First Time to Tokyo
Oct 26th, 2007, 02:37 AM
#21
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We are in Japan right now on vacation, our first in Japan, and we stayed at the Royal Park Hotel in Tokyo. I can't recommend this hotel enough. The location is great, as its easily accessible by both the limosine bus and the subway lines to other areas of town. We had a lovely room and the staff and amentities were amazing.
If you click on my name you will be able to see my trip report, as I have been working on it (slowly but surely) since I've been here.
We loved Tokyo!
Tracy
If you click on my name you will be able to see my trip report, as I have been working on it (slowly but surely) since I've been here.
We loved Tokyo!
Tracy
Oct 27th, 2007, 05:59 PM
#22
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Oiso Prince--we actually stayed there but during the summer when swimming pools (their main attraction) were open. The place does look a tad dated, but we found both the room (though bathroom was quite small) and services were just ok. It does face the beach but you can't walk over there because of a highway right in front.
It's a big compounds--must have a bowling alley and a convention centre as well. Not many westerners during our stay (again we were mobbed by japanese families on holiday).
We didn't try but there's supposedly a hot spring on premises, and the mezzanine floor had lots of shops/game arcade/mini-spa (or reflexology) suites.
There is supposed to be a nice chinese restaurant (we haven't tried) converted from an old villa.
It's a big compounds--must have a bowling alley and a convention centre as well. Not many westerners during our stay (again we were mobbed by japanese families on holiday).
We didn't try but there's supposedly a hot spring on premises, and the mezzanine floor had lots of shops/game arcade/mini-spa (or reflexology) suites.
There is supposed to be a nice chinese restaurant (we haven't tried) converted from an old villa.
Oct 28th, 2007, 07:09 PM
#23
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If you use a Pocket PC, I would highly recommend a Tokyo travel guide by MobileReference http://www.mobilereference.com/.
It has information about all major sites, lots of hotel and restaurant suggestions, maps, and itineraries. The best part is that you don't have to carry around bulky books.
It has information about all major sites, lots of hotel and restaurant suggestions, maps, and itineraries. The best part is that you don't have to carry around bulky books.
Oct 31st, 2007, 03:52 PM
#24
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Mealea - you make a good argument for checking out the areas outside of Shinjuku...I don't live far from NYC so I don't need Times Square half way across the world! W9 - that appears to be such an obscure hotel (Oiso) - can't find any info on it on the the net - you surely are well traveled in Japan! - thanks for the feedback and you're right, it sure does look dated on the website but should be sort of interesting (that part I have no say in). But Tokyo - the wonderfully reviewed (on this board) Royal Park - how's that location? Could I get there from that station in Oiso? You're all so wonderful for helping me - this board never ceases to amaze and impress me with well traveled folks so willing to help. Oh - and Tracy - I, like everyone else, just loved your trip report - thanks for taking the time!
Nov 1st, 2007, 11:45 AM
#25
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I also have stayed at Royal Park hotel before. From Oiso, you take the Tokaido Line to tokyo station, then take a taxi (about JPY1000-1500 at most, I suspect?).
Hotel's basement floor is connected to metro (the last stop on the purple line). The same metro line goes all the way to Shibuya. Once you're on metro, it's very convenient to get to most places. The areas around the hotel looked like a combination of offices/stores/ apartment buildings. Ther eis supposed to be a famous shrine or a temple nearby but I haven't visited there.
It's an excellent hotel, but you won't get that "Wow" factor in terms of views from the room.
Hotel's basement floor is connected to metro (the last stop on the purple line). The same metro line goes all the way to Shibuya. Once you're on metro, it's very convenient to get to most places. The areas around the hotel looked like a combination of offices/stores/ apartment buildings. Ther eis supposed to be a famous shrine or a temple nearby but I haven't visited there.
It's an excellent hotel, but you won't get that "Wow" factor in terms of views from the room.
