Home sweet hotel: Japanese see new advantages in temporary lodgings

TOKYO -- More people in Japan are choosing to live in a hotel, an option traditionally seen as only for the affluent, as the emergence of housing subscription services makes these stays more accessible.

Living in a hotel may seem more expensive at first glance. But the costs for utilities and amenities often are included upfront in the subscription fees, while those who bought or rent their home are paying more these days for many consumer goods.