Exploring Japan: A Comprehensive Review of Our Hotel Stays to Date
- Lani
- Oct 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3
So, for the last few years, we've been all about Japan for our trips. Picking where to stay has been a big deal for us, and we've been pretty thorough about it. I want to tell you all about the spots we've stayed at while exploring Japan, why we picked them, and what we thought of them. Hopefully, our experiences can give you some good tips and ideas too.
Tokyo Hotels & Hostels
Location: Ueno - Haneda Airport - 40 min Train Ride, Narita Airport - 1hr Train Ride Ameyoko Shopping District - 3 min walk
Ueno-hirokoji Station - 2 min walk
Okachimachi Station - 2 min walk
Ueno-okachimachi Station - 3 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Centrally Located in Tokyo & Discounted Price for Long Stay
Impressions: The place we stayed at in central Tokyo was super convenient, with lots of train lines close by. There were plenty of affordable places to eat and shop around the area. We had a great time walking to Akihabara, sometimes hopping off at the station and enjoying a leisurely stroll back to the hotel. Our room was always clean and tidy, with daily cleaning and fresh water provided. Plus, they had handy facilities like a washer and dryer in the lobby. We really enjoyed our twelve-night stay there!
Location: Itabashi City Near Ikebukuro - Haneda Airport - 1hr 10mins Train Ride, NaritaAirport - 1hr 20mins Train Ride Ikebukuro Station 11 min Train Ride
Naka-Itabashi Station - 3 min walk
Tokiwadai Station - 11 min walk
Oyama Station - 13 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Cheap Last Minute Stay by Ikebukuro
Impressions: This hostel near Ikebukuro has affordable local shops nearby and offers clean, secure common areas. Facilities like a fridge and small kitchen are available for all guests. Note that unlike most hostels, facilities are shared by both genders, including bathrooms. Not suitable for those averse to shared spaces or with lots of luggage. Ideal for budget-conscious backpackers seeking a non-touristy gem in Tokyo. Nearby you can also see a train passing on the street.
Yokohama Hotels
Location: Haneda Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Cup Noodles Musuem - 10 min walk
Minatomirai Station - 6 min walk
Sakuragicho Station - 12 min walk
Bashamichi Station - 14 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Visiting Yokohama Gundam & IHG Hotel
Impressions: The setting is breathtaking and conveniently near the sights we wanted to see. Situated in a central, easily walkable zone in Yokohama. The rooms were magnificent and generously sized. We reserved a room overlooking the harbor, providing a stunning view of the bay's sunrise and sunset. On another occasion, we stayed in a room with a city view showcasing the iconic Yokohama Ferris Wheel, Cosmo Clock 21.
The hotel is huge and provides upscale amenities, definitely catering to a more high-end clientele.
Location: Haneda Airport - 40 min Train Ride, Landmark Tower - 10 min walk
Bashamichi Station - 5 min walk
Kannai Station - 5 min walk
Sakuragicho Station - 5 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Visiting Yokohama Gundam & Reasonable Price
Impressions: The location is close to the attractions we were visiting, and the surrounding area was nice. The room was slightly older than we had anticipated, but our two-night stay was satisfactory overall. There were plenty of basic amenities available. The only drawback was that, despite being close to several stations, the area was a bit challenging to navigate with luggage at night due to the need to climb stairs to cross streets and the closure of elevators in shopping centers.
Osaka
Location: Itami Airport - 45 min Train Ride, Dotonbori - 20 min walk
Hommachi Station - 3 min walk
Shinsaibashi Station - 7 min walk
Sakaisuji-hommachi Station - 9 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Near Nipponbashi Denden Town & IHG Hotel
Impression: A convenient 4-night stay at a stylish art deco hotel in Minami, Osaka, includes complimentary breakfast. Despite the daily breakfast queue, it moved fast and helped us save money. The lobby offers numerous complimentary amenities, as well as some available for an additional fee. The front desk staff were friendly and accommodating, while the rooms were both clean and contemporary. The surrounding area has several luxury car dealerships and upscale shops.
Fukukoka Hotel
Location: Fukuoka Airport - 13 min Train Ride, Canal City Hakata - 9 min walk
Hakata Station - 4 min walk
Reasons for selecting this hotel: Visiting RX-93ff Gundam & IHG Hotel
Impression: The guest services at this hotel are probably the best we've ever had. It's super close to the airport and the huge Hakata Station, and the hotel has a really fancy entrance and vibe. The rooms might be a bit old-school, but they're big, clean, and comfy. Plus, there's a fancy bar where you can enjoy a late-night cocktail. We really enjoyed our stay and definitely stay again when in the area.
Conclusion
As you can see when we plan our trip, we make sure to choose hotels near cool spots or transportation hubs to make it easier for us to explore and save time. By thinking about what we like, our budget, and how we will be getting around, we can find the perfect place to stay. Hope you found our list of hotels we've stayed at before helpful!
Commentaires