Shocked by Tokyo Hotel Prices... Why "Cost-Effective Travel" Is Booming in Japan

Night Trains and Campervans Gain Popularity Amid Rising Accommodation Costs
"Two Days Before Departure Cancellation Ticket" Tips Shared Online

As hotel accommodation costs soar in Japan, "cost-effective travel" that solves both transportation and lodging by using night trains or campervans is becoming increasingly popular.

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Growing Demand for Night Travel... "Two Days Before Departure" Booking Tip Spreads

According to Yonhap News, citing Nippon TV on July 28, Japanese railway companies are introducing new products in response to the growing demand for night travel.

JR West's night train, the "West Express Ginga," allows passengers to travel from Kyoto to Shingu City in Wakayama Prefecture over 12 hours, serving as an alternative to lodging, with prices starting at 8,670 yen (about 78,000 won).

JR East is also developing a new night train aiming to start operations early next year, which will run the Shinagawa~Aomori route over 12.5 to 15 hours.

JR Central is planning to operate a special night Shinkansen once next month on the Tokyo~Shin-Osaka route.

The Shinkansen is restricted from operating between midnight and 6 a.m. due to noise issues. Accordingly, this train departs at 10 p.m., stops at Gifu-Hashima Station from midnight to 6 a.m., and then resumes operation.

Among internet users, a tip is circulating about reserving these night trains—typically sold out immediately after going on sale a month in advance—by targeting "two days before departure."

This is because the cancellation fee is only 340 yen (about 3,000 won) up to two days before departure, but rises steeply to 30% of the fare from the day before, leading to a large number of tickets being released two days prior.

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Soaring Accommodation Costs... Campervan Reservations Surge 3.3 Times

The main reason for the spotlight on night travel methods is the soaring cost of accommodation.

In fact, the average nightly rate for a double-room hotel in central Tokyo last month was about 70% higher than during the same month seven years ago.

As accommodation costs become more burdensome, night trains are emerging as an alternative, allowing travelers to handle both travel and lodging at once.

For similar reasons, the demand for campervan rentals has also surged.

This is because the 24-hour rental fee for a campervan accommodating four people is around 38,000 yen (about 340,000 won), enabling both transportation and lodging for about 100,000 won per person.

Nippon TV reported that, at one specialty campervan rental shop, the number of reservations this month has increased 3.3 times compared to the same period last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.