Airbnb vs. Hotels in Japan, Why we QUIT One and Switched to the Other
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- Опубликовано: 19 июн 2024
- We used to be big fans of Airbnb. In fact, we stayed in them for about a year straight. But after a while we noticed that the quality of service was going down and both the service fees and cleaning fees were rising. Here are the main reasons why in Japan, we now prefer hotels rather than Airbnb. We appreciate when you book through our Expedia affiliate link: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
00:00 airbnb vs hotels
00:18 Japan hotel standards
00:27 Accommodation cleanliness
00:45 Hotel request a new room
00:59 Hotels are not more expensive than airbnbs
01:14 Hotel reception upon arrival
01:20 Airbnb self check-in
01:50 Airbnb strict rules
02:15 Losing key card
02:27 Checkout time
02:35 Blackout curtains
02:49 Internet and TV
03:03 Getting assistance
03:24 Location convenience
04:00 Services
04:22 Yamato Transport
04:55 Breakfast options
05:16 Amenities
06:04 Laundry
06:33 Size of room
06:59 Cancellation policy
0:726 Point earning system
07:42 The final deciding factor
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🌺 ABOUT US
Aloha! We are a worldschooling family with three young kids. Our home base is the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. We've been living a nomadic lifestyle for the past 15 years. We hope to inspire you to begin your own quest!
How do you like to book accommodations for Japan? We appreciate when you book hotels through our Expedia affiliate link: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
Are there hotels that offer more than 2 beds in one room? Thanks
@@papasaur Hi, yes. When you search, if you have at least three people in your search criteria then it will show you options of rooms with multiple beds, if available.
@@papasaur yes
@@KenshoQuest Thanks!
My cousin who travels to Kyoto every year sat me down and said. Dont get an airbnb, get a hotel. For first timers and non Japanese speaker. Her biggest reasoning was that if we had problems, we have people to go to that speak English and can guide us. Thank goodness we listened.
Hi, thanks for sharing. Very good point!
I feel like two parents are sitting me down intervention style to stop me from over paying for air bnb's.
airbnb prices has risen to a point that it makes no sense to book airbnb, unless there isnt a hotel in that area
In all of my travels, I only used AirBnB twice. Once for a stay in Kyoto and once for LA. My main issue with it is that for many properties it's not a case where the owner is away and wants to maybe make a few bucks while the place is empty, but it's places that nobody lives in outside of AIRBNB renters and the host might have multiple properties. So it just takes away from properties that would usually be rented by local people and reduces the amount of properties that are available to rent for locals.
Excellent point about taking away from locals.
On a recent visit to Japan for 3 weeks, I used a combination of both Airbnbs and hotels. Even a 3 star hotel in Japan is much more superior than a 3 star here in the US or in Europe. I hope to revisit Japan again as I loved it so much. I'd probably do the same combo again.
Thank you so much for your tips guys! Love your videos!❤
I 100% stick to the hotels than Airbnbs when I travel to Japan, as you have mentioned, hotels are usually located at hot places, but I sometimes prefer long walks to the stations just to save up some bucks.
On my first trip to Japan, I used AirBnB and it was reasonable for cost and access.That was 2016. On my second trip, I tried business hotels and while it was a bit more expensive, it was much more convenient. Fast forward from 2018 to 2023, AirBnB prices had increased a great deal and there appeared to be less choice. My experience with AirBnB in other cities is more or less the same. As a solo traveller, I have decided to ditch AirBnB. I have to add that AirBnB has been shown to affect some rental markets by reducing the supply of rental housing for the locals and thus driving up the cost of rent.
Same experience with me in Japan and China in 2018... Airbnb is too expensive now.
The unpredictability of Airbnb is just not something I want to deal with on my vacation
Just finished a 17 day trip to Japan, no airbnbs on that trip.
I am done with Airbnb because of the high fees.
We enjoyed our Airbnb stays in Tokyo and Kyoto. But, you're right, about taxi drivers having a hard time finding them. One taxi driver in Kyoto gave up before we started.
