Why Serviced Apartments Are Superior

The best way to stay in Japan is through serviced apartments. Combining the comforts of home with hotel-like services, serviced apartments have become the go-to choice for travelers seeking convenience, space, and cultural immersion. While hotels and Airbnb rentals remain popular options, they often fall short in key areas such as cost, privacy, and flexibility. Understanding the distinct advantages of serviced apartments will help you make the right decision for your stay in Japan.

Understanding the Differences

Hotels

Hotels in Japan range from luxurious five-star establishments to budget-friendly business hotels. They typically offer:

• Standardized Services: 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and on-site dining options.
• Amenities: Private bathrooms, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and sometimes facilities like gyms or spas.
• Room Size: Especially in urban areas, rooms can be compact, focusing on functionality.

Airbnb Rentals

Airbnb provides a platform for individuals to rent out their properties or rooms to travelers. Features include:

• Variety: Options range from single rooms to entire apartments or houses.
• Local Experience: Staying in residential areas can offer insights into local life.
• Inconsistency: Quality and amenities can vary significantly between listings.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments combine the comforts of home with hotel-like services. They offer:

• Fully Equipped Spaces: Kitchens, living areas, and separate bedrooms.
• Personalized Services: Housekeeping, concierge, and sometimes facilities like gyms.
• Long-Term Suitability: Ideal for extended stays, providing a homely environment.

Price Comparison

Understanding the cost differences is essential for budget planning. While prices can vary based on location, season, and specific offerings, general trends are as follows:

• Hotels:

  • Luxury Hotels: Prices can exceed ¥50,000 per night.
  • Business Hotels: More affordable, ranging from ¥7,000 to ¥15,000 per night.

• Airbnb:

  • Entire Apartments: In major cities like Tokyo, prices average around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 per night, though this can vary widely.
  • Single Rooms: More economical, with prices starting from ¥5,000 per night.

• Serviced Apartments:

  • Typically, serviced apartments are rented on a monthly basis. In Tokyo, for example, monthly rates can range from ¥150,000 to ¥500,000, depending on size, location, and amenities. This averages to approximately ¥5,000 to ¥16,000 per night, often including utilities and services.

Challenges with Hotels and Airbnb

Hotels

• Limited Availability: Tokyo, being a major tourist destination, often experiences high hotel occupancy rates, especially during peak seasons. Travelers may find it challenging to secure reservations, even months in advance.
• Room Size Constraints: Standard hotel rooms in urban Japan are known for their compactness, which might not be suitable for travelers seeking more space or those with families.

Airbnb

• Regulatory Restrictions: Japan's implementation of the Minpaku Law introduced strict regulations on short-term rentals. Hosts are required to register their properties and are limited to renting out their spaces for a maximum of 180 days per year. This has led to a reduction in available listings.
• Quality and Consistency Issues: The variability in Airbnb listings can result in inconsistent experiences for guests. Differences in cleanliness, amenities, and accuracy of property descriptions can lead to dissatisfaction.
• Community Concerns: Short-term rentals in residential areas have raised concerns among local residents regarding noise, security, and the disruption of community dynamics. This has led to increased regulations and stricter enforcement.

Advantages of Serviced Apartments

Given the challenges associated with hotels and Airbnb, serviced apartments present a compelling alternative with several distinct advantages:

1. Consistency and Reliability

Serviced apartments are professionally managed, ensuring consistent quality in terms of cleanliness, amenities, and services. Guests can expect a standardized experience without the unpredictability associated with some Airbnb rentals.

2. Spacious Living Arrangements

Unlike the often compact hotel rooms, serviced apartments provide more generous living spaces, including separate areas for living, dining, and sleeping. This setup is particularly beneficial for families, groups, or travelers planning extended stays.

3. Comprehensive Amenities

With fully equipped kitchens, in-unit laundry facilities, and access to fitness centers or communal lounges, serviced apartments offer the conveniences of home, allowing guests to maintain their routines seamlessly.

4. Cost-Effectiveness for Extended Stays

For long-term visitors, serviced apartments often prove more economical. Monthly rates typically include utilities, internet, and housekeeping services, eliminating additional costs common in hotels or Airbnb stays.

5. Enhanced Privacy and Flexibility

Serviced apartments offer a private and autonomous living environment, free from the frequent interruptions of hotel staff or the presence of hosts, as in some Airbnb situations. Guests can enjoy their space on their terms.

6. Integration into Local Communities

Located within residential neighborhoods, serviced apartments provide guests with the opportunity to experience local life authentically. This immersion allows for a deeper cultural connection and a more genuine understanding of Japanese daily living.

Case Study: A Business Traveler's Experience

Consider the experience of Sarah, a business traveler who frequently visits Tokyo for extended projects. On her initial trips, she opted for hotels but found the rooms restrictive and the costs accumulating rapidly. She then tried Airbnb but encountered issues with inconsistent amenities and concerns over legality due to the evolving regulations.

Seeking a more stable solution, Sarah chose a serviced apartment in the Minato ward. The apartment offered a spacious layout with a separate bedroom, living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. The inclusion of weekly housekeeping and high-speed internet allowed her to maintain productivity while enjoying a comfortable living space. Situated in a residential area, she appreciated the tranquility and the opportunity to explore local eateries and shops, enriching her stay beyond the professional scope.

This experience highlighted the benefits of serviced apartments, combining the reliability of hotels with the homely comfort and cultural immersion that neither hotels nor Airbnb could fully provide.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate accommodation in Japan significantly impacts the quality of one's stay. While hotels offer standardized services and Airbnb provides a range of options, both come with inherent challenges, especially in a regulated and densely populated city like Tokyo. Serviced apartments stand out by combining the best of both worlds, offering consistent quality, spacious living, comprehensive amenities, and a genuine local experience. For travelers seeking an authentic, comfortable, and hassle-free stay in Japan, serviced apartments emerge as the superior choice.

E-Housing offers the most comprehensive selection of serviced apartments tailored to meet your needs. With flexible rental terms, fully furnished spaces, and amenities designed for comfort and convenience, E-Housing ensures your time in Japan is both stress-free and enriching.