Capsule Hotels in Japan - location

I think capsule hotels are one of the best ways for a foreigner to travel around Japan. They do have a few constraints though:
1. They dont offer much in the way of English-language support, and I dont think they want high-manitenance gaijin. Its a very traditional crowd I think.
2. You have limited space for storage. Basically your sleeping area is open so you dont have storage space there. You get one elongate, school-type locker in the bath area. This is not terribly secure, but I have never had a problem. I have often stored a locked case on ground floor in the office storage area, and this has been fine, though not always secure. i.e. They have left the door open. They did not mind me taking things out daily for overnight stays.
3. They dont really suit more than 2 night stays.
4. I am not aware of any website which provides a list of capsule hotels in Japan, and since they are advertised in Japanese, they are not always easy to find. Your best chance is going to a youth-entertainment district in a major city and asking people. I dont know the Japanese name, but they will know enough English.

I have stayed at capsule hotels in the Tenjin district of Fukuoka (Green Cell?), Nagoya (near JR station), Tokyo (near Prince Hotel, Shinjuku) and Hiroshima. Could not find anything in Osaka, though I'm sure they are there. I literally couldn't find anything, so I dislike the place to this day. Ok, not literally. They tend to be around the Y3500-4500/night. The value is the hot bath before and after a night out. Dont forget you save on transport too (Y300+). Sometimes they have a discount for the 2nd night.
As indicated they dont stand out very well. They dont have signs saying 'capsule hotel'. Just a lot of Japanese garb. Ask people. If you have trouble storing your bags, maybe you should use a locker at the station overnight, and recover your things the next morning. But as indicated, I never had a problem storing or accessing a lockup case.
For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsule_hotel and Osaka Capsule Hotels (paradoxically I found this list) and here for pictures of a capsule hotel.
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com

Capsule Hotels vs Youth Hostels

Another great way to travel around Japan on the cheap is by staying at youth hostels. My experiences with youth hostels has mostly been in other countries, eg. Canada, NZ, Australia. In fact I have only stayed at a youth hostel once in Japan and that was in Nagoya. The reason I didn't like it was because this place has a 11pm curfew, so after clubbing until 2AM in the morning, I was unable to go to bed. Instead I was forced to walk around the city for 3 hours to keep warm. I dont know why I was unaware of the curfew. Maybe such information was in Japanese or staff neglected to tell me. Can't recall.

Youth Hostels are a cheap option and I would recommend them, particularly in the smaller cities and countryside where ryokans tend to be expensive and capsule hotels are absent. See www.jyh.or.jp/english/index.html for more information. I prefer capsule hotels in the city because I love a hot bath before and after going out, and also they have the advantage of being 24 hours and they are conveniently located close to entertainment areas (bars) in the cities, so I dont need to get an expensive taxi. Capsule hotels are similarly priced to youth hostels.

I guess both options should be tried as an experience. Capsule hotels are really only suitable for single men. There are a few I believe that cater to women, but they are rare. There are no private baths to my knowledge, so be prepared to flaunt you penis. I'm sure you'll put on a great show. The towels don't offer much shelter if you are not well endowed. But rest assured there will not be any Japanese walking around laughing at you in any language you understand. :)

The cheapest accommodation you might find

If you are planning to travel overseas or interstate and you face a huge expense for accommodation - you might want to consider one of the following options:
1. Renting a campervan: Depending on your budget they can cost anywhere between $5-150/night, cheaper if you are returning a vehicle for them. It also depends on how many people you are travelling with, and if you are comfortable driving with the size camper you need. They range in size from 1-3tonne. A large one is easily handled in the countryside, but you might freak out in large cities, and where would you park. So oyu need to think about these issues. Campervanning present their own security concerns as well. I think it makes sense if you are going to hire a car anyway, you are travelling through a safe country, you are familiar with the country, the road rules are familiar. It makes more economic sense if you are travelling with 4 people, as the cost per person will fall, and there are benefits eating as well, so its a great strategy for families.
2. Buying a campervan: This option only makes sense if you are planning to travel for a long duration, or you are prepared to use a camper long term as a lifestyle vehicle, or you are buying a very cheap one second hand. Much depends on how much comfort you are prepared to tolerate. Some retirees by a campervan and travel around their home country, then sell it. That makes sense if you are well-endowed, but you will loose alot on amortisation. I might make more sense just to rent. If you are intending to buy, it makes sense to rent a few vehicle types beforehand to get a sense of the type of vehicle that you want, as well as to determine if you really like the lifestyle.
See my blog for more info - http://campa-living.blogspot.com
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Andrew Sheldon www.sheldonthinks.com

