A dormitory, or “dorm” for short, is a type of shared accommodation offered by hotels, guesthouses, and hostels. Because multiple guests share a single room, the lodging fee is significantly cheaper than a private room, making it especially popular among backpackers, students, and solo travelers looking to save money.
The greatest appeal of a dormitory isn’t just its low cost. By sharing a room, you can naturally interact with people from various countries and cultures. It’s an excellent opportunity to exchange travel information, explore a city together, and create unforgettable memories and connections.
However, there are some downsides, such as limited privacy and potential noise from other guests. Recently, though, many dorms have started to offer capsule-style beds with curtains or partitions to ensure a more private space.
If you’re on a budget and seeking new encounters on your journey, a dormitory can open up a world of possibilities for your travels.
What is a Dormitory?
A dormitory is a form of shared accommodation provided by hotels, guesthouses, and hostels.
Features
- Affordable: Since multiple guests share one room, lodging fees are set much lower than for private rooms.
- Shared Room: A single room is equipped with multiple bunk beds, so you’ll be sharing the space with strangers.
- Social Interaction: A key advantage is the opportunity to meet other travelers, exchange information, and even go sightseeing together.
- Shared Facilities: Toilets, showers, and washrooms are typically communal.
- Privacy: Privacy is limited, but many newer facilities offer capsule-style beds with curtains for more seclusion.
- Target Audience: Popular among solo backpackers, students, and young people who want to save on accommodation costs.
Types of Dormitories
- Mixed-Gender Dormitory: A room shared by both male and female guests.
- Female-Only Dormitory: A room exclusively for female guests, offering a greater sense of security.
Average Price of a Dormitory Dormitories are generally more affordable than capsule hotels.
- General Range: The average price per night is around 2,000 to 4,000 yen.
- Budget Facilities: Some places, especially in rural areas or very simple guesthouses, can be as low as 1,000 yen.
- Higher-End Facilities: A well-located or stylish guesthouse may cost over 4,000 yen.
Pros and Cons of a Dormitory
Pros
- Low Cost: This is the biggest advantage. Sharing a room drastically reduces the price compared to a private room, making it an economical choice for backpackers and long-term travelers.
- Social Connections: Staying in a shared room or common areas like the living room and kitchen naturally leads to communication with other guests. You can exchange travel tips, share meals, and even go on excursions together, creating unique experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise.
- Easy Information Gathering: You can get real-time information about local sightseeing spots, restaurants, and transportation from people who have already traveled there.
- Well-Equipped Facilities: Many guesthouses and hostels have communal kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities, allowing you to save money by cooking your own meals.
Cons
- Limited Privacy: Since it’s not a private room, personal space is very limited. Even with beds partitioned by curtains, complete privacy is not guaranteed. You’ll need to be mindful of others when changing clothes or organizing your belongings.
- Noise and Different Lifestyles: You might be bothered by snoring, noise, alarms, or guests checking in late or leaving early. It can affect the quality of your sleep. If you’re sensitive to sound, it’s a good idea to bring earplugs and an eye mask.
- Security Risks: Since it’s a shared room, you need to be careful with your valuables. Most facilities provide lockers, but you are responsible for your own belongings. There is a risk of theft for larger items that don’t fit in the locker or are left near the bed.
- Requires Good Manners: Living communally requires consideration for others. Following basic etiquette, such as being quiet late at night or early in the morning, not leaving your luggage spread out, and not speaking loudly, is key to a comfortable stay for everyone.