To be fair to Japanese taxi drivers, almost no streets in Japan have names. Most journeys in taxis in Japan are people going home after a drink (BAC 0%, beware) or a night out, and they are able to tell the taxi driver which turns to take. I believe it's possible to use the phone number for a place to find it with a GPS (works for hotels) but that may not work for an AirBNB. On the other hand, Taxi drivers will generally know all the hotels in the area. Best to have a printout of the address in Japanese for the taxi driver to read.
Thanks for all the tips. Travel is now over. Three weeks to remember forever.
We decided to use points to book hotel in April near Yokohama cruise port. We haven’t stayed yet but the Hyatt Regency had good reviews.
Hi, while we haven't stayed at that Hyatt it is in a great location right next o Yamishita Park, Gundan Factory and Red Brick Warehouse. We think you will love it!
JUST got back from Japan last night. All of this advice aligns with what I experienced. We stayed at 3 Airbnb's. 2 were great. The third had a host who didn't give us our access code until I begged for it the day of arrival. He was supposed to share it three days before according to his own check-in guide. He kept asking us to fill out a registration guide with the names of our guests. Definitely was frustrating.
Ah, yes. This happens a lot! Sorry it happened to you too.
They are probably required to report the names of visitors to the Japanese Government. Hotels are required to do this. I'd expect AirBNBs are too.
So have youf filled out the registration? I also do not provide the code until the registration is done online
@@damian5791 Yes, numerous times I completed it.
Interesting video. I have used Airbnb in Japan and it worked quite well, even got received by the host in some. But the thing is you have to read the description carefully, for example if it says smoking allowed, it will smell and so on. Also there are certain rules, like the registration, it seems to be a legal requirement in Japan to send copy of passport in advance if doing self check in, and can be a reason for cancellation or check in trouble. And then, there is the thing that if you know Japan it is so much easier, specially if you know some Japanese (disposing garbage, getting around, getting stuff you might need and so on), but most tourists obviously don't know the places they visit well. For longer stays I still prefer Airbnb, because I can arrange and sort out stuff with the host that might not work on most hotels, like having a kitchen, laundry, bicycle parking (one of the most underrated things not easy to get) and so on, and still can find good locations for good prices, but mainly because I know the city. For first time visit, would probably use an hotel. Capsule hotels or hostels can be challenging in a different way though. I once stayed in a capsule hotel, were you had to check in and out every day (don't know if they are always like that), but at least they allowed me to leave the luggage and check into the same capsule every day, but I had to pack everything every morning quite early.
edit: forgot one more thing: Airbnb uses a lot of autotranslate, so there can also be things lost in translation when using Airbnb in Japan.
Hi, excellent incite and tips, thanks for sharing!
Going to Japan next year for a week with my friend and his gf. Would Airbnb or hotel be better. We want our own rooms
@@sergiodepeace If it is the first time in Japan, maybe a normal hotel is easier and predictable as it will be somewhat similar to hotels in other places. You can book several rooms, but not all hotels might have rooms next to each other.
AirBnb can be more flexible, you can find whole apartments or houses with several rooms, or several single room apartments within the same building, or single rooms with shared facilities. Lots of variety of equipment that is not necessarily standard in a hotel, so it will be more challenging to go through the details and deal with all the rules and instructions.
I have never booked so long in advance, so I don`t know if conditions may change.
Anyway, just an opinion based on my experience.
Thank you. This is very helpful.
You're welcome!
Nicely explained.
