Young Inn Kurashiki

For inexpensive rooms close to the station, you might try this rather different kind of place (at least for Japan). A redbrick building, it has an informal youth-hostel feel and seems more European than Japanese. Painted in bright colors, it looks as though it might have been rather chic at one time but has faded over the years. It caters mainly to young people and has two to three beds per room (all with sink); the beds are arranged on different levels in bunk-bed style. In fact, the three-bed rooms on the fifth floor have to be seen to be believed -- the third bed (which is actually a semi-double-size, so four can stay here) is about 3m (10 ft.) off the floor, and you have to climb a ladder to reach it. Definitely for the nimble who are unafraid of heights. The 10 nonsmoking rooms all have private bathrooms, and four rooms have free Wi-Fi (make requests when making reservations). Cinderella wannabes take note: There's a midnight curfew.

Facilities:
Coffee shop; smoke-free rooms; Wi-Fi in coffee shop

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.