What is a guesthouse?
Guesthouses are accommodations that offer a homely and friendly atmosphere. They feature shared spaces (kitchens and living rooms) that allow you to easily interact with other travelers. The appeal is that you can make new connections with new guests, staff, and local people. Guesthouse concepts vary depending on the region and property, with an increasing number of warm spaces renovated from old houses, and stylishly designed facilities like cafes. Guesthouses are places where you can have special experiences and make wonderful encounters in new places.
About guesthouse room types
Guest houses offer a variety of room types. Here we will introduce some of the most common room types.
- Private room
This room offers plenty of privacy and is perfect for those who want to relax. It is also ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families.
- Dormitory
A style of accommodation where you share a room with other travelers. You can stay at a reasonable price and enjoy interacting with other travelers. Recently, some beds have curtains or partitions, allowing you to interact with other travelers while still maintaining a certain degree of privacy. Bunk beds are often arranged side by side.
- Family Room
We have larger rooms for families, with multiple beds so the whole family can stay together and have fun together.
Guesthouses generally have dormitory-style rooms (shared rooms), but you can also choose private rooms and family rooms, so choose the room that best suits your purpose and the number of people in your group. It's a good idea to research the room types before deciding on a place to stay!
Ample shared spaces for interaction
Guesthouses have a wide range of shared spaces, allowing for active interaction with other travelers and staff. In the living room and kitchen, you can eat meals together and enjoy natural conversation. These spaces are ideal for meeting new people and exchanging information during your trip.
In addition, showers and toilets are shared in many guesthouses, so it is important to be considerate when using them. It may be crowded at check-out time, so we recommend that you act early. Enjoy interacting with the people around you and build good relationships with them.
Guesthouse Features
Guesthouses have their own unique charm. Here, we will introduce their characteristics by dividing them into three categories. We will explain each feature in detail, so please take a look.
There is a common space where you can socialize
As mentioned earlier, guesthouses have common spaces where you can interact with other travelers and staff. Recently, more and more guesthouses have cafes and bars attached, making it easy to interact with not only guests but also locals. These spaces are popular as places to meet new people and enjoy relaxing time while traveling.
Toilets and showers are shared
In guest houses, facilities such as toilets, showers, and kitchens are generally shared. Rooms rarely have their own facilities, so you will have to share them with other guests. You may not be able to use them when you want, but in most cases they are well-maintained and you can use them comfortably without feeling any inconvenience. It is important to observe good manners in shared spaces and have a pleasant stay with other travelers.
Prices vary depending on accommodation location
The price of a guesthouse varies depending on the facility and room type. For example, there are price differences for each room, such as private rooms, dormitories, and family rooms, so it is important to check in advance. Also, the facilities and services offered by guesthouses vary, so be sure to check in advance.
Generally speaking, guesthouses are facilities that only provide lodging without meals, and the appeal is that they offer accommodation at a more reasonable price than hotels. They are especially recommended for those looking for budget-friendly travel or long-term stays.
Tips on how to enjoy a guesthouse
Here are some tips to make your stay at a guesthouse even more enjoyable. If you are thinking about staying at a guesthouse in the future, be sure to check them out. We will give you some tips to make your experience even more enjoyable!
Spend time in the shared space
One of the attractions of guesthouses is the opportunity to interact with them. With plenty of common areas, you can easily enjoy communicating with the guesthouse staff and other guests. Interacting with people from a variety of backgrounds will make your trip even more fulfilling. For those who want to enjoy new encounters and conversations, guesthouses are a very attractive option.
Interaction with staff
Guesthouses generally have staff on-site, so they may be able to tell you about local things to do, local events, and tourist spots. Through conversations with staff, you may be able to discover new things and get information for your trip. When you check in, be sure to actively communicate with them and ask about the charms of the area and hidden spots. You may make new connections and make unexpected discoveries!
Participate in an event
Guesthouses sometimes hold their own events. Even if you find it difficult to start a conversation on a regular basis, participating in these events will increase your chances of naturally becoming friends with other guests and staff. If there is an event on the day of your stay, be sure to participate in it to make new friends and gain information. You may be able to broaden your circle of contacts while having a good time!
Things to note about guest houses
In order to have a comfortable stay at a guesthouse, it is important to keep a few things in mind. Here we will tell you the points you should be careful of when staying at a guesthouse, so please use it as a reference.
About room types
Unlike hotels and inns, guesthouses often do not guarantee private rooms, so it is important to check in advance. Even dormitory-type rooms vary depending on the facility, so we recommend carefully checking the website and photos when making a reservation. It is also important to consider whether the guesthouse you are staying at suits you. Since the personality and hobbies and preferences of the guesthouse owner are likely to be reflected in the guesthouse, the guests who gather there naturally tend to be similar. Choosing a place that suits your travel style and purpose will make your stay more enjoyable.
Be careful about the distance you maintain when interacting with others
Guesthouses are places to enjoy "interaction," but each guest has a different purpose and situation. Whether they are staying long-term for work or enjoying travel, we also value each individual's private time. For that reason, it is important to maintain a reasonable distance rather than proactively talking to everyone. Forcing someone to talk to you after checking in, or creating an uncomfortable environment by having too many people gather in the lounge or living room, can have a negative impact.
