Getting a hotel room for $1 a night can be considered a bargain pretty much anywhere in the world, and especially so in a country like Japan. But getting the huge discount comes with a catch, and it’s a big one.
Tourists visiting the Japanese city of Fukuoka on a budget can get a stellar deal at Business Ryokan Asahi, a welcoming inn located about a 15-minute walk from the city’s shopping and entertainment area. For just 130 yen (about $1.20) anyone can book a room there for a night, as long as they don’t mind giving up their privacy. That’s because in order to take advantage of this amazing offer, you have to agree to let the hotel live-stream your whole stay on its YouTube channel.
Photo: Business Ryokan Asahi
The bizarre deal at Business Ryokan Asahi is available every day, including weekends and holidays, and anyone can take advantage of it. That includes influencers and vloggers who would probably pay big money to share the experience with their fans, but also everyday people looking to get cheap accommodation in exchange for their privacy.
It’s not as bad as it sounds, though. While the camera covers the entire tiny room, leaving occupants no place to hide, it doesn’t come with a microphone. The lack of audio coverage is designed to avoid copyright infringement complaints for music that could be heard from the in-room TV, but guarantees that no one will hear you talking to yourself or others, snoring, or making other embarrassing sounds.
The guys at SoraNews24 recently booked a stay in Business Ryokan Asahi’s video-monitored room, and learned the reason behind its crazy low price. Apparently, room no.8 was the least booked room in the entire hotel, so management came up with the bizarre offer to hopefully convince people to stay in it. At just 130 yen per night, they’re not making a fortune from it, but the exposure alone is worth it. And it’s better than having it unoccupied all the time.
So if you’re ever in Fukuoka and need a cheap place to spend the night, you won’t find a cheaper place than room no. 8 at Business Ryokan Asahi. Just know that there’s a catch…
