The hotel consists of an entire alley of renovated old machiyas, which were originally built over 110 years ago. This private escape offers a quaint atmosphere, that is reminiscent of the old geisha neighborhoods. Beautiful wooden facades accompanied with moody lantern lights – and the feel of time standing still. Nostalgia, privacy, and calm at its best.

Going into Tsubaki Street feels like stepping into a movie, a small nostalgic universe in one alley – truly inviting guests to stay and be absorbed in it.

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. – Through the Elements

The rooms, accommodating 2-3 guests, come in five different themes. “Take” (bamboo), “Mizu” (water), “Iwa” (stone), “Hana” (flower), and “Ha” (leaf). All are individual and uniquely follow the themes to the very last detail. From the overall décor to art pieces and glassware a little escape into beautifully designed representations of each theme. So if you are a fan of a more natural and earthy feel, ask for the beautiful bamboo room. But if you feel most at home on a cliff overlooking the sea, the Iwa or Mizu room might be what you are looking for.

The stay provides the best of both worlds – feel of 100 years of history but a modern take on comfortability and amenities. Western-style beds will ensure a good night’s sleep even for anyone more unacquainted with the tatami & futon sleeping. A truly luxurious yet homey setting, with the highlight of their signature semi-open-air baths – you really feel like you don’t want to leave.

Attention to Detail

Nazuna Tsubaki St. takes pride in highlighting craftsmanship and design and is currently hosting a pop-up exhibition “Find My Favorite Japan: Curated Japanese Design”, on until May 9th. Joint showcase of different Japanese artists with another clever take on mixing of traditional and modern. New ideas showcased from all around Japan, such as the Toyama hailing “Re-Bear Project” with the aim to bring back a re-design of the decor traditionally seen in many households in Japan. Beautiful Oita Usuki pottery, presenting another form of craftmanship sadly dwindling away or Mobje brand featuring Hiroshima hatters repurposing their millinery skills to create vases – and many more, all available to purchase. The second part of the exhibition will feature jewelry, hats, and other fashion accessories from brands such as Kitchibe, Fujii Seibo and Yuzen.

Dining at Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.

The lobby, which also doubles as a lounge offers free drinks and snacks for guests to start the night (from 3 to 9 pm), and Wagyu Ryotei Bungo, the restaurant on the premises, invites guests to indulge in long form. The restaurant focuses on the less-known but high-quality, delicious Oita Wagyu. Showcasing the premium ingredient in different takes from beef sashimi and sushi to shabu shabu, a beef lover’s dream.

As expected from a luxury ryokan, omotenashi plays a crucial role – a favorite detail the delivery of the most luscious egg sandwich right to your door for a late-night bite. In fact, the food is so good one might just want to stay within the walls of Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki, which of course would be a shame as Kyoto has so much to offer.

Best of Both Worlds 

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. keeps you safely away from the tourist masses, but still within a stone’s throw of all the main sights and shops. Offering the best of both worlds, this stay is not for someone looking for the old-school ryokan experience – but perfect for someone who wants the traditional Kyoto magic with a luxury touch and modern comforts.

Whether you are taking reprise in between your Kyoto exploration or opt to be cocooned on Tsubaki street your whole stay – you will find an oasis of quiet luxury and atmosphere to keep you mesmerized throughout your stay.

Web

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street

Address

838 Bomoncho, Omiya Nishiiru, Takatsuji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto city

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With Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe less than an hour away it is the perfect place to come back to in between exploring this part of Japan. But with so many hotels, hostels and other forms of accommodation available, it can be maddening to find a great place to stay. And we have been there, done that…

So let us share our bargain stays in Osaka, so you can save a bit of money and spend more on things that matter, like activities and of course food!

Which area in Osaka should I stay?

To be honest, Osaka is pretty small compared to other cities and a lot of it is fairly walkable. Also, its Public transport system is well developed and easy to use.