Thanks for this detailed comparison between airbnb locations and hotels. I traveled to Japan back in May of last year and booked all of my accommodations as hotels (mostly Route Inn and Toyoko Inn)...and yes, I did have late nights washing laundry. It was definitely exhausting going to bed at 3AM on multiple occasions. I have another Japan trip planned for 2025 and was considering the idea of possibly using an airbnb. However, I hadn't really researched anything so I had no idea what to expect. Thanks so much for providing me with valuable info so that I can make an informed decision. 😊 I believe that I will be sticking with hotels next time around as well. 😉 Sorry to hear that the airbnb left you stranded for the snow festival. I hope you all still had a great time. 👍
Glad to have helped! I’ve since discovered that some hotels have washing machines in the guest rooms! Not just a shared laundry room. That could be a good alternative to Airbnb. 🌺 Heidi
Thank you for the information I’ve never been comfortable with Airbnbs
yes and you could have a host living in the property who is a pyscho, i had one once after i had been travelling all day for like 11 hrs with loads of problems not internet or signal and as soon as she opened the door she started shouting at me that she had been trying to get hold of me all day where had i been!!! previous to leaving my house for the journey i had told her all about how i was arriving and what time etc there was no need for it
I just booked a room through airbnb but cancelled less then 20 minutes later. The address they provided i couldn't find on google maps and the other listings on the host's profile had some suspicious reviews. Thankfully I got a full refund, but I think definitely will just be sticking to hotels for a peace of mind.
I do both depending on what I'm looking for and what I'm doing.
Tomorrow my wife and I start a month-long trip to Japan (our 9th in the last 15 years).
About half our accommodation will be in AirBnB's, the rest staying in small family-owned guesthouses or with friends (some former AirBnB hosts). We won't be staying in any hotels.
Our preference is to explore rural Japan, avoiding big cities and over-touristed "hot spots".
We are VERY selective about the AirBnB's we choose - after carefully reading every review.
Over the years, we have stayed in !00+ AirBnB's in over a dozen countries with hardly any bad experiences.
Every AirBnB on this trip has a live-in English-speaking host - a HUGE plus for non-Japanese-speakers.
AirBnB isn't what it used to be, but still has its place.
Sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing!
we will be using an e-sim (recommended in another of your videos)@@KenshoQuest
Another consideration for Japan is what happens in a disaster. Japan gets a lot of typhoons and tropical rain every year. Snow storms in winter. Mudslides. Tsunamis. And you never know when an earthquake might happen. Hotels are better equipped to safely evacuate guests and provide advice than an AirBNB, IMO. I'm not putting Japan down - I've been there so many times that I've lost count, and I have experienced typhoons, earthquakes and snow storms, but not tsunamis or mudslides. I'd go to Japan again tomorrow if I could! It's a fantastic place to visit for so many reasons.
That's a good point! Thanks for adding this.
@@KenshoQuest thank you!
I quited airbnb in Japan 6 years ago. Only hotels for me. Cheaper and you pay what they really show. 🙏
And airbnbs got a lot more expensive over the years cause more and more people use it. Before was so much better.
Also you pay a lot for no privacy too. Mostly more beds stuffed in 1 room if by group. 😅 Same to be as in a hostel.
Ohh, thats terrible about losing your Sapporo accommodation at the last minute. I suppose you’ll have to recalibrate your thinking a touch now that you’re in a hotel now too. Anyway, another great video to help our planning, so many thanks guys.
Hi, thanks for the comment. For sure we need to rethink a lot. We have a lot more updates coming soon, thanks for watching :)
very true... had a couple of bad experience in AirBNB. You really don't know what you'll get.
I actually tried to book an AirBnB in Kyoto - as a single person. They basically replied with No - not enough people. I only really wanted an AirBnB so i could easily do some laundry in middle of trip. Ended up booking a nice hotel that has laundry facilities in each room! Im counting down the days till the trip.
A hotel with laundry facilities in each room sounds awesome! Have a wonderful trip.
Most business hotels in Japan have coin operated washing machines and dryers. I can only recall one hotel in Shinjuku that had washing machine sin the room. Usually the rooms are too small for that.
@@theharper1 hotel eph,Kyoto
@@MrErinday in my case it was the Tokyo Stay Shinjuku.
Totally agree! Plus the usual unpleasant element of surprise when you arrive after a long trip and it turns out that it is not what was shown and described in the listing. Btw the washing mashines in airbnb often have some gross sediment inside (same with coffee machines), so I'd rather use the washing machine in the hotel anyways... We also stopped using airbnb :).
Hi, you're right, good point on the washing machine!
