How to Make Accommodation Cheaper When Traveling

Save money without sacrificing comfort or experience

Planning a trip to Japan is exciting but let’s be honest, it can also get expensive fast, especially when it comes to accommodation. But here's the good news: with a few smart choices, you can cut your housing costs without ruining the experience. In fact, some of these tips will also help you save time and stress during your trip.

I’ve been there trying to figure out where to stay, how not to blow my budget, and still be close to everything. After years of traveling across Japan, here’s what really works:

✅ Try Business Hotels & Capsule Hotels

These are Japan’s best-kept secrets for budget travelers:

Business Hotels like APA, Toyoko Inn, or Super Hotel offer compact but comfy rooms, usually with breakfast and everything you need.
Capsule Hotels are super budget-friendly and surprisingly nice, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. Great for solo travelers!

✅ Hostels & Guesthouses (Not Just for Backpackers)

Hostels in Japan are next-level: clean, safe, often stylish. Many even offer private rooms, which is perfect if you want your space without paying hotel prices.

💡 Extra tip: Choose one with a shared kitchen you’ll save a ton by cooking a few meals yourself.

✅ Love Hotels (Yes, Really)

Hear me out. Love hotels aren’t just for couples they're actually cheaper than most hotels and often offer more space. Book during the day or early check-in windows and you’ll be surprised how affordable (and comfortable) they are.

✅ Airbnb & Weekly Rentals

If you’re staying more than 5–7 days, platforms like Airbnb or monthly rental sites (like Unito, OYO Life, etc.) often offer discounts for longer stays.

Bonus: You’ll get a full kitchen, washing machine, and more space which means saving on restaurants and laundry too.

✅ Stay Slightly Outside the Tourist Zones

If you don’t mind a short commute, staying in neighborhoods like Nishi-Kasai (Tokyo) or Minami (Osaka) gives you local vibes, quieter nights, and cheaper rates while still being just 15–20 minutes from the action.

💡 Bonus Tip: Where to Book?

Don’t book blindly compare deals on:

Rakuten Travel
Agoda
Booking.com

And always book as early as you can. For popular seasons (cherry blossom or autumn), 3–6 months in advance is ideal.

TL;DR – My Cheat Sheet for Budget Stays in Japan:

📍 Stay near a main station (worth it)
🛏️ Business hotels or capsule hotels are your friends
🏠 Airbnb > hotels for long stays
🎒 Hostels = private rooms on a budget
💡 Love hotels: spacious, fun, cheap
🚇 Suburbs save money + still accessible

💼 Why Choose My Ready-to-Go Itineraries?

Planning a Japan trip can get overwhelming. I lived in Japan and built the kind of guide I wish I had at the beginning. Here’s what you get:

✅ Clear day-by-day routes 100% customizable

✅ Local spots, not just the touristy ones

✅ Interactive map & Direct Google Maps links

✅ Tips on transport, food, and stays

✅ Works offline. Saves you 100+ hours of research

💌 Get Your Japan Itinerary Now Travel Japan with clarity. No stress. No chaos. Just the adventure, made easy.

Marie creator behind @Tabimawari

Hi, I’m Marie.

French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.

I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.

I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use

Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.

This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.

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