When (and where) to go to Japan?

In article , Thomas F. Unke
wrote:

So it is possible to run into foreigners here and there -maybe even
other backpackers? It seems Japan isn't a place where most backpackers

Few backpackers. Most foriegners are english teachers or doing
some semi-legal business there.

One of the big bonuses, especially outside Tokyo, is that one rarely
bumps into non-asians.


How do I find those cheap places to stay?

LP, Rough Guide.

I know about the Youth hostels, and that I should sign up for a
membership back home first -are these the cheapest and best places to
stay if you don't have unlimited funds?

Yes. If you don't mind the rules (normally curfew at 9 pm) they are
often quite nice. Especially those located at temples/shrines.

We had never done these places, mostly because of the curfew. Despite
the fact that we were collapsing from over-touring by 9 pm. But one
place we did stay with a curfew made a point of asking us if we'd need
a key. If we stayed out past 9 we could get back in. That made it
very easy.

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In article , Hallvard
Tangeraas wrote:

We had never done these places, mostly because of the curfew.
Despite the fact that we were collapsing from over-touring by 9 pm.
But one place we did stay with a curfew made a point of asking us
if we'd need a key. If we stayed out past 9 we could get back in.
That made it very easy.

Curfew at 9pm? I haven't seen anything about that at the Japan
youth-hostel websites, but perhaps they don't announce it until you
get there.

Most books and websites state their curfew time.

Bummer :-( Is this for youth-hostels that have dorms, or
do you have to be in by 9 even if you rent a single room?

I've never been in a youth hostel. Once, in Italy in the 60's I slept
on a park-bench. Does that count?

It seems to me that Youth hostels are the cheapest places to stay
when in Japan. Everything else isn't suited for budget backpackers at
all, and that's what I am.

If you say so. I've seen so many cheap places in the travel guides
that surprises me. Mostly "business hotels". You're really in a
situation where you need to have a room for $14 dollars and dining for
the day at $6 or something? Damn!

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