We made the same decision after our Airbnb experience in Tokyo for Trip #8. It had garbage and blood stains in some pretty gross places, and the landlord had no practical help to offer (and of course Airbnb shrugged their shoulders and pointed us to the contract that said we were basically on our own).
Similar to you guys, we're at a place in our lives where we would like to come to Japan and not have to roll the dice on our lodgings, and we're comfy enough interacting with booking sites and finding what we want at the price we want. For Trip #10 this year, it's hotel-only, with a particular bias to included brekkies and onsite onsen. Thanks for your perspectives!
That sounds like a rather unpleasant Airbnb stay! We're looking forward to staying mostly in hotels on our next trip, with included breakfast, and a couple places with onsen.
@@KenshoQuest We're on the same wavelength. I haven' t yet tired of a morning trip to a combini for a cheap breakfast that'd put any equivalent here in Canada to shame, but a ready, hot breakfast in the hotel is getting tougher to beat. For my wife, if the hotel is a non-soaker, then it's a non-stayer!
I agree, the hotel terms are much nicer. I didn’t like the idea of being alone in a place and getting surprised by not figuring out how something works or smells/dirt. I used to like AirBnB too but not so much now. There are lots of videos talking about how Airbnb is struggling as a company
Hi, hopefully with all the complaints there will be some improvements!
I stayed in 2 Airbnbs in Tokyo and Osaka in 2018, it was a good deal back then. However the price of AirBnb increased to the point that staying in hotels is better.
Completely agree!
Thanks for the video. I am planning a fairly aggressive week long trip between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I've already booked an AirBnb for Tokyo, but have not for Kyoto and Osaka yet. I will be traveling with my wife and two older kids, it is hard to find a room that would accept a 4 person occupancy due to room sizes. Do you know any brands in Kyoto or Osaka that would cater to 4 in a room? Another question, have you ever sent luggage to a convenience store when staying in an AirBnb?
Hi, check out APA hotels, they usually have rooms that can accept 4 with older kids. Another option is if you use Expedia look for Rakuten Stays, these are usually apartments
As for sending luggage to a convenience store, we have not done that. Instead, we usually send to the nearest Yamato transport office, which usually very nearby. Or if you are staying in a hotel just send directly there. But you can send to a convenience store , this should not be a problem as long as you have the receipt to pick up and are sure the convenience store accepts luggage. Not all do
Good luck!
The "deciding factor" or versions of it are why I almost never use it anymore. I know several people who had their reservation cancelled the night before or the day they arrive with zero explanation and are scrambling! Additionally, I've had a couple instances where the process of getting my key wasn't just a bit of a hassle, but I got the feeling that AirBNB's were not allowed in the building at all and made me feel sketchy. On one occasion, the host even sent me a message right before I checked in saying "If anyone asks why you are there, say you are a friend of the landlord." :/
I also feel like since the host can also review the renter for other hosts to see, it creates an atmosphere where people feel compelled to leave a more glowing review than a realistic one because they want to continue using the service.
I feel like it still is worth it if you have a fair amount of people with you that would otherwise require 2 hotel rooms and when you are staying in the same place for a long time, but even then because of my experience above, I don't trust apartments or condos, only a full residence.
Hi, love your channel and I just subscribed to it. Just wondering what your thoughts are with regard to Rakuten Travel in addition to Expedia to book hotels in Japan?
Hi, thanks for subscribing :) we haven't used them yet, but they are a reputable company that we have purchased from before. I don't think you will have any issues.
We're going to Osaka by the end of this year and found hotels are more expensive for family of 4 (2A, 2C). I just checked expedia to compare prices and it's not even close. $120 per night AirBNB compared to $300+ per night hotel. Plus hotels are not accurate as you would have to book as 4 adults to get separate beds. My kids are 11 and 14 so they require a bed each. I don't get your justification to stay in hotels unless I'm not seeing these cheap hotels.
I think it’s because our kids are younger, so we don’t pay as much for hotel rooms. Usually $130+ per night. $300/night would be a rare splurge.
