| ESSENTIALS | ACCOMMODATION | TRANSPORT | | LANGUAGE | LIVING IN JAPAN |
Japan offers a wide range of accommodation options, whether you want to enjoy the familiar comforts of a western style hotel or experience a Japanese style ryokan, the choices are only limited by budget. For economical travellers, business hotels and youth hostels are available. Be aware that wherever you stay you may be asked to show your passport. It is advisable to book accommodation through a travel agent or the internet before coming to Japan.
Western Style Hotels
In large cities
a wide range
of western
style hotels are
available: from
world famous
hotel chains with
their usual high
standards, to
more affordable
hotels at a lower
standard. Even
at the lower standard hotel staff are generally able
to speak enough English to respond to your queries
and will arrange guided tours at your request. For
top class hotels in Tokyo, single room charges range
from ¥15,000 to ¥30,000, with twin rooms priced
between ¥20,000 and ¥45,000.
The Japan Hotel Association (JHA) has 231 members
listed on its website (www.j-hotel.or.jp).
Business Hotels
Business Hotels are somewhat cheaper, offering much smaller rooms and more limited food offerings. The price for these hotels varies broadly, with more spacious hotels closer to major transport centres often charging more. Business hotels do not offer some of the services of the larger hotels, such as porter or room service. These hotels often have computer connections in the lobby and English language newspapers. A continental breakfast (sufficient to get you through the first hour or so of the day) is likely to be included in the price. There are only a limited number of twin and double bedrooms, as these hotels generally target the single businessmen, or those on a short term stay. Charges for a single room are around ¥6,000.
Ryokan
While many hotels do have Japanese style rooms,
another option to consider is traditional Japanese
inns, called ryokan. The tatami (rice straw mats)
rooms have a low table and thin flat cushions to sit
on, and there are single sex communal bathrooms.
Hot spring baths, called onsen, are very popular with
the Japanese people, and many ryokan are located at hot spring resorts. A Japanese style breakfast
and dinner are included in the room charge, and a
cotton kimono, called a yukata, is provided for each
guest to wear when relaxing. Meals are normally
served in your room, however, if you request to eat
in the dining room you will have a great opportunity
to enjoy beautifully arranged Japanese cuisine, with
a delicious mix of flavours, textures and colours. 
In
the evening, your futon bed, stored in the cupboard
during the day, will be made up for you.
You need to be aware of a few appropriate Japanese
manners when you stay in a ryokan. At the entrance
hall, replace your shoes with a pair of slippers
provided. You should remove these before going up
to your tatami room, as only bare or socked feet are
allowed to tread on the tatami. There will be another
pair of slippers for use while in the bathroom.
Ryokan charges vary from ¥12,000 to ¥20,000. You
can find a list of ryokan at the website of the Japan
Ryokan Association (www.ryokan.or.jp).
DO remember that in Japan the "Ground Floor" will be labelled "Level 1". The Japanese way of counting floors is similar to that of America: there is no "ground floor" and all buildings will start with "Level 1" - so the first storey will be level 2 and the second storey level 3. Basement is labeled "B1" or "B2" as in Australia. Don't get lost!
DO slurp when eating your noodles! Slurping when eating noodles is not considered rude, quite the contrary in fact. When enjoying your udon or soba noodles, one is generally encouraged to slurp them up and appreciate the flavour and the texture of the noodles as you eat them. Slurping noodles is bit tricky if you aren't used to it!
Tax and Service Charges
A 10%-15% service charge and a 5% consumption tax will be added to the room/meal rate. An additional "Accommodation Tax" (¥100-200 per person, per night) is levied for travellers who stay in the Tokyo Metropolitan area at any accommodation which charges ¥10,000 or above per night.
Minshuku and Pensions
Minshuku and pensions also provide economical accommodation for travellers at sightseeing spots. Run by local families, you stay in one of the rooms of their family home. Minshuku provide a traditional Japanese style room and meal, while pensions are western in terms of their bedding and meals. Both of these styles of accommodation are available with or without meals. Their prices range from ¥6,500 to ¥15,000, which includes two meals.
Other Accommodation
Japan has over 300 youth hostels. They are cheaper than the options described above (around ¥3,000 without meals), and while they are named "youth hostels", there is no limit on the age of the guests. It is wise to join the International Youth Hostel Federation before you leave Australia (www.yha. com.au). You will receive a membership card, a list of hostels with contact information and other useful advice. The International Tourism Centre of Japan operates Welcome Inn Reservation Center (WIRC). They will help you find and book economical accommodation at member inns, called Welcome Inns, throughout Japan. The Welcome Inns include accommodation ranging widely in price and size, best suited to single families or small groups of friends. Their service is free of charge and you can access them through their website, www.itcj.or.jp. The Japan National Tourism Organisation website might also be useful, www.jnto.go.jp/eng/index.html.©JNTO / ©Japan Ryokan Association
