In a country with a declining population, the tourism industry seems to have adapted. Meaning, I've found it quite difficult to find reasonably priced hotels that sleep a family of five. Certainly upscale ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) are abundant - and one can simply throw in more futons on the floor. But these are quite the experiences including elaborate traditional breakfast and dinner, that can run $200+ per person per night. Yup, you read that right.
So, for our domestic travel, I've generally stuck to AirBnB. I can find houses or apartments in most places for around $2-300/night. Not a "deal," but at least within the realm of acceptable. This is Japan, after all.
Sometimes, though, I just want a hotel. Someone else to keep the place neat and make breakfast, so it feels like a real vacation. I've found two places so far ... and let's see by the time we leave Japan how many more I end up with on this list.
- Ibaraki Prefecture, near Hitachi Seaside Park
- Japanese rooms can fit 5 or 6 on futons
- Rooms have full bath, and access to the onsen
- When I called the hotel, they were happy to adjust our charge to only have breakfast, fully understanding that my American kids don't eat fancy Japanese dinner.
- Some of the staff could speak some English, but I communicated exclusively in Japanese
- Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture
- Combo Western/Japanese room can sleep 5 (two single beds, three futon)
- Full bath in room, and access to the onsen
- Communication in English no problem! They can also help set up ski rentals, lessons, etc.
- Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
- Western style hotel room with bunk beds to accommodate 5 or 6. Has a small kitchenette and a sofa to sit everyone, too.
- One stop from the main Nagoya train station
- Easy English booking on Booking.com with the messaging ap for any questions.
- Apartment style hotel, similar to Gold Stay Osu above. Rooms for up to 6 people, with kitchenette and sofa.
- Locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. Shinmachi Sanjo location was very centrally located in Kyoto, easy to main streets, taxis, and metro.
- All self-catering, but a convenience store and super market within one block.
- Fully bilingual staff.
- A select number of rooms have a Pokemon! theme.
