Travelogue: Sleeps 5

 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. 

Hotel New Hakuaki

• 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 Panorama Hotel

• 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.

Gold Stay Nagoya Osu

• 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.

Mimaru Shinmachi Sanjo (Kyoto)

• 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.