In the few times I've visited Japan, I've tried several different accommodations. I thought that it would be good to write a review for each of them. The review will be sorted by area. Prices listed was for the time that we stayed there.
Name: Masamitsu's Shibuya Apartment
Tokyo
Name: DASH Living Tsukiji
Address: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 6 Chome−1−4
Type: Apartment Hotel
Price: IDR 19,760,118 for 6 nights
Time: April 2024
Pros: Studio apartment large enough to fit a sofa and dining table comfortably. Kitchen is available, large refrigerator, washing machine available and the bathroom ventilation system has drying function! Heated toilet seat, and bathtub. Walking distance to Tsukiji Market.
Cons: No JR stations nearby, no luggage storage, and no ta-q-bin services. But, they were able to receive our luggages when we sent them over from our previous hotel.
Conclusion: Considering the sakura season, the price is relatively low. It's okay for a longer-term stay but not as convenient to take the subway if you have a stroller or luggages.
Name: Lyf Hotel Ginza
Address: 2 Chome-5-4 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 4,767,000 for 2 nights
Time: March 2024
Pros: Great location, walking distance to Tokyo Station. Ta-q-bin services available, luggage storage available. Staff speaks excellent English.
Cons: Tiny rooms, even for Japan.
Conclusion: Okay for short stays.
Address: 〒105-0021 Tokyo, Minato City, Higashishinbashi, 1 Chome−9−2, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 7,688,149 for 6 nights
Time: December 2019
Pros: Affordable, relatively large rooms. Tunnel access to subway station. Nice and comfortable area that is not overcrowded. Very close to Shiodome station.
Cons: No JR stations nearby
Conclusion: Our favorite hotel!
Address: 2 Chome-3-１ Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 151-0053, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 4,504,612 for 2 nights
Time: June 2018
Pros: Very close to Shinjuku Station, small cafe for quick breakfast across the street, convenience store nearby, decent sized room for Japan. The building itself is also quite nice.
Cons: Higher price than AirBnb
Conclusion: If it is within your budget and you would like to stay in Shinjuku, I think this is a good choice.
Name: Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel
Address: Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jinnan, 1 Chome−10−7 テルス神南
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 8,212,771 for 3 nights
Time: June 2018
Pros: Very close to Shibuya Station
Cons: The lobby is located in the lower ground and you have to take a narrow escalator or go down the stairs with your luggages before you can take the elevators up to your room. Rooms are very small and a bit aged.
Conclusion: I booked the hotel through Agoda and the listing didn't specify smoking or non smoking. It turned out that it was a smoking room but luckily they were able to transfer us to a non-smoking room the next day. This Tokyu REI is much older and not nearly as nice as the other Tokyu REIs I've stayed at in Hiroshima and Kobe.
Address: Near Shibuya Station
Type: AirBnb Apartment
Price: USD 401.78 for 4 nights, 3 people occupancy with extra bed.
Time: December 2017
Pros: Walking distance to Shibuya Station. Cheaper than James' (mentioned above). Convenience store nearby.
Cons: Washing machine not provided but coin laundry is available. Detergent not provided. No fancy toilet seat. The water flow wasn't great,
Conclusion: It's not my favourite but not bad... it was cheaper afterall...
Name: James' Shibuya Apartment
Address: Shibuya, very close to Mark City Mall
Type: AirBnb apartment
Price: USD 585 for 5 nights, 3 people occupancy, including extra bed
Time: June 2016
Pros: Very easy access from Shibuya Station, very clean, comfortable, and spacious. Washing machine, cooking and eating utensils, detergent, and others are included. Convenience store right across from the apartment building.
Cons: If you arrive in Tokyo late at night, Mark City Mall is already closed for walk-through. Thus, we had to pull our luggages uphill to reach the apartment.
Conclusion: Great option if you want to stay in Shibuya and you have a small group.
Address: Shinjuku
Type: AirBnb apartment
Price: USD 452.17 for 4 nights, double occupancy
Time: September 2016
Pros: The inside of the apartment is very similar to the Shibuya counterpart. Late night food nearby.
Cons: The area it was in was more for adults. Apartment building is a little older, and the closest station is a subway station.
Conclusion: Pretty good if you don't travel with kids.
Name: E-Hotel Higashi Shinjuku
Address: 2 Chome-3-１５ Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 2,782,125 for 3 nights
Time: October 2013
Pros: Affordable, very close to a subway exit. Convenience store and restaurants nearby.
Cons: The closest subway exit is only accessible by stairs, very small room and bathroom (even by Japan standards), bathtub water didn't drain very well.
Conclusion: It's pretty good for the price, but it is still quite a bit of a walk from Shinjuku Station. You still have to take a subway to Higashi Shinjuku.
