You’ll have a more authentic experience in Japan and will meet some really friendly people there, and lodgings are very affordable, usually around $50-60 including meals.
Staying in a Japanese ryokan inn is always a treat.