Nevertheless, we do like to stay central, close to all, or at least some of the action. Which is why we picked Hotels and Accommodation in places where we feel that is the case. Easy access to sights, cool neighbourhoods such as the famous Dotonbori or perks we could not resist.

Do we have a favourite Hotel under 100$?

Yes, we do. Located in the Shinsaibashi area, within walking distance of Dotonbori we discovered Hotel Felice Shinsaibashi By Relief and we loved it so much, we even extended our stay!

What is so great about it? Well first, with its walking distance (10min) to Dotonbori and being right next to Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street the location is unbeatable. But also it features a small onsen and probably the best rooftop bar in Osaka! The view at sunset is stunning and prices for drinks are fair.

Rooms start from 70$ per room and that includes 11 am checkout, which is great if you want to lie in. Really, this place is hard to beat.

More great Accommodation in Osaka under 100$

Capsule Hotels in Osaka

Staying at a Capsule Hotel is a great way to save money and a really cool experience. It is something uniquely Japanese and we recommend it to anyone, as it is a fun thing to do!

1.Nine hours Osaka from 23$

With two locations in Osaka, this is a great alternative to staying in a Hotel. And we just love this hotel chain with its futuristic spaceship pods! Check out our full review of the Nine hours Capsule Hotels.

Nine hours Shin Osaka Station, located in Shin-Osaka it’s great if you like to stay close to the Shinkansen Station. With easy access to public transport to all the sights, it is a great choice.

Nine hours Namba station, the second location being in Namba close to Dotonbori is a no-brainer. Being within walking distance it is the perfect place to stay.

2.Hotel Morning Box Osaka Shinsaibashi from 23$

Hotel Morning Box Osaka Shinsaibashi located right next to Nagahoribashi Subway Station it is a short 5-minute walk to the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori is 10 minutes away on foot.

They also offer a small spa and a male-only sauna a well as a restaurant on the 10th floor offering great city views, drinks and a-la-carte dishes. Not a bad place to relax for a bit.

3.Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba from 32$

This luxury style Capsule Hotel will leave you in awe! Located a minute’s walk from JR Namba Station South Exit the service and the space will remind you more of a 4* Hotel.

Furthermore, the Staff at Cabin & Capsule Hotel J-SHIP Osaka Namba are amazing and the small spa, the perfect place to relax after exploring. You can enjoy free tea and coffee in the lounge.

Furthermore, we like that you can pay for late checkout. With 300yen (3$) per 30 min it is something you may want to consider.

Great Hostels in Osaka

Now, we love Hostels and especially if you are travelling by yourself it is a great alternative. They are often cheap and it is easy to make friends.

Often frowned upon as a bit grungy and a bit makeshift, in Japan Hostels are amazing, especially with their focus on cleanliness and esthetics. Definitely something worth considering and you cannot go wrong with the ones we picked for you here.

1.Osaka Hana Hostel from 16$

Hana Hostel and Sake Bar is our favourite Hostel in Osaka! Only a 2-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Train Station and within a 10min walk to Dotonbori it is perfectly located.

They offer both dormitory and private rooms western or Japanese style, with the later from as little as 28$. And we love that they have a few small common rooms to lounge in as well as a kitchen to use.

And if that is not already enough, the Sake bar itself is worth your stay. Whether you are a Sake geek or a complete newcomer, you will be able to taste a great selection and they even offer courses where you can learn more in-depth. Check out our review of this great Sake Bar in Osaka.

2.The Dorm Hostel Osaka from 24$

The Dorm Hostel Osaka give us that Harry Potter common room vibe with its old charm bookshop style. It is perfectly located just a 7-minutes away from Shinsaibashi Station. Within walking distance of Dotonbori and in between many Restaurants and shops.

You will especially love it if you are a book worm, with its selection of over 2000 books. Perfect to chill out in the 24-hour lounge, to relax with a free coffee or tea

3.Fuku Hostel Namba from 17$

Fuku Hostel Namba is only a minute’s walk from Namba Station and aside from dormitory beds offers also some private rooms.