Osaka
Name: Hotel Hillary's
Address: 3 Chome-4-10 Nipponbashi, Naniwa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 556-0005, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 595,411 for 1 night
Time: September 2013
Pros: Great price, walking distance from Namba Station, free drinks and shampoo bar in the lobby.
Cons: Small rooms.
Conclusion: This hotel was our very first introduction to Japan. We didn't have wifi when we arrived late at night in Osaka thus it was a bit difficult to find. The price was very good considering the location, and the room size was small as expected.
Name: Apartment in Osaka
Address: Umeda area
Type: AirBnb Apartment
Price: USD 220.42 for 2 nights, 3 people occupancy with extra futon
Time: June 2016
Pros: Decent price
Cons: Not too close to the station, area was old.
Conclusion: Having had to haul our suitcases from the Osaka Station to the apartment for more than 1 km was bot an easy task. The location is still farther from the station than I expected but if it's just regular walking without suitcases it would be okay. There was a renovation in the building going on so it wasn't as comfortable. The building was relatively old, thus the fixtures in the apartment such as the faucets did not look too clean. On the other hand, the host provided a lot of things for our convenience that the other hosts we've stayed with didn't. There were some snacks, lots of towels, bottled water, disposable indoor slippers, razors, and more.
Name: Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Address: 1 Chome-1-３５ Shibata, Kita-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 530-8310, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 4, 432, 961
Time: September 2016
Pros: Walking distance to Osaka Station and Umeda Station, spacious rooms, departure point for airport bus.
Cons: A bit pricey and the building is older.
Conclusion: Great location especially if you are planning to arrive from or travel to Kansai International Airport.
Kyoto
Name: Hokke Club Hotel Kyoto
Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 579-16
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 3,764,081 for 2 nights
Time: December 2019
Pros: Good location, walking distance to Kyoto Station. Cafe for breakfast at the bottom floor.
Cons: Small rooms
Conclusion: Pretty good
Name: Apartment in Kyoto
Address: Near Kyoto Station
Type: AirBnb Apartment
Price: USD 263.68 for 2 nights, 3 people occupancy with extra futon.
Time: June 2016
Pros: Spacious apartment walking distance to Kyoto Station. Decent price. Unlike other apartments I've stayed in that was more like a studio, this one has a bedroom, tatami with table, a separate kitchen, and a small balcony area.
Cons: Even though it's located near the station it is located on the South side of the station. I found that the more exciting stuff are on the north side of the Station. The beds are futons on the floor so it was a bit hard for my mom to get up. The cleanliness was not as good as James' apartment in Shibuya we were at just prior to this one.
Conclusion: It's okay for the price, but next time I'm in Kyoto I would check the New Hankyu Hotel (above) first.
Name: New Hankyu Kyoto
Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Shimogyō-ku, Higashishiokōjichō
Type: Hotel
Price: JPY 16,600 for 2 nights
Time: October 2013
Pros: Very good price, located literally across from Kyoto Station. Spacious rooms by Japan standard.
Cons: Older building, subtle smoke smell in the air.
Conclusion: Amazing price for that location!
Hiroshima
Name: Hiroshima Tokyu REI
Address: 10-１ Mikawachō, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima-ken 730-0029, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 741,990 for 1 night
Time: September 2016
Pros: Newer or newly renovated building. Very good location, walking distance to main attractions and also walking distance to the Maple Hop on and off Bus Stop. Free drinks at the lobby at certain time.
Cons: Can't think of any. We loved it.
Conclusion: Will definitely stay here again if the price stays about the same.
Kobe
Name: Hotel Monterey Kobe
Address: 2 Chome-11-13 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 2,480,000 for 2 nights
Time: March/April 2024
Pros: Large rooms and beds, public bath facilities, ta-q-bin services, luggage storage available. Walking distance from Sannomiya Station. Located right behind the B Kobe hotel.
Cons: The style is a bit outdated but it doesn't matter, really.
Conclusion: Will definitely stay here again if the price stays about the same. Loved it! We especially enjoyed the bath after a long day of walking.
Name: The B Kobe Hotel
Address: 2 Chome-11-5 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 3,750,000 for 3 nights
Time: December 2019
Pros: Walking distance from Sannomiya Station.
Cons: Rooms are a bit small, but pretty normal for Japan.
Conclusion: Okay if there is nothing else.
Name: Kobe Motomachi Tokyu REI
Address: 1 Chome-2-３５ Sakaemachidōri, Chūō-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken 650-0023, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 990, 849 for 1 night
Time: September 2016
Pros: One of the two Tokyu REI hotels in Kobe, this location is newer and located close to the port, Chinatown, and a lot of points of interest in Kobe.
Cons: None. We loved it.
