Suggestions for Airbnb Alternatives in Japan

altomic on 07/08/2024 - 09:53

I just grabbed some jetstar tickets to Japan for next year.

on my last 3 trips there prior to covid I booked via airbnb and would often get apartments or houses for ~$100/150 a night.

i like renting apartments/houses as they get me into a residential area and I can hang out - rather than a hotel which I find a bit "sterile"

also I've 3 kids so family rooms in hotels aren't cheap, plus I like to buy groceries and cook.

(I used to live in Japan so I like reliving the domestic/resident vibe).

I just checked airbnb and there is now sweet FA places available - used to be hundreds in an area, but now dozens.

it seems like the prices have also skyrocketed - cheapest house is ~$250+ per night

I understand that the government has implemented a short term rental policy that requires airbnbs to be registered - which is fine, but a check of Tokyo showed way less than than what I remember when I previously booked in 2017,18 + 19

I'm only wanting to stay 3 nights per place so i can enjoy briefly enjoy the vibe of the area before moving to the next

question - are there any similar sites like airbnb for Japan?

Travel Accommodation Asia Japan

Comments

  • jv on 07/08/2024 - 10:14
    +9

    Booking.com: This platform offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. It has flexible cancellation policies and often includes options for rental cars.
    VRBO: Ideal for families or groups, VRBO specializes in entire home rentals and often includes pet-friendly options.
    Sakura House:One of the oldest house management companies in Japan, offering guest houses, private rooms, and entire apartments. They have a strong reputation and a variety of options.
    Stay Japan: This platform offers around 2,000 apartments, countryside stays, and traditional homes. It’s a bit pricier but provides unique and legal accommodations.
    Minshuku: These are small, family-run inns that offer a more intimate experience, similar to a bed and breakfast. They can be found in regional areas and often provide a traditional Japanese experience.
    Kyomachiya: In Kyoto, you can rent traditional townhouses known as Kyomachiya. These have been renovated and are available for vacation stays.

    • Clear on 07/08/2024 - 10:41

      What is your favourite city in Japan?

      • theHMASfriendship on 07/08/2024 - 10:42

        Mine is the architectural simplicity.

      • jv on 07/08/2024 - 10:43
        +2

        Fukui

      • jv on 07/08/2024 - 10:51

        Did you have a good time at Fukuyama?

        • Clear on 07/08/2024 - 10:52

          No I went to Fukushima.

          • jv on 07/08/2024 - 10:53

            @Clear: Are you still going to Fukuoka ?

            There are some cheap flights…

      • Ocker on 07/08/2024 - 12:31
        +2

        Roppongi

    • HeWhoKnows on 08/08/2024 - 08:55
      +2

      jv. You are being very helpful for a change
      Im quite impressed with you on this one :)

      • samfisher5986 on 09/08/2024 - 12:07

        I'm pretty sure this is thinly veiled "Let me google that for you" implying they are lazy.

        This is literally generated from ChatGPT.

  • DingoBilly on 07/08/2024 - 12:32
    +1

    As more places clamp down and introduce policies on airbnb I think it will just get harder and harder to find decent "local-style" accommodation.

    I'd try the normal sites like booking.com and see what's there. I've booked normal houses in Japan through there at decent prices, but was about 3/4 years ago so not sure they still exist.

    Otherwise may just need to suck it up and go the hotel chain route.

  • starspawn on 07/08/2024 - 15:24

    $250 a night for a family doesn't seem too bad.

    The one thing is that most Japanese places are open plan right, so you will be going to bed when your kids do?

  • Hirolol on 07/08/2024 - 16:55
    +1

    I suggest checking the booking sites then seeing if you can call the accommodation/person direct and book cheaper.
    I’ve done that before and can save you a bit.

  • morse on 08/08/2024 - 03:20

    $250+ for multiple rooms house/apartment is the going rate. $250 is cheap. $500+ would be more like it for inner Tokyo (2bdr appartment). Tourism is booming in Japan and real estate though still cheaper than Australia has also gone up substantially.

  • Andrew0415 on 08/08/2024 - 08:57

    What do you expect? It's been over five years since you last visited and Japan is now a much more popular holiday destination with international travellers. And that's not even mentioning the ethical/economic problems you're contributing to by giving business to Airbnb.

    With the convenience and cheapness of konbinis it is utter madness to waste time shopping and cooking while visiting Japan short term. We stayed in excellent hotels for around $200 a night and used luggage transfers which saved us hauling baggage onto trains.

    • DazMon on 08/08/2024 - 19:45
      +1

      yeah but they mentioned they are reliving their past, its natsukashii.
      We spend (you say waste) a lot of time at supermarkets when we go, its interesting to go up and down all the aisles and see whats different.

      • altomic on 08/08/2024 - 23:26
        +1

        yep, that's it to a T

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