Banaue Hotel, Ifugao Province, The Philippines

I have never seen so many foreigners gathered in one place in the Philippines. Without a doubt the place had the ambience of a terrorist bomb target.. he he. Fortunately the statute of limitations on tasteless jokes has run out. Seriously, this place is as far away as you could get from terrorists. Though it was not long ago that this area was a NPA (Communist) hotspot. The only signs of that are the checkpoints.

The number of foreigners was a surprise because you dont see many around, except in the neighbouring village of Banaue and at the viewing deck over the famous 'rice terraces'. Personally I think the rice terraces in Bali are much more appealing, and much more famous. Having said that there are more delights in this country than the government tourist office is promoting. The problem of course is that the government has no money to promote tourism and no idea how to, but they are getting better. Of of the real treasures going to Banaue is the drive there. The Cagayan Valley is beautiful between Aritao and Salano, and there are alot of opportunities to shop, though the problem is getting the cane and cloth handicrafts and sculpture back to your homeland without breaching a quarantine restriction.

There are a vast array of home craft industries in this part of the Philippines. Check out this piece (below) - No doubt a monument to my greatness. Well when I make such jokes with my GF she rebuts 'Well such jokes are half true'. Dear you are so right! I accept that with pride. If you are looking for this piece as a trophy, you can buy it for P12,000 ($US300) at this store adjoining Francillas grill & restaurant, which is just north of Santa Fe town in Nueva Escaya Province, in Central Luzon. If you have some ideas for a customised sculpture go up to Banaue. There is a museum in town, if you like a piece, take a photo and get a local artist to duplicate it.

Ok back to the topic at hand. The Banaue Hotel was built along with the Banaue Youth Hotel (next door) to provide a higher standard of accommodation for tourists. The strategy was supported by Imelda Marcos. The hotel has the styling of a ski chalet. The food was good, the view of the mountains great. The hot water was slow in coming and my superior room was smaller than a standard, so go figure. The fact that I was on the 3rd floor rather than the 2nd made little difference. The walls were very thin. I could here the German guy next door playing around with his girlfriend, so I must have sounded twice as loud. Poor guy, and thats just when I'm by myself. The hostel is P250/night, and the hotel P2300/night for a basic room including a continental breakfast. The service was annoying. They kept bugging me for coffee. I hate talking in the morning. Filipinos just dont get the protocol. 'I before E, leave me alone before 3'. I'm an afternoon person :)

Here are pictures of the hotel from the main road to the village and the breakfast view. The hotel is arounf 10 hours from Manila.

For hotel bookings contact email: sales@philtourism.gov.ph or tel: 63-2-524 2513. Fot hostel bookings, you can call tel: 63-74-386 4087.

Porto Novo Hotel, San Jose City, Philippines

The Porto Novo Hotel is without a doubt the best value hotel I have ever stayed in - all the factors considered. Here is what you get for P1000 per standard room - continental breakfast and tax included. The 4-floor hotel is just 6mths old, so its very clean and modern. The standard rooms are generously sized, and come with aircon, cable TV, ensuite toilet/bathroom and a work table. It was very comfortable working there. There was even wifi, though the signal was a little weak in the room, and the manager turned off the internet later in the evening...to our dismay. Breakfast was simple but pleasing....something you might order from McDonalds. There was undercover parking, off-street parking, which makes alot of sense in the Philippines because of the security concerns and frequent rainstorms. The service was also friendly and attentive, though I must say they could offer little help for us as tourists. No travel maps, no tips for where to go. I guess the area doesn't have much to offer, but might they dig something up?? My guess is that they are targeting a business market, but given the possibility to attract holidayers, why not fill those vacant rooms.

I give the place 5-stars for value.

