For the solo traveler in Japan, there are a wealth of accommodation options. You will almost surely be familiar with capsule hotels, which are famous for their cheap prices and tight spaces. But for the budget-conscious traveler looking for something different, Japan's internet cafes are in a class of their own!

In many other countries, an internet cafe is no more than a place to briefly use the internet, with the business model arising from disadvantaged areas which formerly did not have much computer access. So how has Japan, one of the nations with the highest internet access penetration in the world, maintained a thriving industry of internet cafes?

The answer lies in comfort and services. While if you really do just want a computer at a counter seat it is an option, there are a wealth of choices including private booths with room to lay down, couple's booths, shower access, all-you-can-drink beverage dispensers, affordable meals delivered to your booth, and much more. Many internet cafes double as "manga cafes", with entire libraries of series to read at your leisure.

Internet cafes offer overnight plans and discounted prices for late hours, making it a surprisingly reasonable and very unique alternative to staying at a conventional hotel, and since it encompasses dining options as well, can be an all-in-one destination for those who would rather not splurge for a meal at an unfamiliar restaurant.

A word of warning for the truly weary, though: While sleeping at an internet cafe is very feasible, and the booths are closed off, those seeking complete privacy or more comfort in rest would perhaps be better off elsewhere. Spending the night in an internet cafe is perhaps most recommended for the young and unattached who don't mind the tradeoff of somewhat spartan sleeping conditions for affordability and a truly unique experience.