Translation guide
A budget-friendly shared accommodation, often for travelers or students. In Japanese, the English loanword 'hostel' is common, but there are also traditional Japanese terms for inexpensive lodging.
A cheap, often shared-room lodging for travelers, similar to a youth hostel.
The direct loanword from English, widely understood in Japan, especially in tourist areas. Refers to a Western-style budget accommodation with shared facilities.
I stayed at a hostel in Kyoto.
Specifically 'youth hostel', often associated with the Japan Youth Hostels organization. Slightly more formal or traditional than just 'hostel'.
Youth hostels become cheaper if you become a member.
Often used interchangeably with 'hostel' in Japan, though it can also imply a small, family-run budget accommodation. Very common in travel contexts.
Guesthouses have cheap dormitories.
A very basic, no-frills Japanese-style lodging, often used by pilgrims or budget travelers.
Lodging at a temple or shrine, often offering a simple room and vegetarian meals. A unique Japanese experience similar to a hostel in spirit.
I want to stay at a temple lodging in Koyasan.
A family-run, Japanese-style bed and breakfast. Often cheaper than a ryokan and may have shared facilities, similar to a hostel but more homey.
A legal term for simple, low-cost lodging facilities. Not used in everyday conversation, but you might see it on signs or in official contexts.
A shared living space for students or employees, often provided by a school or company.
Dormitory, often for students or company employees. Not a traveler's hostel, but the concept of shared, low-cost housing is similar.
The student dormitory is near the university.
A boarding house or dormitory, often attached to a school. More formal and less common than 寮.
In Japan, 'hostel' (ホステル) usually implies a Western-style backpacker place with dormitories. 'Guesthouse' (ゲストハウス) can be similar but sometimes feels more personal or family-run. 'Minshuku' (民宿) is a traditional Japanese B&B, often with tatami rooms and home-cooked meals. For a typical youth hostel experience, ホステル or ユースホステル is the safest choice.
Hostels are popular with foreign travelers.
Guesthouses have a homey feel.
At a minshuku, you can experience Japanese-style hospitality.
The English word 'hostel' is not the same as 'hotel'. In Japanese, ホテル (hoteru) means a standard hotel with private rooms. If you want a cheap shared room, use ホステル or ゲストハウス. Saying ホテル when you mean hostel might lead to a more expensive booking.
民宿は素朴な雰囲気が魅力です。
Minshuku have a charming, rustic atmosphere.
There are many simple lodgings in this area.
寄宿舎生活は規則が厳しいです。
Life in the boarding house has strict rules.