Tokyo Accomodation - Mid April

ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 15:09
Last edited 26/02/2018 - 17:31 by 2 other users

Hi guys,

My partner and I are going to Japan mid April and are looking for accomodation in Tokyo for 5 nights. From what we have found most places around there are more the capsule shared hotels etc. We would prefer more private or good airbnbs so if you guys could recommend any for a good decent price. Also, if you have been to Tokyo and Osaka what areas are good to stay at and areas to avoid?

UPDATE: We found a nice AirBnB near the Shinjuku area for a good price. Due to it being the festival & cherry blossom season prices for hotels were a bit more dare. Thanks for the helpful tips OzBargain community! Now Osaka accomodation is next :)

Thanks

Travel

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 25/02/2018 - 15:16
    +5

    airbnb

    • altomic on 25/02/2018 - 15:23
      +3

      airbnb all the way.

  • rainbow612 on 25/02/2018 - 16:36
    +2

    Find places to stay on the Yamanote loop line in Tokyo, close to the areas you plan to see, I am guessing close to Shibuya or Shinjuku side of loop.

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 17:58

      Yes would prefer Shibuya, Shinjuku, central Tokyo i guess and thank you will look at the Yamanote Line

      • SydStrand on 25/02/2018 - 19:33

        They're both on Yamanote Line, so can quickly reach them via direct train. Neither will offer much accommodation (ex. Love Hotels), they're eating/shopping districts. Maybe Shin-Okubo, it's Koreatown, walking distance from Shinjuku, has its own station on the line, etc.

        • rainbow612 on 25/02/2018 - 22:11

          What?! There is plenty of accommodation, its just not cheap.

        • SydStrand on 25/02/2018 - 22:37

          @rainbow612: Yeah, but they're out of the price range of any self-respecting Ozbargainers

  • Ocker on 25/02/2018 - 16:39

    What general in Tokyo are you contemplating staying?

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 17:59
      +1

      More central Tokyo so we are close to everything and access is simple for getting around

  • robbyjones on 25/02/2018 - 16:40
    +1

    I am also going to Japan mid April and accommodation in Tokyo is pretty expensive then (airbnb included). I ended up getting a hotel in Shinjuku via SnapTravel.

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 18:00
      +1

      Yes i definitely thought it would be a little cheaper than what it is but not. Will look into SnapTravel as have not heard of that before. Might bump into you while there haha

    • pat0809 on 26/02/2018 - 00:15

      Maybe because of Cherry Blossom season they have jacked up their price a bit.

  • dazweeja on 25/02/2018 - 16:53
    +2

    I'm not sure where you got the idea that they are mostly capsule hotels. Those exist but most hotels are just like the ones here. The Japanese chains are pretty decent and consistent too, eg. MyStayz, Daiwa Roynet, etc. Just look on Trip Advisor for your price range and sort by rating.

    As for where to stay, I prefer to somewhere on the Yamanote Line which is a train line which goes around Tokyo in a big circle. That makes getting around super easy. There's another line that goes right through the middle of the Yamanote Line, which is the Chuo-Sobu line. Staying at the intersection of these two lines is even better. That's Shinjuku/Yoyogi on one side and Tokyo/Akihabara on the other. Shinjuku side might be a bit better for shopping (not my area I'm afraid!) and Kanda is a pretty good choice on the Tokyo side. The areas are so different it really depends on what you're looking for. I like Akihabara/Ueno area (electronic district) but it's not for everyone. I'm not too fussy so I've stayed at a few places in the $120-150 range and they've been fine.

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 18:07

      On the dates we are looking for majority of avaliable places have been capsule hotels/shared bathrooms in our good price range.

      A lot of people are saying around the Yamanote line. Thanks for letting me know about the areas though, we will have a browse on those areas. Sounds like you're a regular Japan go'er haha

  • altomic on 25/02/2018 - 17:04
    +2

    in Tokyo I'd recommend near Ueno (my preference)

    plenty of train lines nearby. easy to get everywhere.

    though as long as you are in "central" Tokyo (Yamanote line) then it will be easy to get anywhere.

    source: former Tokyo resident

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 18:09

      Thanks! We did find an air bnb in Ueno so will keep looking into that.

      • Slinky0111 on 25/02/2018 - 23:31
        +1

        There is an airbnb super close to is no and is fantastic! I'll hit the Mrs up for the name of it.

        • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 23:37

          Thanks man! Appreciate that heaps. Hopefully is not booked out though haha

  • MTWallet on 25/02/2018 - 18:12
    +1

    Around Kasai/Nishi Kasai on the Tozai Metro Line.

    There are a few reasonably priced hotels.

    It's convenient. Short trip into Tokyo and you can purchase an unlimited Metro day pass for Tokyo @ 600 yen to get around.