And this is one of the more social Hostels, great if you want to make friends, with nice common spaces including a comfortable lounge to mingle as well as a shared kitchen. You will be sure to meet some likeminded travellers at this great Hostel.

4.Khaosan World Namba from 19$

Khaosan World Namba Hostel offers cosy dormitory both western and Japanese style. So if you fancy trying to sleep on a futon for a night, this is great value. They also offer a few private rooms, well worth checking out.

It is located right next to Namba Subway Station and only a 10-minute walk to the lively Dotonbori area. We also love that it is close to a local 24-hour supermarket, perfect to make use of the shared kitchen.

5.Lore Hostel Dotonbori from 10$

Lore Hostel Dotonbori might be the cheapest deal you can get in Osaka. It is located a 10min walk from the famous Dotonbori area and with its clean rooms and spacious shared lounge a great place to stay.

Can it get better? Yes, as for as little as 10$, many beds even include breakfast. Sure it may only be toast, spreads and coffee, but it may be just what you need to start off your day. Now if that is not a great deal we don’t know…

Great Hotels in Osaka under 100$

We do like a nice Hotel here at Obsessed with Japan. And when they are that great value it makes the deal perfect. So let us show you places that won’t break the bank but still leave you feeling pampered.

1.Nipponbashi Luxe Hotel from 55$

Nipponbashi Luxe Hotel is perfectly located just a 10-minute walk from the Glico Man Sign.

Rooms here are generally a bit bigger than other hotels at the same price and it features all you would expect from a 4* Hotel.

They also often do deals, so if you book early you may even get it cheaper than the price mentioned above!

2.Rozy Hotel Namba from 65$

Located right next to Namba Station Rozy Hotel Namba is another great place to stay and especially if you are travelling in a group as this hotel has family rooms.

Also, many of the rooms feature Tatami, but still offer a bed. Which is a nice compromise for some of us who do not want to sleep directly on the floor.

3.Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi from 50$

Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nipponbashi is another great Hotel close to Dotonbori.

The rooms are bright and we like the clean minimalist design and the hard wooden floors. As an added bonus check out is 11 am, which will give you an extra lie in if you should need it.

Other Aparthotels or Guesthouses

1.Chuan House from 75$

Although there are quite a few, location wise only one struck us as amazing and it was the Chuan House Apart Hotel near Dotonbori.

With each unit featuring a small balcony as well as a fully equipped kitchen, this is really great value, especially if you stay a bit longer and want to prepare some meals yourself.

They are also beautifully designed and make the perfect stay if you like a bit more independence…

These are our favourite Accommodation in Osaka under 100$!

With Osaka having so much to offer, the one thing we recommend is to stay at least one night. And if you can stay at one of these properties, you will certainly have a great time!

But if you find another place you love, we want to hear about it. Let us know in the comments below and we make sure to check it out on our next trip to Osaka.

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Also, Capsule Hotels are one of these things we think you have to try, when in Japan! There are many variations, some as stylish at the 9h Capsule Hotel chain. Others featuring small Onsen and often located in popular neighbourhoods they are a great place to stay for a night. And there are plenty to choose from…

But for any Design lovers out there, this is one you will enjoy! And starting at 30$ per night it really is a bargain! (Prices will vary according to seasonality and location)

The Look!

Famous for its minimalistic and 70’s inspired design, the 9h Capsule Hotels make you feel like you are travelling in a spaceship!

Its minimalist use of colours, paired with its almost beehive structure we bet, you cannot but take a few photographs around the place. And we love that everything makes sense. It is truly a clever design, that leaves you with the essentials. You will depart and wonder how to “Marie Kondo” your Home after staying here…

Inside the Capsule Hotel

As you enter you already get a first glimpse of the stunning design which all 9 Hours Capsule Hotels have in common. The Reception Area is just a desk and the staff are friendly, yet fastly moving through the check-in and any questions you may have.

You will receive a small bag with slippers, towels, Thootbrush and Pyjamas. Again, just the essentials with the addition of the slippers, as shoes are not allowed once you enter the inner areas.

