Hey everyone, I'm planning a trip to Japan at the end of November for Tokyo and Kyoto, and I've been checking out hotel options. I was quite surprised to see that the prices during that period are almost double compared to May to July, which is typically summer holiday season for many Asian countries.
I've always assumed that booking hotels earlier would lead to cheaper rates. Should I wait a bit to see if the prices come down, or is there something else I should consider?
Ahhh that makes perfect sense. Will definitely have a look at Airbnbs.
Thanks so much!
I only book Airbnb when going to japan. (Cheaper and larger than a hotel family room).
I was skeptical about airbnb as we would love some ozen during the winter. Also we plan to move to the next city at night so we would need some place to store our luggages.
Train stations have luggage lockers. I use them when i have time before my departure .
ozen
??
most likely meant 'onsen'. also you won't find onsen in metro Tokyo or Kyoto, but Hakone is a good onsen town not too far from Tokyo
@spast1ka: Yes I was referring to onsen.
Would just stay in Tokyo for 1 night given we spent 5 nights there last time
yes
The only holiday to be mindful of is Labor Thanksgiving Day on the 23rd of November.
That being said, remember Japanese hotels dont tend to release bookings a year before, and i think sometimes they dont allow bookings 6 months in advance, so what you may be seeing is the limited initial release of Accommodation.
If i were you, I'd wait as even in busy times i found Accommodation. I was too worried about a public holiday (Emperor's Birthday), but ended up finding a hotel on that weekend about 3 months before the trip for only just over $100 for the 2 nights.
The simple fact is your not travelling in Golden week, so even though there might be a bit of a rush, you should be able to find something in the months and even weeks before trip.
Remember Kyoto is close to Osaka and Kobe, so you do have any issues, you can just go to them, although I've actually been pretty lucky in Kyoto, I've been able to pick up many hotels/apartments for a song.
Very insightful, thanks so much
My standard practise is to book something decent but 100% refundable/cancellable at the start, and then search for deals.
I think this will be my plan as well
Go Airbnb or if you need to stay cheap, stay at a business hotel - just if you ever book accommodation, make sure it is No Smoking. You want to trust me on this one. Even if you are a smoker, get no smoking otherwise you are likely to be affected by the smoke in walls, bed, etc. Japan during summer can be unbearingly hot, I prefer autumn, winter over summer easily.
Thanks!! Will definitely make sure its a non smoking room
Kyoto is a day trip IMO.
Remember, everywhere is a quick train ride in Japan.
We will staying for 7 nights, arriving 6am to Tokyo and leaving midday from Osaka.
Was thinking 1 night in Tokyo, then 3 nights each at Kyoto and Osaka given we spent 5 nights last time in Tokyo
Kyoto is 100% not a day trip. I've been twice and spent at least 5 days each time. There's so much to see from a tourist perspective there's no way you'd do it in a day.
You can use Osaka as a base though if it's cheaper for 6 nights and just catch a train over for most days.
I'd say Osaka would be good for 2 days and Kyoto for 4 days given 6 nights total.
Ya my wife arms to be more into Kyoto than Osaka
I think wait.
I booked my accommodation for that time period last year 2 months out, and actually had to change most of it last minute so only booked a week before in the end. This was all on booking.com
On average we spent $80 a night between two people (and that was booking 2 rooms). I'd be surprised if you pay more than $100 average, even during that time.
Thanks, this is great to know
Just to clarify, the $ amounts are per person as well.
Thanks! $160 between two is similar to my budget as well
My family going to Japan this October,tickets booked,travel insurance paid,now search around for better accommodations.
End of november is the autumn leaves season. Depending on where you go and when, it can be mindblowingly beautiful. That's why it's so expensive. Yes, you should book as soon as possible. Try Airbnb if hotels too expensive. But Airbnb can be expensive too.