Although I know my way around Tokyo’s most-visited neighborhoods better than many other cities, part of the reason is because I try to stay in a different district each time. To wit, last month, I got to know Akihabara (aka Akiba) a bit better, and this month, it was Ueno’s turn. On that note, let’s […]
Japan
Hotel Review: Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo
Although it’s a mere mile away from Hotel Niwa Tokyo, if you want to submit to the craziness of a vast metropolis, then you should consider the Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo. Location Right in the heart of Akihabara, aka Akiba (Tokyo’s primary electronics and otaku district), this stylish hotel is very close to Akihabara’s eponymous […]
Hotel Review: Hotel Niwa Tokyo
If you want all of the conveniences of a big city without the predictable hubbub, Hotel Niwa Tokyo would probably suit you well. For history buffs, the ryokan Moritakan, the first lodging on the current hotel site, was built in 1935. Then, it transformed into a more standard issue business hotel in 1973. Hotel Niwa […]
Restaurant Review: Hanasanshou at Park Hotel Tokyo
One night earlier, I had a very nice dinner at The Dining, the only restaurant at Shiba Park Hotel, sister property to Park Hotel Tokyo. But whereas The Dining was open for various meals throughout the day, Park Hotel Tokyo’s Hanasanshou is only open for dinner, from 17:30 to 22:30. Hanasanshou, which translates as “flower […]
Restaurant Review: The Dining at Shiba Park Hotel
Late last year, I had the pleasure of staying at Tokyo’s Shiba Park Hotel. However, due to my always being busy in the Japanese capital, I rarely have the time to sit down for dinner. Fortunately, I had a rare few days of break on my most recent Tokyo visit, so I was able to […]
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
Ever since my first trip to Tohoku two years ago, I’ve been yearning to visit more of that northern Japanese region. What better better way to do so than with the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass? Meanwhile, for a quick refresher on what constitutes the Tohoku region, here’s a map, with each prefecture’s most important […]
Hotel Review: Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Even if you weren’t specifically interested in architecture or history, you’d be in for a treat at Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Location & Access The Imperial Hotel Tokyo, close to the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Hibiya Park, also has very good rail connections. In addition to being a hop and a skip from Hibiya metro station, […]
Japanese Theme Trains
Whereas I might take issue with Japanese rail bureaucracy, Japan is still one of a handful of countries where I consider it a pleasure to travel by train. Whether it’s the 15-car trains running every two minutes during Tokyo’s rush hour, the tracks running right along the sea, or the peculiarly named stations, one could […]
