Ah, Japan. This travel destination is popular, no doubt, but most of it has a been-there-done-that vibe that many travellers struggle not to fall prey to. After all, there are only so many times you can enthusiastically feed the deer at Nara Park! If you’re looking for a new way to inject excitement into your future forays into the Land of the Rising Sun, this might just be right up your alley.
Perhaps it’s time to stop looking for ways to jazz up your daily day-to-day activities, but realise that the right choice of novel accommodation may very well be your solution to this conundrum. Yep that’s right, forget the usual hotels and choose to stay somewhere different! From fishing inns and rustic temples to eccentrically-themed apartments, STAY JAPAN is a one-stop portal that provides unique Japan stay listings complete with gorgeous pictures for your browsing pleasure.
Not convinced? Here’s a list of stay experiences in Japan guaranteed to shake up your next trip:
1. Learn to fish at a fisherman’s inn
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If you have not tasted Japanese seafood, you basically have not lived at all. Take it from a (rather extreme, I might add) self-professed sashimi enthusiast! The country is renowned for its legendary fresh seafood, as evident from its world-famous sashimi platters and sushi. And what better way to taste the local cuisine than to catch and cook your own delicious seafood meal?
This inn boasts fishing trips, cooking workshops, and even a scenic tour of the Samuraihama seawater pool that was showcased in the popular local TV series Amachan . Set sail at the break of dawn to discover the quotidian life of a Japanese fisherman!
2. Wake up to an awesome view at a cat-friendly villa
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There’s only one thing better than waking up to a sweeping view of the sea – waking up to a sweeping view of the sea in Japan. Situated right in front of the ocean, this contemporary home offers an unparalleled scenic view of the ocean. Watch the sun rise over the horizon and take in the cool ocean breeze, all from the comforts of your own private balcony. Equipped with a living room fireplace for the winter, the cat-friendly villa is the picture-perfect place (for both you and your pets) to enjoy a relaxing holiday overlooking the shores of Tateyama.
3. Attain inner peace at an ancient temple
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For those of you desiring a little more tranquillity in your vacation, spend a night in a temple! Temple stays (or Shukubo) are readily gaining popularity as an immersive way to gain insight into the daily lifestyles of Buddhist monks in Japan. As the 22nd site of the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage journey, the Byodo Temple is the perfect place to experience a slice of a monk’s life. Besides enjoying the quiet atmosphere, experience Buddhist customs such as early morning scripture-reading, meditation, as well as Sutra copying, which is a traditional expression of piety.
4. Experience farm life at a traditional Japanese farm stay
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Besides seafood, Japan also prides itself on the utmost freshness of its ingredients, especially its home-grown vegetables. And you can finally get to experience the meticulous process through which Japanese farms harvest their crops with a farm stay! Of course, choosing to head out to the countryside means being far away from the popular holidaying destinations of Tokyo & Kyoto, but the scenic nature of the countryside offers an equally (if not, more) charming experience. This is definitely true for at the Farmers Inn in Aomori, which offers not just an opportunity to harvest vegetables at the farm, but also a chance to feast on those freshly-picked ingredients with a barbecue dinner!
5. Quench your comic-reading thirst at a Tokyo apartment
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Finding a place to stay in Tokyo with the right blend of comfort and quirkiness can be difficult. After all, most travellers would recommend spending a night in a capsule hotel. However, Japan’s capital city does hide lovely accommodation gems, such as this comic-themed apartment! Whether it’s One Piece or Shingeki no Kyojin, this Manga-themed apartment is just that place to unleash your inner geek. The local pop subculture is just as appealing to adults as it is to kids. With over 2,000 comics, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice!
6. Relive your childhood days in a school
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Miss your carefree childhood days in school? This one-of-a-kind accommodation is the perfect solution for a throwback to the past. The campus of Ishikawauchi Elementary School has been converted into a unique accommodation after 125 long years of service. How often do you get to stay in a refurbished classroom, complete with chalkboards and uniform shelves? And that’s not all: the nearby field and tennis court will definitely bring back fond memories of playing sports with your schoolmates.
7. Be one with nature at a mountain village
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By now, Japan’s firm roots in nature shouldn’t come as a surprise to you – national festivals celebrating the change of seasons, the traditional form of the haiku , and the commonplace natural imagery in art are all testament to that! Throughout history, one of the pillars of the country’s culture is not only the relationship between man and man, but man being in close harmony with his organic environment. Nestled amongst the clouds, the close proximity of mountain villages to the natural landscape will envelop you in the tranquil and rejuvenating air, providing an immersive experience like no other.
8. Escape from city life at a Kominka
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Tired of dusty streets, towering skyscrapers and noisy traffic? Here’s a solution: check into a Kominka! “Kominka” is a kind of Japanese architecture which roughly translates to “old-style traditional home”. With its characteristic thatched roof and wooden exterior, this house guarantees an experience much steeped in history.
However, after giving any of the above a whirl, should you wish to opt for a more conventional stay for the rest of your trip – we have just the thing for you!
BONUS: Apartments in Osaka Central
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These professionally-designed apartments are located right in the heart of Osaka City, within a 10-minute walking distance from both Awaza and Hommachi Stations! Visiting the Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, or the bustling street of Dotonbori is a complete breeze. Besides, don’t you just love the minimalistic yet aesthetically pleasing decor? Its convenience coupled with its sleek, calming look make them an accessible and comfortable place to rest after a long day of exploring the city. All these apartments are vacation rentals by the way, and are managed by STAY JAPAN . With such a plethora of attractive choices, you’ll definitely have a hard time choosing!
To sum it all up, forget teeming with the crowd and opting for the usual hotel. Take the road less travelled and plan a stay in any of these alternative homes to experience Japan in a whole new light! Head over to STAY JAPAN right now and take your pick – where will your next stay be?
Brought to you by STAY JAPAN