So you’ve decided to take your two week vacation from work and booked a trip to Tokyo, Japan. Next step, is booking accommodation to enjoy your trip. For the longest time I always just booked a hotel and called it a day. Theeeeeeeeeen I discovered AirBNB and I will say, there is no better bang for your buck. So I’ve just convinced you to get an AirBNB instead of a hotel…. Hold up there are a few things you should know. Especially as of June 15th, 2018 the rules have changed! As of said date, Japan has lost roughly 80% of their AirBNB listings.
Japan has passed a new law that makes it much more difficult to be a host on AirBNB:
- Hosts limited to home-sharing to 180 days a year.
- Local Governments can regulate services in their own area.
- Home-renting is now only allowed in certain zones.
- All home-sharing hosts must have valid licenses.
So due to these new rules it will be a bit more difficult to get yourself that AirBNB. How do you get around it, BOOK EARLY as possible. There are limited amounts of AirBNB available at the time of writing this, most due to the fact that, Many owners still have not been able to acquire a valid license yet, I do expect this to slowly increase and hopefully the Japan AirBNB market begins to rebuild to where it once was. So book those AirBNB as early as possible.
What’s it like?
Well, anytime you stay anywhere you should do your research beforehand. Like many large asian cities Tokyo is limited for space so they build up! That being said, it all comes down to your bankbook. If money isn’t an issue, you can find some really amazing spreads that are modern, spacious, with all the amenities you could want. However most fo us aren’t balling out of control, so I’ll use myself as an example. When I travel I always try to stretch a buck and the most for the least. AirBNB is no different, I usually book my digs a few months beforehand. If you have your dates set I would make a reservation as far ahead of time as possible to maximize the availability, and choices you have. I generally look at it this way, I personally don’t need amazing amenities as I spend 80% of my time out. I look for Location first and foremost, then I look at price, and comfort. I tend to stay in Shibuya [which has recently lost a lot of their listings] and try to pay in between $100-$130/night and thats generally for a place with at least 2 beds and 1 bedroom. Sounds big……but its really not, the Japanese have perfected making the the most of small spaces. But I don’t have any issues, be sure to read the reviews from past people who stayed there because sometimes photos don’t do the spaces justice at times. Also it’s super important that they come with pocket wifi, so I don’t have to use my phone on roaming, and I don’t need to get a sim card when I get there [Money saved]. As long as it has a decent bed a bit os space, and a clean bathroom, I’m good!
Where Should I Stay?
Next up, where should I in Tokyo? There isn’t one simple answer to this, so I’ll try to break it down by trip type:
Party People: So you are young [or old] and your main purpose is to experience the nightlife that Tokyo has to offer. I always recommend staying near a subway station if possible. That being said I would stay in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, or Roppongi. All of those areas offers up fantastic nightlife and you will spend all night/morning dancing and drinking until the sun comes up, literally…. because subways stop running between 12am-5am [this is why you have an AirBNB near what you want to do].
Culturalists: Yeah thats not a word, I just made it up, add it to your Davetionary! Basically you’re looking to explore shrines and culture. There are soo many places scattered around Tokyo that will fit your travel goals, but i would recommend staying near Asakusa, Yoyogi, Tokyo. Meji-Jingumai and Senso-ji being the largest shrines, and definite must visits. Yoyogi park is a wonderfull stroll especially on a Sunday afternoon. Alternatively you can stay near Tokyo station, which is within walking distance to Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Foodies: Honestly…..choose another thing other than just food. You can honestly stay anywhere and find amazing places to eat no matter what you’re into. Tokyo has the most Michelin Starred restaurants in the world. But if local authentic is what you’re looking for, just follow the crowds. I have yet to wander into any random eatery and be disappointed by the food. But do beware, many places may not have an english menu.
Connecting Out: if you are only in Tokyo for a few days and planning on heading over to another area of Japan. I would stay near Shinagawa or Tokyo station as those are the two hubs for the Shinkansen bullet trains.
So that’s pretty much the skinny on Tokyo and AirBNB at the moment. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want some help with anything Tokyo feel free to leave a comment below or shoot me a message.
Happy travels yall!
