Before staying with airbnb in Japan I hope you’ll read this to make sure you have made a good comparison to the benefits of staying in a hotel in Japan.
I don’ t have some sort of conspiracy against Airbnb in Japan. I promise. When you find a gem/ Brilliant!! In fact, here is a very very positive story of an airbnb holiday for a small family in Japan.
HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOOOOO MANY DOWNSIDES TO BOOKING AN AIRBNB IN JAPAN – particularly in the major cities.
When you aren’t travelling with kids you can wing it a bit more if it all goes wrong with an airbnb in Japan.
But, no accommodation withOUT kids can turn into a funny all nighter, an extra long karaoke session or a night in an Internet cafe or a capsule hotel.
But with kids? Not fun. I think I, personally, would just need to sit down and have a little cry.
I completely understand why Airbnb is appealing as hotel prices can be sooo overwhelming (and the idea of space and separate bedrooms too, right?)
But ,unfortunately, I just keep hearing scary cancellation stories so I want to keep my readers informed and remind you of some important things to check when making an airbnb reservation.
Please be aware that: because of the language barrier in Japan. By choosing Airbnb in Japan over a hotel you are relinquishing the option of assistance with restaurant bookings, someone to call you an ambulance, someone to hold your luggage before or after check out.
In a country with earthquakes and a language barrier this can add additional risk and stress – especially if you don’t speak Japanese AND if you are travelling with small children. If you don’t have a reception desk and require medical assistance please see my tips and emergency instructions here.
Staying at accommodation without a reception desk also means that you are unable to forward your luggage easily (in either direction.)
This can also mean it will be harder to courier your luggage as, unless your host will be there to accept your luggage, it is not possible to forward luggage to your accommodation. If you are at an airbnb and need to forward your luggage you can google a Yamato forwarding desk near you and some convenience stores offer this service – but it is more difficult and less convenient than having a hotel do all of that admin for you.
Also, unlike a hotel, an airbnb cannot hold your luggage after you check out (this can be especially handy on your last day if you have a night flight and want to explore the city or have one last lush meal before making your way to the airport.) Some hosts are happy to still help you forward luggage from your airbnb so I think could be worth asking in advance.
Many people believe that Airbnb in Japan can be iffy because some are not licensed. This is not true. If they are on the AirBnB site, they are licensed.
My Airbnb rules in Japan, until I’m convinced otherwise, are…
Only book if…
1) They are listed as a super host on the airbnb website.
2) You email them a question and you actually get a response. (Their English does NOT need to be perfect though, of course.)
3) You’ve found genuine , good reviews for the property – and even better if you can find them on instagram and can check that the reviews are from real people, and even better than that ? You can see their real photos of the property.
4) You’ve confirmed that the building is easy to locate, that is easy to access that building and that it is easy to get your hands on the keys.
5) You are comfortable not having the benefits of a hotel concierge – especially if you have children. ie. There would not be a person there for you to call a doctor, if required, or even something less dramatic like call and book a restaurant for you in Japanese.
6) You have a back up accommodation organized if you’re even a tiny bit unsure. Booking.com and Agoda often have free cancellation options ( or minimal fee cancellation options). For peace of mind, for a happy and easier holiday – I think that money is worth it.
7) You have checked what the exact amount for cleaning fees are (some fees can be almost as much as the accommodation costs.)
Common rules to be aware of at airbnbs in Japan that may surprise you:
– most places don’t allow laundry to be dried outdoors. Especially if it will be visible from the street / to neighbors.
– washing machines will often not be allowed to be used outside of certain hours (for example between 9pm -8am etc) This can be a pain if you have kids and are busy during the day so it is best to check on these rules ahead of time.
If you really really love Airbnbs and really really want to try in Japan, most positive experiences seem to be outside of the major cities. Within the bigger cities, it is worth using google maps to see just how far from the centre of town you will be located. How many train changes required? How many minutes walk once you’re at the closest station?
In my opinion, anything more than 4-5 mins walk with kids will stop you from going out as much as you would like when you’re tired. Trust me “0h we were supposed to go out to eat tempura that night but the kids were so tired that day and we all just couldn’t be bothered taking the train and that walk too and from the station…”
Another downside of an airbnb in Japan – to make some reservations in Japan. When you are staying at a hotel and can use their phone number (for concert tickets, things like certain character cafes etc.). Airbnb you can’t do that.
What are some alternatives to airbnbs if you want a hotel with more space ?
I highly recommend staying at apartment style hotels when travelling with kids in Japan – for example the Mimaru brand and, of course, my favourite apartment hotel for families right now &Here Ueno. These apartment hotels provide space AND language support for families. Rooms have a kitchenette and there is a coin laundry on site.
For families with 5 or more people, here is my list of hotels I recommend.
Guest blogger Carla Middleton stayed mostly at Airbnb in Japan ( Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo) and wrote in great detail about their fabulous trip here.
If you really like the idea of more space without having to risk it at an airbnb I highly recommend booking the apartment style hotels Mimaru.
