Nearly 300 Japanese hotels, inns, b&bs; and government-sponsored lodges can be booked for under $62 a night through the Welcome Inn Reservation Center, a free booking service. But book more than two weeks in advance, advises the Japan National Tourist Organization.

For a free "Directory of Welcome Inns," contact JNTO, 630 Fifth Ave., Suite 2101, New York, N.Y. 10111; phone (212) 757-5640.