Tokyo's HOTTEST Guest House 2020: Unbelievable Japan Awaits!
Tokyo's HOTTEST Guest House 2020: Unbelievable Japan Awaits! - A Brutally Honest Review (and Maybe You Should Book It?)
Alright, alright, let's get real. Finding a decent place to stay in Tokyo can feel like navigating a crowded Shibuya crossing… blindfolded. But "Unbelievable Japan Awaits!" – well, that name sets the bar HIGH, doesn't it? I'm going to be brutally honest, because what do you even want from a review these days? Fluff? I'm allergic. So, here's the raw, unfiltered truth about this "hottest" guesthouse, warts and all, and whether it's actually worth your precious yen.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or the Lack Thereof - Ugh!)
Okay, let's start with the bad. This place is, admittedly, not the most accessible. It's like the designers forgot about anyone with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible? Nope. Elevator? Yes (thank god!). But beyond that, it's a bit of a struggle. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," but I'm going to guess that's a very specific definition of "facilities." If you need serious accessibility, maybe give this one a miss. Seriously.
Internet – The Modern Essential (and Does it Actually Work?)
Okay, internet. Crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? CHECK! (Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.) Internet access – LAN? Yep, for the old-schoolers, or those with super-specific needs. The Internet itself seemed pretty solid. I'm not sure what speeds they’re offering, but I survived a Zoom meeting and a few hours of Netflix. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, and it's decent enough – you won't be left hanging in the lobby trying to upload that perfect Instagram story. I did experience a brief hiccup one evening, but it got back to normal fairly quickly.
Cleanliness & Safety – Has COVID-19 Ruined Everything?
Look, the pandemic has changed the game. Cleanliness is everything now. And “Unbelievable Japan Awaits!”…they seem to be taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Probably! Daily disinfection in common areas? Seemed to be, yeah. Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is always a good sign. Rooms sanitized between stays? I'd say so (though how can you REALLY tell?) Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed pretty clued up, even though they were running around like crazy dealing with so many guests! They did a good job, I'll give them that. Room sanitization opt-out available? I'm not sure, that wasn't something I actively remember seeing, but I'm guessing if you asked, they'd be happy to oblige.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Feed Me, Tokyo!
Okay, the food. This is where it gets interesting. Restaurants? Yes, plural. Coffee shop? Yes! Bar? You betcha! Breakfast is… well, Breakfast [buffet] is an option, I think. I'm not a huge buffet person, so I may have missed the grand spectacle. Asian breakfast? Maybe. They have the usual suspects. Western breakfast? Absolutely. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Of course. Room service [24-hour]? YES! (That’s a huge plus, especially after a long day of sightseeing!). Snack bar? I didn't see one, but the convenience store next door more than makes up for it.
The Asian cuisine in restaurant on offer was pretty legit, and they also catered for vegetarian restaurant and Alternative meal arrangement. They had desserts in restaurant which I had to try and they didn't disappoint. There was also a Happy hour! 🥳 I have to say, the Poolside bar was pretty tempting, especially since they also served Bottle of water straight to your table!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Let's Chill (Or Try To!)
Okay, this is where I was really hoping "Unbelievable Japan Awaits!" would deliver. Pool with view? YES! The outdoor pool is a definite highlight. But "view" is a stretch. More like "Tokyo skyline-adjacent." Still, it's a pool! AND it's a break from the heat! The pool was a welcome relief after a day of pounding the pavement.
Now, here’s where I get really into my head. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom…YES, YES, AND YES! They have the whole shebang. I spent a good chunk of time in the sauna. And I have to admit, it was glorious. Just pure, uncluttered relaxation. The steam room was a little too steamy for my liking, but hey - options! The Foot bath was a nice touch too and I may or may not have spent a bit too long enjoying it. Honestly, the Body scrub and Body wrap I didn't try, but the place definitely has a bit of a "wellness" vibe. The Gym/fitness was a bit basic but functional. I am pretty sure I saw a Massage option on the menu, but I never got around to trying it.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
This is a well-oiled machine, for the most part. Concierge? Yes! They're super helpful with directions, recommendations, and general life-saving advice. Daily housekeeping? Yep, the usual. Laundry service? Available! Cash withdrawal? Definitely. Currency exchange? Probably. They even have a Convenience store.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly?