Airbnb is hit or miss. We rented a nice house in Osaka when we stayed for a month. We also just rented a nice house in Kawagoe for a week, although the cooking situation wasn’t ideal. After that we rented a unit through Airbnb in Tokyo that reminded us why we prefer hotels. Old, dirty, smelly. Another family checked out of a different unit in the building immediately after checking in, due to the restaurant smells wafting into the unit. It’s hard to tell what you’re gonna get.
Geeez, the Airbnb being cancelled in Sapporo sucks. Been to the snow festival a couple if times and can relate to the cost issues for booking. I am using a mix of Airbnb for my upcoming 69 day trip in Japan. I do understand the drawback with Airbnb but also like the monthly stay option for kitchen and laundry and discount.
Hi, yeah it was a real bummer! But totally agree with you about the monthly stays. Hard to beat when staying long term! Though Rakuten and even on Expedia they are now offering similar to Airbnb. I guess time will tell if these are any good.
69 Days! Awesome! Where are you off to this time?
HOTELS FTW! I refuse to clean my rooms on my vacay. That’s why I’m on vacay in the first place! Lol
Yes, Airbnb is overrated in Japan. After 3 trips, I’ve also decided to go with hotels or possible a mix, (so you can wash your clothes). But the last Airbnb was not as expected and it was still very highly rated. I realized that Airbnb is just for the renters not for the customers as you said. 👍
You're like us :)
I stayed at Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro once and they had the washing-dryer machine combo in room - although that seems to cater for single business traveller mainly. Some hotels has got coin machines as well - last time at Sunshine City Prince Hotel, which also offered us late check-out at 3pm because we booked through their own hotel website.
I never stay in a place with no 24/7 reception during my travels
Agree 100%
Quit airbnb too.
And hotels are nearer to transport too.
air b and b used to be a great option, but now they are ridiculously expensive more so than really nice hotels,i dont really understand it. its the same in the UK, i think it must be the same everywhere
We noticed the same trend you mentioned and have been using hotels instead of AirBNBs in our last 3 trips to Japan.
In Feb, though, we booked 5 days in Sapporo with AirBNB for the ice festival. Your experience now has me worried.
Any tips?
Hi, hopefully you will not have the same as our experience. Didn't mean to worry anyone! The only thing I can suggest is many of the booking hotel sites offer flexible cancellation. So you can book a back up and then assuming all goes well, you can cancel when it is near your the last day to cancel.
Thanks. Will do just that. Regards!
Hi there - I couldn’t find the episode where you mentioned forwarding your mail when out of the country. Could you please let me know where you forward ask your mails while you’re away? Many thanks, appreciate it.
Hi. We use a couple different things. If you are going on a short trip, in the USA you can simply put your mail on a vacation hold. For long term travels we use a mail receiving service such as Virtual Post Mail, which opens and scans our mail. We can log into our account to see a digital version of our mail or ask to have a check deposited. This needs to be set up before leaving the country. Since we are traveling long term I also use a package forwarding service that consolidates and forwards packages to me (Planet Express).
Thanks so much - this helps a lot. I want to go back to Japan but this time the Kansai region. Your videos are a big help. Thanks both for your recommendations.
Last time I stayed in an Airbnb in Shibuya, they gave us two rolls of toilet paper for a four day stay for four people. Getting more from the host was like pulling teeth.
I used airbnb in Osaka near Kaiyukan. I gave up 😢 2 days cant sleep at night because of mites.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that.
This might be very un “Millennial” of me but I have always stayed in hotels, I’ve never used AirBnB. I simply do not trust these “Sharing Apps” and would feel uncomfortable staying in the apartment of some random person whom has a smartphone & can sign up to an App. When I’m away from home, I want somebody else to cook the food, washing the dishes, make that bed & launder towels.
Do we need to buy travel health while we are traveling to Japan for 9 days? If we do what is pre-certify?
It's a good idea to have travel health insurance if your regular health insurance won't cover you on your Japan trip. We have a separate video on the topic of travel/health insurance: ruclips.net/video/pObCQ4JoNfQ/видео.html
Do you have any family hotel recommendations? I am traveling next year with a 3 year old and 1 year old and would love to hear your go to family hotels!
