Cheap Accommodation in Tokyo

Tokyo on a Budget – Where to find a Cheap Hotel Room

Sep 3, 2009 Karen Dion

Tokyo need not be an expensive vacation, there are numerous budget hotels for long and short term travelers.

Tokyo's status as one of the world's most expensive cities has fallen somewhat in the past few years. Contrary to what many people believe, it is possible to have an affordable vacation there. The biggest expense, though, remains accommodation. However, there are numerous cheap hotels the budget traveler can choose from.

Hotel New Koyo

The Hotel New Koyo's smallest single room costs ¥2,500 per night. A bigger room is available for ¥2,700 or a double for ¥4,800.

The New Koyo is a small, friendly hotel and has all the essential facilities: kitchen, laundry, internet, bicycle rental and a popular social area.

The only drawback is that the New Koyo is a little far from Tokyo's best attractions. However, located near the Minowa Metro station on the Ueno line, Tokyo's sights are only short train journey away.

Sakura House

Location is not an issue when staying with the Sakura House chain, as they have dozens of properties spread out all over the city.

Sakura House has a range of room options, from guesthouses with dormitories, shared and private rooms, to budget and luxury apartments. Prices and facilities vary between houses and rooms.

Tokyo Living

Tokyo Living has one guesthouse and several private apartments. Most of the apartments are in the same general area: Nishi-Azabu, Moto-Azabu, Azabu-Mamiana and Roppongi.

Tokyo Living's 'Hilton' guesthouse is located in Nishi-Azabu, a two minute walk from the Roppongi Hills shopping and entertainment complex and a very short distance from the bars, clubs and restaurants of the nightlife center, favorite with ex-pats, Roppongi.

The guesthouse is very strictly female only and anyone found breaking this rule will likely be asked to leave.

Travelers can choose between multi-bed dormitories with beds starting at ¥50,000 to shared and private rooms costing up to ¥85,000 per month. Nightly and weekly rates are also available.

Metropolis Magazine and Tokyo Notice Board

Anyone already in the city can check the back pages of the free weekly magazines Metropolis and Tokyo Notice Board. Both list cheap room openings from both rental companies and individual landlords.

Metropolis and Tokyo Notice Board are also a great source for employment and events listings.

All of the options listed are convenient for both short term vacationers and long term residents in Tokyo. If planning to stay for any considerable length of time, renting from one of these companies is recommended as going through the usual rental channels can be very expensive with having to put down deposits, agent fees and 'key money' - usually one month's rent each.

The copyright of the article Cheap Accommodation in Tokyo in E Asia Travel is owned by Karen Dion. Permission to republish Cheap Accommodation in Tokyo in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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