Nov 18th, 2007, 09:31 PM
#26
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Trip Report/Feedback
Thank you all for your recommendations and help - I truly loved my time in Japan. The work portion was in a more rural area of Japan and that was a great experience (to your point W9London - no Westerners in Oiso! - even off season. Pretty beach views but no beach access). I could see Mt. Fuji clearly from there every day which was amazing. Tokyo was only 3 days but I wanted to provide a trip report for anyone that may be interested - sorry if it's a bit long and windy:
WHERE I STAYED:
PLANNED to stay at the Century Hyatt - I liked the Shinjuku station access which is why it was picked - but there was a little screw up and wound up at the Hilton which I was a bit nervous about (mixed reviews - I had taken it out of the mix originally) - but I have to say I was very impressed and glad I wound up there. It's a great location - not only is there a shuttle to the Shinjuku station (as reported here - VERY big and overwhelming station - but great access to Keio department store) and the Metro is just downstairs from the hotel. Used the concierge desk quite a bit and even though the hotel was sold out that weekend - there were always 3+ knowledgeable people behind the desk - no wait ever. The room was great - a very decent size and laid out very well - dark wood and good use of space. Had a great view of the city and a small park (foliage). I'm a Hilton VIP member but the only upgrade they had was a smoking room so I passed - wound up on the 22nd floor - below executive level but that was fine - and they comped my breakfast. The buffet was pretty good - some things that should have been hot were cold but for the most part it was good actually - lots of choices and well done. The hotel (and probably most do) also has a 24 hour lobby restaurant - for those who can't sleep due to the time change it's great - there were always people there. Such attentive service at the Hilton - at one point I needed help with the AC and it took them less than 2 minutes to send someone up - I just felt that the service at the hotel, important for a first timer like me (especially concierge) was terrific. I was impressed and would recommend the Hilton. I'm sorry that I didn't get to check out the other hotel recommended here - maybe next time I'll try the Park Hotel, Keio, Westin - or maybe somewhere in Ebisu; I unfortunately didn't make it there in the short time I was in Tokyo but I plan to next time - I'd love to see it based on what I've read here.
WHAT I DID:
Day One:
Park Hyatt and Ginza.
Room wasn't ready since I arrived pretty early (11am) - but it was still available before 1pm which was great - they were very accommodating. Around 11:30 I went for a walk to the Park Hyatt (had to see it - 'Lost in Translation' fan) and had lunch. WOW WOW WOW. What a hotel - the views were breathtaking. Had a great lunch at the New York Grill which was excellent. Yes, pricey, but there was an appetizer and dessert buffet to go with the entree so you got a good deal of food for your yen. The food was delicious and there were great choices - I had a perfectly done steak and the appetizer buffet had things like a string bean bake, tomato and mozzarella, etc. etc. Lot's of cakes for dessert - cheesecake, custard and the like - good stuff. I was so full that I didn't have dinner that night. My wallet was appreciative.
Shopped in Ginza (let me clarify - mainly WINDOW shopped in Ginza) - what a place - it was all decked out for Christmas and was so alive on Friday night. Had a beer at the Lion Beer Hall - 100+ year old bar evidently. What a cool bar/restaurant - stunning woodwork and just a fun joint to duck into to escape Cartier, Gucci - etc. Ginza was an easy ride on the Marunouchi line from the hotel. Beautiful and happening. Fun to window shop - VERY expensive shops.
Day Two:
Fish Market, Imperial Palace and Disney (almost).
The Tsukiji Fish market was so cool - very fast moving and the fresh fish - plenty of them unrecognizable to me at least - was a worthwhile visit.
The Imperial Palace was so nice - walked through the gardens...the area around it surprised me - I tell you it looks like any big city, very businesslike it seemed. But the Imperial grounds were beautiful. I was somehow surprised that it was free (actually, seemed like the big destinations were all free?). I was handed a card with a number upon entering that I guess was a counter to turn in upon exit - but at the time I thought it was a 'pay as you exit' situation (no big deal) - but it's indeed free. I don't know that I covered as much ground as I could have - but what I saw was lovely.
