4 Unusual but Memorable Places to Stay in Japan
Japan is known as the Land of the Rising Sun with its scenic landscape and unique culture. It serves as one of the top most popular destinations in Asia. It is a country with a long history and tradition that are still preserved in today’s generation. However, with the growth of this beautiful country, the people have attracted thousands of tourists with their distinct ways of entertaining and surprising everyone.
There is now a growing number of unusual places to stay in Japan. Adventurous travelers are easily engulfed in this trend of seeking unique refuge on top of their scenic tour. Some of these places are attracting thousands of people globally because of the colorful and memorable designs as well as other remarkable features. On the other hand, other guests visit the most intriguing places for a remarkable adventure that adds color to their time in the country. If you want to experience this kind of trip, here are the most popular ones to stay in all over Japan.
1. Capsule Hotels
Not a place for claustrophobic. Be prepared.
First seen in Osaka, these hotels offer small capsules that are designed for overnight accommodation on a budget. Most of these hotels have minimalist interiors which are relaxing for the guests. This is why even though it is one of the most unusual places to stay in Japan, it attracts busy business workers and budget backpackers.
Imagine capsules that are stacked on top of another and side by side to maximize space. This is what guests see once they enter a capsule hotel. Aside from the setup, it is usually open to serve 9-hour accommodation which is ideal for the constant travelers who are only seeking a space to spend the night. However, it is not a good choice for claustrophobic tourists because of the extremely small and enclosed capsules. The experience might turn into one horrifying experience.
2. Hotels with Crying Rooms
Are you stressed? Do you want to find a quiet place to cry? Yes, there's just a hotel for you.
Relatively new, the crying rooms in Mitsui Garden Yotsuya hotel opened its doors to interested guests in the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo. This unique concept is designed to a specific target of women who are combating stress. The hotel prepared the rooms with 12 carefully chosen moving films such as Forrest Gump, A Moment to Remember (South Korean drama movie), and Japan’s own A Tale of Mari and Three Puppies.
Aside from those movies, the services are specially done to provide warm eye masks to prevent puffiness and even make-up removers. Though even with this concept, it is not at the top of the unusual places to stay in Japan. This is simply a quick escape for those looking for some great movie treats and a quiet place to relax.
3. Love hotels
Where do couples go in Japan?
There is a variety of love hotels open across the country. This type of hotel is especially exclusive for couples looking for a private space to stay in. The rooms can be rented by the hour. These hotels all have rooms with different themes that also add spice to those lovebirds looking for a new place to share an intimate time together.
The Queen Elizabeth Love Hotel, for instance, in Kanagawa is one of Japan’s most popular love hotel. It's building attracts many because of its unusual shape. Made to look like the Queen Elizabeth ship, it is painted with hues of pink and red. An additional feature is a tribute to the movie Titanic because the characters of Jack and Rose are seen at the bow. However, most of the rooms here only have a naval theme.
4. Homestay
A common go-to place for students and even backpackers.
With the expanding tourist rate, there are available homestay accommodations that travelers can check. This is where tourists experience the life of a Japanese. Visitors stay under the same roof with a Japanese family. There are various homestays near Tokyo and even in other cities. It is a unique way of finding adventure in this colorful city because it offers an authentic Japanese lifestyle.
It's an affordable choice especially for those who are backpacking. However, some families can speak simple English, so long or in-depth conversations can somehow be difficult. Though this is an added attraction to the experience.
Cafes and Restaurants
Aside from the unusual places to stay in Japan, there are also other numerous quirky places to visit.
Maiddreamin is a uniquely-themed café which has a following in other countries as well. Girls in maid outfits welcome visitors in the Akihabara district. It is a place to relax and have a different travel experience.
Lock Up is another strangely conceptualized restaurant in Japan. Many individuals who go on cosplaying can enjoy this dungeon-themed café in Tokyo. However, people who easily get frightened might choose a different destination. This café features tables in cells (jail cells), with cabinets of skulls, and meals in test tubes.
These kinds of strange yet interesting places catch the attention of many travelers from all over the globe. Be prepared to mingle with individuals from various cultures as you go through the streets of Japan.