Check with the place that you are staying if they allow you to temporarily store your baggage in their cloakroom before or after your stay for a few hours if you want to see something close by.

Also, consider paying your accommodations with your credit card and/or prepaying online to take advantage of any foreign exchange in your country vs the Japanese Yen.

I recommend trying the breakfast buffet if the hotel has one. The cost may vary but on average I think its around 1500-2000 yen. There is a huge selection of both Japanese and Western food and an easy way to try a lot of different things all at once. Not to mention a good start to your day!

For individuals or couples, here are a couple of ideas of where to stay

• Capsule/Hostels ($) - an inexpensive place to stay for solo travellers. I have never used one before so check with staff regarding how to store suitcases as sleeping areas are shared spaces with little to no privacy. Washrooms and Bathing areas tend to be shared and in a separate location as the sleeping area.

• Business Hotels ($$) - an simple hotel with very little amenities. Some have laundry-dryer machine combos, some offer simple to full buffet breakfasts. They are typically near train stations and convenient to access. I typically stay in them as a solo traveller as I can lock up my stuff in my room. They also have three piece washrooms.

For groups or families, here are some alternatives

• Regular Hotels ($$$) - normally contains more amenities, higher end decor and service, these hotel chains may have direct limo bus service from Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo or from Kansei Airport in Osaka. I have never seen one that have a swimming pool before.

• AirBnB (?) - make sure to check with host on directions, proximity to transit hub and ways to communicate if you have questions or assistance.

Traditional Japanese Inn can vary in cost depending on the size, amenities and season. Normally, families or groups of friends stay in the same room for eating and sleeping.

Many places may have rooms with Western style beds instead of sleeping on futons. The staff will setup and put away the futons after dinner and before breakfast.

A typical stay normally has both a dinner and breakfast included in their price. Staff will ask when you will like your dinner served during their dinner service time. Depending upon Inn, breakfast might be served in the room in the morning or everyone is directed to the main eating area for breakfast.

Some fancier places may also have private onsen areas in their rooms as an added feature.