NoFakie 45 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 Japanese pensions or minshuku on a half-board tariff are best value, but the food can be hit and miss. The ones that are good are incredible bang for your buck. In my experience, Japanese food tends to be better than Western food, but pensions tend to be brighter, more comfortable, and better built than Japanese places. A lot of minshukus and ryokan are draughty and dingy, and have nasty ring or strip fluoros in the rooms and corridors. I'd rather have a nice shared Japanese bath than some pokey unit thing in the room where you can't shower outside the bath. Shared toilet is fine too, unless the window is left open and its brass monkeys in there. I think its funny in Japan that expensive hotels with the nicest carpets will let you keep your shoes on. Some of the places that make you wear plastic slippers have cold concrete floors that are indestructible. No one seems to see the irony. My favourite hotel in Japan is not a snow hotel, but its the Fujiya at Hakone. You can stay there for 10,000 per head B&B, which is not bad for a hotel used by celebs and royalty. I think its a great shame that the western-style pensions and hotels built post-war have no Japanese architectural features like the Fujiya. It seems like that east-meets-west style was completely abandoned post war. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 25, 2008 Share Posted September 25, 2008 The Fujiya in Hakone is a beautiful old hotel! I pinched the nice thick terry-towell bath robe they give you....and the Yukatta!! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 so, that was you Link to post Share on other sites
snowbender 3 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 You are forgetting the most important thing. Sexy staff in nice little uniforms and maid service. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 I actually have a hate for Hakone. It bored the shit outta me. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 cos you didn't enjoy the "free" products!! I can't remember the hotel staff, I was there with my gfriend...what I do remember is that you could rent a private onsen!! Link to post Share on other sites
scouser 4 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Whats free tubby? Link to post Share on other sites
Middleman C Charbroiled 2 0 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Been to some good pensions. Like Mr Wiggles says the food can really vary and range from very bland/poor to superb. Link to post Share on other sites
viv&kev 0 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Double bed! How come so many hotels have only twins!? Link to post Share on other sites
snowbender 3 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Ah yes good one. I need a big double bed. Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Double king. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Think I mentioned this in our Nagano thread. But I like a modern, well kept Japanese-style place. I'm not traveling half way round the world to stay in a slum surrounded by slummers and their friends. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 then why take 2pints Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 That, is a very good point! Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 No need for hotels, I live in Nisoko. But when I do go somewhere I have a budget and just get the best I can in that. I had one really bad experience though at a love-hotel - it was a last resort, late at night and we were exhausted just needed somewhere to sleep. And there was nothing for miles and miles, ended up in a terribly run-down love hotel. It was the worst place I have stayed ever. After that I decided never again. Link to post Share on other sites
HighlyTrainedNovaTeacher 2 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Clean. Decent bed, not too soft. Decent pillow, not a rock or full of beans. Good big breakfast - very important. Controllable temperature. Far away from dickheads. Hmmm, and a decent price that reflects all that. Link to post Share on other sites
7-11 2 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 There are so many crappy, dirty, neglected places that should not be doing business but are. I stayed in one in Yuzawa a few years ago. I actually complained to the tourist authority there. I resented being asked to pay however much it was and even though it wasn't expensive (6000 yen or something) it sure didn't come up to that standard. I'm fussy with places now and will pay more for a very comfortable stay. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Originally Posted By: scouser Whats free tubby? The luxurious terry towelling bath robe, the Yukatta, the slippers, the towels, the anything that can fit into my bag!!! Link to post Share on other sites
foreversnow 5 Posted September 26, 2008 Share Posted September 26, 2008 Oh yeah forgot to put that in my thread DOUBLE or QUEEN Bed - that would be nice! Housekeeping Link to post Share on other sites
BillTheBinMan 0 Posted September 27, 2008 Share Posted September 27, 2008 It's a long journey, it's an exciting time - want to stay somewhere nice, not just cheap. Link to post Share on other sites
swollenbigtime 0 Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 Cheap is fine by me, it's the time time on the mountain (and then eating and drinking) thats important! * Not too cheap mind. Link to post Share on other sites
its-a-clock 0 Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I usually go on recommendations from friends. Always a good way to choose between a few places yuo don't know. As for kind of place, if I'm paying I like somewhere decent. El cheapo doesn't do it for me and certainly not Ms Clock who likes to go as luxury as possible. Link to post Share on other sites
METAL 0 Posted September 29, 2008 Share Posted September 29, 2008 I like a lively place. Too upmarket and it sometimes feels almost uncomfortable. Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 Metalheads don't need showers/baths maybe? Link to post Share on other sites
Gloria Hunniford 0 Posted September 30, 2008 Share Posted September 30, 2008 A private bathroom is an absolute must. Do most places have them? Link to post Share on other sites
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