In Japan there are lots of choices on where to lie your head at the end of the night.  Sometimes you miss the last train due to a late night drinking/party fest, or you're traveling around Japan and just need a place to crash.  Maybe you just want to save some cash and not stay in an expensive hotel.  Well, there are some other options available to you.

This first one is my favorite.  It's a 24 hour media cafe.  They are located just about everywhere in Japan, especially in bigger cities.  There are many different chains, but basically they are all the same.  Most require a membership card, but are relatively easy to get.  The cool thing about these places is that there are lots to do inside of them and they are open 24/7.  They have pool tables, dart boards, video games, a manga library (if your into that), and even your own little enclosed cubicle with a computer.  Most of these little rooms are dark and cushioned.  You can access the internet or play computer games.  You may not realize this, but many people sleep in there.  It's just big enough for you to catch a few zzzz's.  Most of the time it's quiet, occasionally you might encounter some rambunctious college kids.  These are popular hangouts for the "nothing to do" college crowds.  Another cool thing is that you can drink to your hearts content the juices, sodas, and coffees provided.  Some media cafe's even have showers available.  Most of these places charge by the hour, just ask them to break down the price guide.  It's definitely cheaper than a hotel or a long cab ride home.

A second option available is the capsule hotel.   These are also fairly common.  Japan started the unique idea and it hasn't spread to other countries yet.  It's just what it sounds like.  You get your own little capsule to sleep in.  Most of these capsule hotels have a t.v in your own little box.  Some also provide towels, slippers, and public baths or showers.  Typically there are separate sleeping quarters for males and females.  The prices range from 2000-4000 yen per night.  They are often occupied with traveling business men or drunks who don't want to make a trip home.  It is a must for the Japanese experience.

Another Japan experience to try is the famous "Love Hotel."   I regret missing this opportunity.  I did not partake in this quirky experience.  These are frequent in the major cities of Japan. You can usually tell it is a Love Hotel by the architecture.  The building will not look like anything else around it.  They are usually lit up with purple and pink neon lights and waterfalls everywhere.  These are mainly for couples to get a "short rest", if you know what I mean.  However, you can also sleep there.  There is minimal interaction with a person, usually just hands through a hole in a frosted glass window.  Most operate with just a vending machine.  You pay the machine and pick your room.  There are different rates depending on how long you plan to stay.  They are the most expensive of these 3 sleeping options.  They can run about 1000-2000 yen per half hour.  So this would be for a short nap if you miss the last train.  However, the fun part of these places are the different room choices.  They have many different kinds, decorations, and styles.  Rooms can come with big screen tvs, dvd players, karaoke machines, tanning beds, vibrating or rotating beds, and the theme's are endless.  Osaka is famous for these short stay rooms.  Don't miss checking one of these out, even if it's just a short 1/2 hour.

So the next time you catch yourself too far away from home and miss the last train, remember you have plenty of options to kill the time, even if you don't want to sleep.

Don't forget to check out the other articles about living in Japan.