Family/child friendly? They seem to be. They had a Babysitting service, Kids meal, and seemed to be a good choice for everyone.
Getting Around – Tokyo Transit, Simplified (Hopefully)
Okay, navigating Tokyo is a beast. Airport transfer is available, which is a saving grace. Taxi service? Yep, readily available. They also had Car park [free of charge], which is a HUGE bonus in Tokyo, otherwise, it is expensive.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, here's what you get in your room: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Basically, all the usual suspects. The beds were comfy. The blackout curtains were a godsend for combating jet lag. The toiletries? Okay, nothing fancy, but at least they provided them!
The Verdict – Should You Stay Here?
Okay, the big question. "Unbelievable Japan Awaits!"? Well… it’s ambitious. Is it unbelievable? Maybe not. But is it a solid, reliable, and pleasant place to stay? Absolutely, and yes, it's worth it!
Here's the pitch:
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels that leave you feeling…bland? Crave a REAL Tokyo experience?
(BOOK NOW Tokyo's HOTTEST Guest House 2020: Unbelievable Japan Awaits! and get ready for:
- A rejuvenating escape: Plunge into our stunning outdoor pool with Tokyo views… if you squint! Melt away stress in our heavenly sauna, steam room, and spa.
- Foodie Paradise: Savor authentic Asian flavors, or indulge in Western favorites. Our diverse dining options will tantalize your taste buds.
- Connected & Comfortable: High-speed Wi-Fi, comfy beds with blackout curtains for those all-important zzz's, and all the amenities you need to feel right at home.
- Super convenient: with [Car park [free of charge]] and a Convenience store, your everyday needs are handled.
- COVID-Safe Haven: We pride ourselves on our hygiene standards, with all the cleaning and safety protocols in place.
But book fast! This place is HOT. Like, Tokyo-in-July hot. Don't miss out on your Unbelievable Japan adventure!
FINAL THOUGHTS:
This place is a solid choice, especially if you're into the whole spa thing. It's not perfect, accessibility is an issue, and it's not the cheapest option, but the location is great, the service is good, and the facilities are fantastic. Just go in with realistic expectations, and get ready to have a great
Escape to Paradise: Lada Krabi Express Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that was my Tokyo Guest House adventure in 2020. (Yes, I KNOW, pandemic times. Don't @ me. We all made questionable life choices that year.) This isn't going to be your perfectly-edited, Insta-worthy travel itinerary. This is the REAL deal. The messy, slightly-hungover, "did I even pack underwear?" version.
Tokyo Guest House 2020: A Disasterpiece in the Making (But Mostly Memorable)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Landed at Narita. Jet lag hit me like a ton of bricks. I'd envisioned myself gracefully gliding through customs, a vision to behold. Reality? Me, practically drooling into my passport photo, desperately trying to remember the basic Japanese phrases I’d crammed into my brain on the plane. "Watashi wa… eh… konnichiwa?" Nailed it. (Not really.)
**9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: **Train to Shinjuku. Crowds. So. Many. People. I swear, the Tokyo commuter train system is a real-life version of a human Tetris game. Found my guest house, a charming little place called "Sakura Hostel Asakusa." "Charming" in this context means "slightly cramped, walls paper-thin, and the shared shower situation is… well, an adventure for another time."
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Checked in. Met a surprisingly chatty Australian guy named Kevin. He seemed to know EVERYTHING about ramen. Legitimately, I suspect the dude had written a PhD thesis on it. We decided to be friends, mostly out of desperation. I'm not very good at making friends.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Beautiful. Seriously jaw-droppingly beautiful. Cherry blossoms were at their peak. I probably took a million photos. Then promptly lost all sense of direction and wandered around, feeling like a lost plastic bag in a very, very stylish wind tunnel. Started to feel the full weight of being alone in a totally new city. Existential dread level: 7.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner with Kevin. He took me to a legit ramen place. This wasn't some tourist trap. This was ramen. I’m talking slow-cooked pork belly, perfectly cooked noodles, a broth that could heal all wounds. I inhaled it. I slurped. I felt… better. Friendship secured, mostly thanks to incredibly delicious carbs.