Facilities

As for the Facilities, Lockers are available for each guest. This is where you store all your personal belongings before entering. They are spacious enough to fit a medium, even large suitcase.

The Bathroom facilities include showers and Toiletries such as Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash that smell lovely. Also, Hairdryers are provided and there are plenty of Showers and Toilets available. All the facilities are sparkly clean, which is another thing we like, as well as the pressure in the Shower, which was perfect.

The Sleeping Pods

The Pods itself are minimalistic. As you enter you will find a blanket and their signature pillow (available for purchase) and that is it. The small dashboard at the end of the Capsule features 1 USB dock as well as a knob to dim the light and another one playing Ocean sound. There are also two small alcoves where you can put your phone or other small items. And that is it!

And don’t worry, each Capsule is air-conditioned and heated. The only thing, if you are a light sleeper, you may want to bring earplugs. Although people are generally considerate, there is a chance of hearing someone walk-in or the odd alarm going off in the morning.

Pro Tip!

If you are travelling to or from Narita Airport, especially if you have an early flight. The Nine Hours Capsule Hotel is the perfect option to sleepover. With around 4000-5000$¥ (40-50$) it’s affordable and what we love best, right inside Narita’s Terminal 2!

It is easily accessible either through the ground floor. Where the trains arrive. Or through the 2nd floor at terminal 2. (At night time, from around midnight, you will only be able to access it from the 2nd floor.)

Obsessed?

Totally! The 9h Capsule hotels have everything we need and with their outstanding locations are a great place to stay for a night. Paired with beautiful design and an unusual experience they are a must-visit and something you will want to share on your Instagram account…

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To make it a little easier, we grouped these into categories for you, so have a look and we are sure you find a place you love to stay at!

Accommodation in Tokyo

Capsule Hotels

We think this is a must on your stay! If you have no problems with small spaces, make sure you book one of these, as it really is a unique experience and will be a great memory to have! They are usually also quite cheap so a great way to save money too!

Our personal favourite is the highly designed 9h Hotel. You will feel like sleeping in a space ship! And with 9 locations just in Tokyo, including one at Narita Airport, it is a great choice! Read more about it in our special 9h Capsule Hotel post.

We also recommend these:

• Capsule Hotel Transit Shinjuku, colourful and right in Shinjuku
• Book Tea Bed Azabu-Juban, quirky and full of books to read if you cannot sleep
• Anshin Oyado Shinbashi Shiodome, stylish and features a small spa
• Booth Netcafe & Capsule, right next to Shinjuku station

Hostels in Tokyo

Staying in a Hostel is a great way to save some money and to make new friends while travelling. And Tokyo has many great Hostels, each with its unique vibe. We love O3 Hostel, with its maze-like alcoves. Also, many Hostels offer a limited amount of single or double rooms, worth checking out if you love a little more privacy…

Furthermore, these are places we like a lot:

• Book And Bed Tokyo Ikebukuro, great for bookworms
• Sadou Hostel Tokyo Ueno, close to Ueno Zoo and the famous Ameya-Yokochō Market
• CAFE/MINIMAL HOTEL OUR OUR, stylish place also featuring a cafe and bar
• MANGA ART HOTEL, TOKYO, if you love Manga this is one for you

Hotels under 100$

Now if you prefer staying in a hotel, but do not want to break the bank. We love the Hiyori Hotel Maihama, because of its sumptuous breakfast buffet and you can pick your pillow according to your needs, as you check-in. Nice touch!