Conclusion: Will definitely stay here again if the price stays about the same. We mistakenly went to the other Tokyu REI hotel location before going to this one and that one was an older building.
Nagoya
Address: 9-13 Tsubakicho, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0015, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 2,400,000 for 2 nights
Time: April 2024
Pros: Close to train station. Clean room and decent price. We loved the bathroom that features a sitting shower Japanese style shower and a bath tub, complete with a small chair. Ta-q-bin and luggage storage available.
Cons: Room and walkway is small
Conclusion: Good for the price.
Name: UNIZO INN Nagoya Sakae
Address: 3 Chome-16-３０ Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi-ken 460-0003, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 910, 267
Time: September 2016
Pros: Close to train station. Clean room and decent price. A lot of food options nearby.
Cons: Near the red-light district
Conclusion: Good for the price, though next time I would try other hotels...
Sapporo
Name: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo-Susukino
Address: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 4 Jōnishi, 1 Chome−１丁目2-1
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 2,592,333 for 3 nights
Time: December 2017
Pros: Great location, walking distance from many attractions in Sapporo. Building was modern and well maintained.
Cons: -
Conclusion: Very nice for the price. Will definitely consider staying here again.
Otaru
Name: Hotel Nord Otaru
Address: 1 Chome-4-4-16 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaidō 047-0031, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: -
Time: December 2017
Pros: Great location, right by the Otaru Canal. Walking distance to Otaru Station.
Cons: Small rooms
Conclusion: It was an older building but it was clean and the location was very good. I would consider staying there again.
Niseko
Name: Hilton Niseko Village
Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1592, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 4,349,644 for 2 nights, 3 people occupancy
Time: December 2017
Pros: Great location, can't get any closer to Niseko Village than this hotel. Indoor and outdoor onsen with beautiful view. Shuttle bus available to nearby attractions.
Cons: A bit too crowded
Conclusion: Definitely a great place to stay in Niseko!
Fuji/Kawaguchi
Name: Hotel Kaneyamaen
Address: 6283 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 7,613,755 for 1 night in a room with private onsen including breakfast, dinner, and entertainment.
Time: September 2016
Pros: Large property, spacious room, beautiful garden, amazing rooftop onsen. Shuttle service from nearest train station available.
Cons: Expensive
Conclusion: Even though the price is on the higher side, this hotel offers a lot. The building seemed older but was very well maintained. The private onsen in our room was very nice. They had Taiko performance in the evening and also a bingo game for the guests. Aside from the rooftop onsen that offers a view of Mt. Fuji, they have a couple of other onsens inside the building. There is also a foot onsen in the garden. Budget permits, I would love to stay here again. This is more suitable for a getaway to enjoy the hotel instead of just a place to stay while sightseeing.
Address: ２６５４ Arakura, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 403-0011, Japan
Type: Hotel
Price: IDR 1.576.380 for 1 night, 3 people occupancy
Time: September 2018
Pros: Sparkling clean with modern design, the building is either new or newly renovated. Onsen was nice and clean. Great view from the rooms. Great price. Walking distance to FujiQ Highland and its station.
Cons: None
Conclusion: Great for family vacation. I would definitely go back to this hotel if the price stays about the same.
Shirakawago
Name: Isaburo
Address: 1982 Ogi-cho, Shirakawa village Ohno-gun, Gifu prefecture 501-5627
Type: Minshuku
Price: JPY 9,000 per person per night including dinner and breakfast
Time: September 2016
Pros: Unique experience! Very good food.
Cons: No A/C, a bit far from the Shirakawago centre, and definitely not for the faint hearted!
Conclusion: It's not everyday that we could stay in one of Japan's Gasshou Zukkuri so we were excited to experience it at least once. As soon as it got dark outside, there was nothing else to do. We woke up a few times in the middle of the night, but the morning view before the tourist buses arrived were definitely worth it.
Hakone
Name: Ichinoyu Honkan
Address: 90, Tōnosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken 250-0315, Japan
Type: Ryokan
Price: JPY 21,420 for 1 night in a room with private bath, 2 people occupancy
Time: October 2013
Pros: Laid back, older ryokan gave a unique experience. We
Cons: Access is not exactly easy, but not bad
Conclusion: It was a good experience but I think paying extra for Yumoto Fujiya (below) is better.
Name: Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
Address: 256-1 Yumoto Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun Hakone Japan 250-0392
Type: Hotel
Price: JPY 27.541 for 1 night, 3 people occupancy
Time: September 2018
Pros: Perched on a hill right across Hakone Yumoto Station, anyone who arrive in Hakone would surely see this historical hotel. Great location!
Cons: Building is a bit old, including the onsen. A bit expensive but still normal.
Conclusion: Very convenient location to stay in if you only have a short time to spend in Hakone.
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