Also, if you are going to be late for check-in or if your plans have changed, it is good manners to contact the guesthouse in advance. Respecting each other's space and time and having a pleasant stay will lead to a comfortable stay at the guesthouse.
Recommended ways to spend your time at a guesthouse
People use guesthouses for various reasons, such as travel or work, but we especially recommend them for long-term or consecutive stays. Unlike hotels, there are many shared spaces that you can use freely, so you can feel comfortable and relax even during the day. For example, you can interact with other travelers in the living room or kitchen, or work at your own pace, so you won't get bored even if you stay for a long time.
You can also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that only a guesthouse can provide, allowing you to spend a relaxing and fulfilling time.
Guesthouses are recommended for the following types of people
Guesthouses are accommodations that suit specific needs and styles. Here are three characteristics of people who are recommended to stay at a guesthouse. Use this as a reference to find the accommodation style that is perfect for you.
I want to keep accommodation costs down as much as possible
Guesthouses are recommended for cost-conscious travelers because they are much cheaper than hotels or inns. Accommodation costs can add up, especially if you are staying for multiple nights, but a guesthouse can help you save money. For those who don't have any particular preferences for accommodation and enjoy interacting with people, guesthouses are a great value and comfortable place to stay.
Those who want to interact with a variety of people
For those who want to interact with various people through travel or work, guesthouses are the ideal place. At guesthouses, you can naturally meet and make connections with many people from different backgrounds. These connections may have a big impact not only on the occasion, but also on your future life. If you want to enjoy interacting with people, I recommend you experience staying at a guesthouse.
Those who find traveling alone a little lonely
If you want to travel alone but feel lonely or unfulfilled, we recommend a guesthouse. Guesthouses have common spaces where you can naturally interact with other guests and staff, reducing the sense of loneliness. By casually talking to someone while traveling, you will be able to spend a fulfilling time without feeling lonely.
The difference between guesthouses and other accommodations
How are guesthouses different from other accommodations? Here we will explain in detail the differences between guesthouses, private lodgings, hotels, inns, and other accommodations. Please use this as a reference to find the accommodation style that suits you.
Differences from private lodging
There are some important differences between guesthouses and private lodgings. Let's take a look at some of them here.
- Often no shared spaces
Private lodgings often have few shared spaces that guests can use. On the other hand, guesthouses have shared spaces such as living rooms and kitchens where guests can enjoy interacting with each other.
- Some private lodgings have no staff
Most private lodgings do not have staff on-site. A big difference with guesthouses is that staff are always on-site and can provide local information and support to guests.
- Accommodation types vary, with many being in houses or apartments.
In private lodgings, the entire house or apartment is often rented out, making it easier to secure private space. On the other hand, guesthouses generally have dormitories or private rooms where multiple guests share the same facilities.
- Suitable for families and groups
Private lodgings are suitable for families or groups, as everyone can stay in the same room or house. Guesthouses tend to have shared rooms (dormitories), making them ideal for individual travelers or small groups.
Differences from hotels and inns
There are some major differences between guesthouses and hotels or inns. Let's take a look at some of them here.
- Complete privacy is guaranteed, and you will be staying in a private room.
Hotels and ryokans basically offer a private room with complete privacy. Guesthouses tend to focus on dormitories (shared rooms) and shared spaces, so hotels and ryokans are a good choice for those who value privacy.
- They offer a wide range of facilities and services, from luxury hotels to business hotels.
Hotels and inns offer a wide range of facilities and services, and there are many options to choose from, from luxury hotels to business hotels and hot spring inns. Compared to guesthouses, they generally offer better quality service and facilities.
- More expensive than guesthouses
Hotels and inns tend to be more expensive than guesthouses. Guesthouses are relatively affordable, making them an attractive option for travelers looking to keep costs down.
Guesthouse amenities
When staying at a guesthouse, you may wonder what you should bring. Hotels and inns provide many amenities, but in the case of guesthouses, the necessary items may be different. Here we will explain in detail the facilities and amenities of guesthouses, so that you can prepare for your stay.
Facilities
Guest houses are equipped with all the necessary facilities, some of which may require additional fees. Below are some of the main amenities:
- dryer
Generally, guest houses provide hairdryers. Many facilities have them installed in shared areas, so you can easily use them.
- washing machine
Guesthouses generally have washing machines installed, but there is often a fee for using them, so it's a good idea to check the cost in advance.
- Dryer
Many guesthouses also have dryers, but these are usually provided for an additional fee. They are a convenient way to dry your clothes after washing.
Amenities
When staying at a guesthouse, it is useful to prepare the amenities you need by referring to the following points.
- In-house wear and pajamas
Most guesthouses do not provide lounging clothes or pajamas, so we recommend bringing your own if necessary.
- Shampoo, conditioner, body soap
Generally, guesthouses provide shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, so you don't need to bring these with you. However, if you are particular about these or want to use something special, it's a good idea to bring your own.
- toothbrush
Most guesthouses do not provide toothbrushes, so be sure to bring your own.
- towel
Towels are often available for rent or purchase at guesthouses for a fee. If you are planning a long stay, it is convenient to use the washing machine and bring a few towels with you.
summary
This time, we have provided detailed information about guesthouses. There are many guesthouses all over Japan, with a wide variety of types and features. Find a guesthouse that suits your travel style and purpose, and be sure to try staying there at least once. To enjoy guesthouse life comfortably, we recommend that you make thorough preparations in advance.
