Backpacking Japan Without Reservations

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of going to Japan for 3-4 weeks in September and was wondering if it's possible to backpack without any reservations for accommodation?
How is this season, will it be crowded at hostels and such?

I prefer not to make to many plans or have strict itineraries when I travel so booking a head usually cause problems for me.

September is probably ok without bookings, however there are two long weekends this September and depending on where you are at the time accommodation will probably be fuller than usual those weekends.

A lot of colleges are out until October, thus it is a busy season for hostels. If possible, book in advance. You can get info for cheapie inns at tourist information centers/train stations at most places. Good luck!

Apparently, YHs have to reserve some spaces for 'walk-in' customers, but not sure how much you can rely on that. Most cities have 'Sauna'-style dorms close to the stations at a similar price.

in case you would find yourself stranded and looking for accommodation, the best thing to do is to go to the tourist information office in the trainstation of the town you are visiting. almost all major towns have one, the smaller towns dont, but then try asking for information about hotels or guesthouses at a ticket counter.

tourist information offices normally have lists of accommodation that is available in town including prices and phonenumbers. if you are lucky they might even make the reservation for you.

apart from accommodation like hotels, youth hotels, guesthouses or ryokan, japan offers a wealth of options to stay in if they all happen to be full.

a park is the most basic option (no safety concerns here) but not recommended. better are (in level of recommendation), karaoke boxes, internet cafes, saunas, capsule hotels, and, for the ultimate japanese experience, love hotels. none of these need to be reserved in advance although sometimes it is possible. every town is likely to have some.

have fun