This hostel does not feel like a traditional Kyoto Merchant house. There are no macha green noren curtains or the smell of a fresh tatami mat, characteristics that are more in abundance at Roujiya or even some of the rooms at Hana Hostel. Instead it has a glampacking hostel feel, with minimalist black and white lights and concrete walls like a contemporary art gallery, a bit like Khaosan Hostel meets the Hotel Anteroom just down the road in Kujo. On the other hand, if you are prepared to spend a bit more for a private luxury room, but keep the contemporary art feel, check in at the Hotel Kanra near Gojo Station.

While the building is quite large, there aren’t so many guests, giving some sense of community. On the other hand the building is so spread out that you can quite easily find your own little corner without being bothered by anyone.

This hotel was once the only fashionable, gorgeous hotel in Tokushima...30 years ago! Why don't you indulge yourself in a reasonably-priced suite of the hotel; the price goes down off-season and on weekends for sure!

I am always looking for ways to save money. Japan’s cheap capsule and hostel accommodation appeal to my thriftiness and overall sense of adventure.

Located 20 minutes by car from JR Sendai Station, Best Western Hotel Sendai provides a 35㎡-room with a great view of the city at a reasonable price (6,500 to 10,000 yen per night).

Guest House Nagasaki Burabura: Affordable seaside hangout

Located at a former Yakuza (Japanese mafia) owned neighbourhood, owners Mari and Takashi, are changing the area with its vision and philosophy at Guesthouse RICO

Hotel Maiiko Villa Kobe. Enjoy a romantic view of the Great Akashi Strait Bridge and local history at the same time.