Get a Place

With all the excitement, you'll need a place to lay your weary head.

Let's face it: Youth hostels are "so 80's". But that is exactly what has been advised for cheap places to stay in Japan for decades. Fortunately, there are much better options now.
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A popular choice these days is AirBNB. Only part of that reason is price. Another part is that you can experience and immerse yourself in another culture better by staying in a home rather than at a hotel. In the bigger cities (and many of the smaller ones), options are many and prices are competitive. You can rent an entire home or apartment, a single bedroom, or a group room (spot on the floor for your sleeping bag). If you're staying with a host or family, a daily meal or two is often included in the price. And just like elsewhere in the world, there's nothing like home cooking.

Note: New laws targeted at Airbnb and similar companies are being passed in Japan. Read more about it on our blog.
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"Sharehouses" have been popular in Japan for several years. Also known as a "Gaijin House", these apartments offer flexibility not typically available in standard apartment buildings. Oakhouse is the biggest and most popular of the sharehouse companies. They offer a variety of accommodations across Japan, from complete private apartments to dormitory-style rooms and shared lounges. The rental contract lengths are flexible too, and you can even move from house to house easily if the need arises. They also have plenty of staff to help you get settled and adjust to life in Japan. Women-only houses are available too. And did I mention they have their own "Happy" video?
Want to go "native"? Or at least traditional? Staying at a ryokan is a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture and hospitality. The Japan Ryokan and Hotel Association has an excellent website - in English! - to help you find the perfect spot in any part of Japan.
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For everything from furnished short-term stays to long-term apartments to buying that second home in Japan, a great site is RealEstate.co.jp. Not only can you search area or price range, you can even search by train station. Very handy if you already know where you'll be working or what tourist sights you want to be closest to. As an example, this link will take you to a listing of apartments for rent near Ikebukuro Station on the Yamanote Line with no guarantor, no agency fee, and no key money required. Neat, huh?
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