    Disney not far away too.

    Tozai Metro Line is one of the busiest/popular in Tokyo, be prepared. It's busy for a reason.

    Otherwise if you're not fussy, around Minami-Senju/Ueno as mentioned for budget private rooms/shared facilities.

    Good connections to everywhere

    Enjoy..

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 19:10

      Is the Tozai metro line included in the JR Rail pass?

      Thanks

      • MTWallet on 25/02/2018 - 19:20

        No it's not. Using or activating a JR pass while in Tokyo for 5 days is not the best use of it. Use it before or after if staying in Japan longer.

      • SydStrand on 25/02/2018 - 19:35

        Don't use JR Pass for local lines. Save your start date for when you take the first Shinkansen.

      • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 21:54

        We will be going to Osaka and maybe Kyoto as well

        • MTWallet on 25/02/2018 - 22:22

          So are you planning on doing day trips to Osaka and Kyoto region and returning to Tokyo overnight?

          Then the JR pass will be of best use. You can travel long distances and see a lot in a day.

        • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 23:40

          @MTWallet: no we are planning on a few nights in Tokyo then going to Osaka for a few nights. While we are there we will do a day trip to Kyoto and another day to see Mt Fuji as that looks amazing! Then we come back to Tokyo and fly out. So JR pass is seeming best choice

  • Ocker on 25/02/2018 - 19:14
    +2

    I lived in Roppongi for a total of 9 years and having been back a couple of times since can recommend the B Tokyo Roppongi at around $210 a night. Roppongi is a great entertainment/eating precinct with the Hard Rock, Tony Roma's and hundreds of small friendly bars.

    The subway system is very easy and a short walk to the Roppongi subway will enable you to get anywhere in comfort.

    • MrBear on 26/02/2018 - 09:08

      Hard Rock, Tony Roma's

      In Japan for 9 years and turns into an American… you did it wrong :)

  • myusername on 25/02/2018 - 20:37
    +1

    have been there numerous times about to head over in march april.

    my advice hurry up and book you accommodation as it's pretty much peak time over there due to sakura season

    i always stay in shinjuku, and namba in osaka

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 21:59

      Okay thanks. We will be going Osaka as well so will look into places at Namba

  • mskeggs on 25/02/2018 - 20:38
    +2

    Make sure you check out Tokyo Cheapo for good tips.

    • ay-papii on 25/02/2018 - 21:56

      Thanks. I will try them out

  • JimmyF on 25/02/2018 - 20:41

    From what we have found most places around there are more the capsule shared hotels etc.

    You clearly haven't looked very hard!

    Or you budget is SO LOW that, this is all that is showing up!

  • Grayfox on 25/02/2018 - 21:40
    +1

    Stayed in Ueno and found it easy to access all the places we wanted via rail/subway network.

  • pat0809 on 26/02/2018 - 00:19

    What's your accommodation budget per night?

  • DarthAntz on 26/02/2018 - 00:44

    let us know how you go. Im expecting your 6 weeks preparation booking for tokyo in April, cherry blossom season, to be a failure, as its probably the busiest month of the year. You'll find a place, but expect $200 a night and everything heavily booked already. Take what you can get. Airbnb and Rakuten Travel will be help to find some bookings.

    Starting to get a few pink and white blossoms here in Nagasaki now.

    read every other forum about Japan.

    Do day trips out of tokyo, there is plenty in every direction. Mega-cities can get repetitive. Go to art galleries, dont go to zoos.

  • mingofmongo on 26/02/2018 - 07:49

    I stayed at Citadines in Shinjuku. Quick walk to the station and very 'Western' style if that's what you're after.

  • squash on 26/02/2018 - 09:14

    look into business hotels, stayed in a nice Toyoko Inn in Shinjuku a few years back. rooms are small and basic but quiet and nice and they have breakfast included.

  • shagaroo on 26/02/2018 - 09:38

    Booked this place on AirBnB last week for travel in Jan 2019. We have 6 in our group. All accom is expensive but I think Shinjuku will be the best place for getting around.

    • Goldcoater on 28/02/2018 - 08:37

      That looks like a good location, can't beleive they sleep 8 for $135.

      • shagaroo on 28/02/2018 - 08:43

        Much more expensive during our travel period (2.5 times) but good thing is that it has a laundry and washing machine. Need it with a family with 4 kids!

        • Goldcoater on 28/02/2018 - 09:40

          Still way more economical/practical than 2 or 3 hotel rooms. Hotels have coin operated laundries but who wants to sit there and watch it, not me.

  • dasher86 on 26/02/2018 - 13:37

    OP should update with price range - sigh.
    I stayed in both Shinjuku and Ueno.
    For location Shinjuku was worth the extra money..