OK - here's the copout - I tried to go to Tokyo Disney. NOTE - it was an easy subway ride from Tokyo Station after the Imperial Palace (Keiyo Line)...the plan was to ride a few rides, buy a few souvenirs for Disneymaniac friends and then go....But the joke was on me because they were "full" and not selling any more tickets that day. That's what I get for trying to sneak an American experience into going to wonderful Japan!
By now it was dinnertime, had room service (good at the Hilton!) and took the shuttle to Shinjuku Station just to see the more 'happening' area...walked around (played an arcade game even - that's fun - couldn't resist) and did a little shopping at Keio Department store...very nice. The stores evidently are usually open between 10am and 8pm daily. Keio had a great liquor store area too - wine, champagne, beer and many, many sake choices.
Day Three:
Meiji Shrine
My last day I went to the shrine in the morning - an easy JR ride on the Yamamote Line. This was one of my favorites - I was surprised that it was only built in 1920 (only to be destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the 50's) - it was beautiful and there seemed to be very few Westerners here. Lots of families - children decked out in traditional Japanese clothing. Very nice and the park area leading up to it I found very beautiful and relaxing.
...and then off to the airport (sniff) and home.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Firstly, thanks again to everyone that took the time to give advice - it was very much appreciated. I was so so so charmed by Japan. The people are so kind and respectful and I loved everything about this country. Gosh - even the weather held up beautifully. Tokyo is not cheap - but I'd brave the 14 hour flight again anytime for the opportunity to go. I was so impressed by this country in my short time there and hope to go back to see more. Maybe next time (hoping/assuming there will be one) I can spend some more time in Tokyo but also more rural areas - maybe Hakone - which seems beautiful from what I've read - as well as some other rural/historical spots. I enjoyed my time there and am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Japan.
Thank you all for your recommendations and help - I truly loved my time in Japan. The work portion was in a more rural area of Japan and that was a great experience (to your point W9London - no Westerners in Oiso! - even off season. Pretty beach views but no beach access). I could see Mt. Fuji clearly from there every day which was amazing. Tokyo was only 3 days but I wanted to provide a trip report for anyone that may be interested - sorry if it's a bit long and windy:
WHERE I STAYED:
PLANNED to stay at the Century Hyatt - I liked the Shinjuku station access which is why it was picked - but there was a little screw up and wound up at the Hilton which I was a bit nervous about (mixed reviews - I had taken it out of the mix originally) - but I have to say I was very impressed and glad I wound up there. It's a great location - not only is there a shuttle to the Shinjuku station (as reported here - VERY big and overwhelming station - but great access to Keio department store) and the Metro is just downstairs from the hotel. Used the concierge desk quite a bit and even though the hotel was sold out that weekend - there were always 3+ knowledgeable people behind the desk - no wait ever. The room was great - a very decent size and laid out very well - dark wood and good use of space. Had a great view of the city and a small park (foliage). I'm a Hilton VIP member but the only upgrade they had was a smoking room so I passed - wound up on the 22nd floor - below executive level but that was fine - and they comped my breakfast. The buffet was pretty good - some things that should have been hot were cold but for the most part it was good actually - lots of choices and well done. The hotel (and probably most do) also has a 24 hour lobby restaurant - for those who can't sleep due to the time change it's great - there were always people there. Such attentive service at the Hilton - at one point I needed help with the AC and it took them less than 2 minutes to send someone up - I just felt that the service at the hotel, important for a first timer like me (especially concierge) was terrific. I was impressed and would recommend the Hilton. I'm sorry that I didn't get to check out the other hotel recommended here - maybe next time I'll try the Park Hotel, Keio, Westin - or maybe somewhere in Ebisu; I unfortunately didn't make it there in the short time I was in Tokyo but I plan to next time - I'd love to see it based on what I've read here.
WHAT I DID:
Day One:
Park Hyatt and Ginza.
