AirBnB vs Hostels
So I get asked a LOT about how one should travel Japan. The main question ppl ask is whether to book places via AirBnB or at hostels.
Of my 22 nights in Japan, 9 places were AirBnB, 3 were hostels, 1 was a temple ryokan, 1 was a capsule.
TLDR: Each one has its perks so you cant really make a wrong decision.
I am an ambivert. I loved aspects of both facets.
-My extrovert side loved the social experience at the hostels, and meeting other travelers who I eventually shared many experiences with, learned of many future places to travel to, and lived vicariously through their stories. I still keep in touch with a couple of them, and will definitely see at least one of these people once more in my lifetime. I would relate the hostel experience to Christopher McCandless's revelation: "happiness only real when shared". I had Okonomiyaki 7 times in Japan. Its not a coincidence that the top 3 okonomiyakis consumed were when I dined with others whether it be us cooking it on the sofa with a portable plug-in grill, us sharing laughters at an okonomiyaki grill house, or simply just picking a random place while hungover. Plus, hostels are cheap.
-My introvert side relished in the AirBnB. Although nomi houdais til 3am were great memories that my extrovert side relished in, my deepest most fondest memories was a combination of being able to truly relax and go at my own (quick or slow) pace. Everybody plans their vacations with a packed itinerary, and think thats just the wrong way to do it. Having times where you can relax and take a deep breath really resets your brain and allows you to truly absorb everything around you, to appreciate everything more. Its literally why I loved Fukuoka because although there isnt TOO much stuff to do in that city, theres more substance in the things that I did do. The freedom of choosing my own room/checkout time/host family/location was truly a godsend, and I would literally travel and rest according to my physical stamina (cant enjoy anything if you're always tired) and mood (and would also book my AirBnB accordingly, aka private rooms or shared rooms or private apartments depending on if I be lazy and sleep in, be able to nap comfortably at any time, or tag along and share breakfast with a buddy). Plus, AirBnB means you can learn of all the local secrets from your host, like places that sell Taiyaki, best local ramen bar, or which izakaya actually serves Yebisu beer.
Notice Im making zero suggestions as to how you should travel Because each person is different and you know which form of traveling you would enjoy the most.
What I would like to let you know is that I made my hostel vs AirBnB decision according to what city I was in
-Like Hiroshima I would pick Hostel (and Hana Hostel at that -- i stayed there twice because they are so awesome) because there are so many day trips one could take from there that you can tag along with someone or have someone accompany you to miyajima/okayama/okunoshima/takamatsu. Also, the Hostel workers help you with information such as what time high tide is, whether you should take JR+Bus or tram+walking, etc. -While Nara or Kobe would definitely be AirBnB because they're small quiet cities where I can relax. I just love sleeping in, exploring the local markets on a whim, and explore the city at my own leisure. My host told me of all their favorite places to eat, where fresh Taiyaki is sold, and which markets have the cheapest Mandarins. -For Fukuoka, I did host family with car, private apartment, and Fukuoka Hana Hostel. Each one had its perks so you cant really make a wrong decision.