The Porto Novo Hotel is located on the Mahalika Highway as you leave San Jose City towards the north. Its in barangay Malasin, and their tel: 63-44-947 6688. As indicated, you can get a standard room (good for 1-2) for P1000/night or a family suite for P3,500. They even have separate quarters for your driver (P350/night with breakfast), and function rooms for P3,500. They have a very generous check-out of 12 noon.

Check the terms when you travel - my suspicion is that there terms are a 'special price' to boost market awareness. Perhaps it might be best to take up the offer before prices rise!

Cheap accommodation in South Korea

It would be fair to say that I consider Korea among the most interesting countries I have been too...NOT!!! probably trailing Singapore because its a less comfortable place to stay, and very cold in winter. I imagine it to be like Japan was 30 years earlier. So having spent alot of time in Japan I cant appreciate its own identity. They are pretty aggressive people too though the better educated classy people are nice enough, and among the few to speak English. But maybe this is all just a communication problem.
The good news is that accomodation and transport is cheap so you can flick through the country on your way elsewhere just to say you have been there. On the positive side there was some interesting cultural aspects. I watched a funny cartoon skit on TV about a tragic romance. It struck me as much better than Japanese humour. I also ate at some nice restaurants and a tea house in Seoul. Seoul was surprisingly cultured in ways, though it makes you wonder whether it was the Korean American influence, so I showed no respite when I was interviewed by local TV channel on the virtues of travelling to Korea. I was really giving shit. Aside from bibinba and fast internet, there were not many redeeming features. It was the most organised place I have been to. All the buildings are numbered, so if you are good with numbers, you will never get lost. I think after they have build 1ooo condominiums they start to build a new city.

Seoul
1. Anguk Hanok Guest House – see http://anguk-house.com.
2. Seoul Guest House – see www.seoul110.com, or email: seoul110@yahoo.com.
3. Dongyang Motel – see www.dymotel.com or email: zorou@hotmail.com. Address: 6-1203, Choryang-dong, Seoul.
4. Jongno-won Guest House: See www.jongnowon.com. Address: #29 Ikson-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel: 82-2-763 4249. I stayed here. It cost me W28,000 per night, or Y35,000 for two.
5. Songwontel Guest House: A single was W25,000 or W30,000 for a double. Its near Jongno-won guest house, should it be full. Address: #103-62, Doneui-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel: 82-2-742 4469. See www.songwontel.com.

West Coast Korea

The highlight of the west coast was this beach resort. Korea actually has decent beaches compared to Japan. They had some wave action going and its white sand. Be careful not to trip over the barbed wire. When I was digging my sand castles I was hoping to find some ancient Korean treasury from the days when Japan wa plundering everything. But didnt find anything....not even a land mine.

Saraksan National Park was a disappointment. It was crowded and few highlights. Had a nice walk, a few nice autumn trees, but it wasnt worth the wait trying to get into the place. The queue of holiday makers was kilometres long. I think it must be the only half-decent place to go in Korea.

1. SP Sun Motel: See www.spsunmotel.fo.st. I stayed at this nice hotel in the Naksan Beach Resort town on he NW coast, close to the beach. Its not a great tourist stop, but it was cheap, at just W20,000. Nice beach except for the barbed wire to stop the North Koreans. Tel: 82-33-671 5665. They don’t speak English.

Pusan

1. Dong-gu, Pusan, Korea. This hotel is down an alley-way, past food stalls, on the southern (?) side of Pusan train station. Close to the International ferry terminal too. The cost was Y35,000 per night. I found it by going to tourist info at the train station.

