Hostels are a great way to save money, meet new people, and work on the go! So what makes Japan’s hostels so good for the solo traveler?
Hostels often get a bad rep for being unclean, unsafe, and lacking in services and facilities. Of course, this is true when compared to 5-star hotels, but we’re not all millionaires out here.
Unlike many of those in the west, Japan’s hostels blur the lines between hotel and hostel by offering clean, safe accommodation with unique services!
Unique Bed Setups
A common feature of Japan’s hostels is the capsule-style bedding arrangement.
Unlike your typical bunk bed setup found in most hostels, this setup allows for greater privacy.
Guests are separated by actual walls rather than a thin curtain that doesn’t block out any sound.
So much more than just a bed, these capsule-style rooms give you power outlets, side tables, and lamps for a mini-living room setup.
There are typically luggage storage sections of the room as well, and you are also given access to lockers the size of closets!
Amazing Workspaces
This may be a biased example, but the workspace at Lestel Maru hostel in Sapporo was by far the best workspace I’ve ever freelanced at.
A modern home design with power outlets, fast Wi-Fi connection, and perfect lighting were some of the key factors that made it ideal for remote work.
Also, the guests here are typically business people and remote workers, so if you’re trying to get work done, many are in the same boat as you.
Of course, the energy and enthusiasm of holidayers and group travelers has its own charm, but sometimes you need that pin-drop silence that Lestel Maru offers on a daily basis.
Fantastic Bathroom And Laundry Facilities
Japan’s bathrooms never disappoint. You could be in the most remote parts of the country, and you’ll most likely find one of Japan’s classic smart toilets with automated bidet systems.
You also don’t have to worry about bringing your own body soaps and shampoos, as they’re all provided!
Depending on the hostel, you’ll typically have access to various amenities such as hair dryers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, ear picks, and more!
In my experience, every hostel I’ve been to in Japan has offered free laundry and dryer services, though I’m aware this isn’t always the case.
Worst case scenario is you will have a coin laundry and dryer to use, or you may have to hang up your clothes to dry instead.
Homey Common Areas
Japan’s hostels always feature a home-like common area where you have access to a kitchen, television, sofas, and other typical amenities you’d find in a home.
For example, this hostel in Kitakyushu provides guests with a spacious living area where you can relax, watch TV, play board games and musical instruments, or (like me) whip out your laptop and get to work!
These common areas make for great quiet spaces during the day when most guests are off being tourists outside, but can also be great in the evenings for socializing with fellow travelers!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!