Room wasn't ready since I arrived pretty early (11am) - but it was still available before 1pm which was great - they were very accommodating. Around 11:30 I went for a walk to the Park Hyatt (had to see it - 'Lost in Translation' fan) and had lunch. WOW WOW WOW. What a hotel - the views were breathtaking. Had a great lunch at the New York Grill which was excellent. Yes, pricey, but there was an appetizer and dessert buffet to go with the entree so you got a good deal of food for your yen. The food was delicious and there were great choices - I had a perfectly done steak and the appetizer buffet had things like a string bean bake, tomato and mozzarella, etc. etc. Lot's of cakes for dessert - cheesecake, custard and the like - good stuff. I was so full that I didn't have dinner that night. My wallet was appreciative.
Shopped in Ginza (let me clarify - mainly WINDOW shopped in Ginza) - what a place - it was all decked out for Christmas and was so alive on Friday night. Had a beer at the Lion Beer Hall - 100+ year old bar evidently. What a cool bar/restaurant - stunning woodwork and just a fun joint to duck into to escape Cartier, Gucci - etc. Ginza was an easy ride on the Marunouchi line from the hotel. Beautiful and happening. Fun to window shop - VERY expensive shops.
Day Two:
Fish Market, Imperial Palace and Disney (almost).
The Tsukiji Fish market was so cool - very fast moving and the fresh fish - plenty of them unrecognizable to me at least - was a worthwhile visit.
The Imperial Palace was so nice - walked through the gardens...the area around it surprised me - I tell you it looks like any big city, very businesslike it seemed. But the Imperial grounds were beautiful. I was somehow surprised that it was free (actually, seemed like the big destinations were all free?). I was handed a card with a number upon entering that I guess was a counter to turn in upon exit - but at the time I thought it was a 'pay as you exit' situation (no big deal) - but it's indeed free. I don't know that I covered as much ground as I could have - but what I saw was lovely.
OK - here's the copout - I tried to go to Tokyo Disney. NOTE - it was an easy subway ride from Tokyo Station after the Imperial Palace (Keiyo Line)...the plan was to ride a few rides, buy a few souvenirs for Disneymaniac friends and then go....But the joke was on me because they were "full" and not selling any more tickets that day. That's what I get for trying to sneak an American experience into going to wonderful Japan!
By now it was dinnertime, had room service (good at the Hilton!) and took the shuttle to Shinjuku Station just to see the more 'happening' area...walked around (played an arcade game even - that's fun - couldn't resist) and did a little shopping at Keio Department store...very nice. The stores evidently are usually open between 10am and 8pm daily. Keio had a great liquor store area too - wine, champagne, beer and many, many sake choices.
Day Three:
Meiji Shrine
My last day I went to the shrine in the morning - an easy JR ride on the Yamamote Line. This was one of my favorites - I was surprised that it was only built in 1920 (only to be destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in the 50's) - it was beautiful and there seemed to be very few Westerners here. Lots of families - children decked out in traditional Japanese clothing. Very nice and the park area leading up to it I found very beautiful and relaxing.
...and then off to the airport (sniff) and home.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Firstly, thanks again to everyone that took the time to give advice - it was very much appreciated. I was so so so charmed by Japan. The people are so kind and respectful and I loved everything about this country. Gosh - even the weather held up beautifully. Tokyo is not cheap - but I'd brave the 14 hour flight again anytime for the opportunity to go. I was so impressed by this country in my short time there and hope to go back to see more. Maybe next time (hoping/assuming there will be one) I can spend some more time in Tokyo but also more rural areas - maybe Hakone - which seems beautiful from what I've read - as well as some other rural/historical spots. I enjoyed my time there and am grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Japan.
Nov 19th, 2007, 08:37 AM
#27
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nantucketgirl, I'm so glad you loved Tokyo! I felt much the same way you did and would certainly endure the long flight for an opportunity to revisit Japan.
W9London, we had quite a "wow" factor from our view at the Royal Park! We had an awesome, unobstructive view of Tokyo glittering before us on the evening that we arrrived.
Tracy
W9London, we had quite a "wow" factor from our view at the Royal Park! We had an awesome, unobstructive view of Tokyo glittering before us on the evening that we arrrived.
Tracy