Night (9:00 PM - ???): Tried to sleep. Failed. The paper-thin walls proved their worth. Every cough, sneeze, and snore from the other guests was a tiny, personal invasion. Concluded I was probably going to die from sleep deprivation. Began to question all life choices.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Karaoke Catastrophe
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Tsukiji Outer Market. Oh. My. God. The smells. The vibrancy. Tuna auctions (missed those, got there too late. Stupid jet lag! ). Ate the freshest sushi I’ve ever tasted. The perfect texture, the perfect simplicity. Got slightly lost in a sea of seafood stalls, feeling a little overwhelmed. Thought I might have been able to take some tuna head back home to the guest house just to be different, but couldn’t carry it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Akihabara. The electronic wonderland. Neon lights flashing, anime figures everywhere, arcades blasting. I was a total fish out of water, but I tried to embrace the chaos. Played a claw machine for, like, 30 minutes and got absolutely nothing. Seriously, those things are rigged. Bought a ridiculously cute Hello Kitty keychain out of spite.
Evening (6:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Karaoke night! Kevin had insisted. I’m not a singer. I'm actively bad at singing. But peer pressure is a powerful thing, especially when your new friend knows the exact song list from a karaoke bar. Chose a Japanese song I didn't understand. Proceeded to butcher it spectacularly. Kevin, bless his heart, sang "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the crowd. The highlight? Definitely when he belted out the "GALILEO!" The lowlight? When I was given the mic. I’ve never been more embarrassed. Worth it.
Night (11:00 PM - ???): Back to the guest house. More snoring. More existential dread. Swore I would invest in earplugs tomorrow.
Day 3: Temples, Tranquility, and an Accidental Culinary Adventure
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Asakusa Temple. Finally made it. The Kaminarimon Gate was striking, and the whole atmosphere was so calming. Found the Senso-ji Temple. I got lucky, the temple was not overly crowded. Bought some omikuji (fortune slips). Got a "bad luck" one. Sigh. I could have probably been expecting it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lost. Again. Somehow ended up wandering through a residential area. Found a tiny, unassuming restaurant. The menu was all in Japanese. Pointed randomly at a picture of something. It turned out to be… deep-fried octopus balls. Also, takoyaki! (Turns out, "takoyaki" is my new favorite word). I devoured them. They were hot, gooey, and absolutely delicious. Accidentally ate an entire plate and just went back for more. The old woman running the place seemed amused. (She also gave me a free green tea, which was probably a result of my awkward gesturing and language barrier challenges.)
Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Ueno Park. Wanted some more of that tranquility, so I took a stroll in Ueno Park, saw the museums, and the zoo. The pandas were adorable, though I swear one of them was giving me the side-eye.
Night (8:00 PM-???): Another Night, More Snoring.
Day 4: The Grand Finale (Or, My Departure)
Morning(9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Packing, saying goodbye to Kevin. I even managed to learn a few more Japanese phrases, like "thank you" and "more ramen, please." Which is probably the only thing I really needed anyway.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Trip to the airport. The train ride back to Narita. Found myself a decent seat with a view. I wasn’t thrilled about boarding a plane but excited about the trip home.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Airport! Boarding a plane heading back home, while reflecting on my experiences. The city was an odd place, but in the end, it was an amazing experience.
Departure (4:00 PM onwards): Landed back home. Jet lag strikes again. I was exhausted, slightly smelly, and full of both ramen and regrets. But you know what? I wouldn't trade that messy, imperfect trip for anything. Because that's how you make memories, folks. And now. I have to get some sleep. I will be back soon, hopefully again!
Okay, so first things first, I'm NOT a travel blogger. I'm just a dude who crashed there last year. So, expect some honest opinions, alright?
1. Is this place *really* as "unbelievable" as the name suggests? Like, are we talking mind-blowing cherry blossoms *and* ramen dreams type of unbelievable?
Alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable Japan Awaits!" sounds like a marketing team went *hard*. Look, it's good, but it's not... mystical. More like "Decent Japan Awaits, With a Few Hiccups." I mean, the cherry blossoms were beautiful, but I only saw 'em because I was coughing my lungs out with a cold I caught from the shared dorm. And the ramen? Okay, *that* was worth the trip... but you can find amazing ramen *anywhere* in Tokyo. Still, it's a solid base camp for adventure. Just don't expect to be transported to Narnia. Unless you count the *very* eccentric owner as a talking lion... which, possibly.
