I’ve always heard about this trick but don’t actively use a VPN to find out firsthand, does anyone know if or how well it works for booking stays? Then if so is there any place in particular that tends to give the best rate options to set your location at?
IMHO, there is noticeable difference between using Trivago versus using Google Hotels with VPN set to Japan.
Trivago gives you comparison between Agoda, Booking.com and Expedia.
With Google Hotels + Japan VPN, you can see options to book via Yahoo Travel, Rakuten Travel or sometimes you can get cheaper prices by booking directly with the hotels.
Give it a try
People should always be looking directly on hotels’ sides.
I’ve only twice found cheaper prices via Jalan or JTB (or Rakuten, Yahoo!, etc.?) as opposed to Western third-party booking platforms but it can be worth looking there too.