Hi. We've had good experiences with MyStays and Keihan. Both are reasonably priced and good for families. APA also looks like a good choice. Here's our Expedia affiliate link for booking hotels: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
@@KenshoQuest awesome thanks so much for the reply and suggestions!
I was never sold on the Airbnb concept. Too many risks I would rather not take.
How are you able to book hotel rooms with kids in Japan? Every time I add a 3rd person/child in Expedia the price goes up 50% and almost all the hotels then say ‘no availability’
Hotels in Japan do tend to charge per person. Are you looking for a busy time of year?
@@KenshoQuest I’m looking for the beginning of June. But what I’m noticing is that the majority of hotels force you to get 2 separate rooms when you add a child. That doubles the price.
which website to book the hotel in Japan? Thank you!
Hi, we recommend Expedia: expedia.com/affiliate/xVQ9hEf
Let us know if you have any specific questions :)
@@KenshoQuest Thank you so much. We got educated from your video. This will be Our first time to go Japan. We are planning to go on june 2024 for ten day. Can you give us advice which reasonable price hotel to stay in which city? we will be landing at Narita airport and visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Kamakura. Any other city will you recommend to visit in ten day? Thanks again!
Definitely hotel over airbnb!
Pretty sure expedia and booking are the same right?
No. They are separate competing companies. Agoda and Booking are the same.
Never did stay in someone else's house, its nasty. No service, location is bad, you don't even know if someone die there, etc...
Hotel is best, from budget to luxury, especially in Japan i need the service. Can earn points, free nights stays, status, etc... as for Japanese hotel, you got several choices which is great.
I personally (internationally) loyal to Marriott, IHG and looking into Hyatt. Japan hotel is based on location and price starting $250 per night to $600.
Hi, we are also looking into Hyatt since their points transfer 1:1 with chase ultimate rewards
What am I doing for a long term trip a hotel will cost me a lot of money
Hi, for long-term travels airbnb is still an option but you can also look at Rakuten Stays. They are very competitive with pricing and have some nice units, they are available on Expedia and other services.
I would stay in hotels if I didn’t have a family
I have to rent an entire family-friendly apartment, which isn’t easy in Japan even if you actually live there
Hi, we completely understand this s we face it too! We sometimes get two hotel rooms but the cost is still comparable, though not as convenient.
Wow! How can u afford to travel for that long then with kids so they are home schooled
Long term slow-travel in countries with a lower cost of living was less expensive for us than living at home. Now we are more “living abroad” in one country for a couple years. Our kids were homeschooled. While living abroad they attend a Montessori school. 🌸 Heidi
Seems Airbnb hosts are getting lazier and lazier. Even in America.
Pocket wifi, yikes lol.
Yep, pocket WiFi is common. Not the unlimited internet we’re accustomed to having at home.
Awesome information and we recently subscribed to your wonderful channel. My family of 7 is going to Japan from December 22 to December 29 and then traveling to Seoul from Dec 29 to Jan 5. We staying in APA Hotel Asakusabashi Ekimae(1-chōme-27-9 Asakusabashi, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0053) . We have watched you eSim vdeo, traveling essentials and planning to watch more of your videos.
Our questions and hopefully you can provide advise are the following:
1. Does the public transportation such as bus and train takes Visa, Master Credit card or would we need to purchase IC card for both bus and train. We are planning only to stay in the Toyko area.
2. What are your thoughts on our hotel location
3. Which IC card would you recommend for us to purchase
Thank you for any advise that you can provide.
Hi, thanks for watching.
1. & 3 - Transportation is usually cash or IC card, we recommend purchasing either a welcome Suica card or Pasmo passport at the airport when you arrive
2. Your hotel is in a quieter part of Tokyo but to answer if it is a good location depends on what you plan to see, Asakusa is nearby and a must visit and walking distance. and we highly recommend walking along the river and perhaps all the way to sky tree. Hope this helps, what are your plans?
Air bnb over hotels, yall are crazy