Japan is notoriously acknowledged as one of the most expensive countries on earth. Especially if you visit and stay at its bustling metropolitans such as Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Yokohama etc
During my previous visit to Japan, I find myself struggling to have myself a decent place to stay at my budget. A single, cramped bed in a dormitory room or capsule can simply cost you no less than $30-$50, wherein Bangkok, you can have -at least- a luxurious three-star hotel for that same amount.
Some suggest trying Airbnb -even though it is actually illegal in Japan- to find more decent and reasonable place to stay. You may highly find a better option there compared to typical commercial accommodation, such as hostel or hotel. It indeed offers more value on money if you travel with your mates, friends or in a group as you will have more flexibility and a wide range of option available.
But the bad news is if you travel solo, it won't save you money anyway as you can not split your bills with everyone else. Plus many of the properties that may fit your budget are actually located in the outskirt of the city and require a commute trip which is sound inefficient as many of the main attraction is in downtown.
So is there any option to spent a night in a downtown area of Japan metropolis cities under $20? Interestingly there is :-) Stay at Manga Kissa!
Manga Kissa is simply a Japanese version of an Internet cafe that also offers a manga/comics and a space to rent. You have the option to rent a simple chair, a cubical or even a private room within a certain hour, 1 hour, 4 hours or in my case 8 hours as I was looking a place to spend a night there. The two biggest chains are Bagus Manga Cafe and Media Cafe Popeye, plus a lot other smaller names and options.
I personally stay at Bagus Manga Cafe at Dotonbori Osaka. Just 2 minutes walk from the famous Glico Man and choose a 2200 JPY of 8 hours package of small cubical with a simple mat as I prefer to sleep while laying rather than sitting. The package also comes with a free rent of huge collection of Manga (all in Japanese) and unlimited drinks from a dedicated vending machine and ice cream slot which is for me a huge advantages LOL.
The reception is pretty much like a hotel instead of a cafe.
Cubicle room which may hold up to 20 customers.
A room dedicated to ladies customer's only.
A free onetime shower is a perfect addon for layover customer.
You will have a high-speed internet connection and a set of PC in your cubicle.
Make yourself at home LOL.
So the aftermath, how is it like to spend a night there? is it convenient enough? or is it even worth the value? For me personally yes, but to be honest, it can be quite subjective as a level of comforts of each people is somewhat different. First of all, you should fully aware that Manga Kissa is a public space. You will share the room with dozens of other people even if you have your own cubicle.
Next, you will constantly hear other people voices although its very minimum as people in Japan is very strict about making noises in public spaces. If you use to sleep in total darkness, then Manga Kissa is not for you as they will not turn off the light all night long, even though from my experience, the lights glare is quite minimum and dim. But again it is not a hotel of any short so mind your expectation. The exception may only if you rent a private chamber on your own.
If you like Japanese comics and can read one, this place is heaven.
Unlimited free beverages, tons of choices from coffee, tea, soft drinks or simply water.
A self-service ice cream machine at your mercy LOL.
So in simple terms,
The Cons:
- Less privacy (some room may consist of 20 people)
- Constant noises and lights (low talk, whispers etc)
The Pros:
- Cheap (definitely)
- Best Location (mostly in the central downtown)
- Free Comics (only if you can read Japanese)
- Free Drinks and Ice Cream (obviously the best part!)
- Free onetime shower (only available on certain places)
As the list clearly demonstrates, the Pros beats the Cons respectively from my opinion. So in the end, it really depends on your traveling style and expectations. Some may find it very exciting and some don't. So try at least once whenever you find yourself out of the option to stay in expensive Tokyo or Osaka. The experience itself is worth to try.