Other Hotels we think are great for a small budget are:

• Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka, featuring a small spa
• the b tokyo asakusa, great location in Asakusa
• Hotel SAILS, Aparthotel with good value for +2 Guests and balconies
• HOTEL REX Akasaka, stylish rooms and breakfast included

Ryokans in Tokyo

Although we think it is best to stay in a Ryokan as part of an Onsen getaway somewhere in the countryside or mountains, there are a few places in Tokyo and we like Sadachiyo as it is located right next to Asakusa. You will get a chance to sleep in a traditional Tatami room and they feature a small spa area, all you need to get transported into a different era…

More places like this are:

• Cyashitsu ryokan asakusa, is exceptional also featuring a spa
• Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, traditional small Ryokan
• Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa, another traditional small Ryokan
• The Edo Sakura, more modern Ryokan

Luxury Stays

Now, if you want to treat yourself in Tokyo, the sky is the limit. And there are some truly luxury stays here. So if you feel like splashing out, this Ryokan style accommodation is one we love. HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers everything you may wish, including of course a luxury spa…

Other places to spoil yourself include:

• Hotel New Otani Executive House Zen, luxury right in the hear of Tokyo
• Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, amazing views
• Park Hyatt Tokyo, remember “lost in translation”?
• Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, best early breakfast in Tokyo
• Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, located inside an amazing garden great during sakura and fall

Airbnb in Tokyo

This is a truly great alternative and will give you the chance to stay in some lesser-known neighbourhoods. It is also a great chance to meet locals, especially if you stay in a private room in someone’s house.

We also think it is great if you travel with family, as with the addition of a kitchen and a bit more space you will be able to save money and get that extra customisation you may need. As many Hosts will make sure you will have all you need to get the best out of your Tokyo Trip!

As with each place being only available once, we restrained ourself from giving you 1000 places that are amazing but will give you the advice to book “Super Hosts” or Listings with 4-5 stars only. As these are proven to be great!

Conclusion

As you can see, there really is a place for whatever you like. And we do believe the mix is what makes it so interesting!

We highly recommend checking out a Capsule Hotel, even just for one night and staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan will really give you a different taste of Japanese culture and is something truly unforgettable. So we hope you will try it when you come to Japan…

If you are still unsure, or if you do need specific advice or help planning your trip, contact us, we cannot wait to hear from you!

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Walking up to it, it is a bit mysterious, especially as we arrived in the evening and it was already dark. The entrance resembles a path into the forest and the mood is already calming, you can feel this is a place of tranquility. And that is exactly what Zen Vague Hostel is trying to achieve, to create a space to relax, away from the noise. A mixture of Zen and surf culture.

As you enter you see the stone path continue, a small bamboo-like forest and the floor-to-ceiling glass exterior of the common areas. The Hostel features a small Gallery with local artists as well as a stylish gym.

Check-in was easy, there are English translations for everything and payment is upfront.

We were shown to our room with a quick tour of the facilities and we must confess we did not expect any of it. It’s minimalist Japanese design but kept the traditional look you would expect from a Ryokan.

Color is used sparingly and the unique light features give Zen Vague Hostel a calming sense.

The Space

The Space at this stylish Hostel is created with your relaxation in mind. Minimal design, calming colors and the use of light, really give it something very meditative, relaxed, but not stiff. We just felt very comfortable.

It is a bit like coming to someone’s house. You take off your shoes at the entrance. The staff is friendly, almost familiar with broken English, but it works.

The room smells of fresh and calming scent and already we feel relaxed! We are reminded that it is a very old house and to be aware of not making too much noise.

The same is the case for the rooms. Kept in dark blue with the only design feature being the bonsai-like light installation, which by itself is going to wow you. Something so simple yet such a huge impact!

The Rooms at Zen Vague Hostel

This is actually a very small Hostel, with only 3 Rooms. Mind you it is a Hostel, so it features a 4-bed dorm and 2 Japanese style rooms, which can be set up according to the needs. Prices can vary depending on the season but start from ¥4000 per Person in the 4-bed Dormitory. If you stay in the single room you will be charged from ¥12000 and the biggest Japanese style room would be from ¥24000 for up to 4 people.

Good to know

There is a mixed sauna, but it closes after 9 pm, so make sure to get back early if you like to use it. Also, make sure to bring your swimsuit as it is mixed.

The property has quite steep stairs, that may be difficult for some people. Especially because all the rooms are on the 2nd floor. And last but not least it only has shared toilets and shower areas. 