2. What's the deal with the dorm rooms? Are they cramped? Do you actually get any sleep?
Okay, the dorms… they're cozy. Let's call them that. "Cozy" in the way a sardine can is cozy. I'm 6'2", and let's just say my feet occasionally tickled the face of the guy sleeping below me. Sleep? That depends. Earplugs are your best friend. You've got the snorers, the phone-scrollers at 3 AM, the giggling (and sometimes questionable) late-night conversations... It's a shared experience, for sure. I made some good friends in that cramped space though, and the price? You can't beat it if you're on a budget. Also, I SWEAR someone brought in a bag of garlic every night to hang up near their bunk. Weird, but hey, it's Japan!
3. The Common Areas: Are they actually *common* or just crowded? And what's the tea on that kitchen?
The common areas are… well, they *are* common. But often, the only people *I* seemed to share it with were the owner (he *loved* to be in the common areas), the other guests, and the lingering smell of someone's instant noodles. The kitchen is functional – a couple of hotplates, a perpetually clogged sink, and a fridge that seems to accumulate mystery leftovers. One time someone left an entire durian in there. That was... memorable. I'd recommend eating out. Unless you're REALLY good at improvisation and have a strong tolerance for questionable scents.
4. Okay, let’s talk location. Is it convenient for getting around Tokyo? Because that city is SCARY big.
Okay, this is a W. This place is *well-situated*. Seriously. Close to the train station. You can practically *smell* the ramen places from the front door. (Okay, maybe that was the durian again... point still stands!) You're within easy reach of Shibuya, Shinjuku, and everything else you want to see. That's a massive plus. Saved me a TON of yen on transport. Don't think too hard about the walk to the station - it’s basically just part of the *adventure*.
5. Tell me more about this "eccentric owner" you mentioned. Is he... friendly? Annoying? A secret ninja?
Oh, the owner. He's a character. Let's just say he embodies the "unbelievable" part of the name more than the actual guesthouse. He's... enthusiastic. Maybe a *little* too enthusiastic. He's always got a story, a recommendation, or a terrible joke ready. He's definitely friendly, though. He'll happily help you with anything, from navigating the train system (which can be a feat in itself) to recommending the best karaoke bars (prepare for some very enthusiastic Japanese sing-alongs). Ninja? Couldn't confirm. Probably wouldn't tell me even if I asked. Honestly the guesthouse is partly just his personality. Like, it's a bit *his* house.
6. Seriously, what was the WORST thing about staying there? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, deep breath. The WORST thing? Probably the noise. And I already touched on that. But even more than the noise (which, again, embrace it, you're in a hostel), it was the laundry situation. One washing machine for the entire place. One. And it was *always* busy. So, prepare to become best friends with the coin laundromat down the street. Or wear your clothes inside out. Your call. The washing machine, I swear, was a magnet for the most interesting assortment of socks and underwear I've ever seen in my life. Like, a whole *story* was happening in that laundry room.
7. Any surprising positives? Did a good time come out of this?
Surprisingly, yes. The chaos is genuinely a good thing. You learn to roll with the punches. The communal aspect is real. I met some amazing people from all over the world. We explored, we laughed, we ate (mostly) delicious food, and we created some memories I'll never forget. There was this Irish guy who swore he could make the best cup of tea in the world, and we had a midnight tea party on the roof (which, by the way, you *should* go to the roof, the view of the Tokyo skyline is insane). He was right. The best tea. It was a surprisingly great experience.
8. Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Hmm... Okay, if I was on a serious budget and wanted a central location, yeah. Absolutely. I mean, it's not the Ritz, but it's got... soul. Or maybe it's just a well-worn, slightly smelly, but endlessly interesting jacket. It's definitely a memorable experience, and for that, I'd say it was "unbelievably" worth it. Just pack earplugs and a strong sense of humor. And maybe a bottle of air freshener. For the durian, if it turns up again.
9. What are the *things* the guesthouse lacks! Are we talking towels, wifi, or something more sinister?
