2025 Summer Culture Tour Accommodation Upgrades
In partnership with American River Cultural Exchange
Accommodation Upgrades in Osaka & Hiroshima
Kaigai Japan and American River Cultural Exchange are offering accommodation upgrades to interested travelers for the 2025 Summer Culture Tour. Please browse our upgrade options below and sign up using the form at the bottom of this page.
Osaka Capsule Hotel Upgrade
To keep your travel costs minimal but maintain comfort, we opt for a popular Japanese hotel style called capsule hotels. Japanese capsule hotels are compact accommodations that provide small, self-contained sleeping pods, typically stacked in rows, designed for efficient use of space. They offer a cost-effective and unique lodging experience, often featuring shared facilities such as bathrooms and lounges.
note: Female travelers have automatically received this upgrade at no extra cost. This upgrade is designed for male travelers.
Standard Capsule – Included in your tour fees
The standard capsule is designed for efficiency and simplicity, providing just enough space to rest without additional furnishings. Each capsule features a compact sleeping area equipped with a cozy mattress, bedding, and an individual reading light. Privacy is maintained through a secure sliding door, allowing guests to unwind in their own confined atmosphere.
Upgraded Private Capsule – $55 / person
Unlike regular capsule rooms, the upgraded private capsule offers a small, private space next to the bed with a locker, a desk, a chair, and a full-length mirror, so you can relax comfortably. This setup allows guests to enjoy more freedom and comfort during their stay, making it an appealing option for travelers seeking a unique lodging experience.
Dates of Stay:
May 28th to May 31st (3 nights)
June 4th to June 10th (6 nights)
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Personal Capsule: Each guest has a small sleeping area with a mattress, bedding, adjustable lighting, and a power outlet.
Shared Bathing Area: Capsule hotels usually have shared bathrooms with showers, toilets, and soaking tubs. Guests should wash before using the tub.
Check-In/Check-Out Procedures: Guests store their shoes in lockers at the entrance. Check-in is often quick, using self-service kiosks or staff help. Check-out typically means returning your key and leaving by a set time.
Amenities: Look for shared facilities like a lounge, spa, vending machines, and Wi-Fi. Our selected hotel also provides laundry services and food options.
Privacy Considerations: Capsules offer personal space, but it’s important to keep noise down and respect other guests' privacy.
Osaka Western-Style Hotel Upgrade
Upgraded Western-Style Hotel – $25 / night (up to 9 nights)
Western-style hotels in Japan offer spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and a focus on comfort, catering to those seeking a more traditional hotel experience. Unlike the compact and efficient Japanese capsule hotels, which provide basic sleeping arrangements in a minimalistic design, Western-style hotels typically feature standard-sized rooms and a range of guest services
note: To upgrade to a Western-style hotel, you will need a roommate. Your roommate may be a family member, friend, or another traveler. Your room will have two double beds. If you would like to upgrade to a single room without a roommate, the price per night increases to $50, as we are in Peak Season.
Dates of Stay:
May 28th to May 31st (3 nights)
June 4th to June 10th (6 nights)
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Private Room and Bathroom: Guests can expect a private room equipped with a comfortable bed and a private bathroom, typically featuring modern amenities such as a shower, bathtub, toilet, and sink.
Amenities: Western-style hotels typically provide amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, mini-fridges, and coffee-makers. Some hotels may also feature on-site restaurants, fitness centers, and business facilities.
Spacious Accommodations: These hotels are ideal for travelers who appreciate more space, including families needing extra room for children or luggage. Rooms often include additional seating areas and are designed to be more expansive than traditional Japanese accommodations.
Service Style: Expect a more international service style with English-speaking staff available to assist with any inquiries, making communication easier for non-Japanese speakers.
Laundry Services: Many hotels offer laundry services or on-site self-service laundry facilities, which is beneficial for long-term travelers or families.
Safety and Security: These hotels typically provide a safe environment, often with key card access to rooms and common areas, as well as security personnel on-site.
Hiroshima Japanese-Style Hotel Upgrade
Upgraded Shared Japanese-Style Room – Up to $350
Japanese-style tatami hotel rooms provide a unique and immersive cultural experience for travelers. These accommodations feature traditional tatami mat flooring, which offers a warm, natural aesthetic and a comfortable, cushioned surface. The rooms often include low-lying furniture, such as futon bedding and zabuton floor cushions, allowing guests to fully embrace the Japanese way of living during their stay.
note: Price will vary based on the number of signups. One individual reserving an entire tatami room will cost $350, whereas the price will decrease if roommates share the space. Great for friends and siblings wanting to experience a unique Japanese-style sleeping arrangement.
Dates of Stay:
May 31st to June 4th (4 nights)
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Genkan (entrance area): Remove your shoes before stepping into the room, as the tatami mats are meant to be kept clean.
Futon bedding: Expect a traditional Japanese-style futon mattress on the floor, which is typically folded and stored during the day.
Shared bathing area: There is usually a communal bathing area, often with a deep soaking tub and separate shower stalls. Proper bathing etiquette, such as washing before entering the tub, is expected.
Minimalist decor: The room will have a simple, minimalist design with natural materials like wood and bamboo, reflecting the traditional Japanese aesthetic.
Amenities: Common amenities include a small refrigerator, tea-making facilities, and yukata (lightweight kimono-style robes) for guests to wear.
Accommodation Upgrades — Sign Up Form
If signing up for multiple family members, please refresh the page after each submission and complete the form again.
Payment Information
Payments can be made via Venmo or Paypal using the links below. You may pay for your selected accommodation upgrades in one lump sum or on an agreed-upon payment schedule. After submitting this form, please expect an email confirmation and overview of your choices and total cost within 24 hours.