How about Food?

There are a few great places to eat around it too!

We had a great curry at Woof Curry one night and loved the amazing Soba of Kamakura Matsubaraan! But here you may need a Reservation, as it can be quite popular. Also, they only have a Japanese Menu…

We did not have the chance to check it out yet, but if you are looking for Breakfast, try café recette and for drinks near the Beach or Dinner have a look at Cocomo.

What we loved about Zen Vague Hostel

What we loved the most is its proximity from the beach! As it is literally a 2 min walk. We got up early and went to grab a Coffe. There is a Konbini about 5 min walk. We got a coffee and a light breakfast and sat down at the Beach to watch the early risers surfing.

Not a bad way to start your day, right?

Address:  Chome-7-29 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

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If you love camping then you have to stay in this quirky hostel just a short walk from Kyoto station! A great base to discover Kyoto on Foot and with many great places to eat and drink within walking distance.

Tell me more!

The Owner has gone all out to build this unique Accommodation, which is located in several buildings, including a traditional 100-year-old Japanese house. It features a small Cafe and even a nostalgic playroom. Think Mario Cart. Perfect to make new friends, have a chat with the staff or just hang out practicing your long lost Nintendo skills.

But we love this place mostly because they created an indoor campsite, well actually a few. It is hard to imagine but so well executed. With each campsite featuring 4 tents, including storage space and you even get your own torch at check-in, to find your way around.

Room Types at Kyoto Station Base Hostel

At Kyoto Station Base Hostel they offer 4 different room types; female dormitory, mix dormitory, double room, and the indoor campground. If you choose the dormitory you pay about 2’300Yen per Person or if you go for the double rooms they start from 5’500Yen for two People. But to be honest, what you are really looking for is the “Tent”.

We are honest, it can be a bit hard to book one of the “Tents” as there is limited space and it is their most popular Room type, for all the obvious reasons. So book in advance and if you travel mid-week you will have a better chance to book one. For 1 Person you pay from 2’300Yen or add breakfast and pay 2’700Yen, which we recommend.

How about Food?

If you got the breakfast, expect it to be homemade with a lot of love. It is great value and tasty! You can even choose between Asian or western style. We choose the western version, including Toast, Egg, Ham and so on…

Summary

We loved it! From the moment we arrived the staff was amazing and the night in the “Tent” really gave us that camping feeling minus the backache. As the Futons provided are comfy so we slumbered perfectly imagining being under the open sky…

Book this accommodation if you want something quirky and special and you will not be disappointed! And check out how to spend one day in Kyoto for some inspiration on what to do.

Address

43-2 Higashikujo Nakagoryocho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8027

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It is a 4* Ryokan in Tokyos Onsen getaway Hakone. Only about 2h on the train or bus. And Yutorelo-an is perfectly located new Gotamba, close to many sights including the famous Hakone Open-air Museum!

We also love the free shuttle provided from Gora Station that you can book before you arrive.

Baths

This Traditional Ryokan offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, the later are especially great for families or couples or if you have a tattoo. As you may know, many Onsen establishments will refuse entry if you have a tattoo.

Rooms

Rooms are spacious, actually, we think our room was bigger than our apartment in Tokyo! It came with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and all the toiletries you could wish for.

They have different Room types available from standard with shared bathroom to Deluxe rooms featuring their own Open-Air Bath. But you can also use private outdoor hot spring baths, just reserve it when you arrive at the Reception desk.

Food

How about the food? As famous with traditional Ryokans you can choose a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner. Including seasonal dishes as well as local specialties from the area. We did not book it this time. Our Advice: if you are a picky eater, it may not be worth it. Also, it is great to explore the local restaurants every now and then. There are some real gems, especially in these rural areas…

Extra Tip!

If you are flexible, book this hotel last minute. We noticed prices drop significantly the day before and if you really love the adrenalin, book on the same day for discounts for up to 70%. This way we booked the Delux Room with a private open-air bath for 12’000¥!!!! A total bargain!

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