  • SirFlibbled on 26/02/2018 - 16:11

    Depending on your budget I really liked Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku. Good place to end up at night as it's its a night hub so things tended to stay open a bit later than elsewhere.

    Cost was about $250 a night from memory. The room wasn't enormous but it was much bigger than other hotel rooms I stayed at in Japan.

    Plus is has a Godzilla head.

    • Goldcoater on 28/02/2018 - 07:57

      If you book a twin room I think it's 24 square meters. I was obsessing about room sizes when I was booking the Gracery for my son and his dad, they were travelling with ski gear and some rooms I looked at were 16 square meter and less. The room they got had a panoramic view of the city through a long narrow window.

      Paid $209aud for twin room through Japanican

      I've also checked out Air B&B and it has some great accomodation at very good prices. i saw this cute accomodation for $115 per night, in good location.
      https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/12878615?location=Shinjuku&a…

  • Goldcoater on 28/02/2018 - 07:53

    I organised a trip to Tokyo for my 19 year old son and his father in February. We sort input from regular visitor friend and he recommended Shinjuku for there first visit. I booked Gracery Hotel, very close to station and right in the middle of the red light district (still very safe). At night neon billboards light up and there is a lot of nightlife. They walked everywhere, over to Goverment Building where you can go to the top and enjoy spectacular views over Tokyo. Plenty of 24hr eateries, 711's where you can grab coffee or breakfast economically. I booked Sumo wrestling tournament for their second day. It was small group departure from a Shinjuku Hotel with English speaking guide (booked through Japanican). They spent a day looking at shrines and gardens and general sight seeing such as the biggest cross walk in Shirbuyu Crossing and the Robot restaurant. Also in the area is the Golden Gai, a series of small lanes with bars and eateries. They bought a flexible JR Pass (use for five days in 14). They used it for the NEX train from Narita to Shinjuku and from Shinjuku to Habuka (where they skied for a week) and on the Bullet Train from Nanango to Toyko/Narita and for day Tokyo and still had a day to spare.

    They were both extremely happy with our friends recommendation for Shinjuku. He also recommended Uneo as a possible choice.

    • Goldcoater on 28/02/2018 - 08:01
      +1

      Below are some suggestion for sightseeing that came from the Whirlpool Japan Travel forum

      Pick places based on interests:-
      https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

      I would consider Tsukiji Fish Market, maybe combined with Asakusa/Sensoji
      Ueno/Ameyoko
      Meiji Jingu and Harajuku and possibly Shibuya in the afternoon
      In Shibuya the statue of Hachiko and the crossing. I also like the Tokyu Food Show/department store basement food area. You can go down the steps to the left of Hachiko.
      Shinjuku and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Towers for the free observation deck. This is nice at dusk into the evening.
      Ginza/Yurakucho
      Akihabara
      Tons of restaurant options as per the Japan Travel FAQ.
      Some suggested (fast) day itineraries are here:-
      https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3051.html

      They may also wish to consider booking Maricar and going on a tour of Tokyo driving gokarts dressed as cartoon characters. Might be perfect for a 19 year old and father.
      https://maricar.com/

      • ay-papii on 01/03/2018 - 20:35

        That has a lot of interesting ideas!

        • Goldcoater on 02/03/2018 - 05:35
          +1

          You'll have a great time in Tokyo, plenty of choice for things to do. There are a number of tours on the Japanican website to give you ideas, one takes you out on the harbour. The guys loved the Sumo wrestling but it is only on at certain times of the year, at other times you can tour the training camp.

        • ay-papii on 02/03/2018 - 12:37
          +1

          @Goldcoater: Japan seems like a place where you could spend months and still not see and do everything. If we like it we will be back there for sure

  • ay-papii on 01/03/2018 - 20:21

    We got accomodation in North Shinjuku with air bnb host for about 110 a night including service and cleaning fee. We were looking at Ueno for accomodation which was a bit cheaper (air bnbs) but I'd rather pay a little bit extra as the place in North Shinjuku had a lot more and better reviews and looks nicer with a better setup. Ueno was about 95-100 a night.

    I can't wait for this trip! Especially as we are going on the Go Karts around Tokyo!

    • Goldcoater on 02/03/2018 - 05:47
      +1

      $110 is great price for that location. So much to do in the immediate area and good transport links. Great choice.

  • amyperkins9 on 23/10/2018 - 16:22

    There are really great airbnb in Tokyo. A lot of great cheap hotels as well. I would definitely recommend staying near Shinjuku station because that way it'll be very easy to get to other parts of Tokyo. You can take a look at this blog for which areas are good to stay in:

    https://www.genkimobile.com/blog/top-places-to-stay-in-tokyo…

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