Planning your first trip to Japan? You’re in for an incredible experience no matter what cities and sites you choose to visit. But where should you stay? Airbnb is surging in popularity around the world, but these short-term home stays aren’t always the best option for first-time travelers in Japan.
While there’s some appeal in immersing yourself in Japanese culture by way of staying at a local residence, you might get more than you bargained for if you’re not familiar with the nuances of everyday Japanese life. It’s often best to stay at a more traditional hotel—or a smaller inn with a host who can help you adapt to any differences in Japanese culture.
Airbnb might be tempting when it comes to the different variety of residences to choose from and the price per night, but don’t be fooled. Staying at a hotel won’t take away from your cultural experience—and might even add to it more than you realize!
Read on to learn all about the pros and cons of Airbnb in Japan, and why booking a hotel is the best bet for first-timers and inexperienced travelers.
Is Airbnb legal in Japan?
Since gaining popularity among travelers, Airbnb has run into some resistance in certain cities and countries. For instance, in Paris, France, Airbnb is hugely restricted, with very few properties available and significant fees associated with booking. Barcelona, Spain; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and London, England have similar restrictions. Usually, this results in significant costs for travelers.
Airbnb is legal in Japan, but it’s heavily regulated both by the Japanese government and Airbnb itself. According to the Minpaku Law, which came into effect in 2018, hosts must register the property with local authorities and must collect guest IDs. They’re also restricted in terms of how many days per year they can rent out their property, with 180 being the maximum.
There are also local laws and regulations that may apply depending on the area you’re visiting, so do your research before you book. And, make sure to check prices if you do decide to book an Airbnb—local restrictions can result in hefty booking fees that often make renting an Airbnb more expensive than a traditional hotel.
The pros of an Airbnb in Japan
While we’re recommending that new travelers avoid Airbnb for their first couple of excursions to Japan, it’s important to realize that there are a few perks to using the platform. As you get more comfortable with Japanese lifestyle and culture, staying at the home of a local will seem less and less daunting. Plus, you’ll be more accustomed to navigating on your own, without the amenities of a traditional hotel.
Not sure whether to stay in a hotel or Airbnb during your journey to Japan? There are several benefits to a short-term home stay with Airbnb, including:
Cheaper price. Airbnbs can be cheaper than hotels in Japan, especially if you’re traveling in a group. You’ll save money renting an entire home through Airbnb, rather than booking several rooms in a hotel. In some cases, booking an apartment can cost up to 50% less than staying in a hotel. That said, this can vary tremendously by location and in some prefectures, you might actually spend more on an Airbnb. The good news? They’re typically more affordable in major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama and Nagoya.
Immersive experience. Staying at an Airbnb, no matter what country you’re visiting, provides a unique way to interact and connect with locals. Your Japanese host can offer great recommendations on what to see and what to eat, beyond what you’ll find in guides. For a truly immersive cultural experience, book a stay in a traditional Japanese home and take in all its unique features like tatami mats, sliding doors, futons and more. Just make sure you have a strong understanding of Japanese culture and home life!
More amenities. Many Japanese Airbnbs include amenities that make you feel like you’re staying in a home away from home. They often have features like functional kitchens, laundry machines, Wi-Fi and other creature comforts. This is especially helpful if you’re staying for a long visit or staying with friends. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself further in the culture by visiting a local market and cooking your own meals, for example.
The cons of an Airbnb in Japan
Booking with Airbnb is a trendy way to find a great vacation spot, but it’s not always the best option for those who like more structure and definition in their travel plans. Renting an Airbnb means fending for yourself and being independent while you travel—there’s no front desk to help you or maid service to freshen up your room each night.
While there are some benefits to choosing an Airbnb over a hotel during your trip to Japan, the drawbacks often outweigh them—especially for first-timers to Japan and those who might not have a strong grasp of Japanese culture. Here are just some of the cons of an Airbnb in Japan:
Everything’s smaller. In general, Japanese people are considered smaller than Westerners, and you can see the difference in size reflected even in the design of Japanese homes. A home for six in Japan may seem small and cramped for six Westerners. Most notably, the size of the typical Japanese bathroom can come as a shock to visitors. Bathrooms can be tiny, and the toilet, bath and sink can be cramped into one compact room. There’s often no extra space for more than one person to get ready at a time. If you’re traveling with a group and are looking for space, it’s better to book a hotel.
Rules are strict. Today, both Airbnb and the Japanese government impose strict rules on foreign guests staying in short-term home rentals. While these rules are a courtesy for both tenants and neighbors in the community, they can be strict for visitors. Make sure to review all rules and regulations before you book, so you know what’s expected of you. Keep in mind that these rules can also drive up the price of your booking.
Difficult communication. Unless you speak fluent Japanese—or your host speaks fluent English—communication can be a challenge when staying at an Airbnb. Be aware of any communication limitations before you book. Checking in and out can be inconvenient, especially if you’re arriving after a long flight or you need to move quickly to catch one. Generally, staying at a hotel in Japan is easier, as much of the staff has at least some English proficiency.
Hotels are more accommodating to first-time travelers
While every traveler has their own unique needs and preferences, first-time travelers to Japan are generally recommended to choose a hotel over an Airbnb. Staying at a reputable Japanese hotel chain takes away any worries of an awkward language barrier, plus you get a wide variety of amenities and services to ensure your stay is as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Keep in mind that staying at a hotel vs. an Airbnb doesn’t diminish your cultural experience. In many ways, it can even enhance the experience—you’ll be at-ease and more able to enjoy the situations you’re presented with. With less to worry about, you can focus on truly enjoying the sights and sounds around you.
Here are just some of the reasons why choosing a hotel is your best bet for your first trip to Japan:
High standards. Hotels in Japan uphold high standards of service and cleanliness. At any Japanese hotel chain, you can expect consistent cleanliness and professionalism throughout your stay. In general, the pictures you see are what you get, and there are no surprises to worry about. Booking is easy, reliable and safe, so you always have peace of mind when booking with a reputable Japanese hotel chain.
Professional staff. At reputable hotel chains, there’s always a professional staff member standing by to assist you, any time of the day or night. Most Japanese hotel employees have at least a working proficiency of English, ensuring your every need is taken care of. Many hotels even hold onto your luggage for free and can make your stay easier in several other ways, like making reservations to exclusive restaurants on your behalf.
Convenient locations. Japanese hotels are often located near public transportation like subways and bus stations. If you’re not sure how to get to a particular destination, your hotel reception can answer your questions and arrange transportation. Many hotels near airports also have convenient shuttles that will make sure you get to and from your flight on-time.
Hotel stays are a comfortable, familiar option
While there are many charming and accommodating Airbnb locations across Japan, booking a hotel is often the safer bet for first-time visitors. They provide a structured, comfortable and convenient environment for exploring all Japan has to offer. You’ll have less to worry about and more convenience built in to your stay, giving you the confidence to explore other aspects of Japanese culture—with a freshly-made bed waiting at the end of the day.
Start planning your trip to Japan today and book a room in a modern hotel near all the sites you want to see. You might be tempted to book with an Airbnb—and you might choose to in the future—but first-timers will be glad they chose a hotel.