Cheap accommodation in Japan

I used to consider myself a 'Japan expert' but I might be getting a little rough here. I did most of my travel there a few years ago, and these days most of my travel is short trips, but I still have alot to offer for the larger cities.
The type of accommodation to get in Japan will depend on how long you intend to stay. If you are staying more than 2 weeks think about getting a 'gaijin house' - these are short term rentals based on monthly payments. There are several big companies offering this type of accommodation. Actually the flexibility and general high standard of this accommodation makes it well-suited for longer term stays. But bear in mind, you are sharing with alot of people, some noisy, untidy in bathroom, shower and kitchen, so think about that before you commit long term. There are issues with group responsibilities. Think about the location you choose. Pay a little more to be on a good train line or close to a station. Also try to get neat some open spaces. I rented a place for 2 months at Sumiyoshi, which was close to the Arakawa River, which allowed me to go for long uninterrupted rides up the river in relatively open spaces. Kanagawa has areas like that too SW of Tokyo city.
For shorter stay accommodation there are lodges or 'backpacker' style places, but actually if you dont have too much gear, you might consider capsule hotels. If you are a guy and dont mind being naked in public, you will love the hot baths. I was surprised but I never heard any racial taunts in these places. Most Japanese are polite, but usually their are some idiots around. What makes these places special is the hot baths and the fact they are located in the centre of the larger cities, and close to entertainment centres, and they are open 24 hours. I tend to have a bath before I go out, then after I have returned. Very refreshing.

Tokyo
The accommodation I liked in Tokyo was:
1. U-City Hotel, Narita City: Adjacent to Narita JL Line Station is the best value in Narita. Kihoko can get me a discount through work. It cost me Yen7,370/night, including breakfast & tax. No service charge paid.
2. Narita Station Hotel: Much cheaper at Y5,400/night and much closer to the station. I stayed here the last time. Free shuttle service from the Airport too, which I abused.
3. New Kayo Economy Hotel: Cheapest in Tokyo at Y2,700/night. Has internet access, TV, though small rooms. Located on the same subway line as Roppongi, close to Minowa Station, and therefore Ueno. Need to book at least 2 days in advance. Tel: 81-3-3873 0343?? [might be wrong number]
4. Space Inn Capsule Hotel, Shinjuku: This place is well located near a ATM (for Mastercard), Shinjuku Station, and is write among the action for entertainment. I did not really enjoy the area. Rate was Y3,800/night. Near Prince Hotel.
5. Geijin House, near Ueno: There are 2 Geijin Houses advertised at www.geijinhouse.com which Katsue found on the internet. This one is well located. I think it costs Y65,000 per month + deposit.

Nagoya
Nagoya is a smaller city, but it still has a few capsule hotels.
1. Space Inn: A capsule hotel near Nagoya Station, but also within walking distance of the entertainment area. McDonalds is right across the road. I have stayed at this place on 2 occasions now, the last time about 15mths ago. I thin it cost Y4200 per night.
2. Park Hotel: This is an economy business hotel, but was booked out the night I needed. I think the capsule hotel is better. This is probably Y6500 per night.

Osaka
1. Hokke Club Hotel: This is the only place I stayed at in Osaka. It was a bit expensive. Public laundry & baths. Cost Y5,250 if you book through Tourist Information at Osaka Station, otherwise higher price.
2. Capsule Hotel: I tried this place, but there was a 4:00pm opening and they did not speak English.
3. Yukikaze Youth Hostel: Just 10 minutes from Kansai International Airport. Just Y3,500/night. Address: Osaka-fu, Sennan-shi, Kitano 2-3-34, tel: 81-724-845 254, fax: 81-724-823 688. I did not stay. Closed at the time for renovation.

Kyoto
Kyoto is a very attractive city because it is surrounded by forest, and it has alot of old traditional buildings, temples, etc.
1. Maruko Inn: This place was very good value. A good room for Y4,200, and reasonably close to the entertainment district. Tel: 81-75-361 0505, fax: 81-75-361 7340.

Hiroshima
1. Capsule Hotel, located in the Ebisu Area. From Hiroshima Station, get the tram to Ebisu-cho. Walk south about 3-4 blocks and there is a Capsule Hotel. This is in the vicinity of several bars. Eg. Macs Bar, Twister Café being the better ones I visited. They offer a discount if you stay a 2nd night.

Fukuoka
1. ETS Inn: This place was very good value, and was a new hotel. Located near Fukuoka Station, but need to go through Tourist Information for discount. Tel: 81-92-642 4563. It is located near the railway, behind the bus shelters.
2. Green Land Capsule Hotel: This place is well-located in the Tenjin district, so easy access to entertainment district.

I have more places to add here, but I'll need to source them from other notes. Most of the others are country locations.