Youth hostels, known for affordable accommodations and facilitating interaction among travelers, have been popular worldwide and a hub for travelers in Japan for over 70 years. However, the number of youth hostels and their guests in Japan has dramatically declined over the past 50 years, with hostels now less than a quarter and guests less than a twelfth of their peak numbers.
The youth hostel concept originated in Germany in 1909, initiated by teacher Richard Schirrmann to help boost the health and spirits of children affected by industrial pollution. The first youth hostel was in an old castle, and now, an international organization in the UK manages youth hostels globally.
In Japan, the Youth Hostel Association began in 1951, offering “directly operated,” “publicly operated,” and “contract” hostels. By the 1970s, youth hostels reached their peak popularity, with hundreds of hostels accommodating millions annually. However, as of 2024, numbers dwindled to 124 hostels with less than 300,000 guests.
Even popular areas like Hokkaido have seen a decline from 97 hostels to 20. Despite challenges, certain hostels remain well-visited, like Kyoto Utano and Tokyo Ueno.
The decline is partly due to a wider variety of affordable accommodation options such as business hotels and internet cafes emerging in recent years. Additionally, the traditional youth hostel culture of shared rooms and communal gatherings is less appealing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japanese Youth Hostel Association, recognizing these shifts, is adjusting by welcoming families and groups and promoting inclusivity, including free travel opportunities for single-parent families and children with disabilities. The association sees the greater diversity of choices for young travelers as a positive development.
Youth hostel representative Kohei Ikeda recalls the appeal of budget travel in his youth, highlighting backpacking as a trend and encouraging young people to explore travel, utilizing youth hostels as cost-effective options.
Ikeda emphasizes that youth hostels are ready to welcome travelers who want to achieve the enriching experiences of travel without letting high costs be a barrier. He encourages people to embrace opportunities for travel when they feel the urge.
by MagazineKey4532