Accommodation in Japan

On arrival in Japan, one of the first things you'll need to organize is a place to stay. Of course, the best Tokyo hotels are among the most expensive anywhere. But for the short-term visitor there is something for every budget, with the sliding scale consisting roughly of: hotels, ryokan (Japanese-style inn), pensions (B&B), minshuku (family-run guest house), business hotels, capsule hotels and youth hostels.

Long-term visitors or those planning to stay and work have two choices: share houses (often referred to as gaijin houses) or renting an apartment or house.

Gaijin houses are plentiful and cheap and have weekly or monthly rates while finding an apartment can be a frustrating and expensive experience. Most people start off spending a few months in a gaijin house and move into an apartment when they've put some money together. Free magazines available in bars, pubs and restaurants usually have listings of gaijin houses and their rates.

Related content:

• Short-term accommodation
• Long-term accommodation