There are many classes of accommodations in Japan, from the ultimate in luxury to novelty sleepover facilities. With more than the usual number of options, Japan provides all sorts of mix-and-match options for even the tightest budgets. Here are the basics, starting with the cheapest:

• Gay saunas function as business hotels and even offer private rooms at a surcharge for those who want to be undisturbed during the night. With lockers, robes, bathing and snack areas, saunas are a real money-saving option.
• Capsule hotels, sometimes more appropriately called "coffin hotels," are surely a novelty but function for those who have missed the last train home and want the cheapest accommodation available. For an extra surcharge you can use the sauna and bathing facilities which sometimes sees action between drink businessmen before they climb into their hive pod. Don't expect to be able to sit up or stretch your legs, but surprisingly you can easily read or watch TV.
• Business hotels are no frills and tiny, but resemble normal hotels with scaled down amenities.
• Love Motels rent for short time as well as overnight after 11pm. You should really consider them for their cheap price, unusually large size, novelty decor (Christmas on Mars, anyone?), and amenities like karaoke, widescreen TV and giant tubs. Usually you choose from a grid of backlit pictures in the lobby since each room is differently themed (Hello Kitty goes to Paris was sooo last week, darling). Not all love motels allow same-sex couples, but there are no doubt others nearby that will.
• Ryokan are Japanese versions of bed and breakfasts and sometimes come with dinner and a shared Japanese-style bathing pool. Here you may experience traditional rooms with sweet-smelling tatami matts, sliding paper screens, and futon that are laid out before bedtime. Great for tourists who want a bit of charm, but not interesting for Japanese and so the price is reasonable.
• Budget hotels, usually found around train stations, are less expensive than brand name chains and offer plenty of amenities like Internet access, safes, and fridges.
• Onsen (hot spring) resorts range from the mid-to-interstellar pricewise, but their seductive combination of traditional bathing facilities, usually outdoors or with a view of nature, and an incredible dinner of kaiseki-style edible art made from seasonal local ingredients served in your tatami matt room is something every japan-bound tourist should experience at least once!

The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Japan surveys the gay and lesbian scene in 27 cities including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya and Hiroshima. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians and gay travelers, as well as maps and addresses in Japanese. Click here to order

HIROSHIMA -- area code (81-82)

• Hotel Flex
  7-1 Kaminobori-cyo, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, 223-1000, FAX 223-5678. Inexpensive and beautifully modern hotel perched on one of downtown Hiroshima's scenic rivers. The design and decor are clean and stylish. The rooms, like most in Japan, are on the small side, but cozy.

KYOTO -- area code (81-75)

• Hatoya Zuihoukaku
  802 Minami Fudo-cho, Seidouin Shiokojikudaru, Shimogyo-ku, 361-1231. A traditional Japanese inn just a minutes' walk from the Kyoto Station. Exit north at the station and turn left and walk one block, it's on the opposite corner, a reddish brick building four stories high. Tatami matt rooms (your futon will be put out at night) with bathroom (there's also small communal baths for men or women on the top floor). No problem with same sex couples in a room. Very reasonably priced.

NAGOYA (Aichi Prefecture) -- area code (81-52)

• Dai-Ichi Fuji Hotel
  Not to be confused with their Nishiki branch. This one is just a block away from the Nagoya Train Station. Although not as new as its Tokyo cousins, it has free Internet and hotel amenities. Reasonably priced.

NARITA (Chiba Prefecture) -- area code (81-476)

• Narita Tokyu Excel Hotel
  Reported very cruisy sauna, Japanese bath and lounge. Lots of hot airline crew and Asians.

OSAKA -- area code (81-6)

• Hokuoukan
  See listing under Saunas for directions and description. A cheap alternative to a hotel (if you don't mind being "bothered" throughout the night. Just leave your bags in a coin locker at the train station and take a small overnight bag. The overnight rate is inexpensive, from 6pm until noon the next day, and they also have more discount levels for those under 40 and those under 26. They also have private rooms if you want sleep more than companionship.
• Tokyu Inn
  A good hotel at a reasonable price and really well located for the gay bars.

TOKYO -- area code (81-3)

IKEBUKURO
• Dai-ichi Inn
  Branch of this chain just north of the Ikebukuro Train Station, is inexpensive, with free Internet and full amenities. It's only four train stops from Shinjuku Station on the Yamanote line and the Narita Express now has trains going to/from Ikebukuro directly. The Jinya sauna is just a short walk away and there are lots of cheap eateries in the neighborhood. You can book it on Expedia or they do have a website as well where you can book via email in Yen. Rooms are small, but not too cramped and a double-sized bed is cozy.

  SHINJUKU NI-CHOME, SAN-CHOME

  The easiest way to get to the gay area is to take the underground walkway from Shinjuku Station's East Exit (down one floor after the train exit ticket machines) to Exit C5, C6, or C8 (see map).

  The Shinjuku Ni-Chome neighborhood is easy to navigate using our Utopia map:



• 24 Kaikan
  See map and listing under Saunas. Inexpensive men's sauna and overnight "business hotel". Keep your luggage in the coin lockers outside the sauna or in train stations. The locker inside sauna is only wide enough for a day bag. Take off your shoes before stepping in and get ready a Y$10 coin for the shoe locker.
• Hotel Park Inn
  See map, 3354-9000. Great location at the edge of Ni-Chome's gay district. This business hotel has super tiny bedrooms (no closets, just two coat hangers) and is OK if you don't have a lot of luggage. No guests allowed to your room, so it's just a place to crash.
• Hotel S
  See map. Love motel conveniently located in the heart of the scene.
• Lorn Star
  See map. Located in the heart of Ni-Chome's nightlife. Free additional amenities at the lobby and free hot coffee/Japanese tea from dispenser at 4th floor. They can store your luggage before/after check out. Note that this hotel does not allow two guests of the same gender to share a bed together.
• Nishitetsu Inn
  7-23-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, 3367-5454. Located northwest of Shinjuku Station and a couple minutes walk from the Nishi-Shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Subway. Only two subway stops away from Shinjuku San-Chome at the edge of Ni-Chome. Beautiful modern hotel with excellent accommodation and free in-room Internet access. Very reasonable rates for this area! Priority floor with special laundry and vending access for women-only. No smoking rooms available. Single rooms have large bed.