Tokyo's BEST Hotel Near Tokyo Station: APA Ginza Takaracho Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the APA Ginza Takaracho hotel, the self-proclaimed "BEST Hotel Near Tokyo Station" (and we're gonna see if that's true, aren't we?). This isn't your meticulously polished travel blog review, this is a REAL review, warts and all, from someone who actually stayed there. So, grab a coffee, a snack, and let's get messy.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Tokyo Shuffle
Okay, so "near Tokyo Station" is… well, it's close. You're not right there, ready to roll onto the Shinkansen, but it's a manageable walk or a quick hop on the Tokyo Metro. Accessibility? Japan, in general, is getting better but it's still a bit of a mixed bag. APA Ginza Takaracho? It's got an elevator (THANK GOD), which is a massive win. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did see some folks navigating with assistance, and it seemed… doable. Not perfectly smooth, mind you. Japan's still got a way to go on that front. I'd check their website or give them a call if accessibility is a MAJOR concern.
Rooms: The Compact Comfort Zone
Let's be real, Japanese hotel rooms are famously… cozy. Think "efficient use of space" rather than "luxury penthouse suite." The APA Ginza Takaracho is no exception. My room? It was… well, it was a room. But hey, it had everything I needed!
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in Tokyo summers!), alarm clock (because jet lag is a cruel mistress), bathrobes (yay!), bathroom phone (…why?), bathtub (a godsend after a day of exploring!), blackout curtains (sleep is precious!), carpeting (meh), closet (tiny, but functional), coffee/tea maker (YES!), complimentary tea (always a plus!), daily housekeeping (spotless!), desk (small, but I managed), extra long bed (surprisingly comfy!), free bottled water (hydration is key!), hair dryer (thank you, universe!), high floor (nice view, though not breathtaking), in-room safe box (peace of mind!), internet access – LAN (remember those?), internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi! More on that later), ironing facilities (didn't use 'em), laptop workspace (cramped, but workable), linens (clean and fresh!), mini bar (expensive!), mirror (critical for selfie checks), non-smoking (thank goodness!), on-demand movies (didn't bother), private bathroom (duh!), reading light (necessary for late-night novel binges), refrigerator (for my precious Japanese snacks!), safety/security feature (always appreciated), satellite/cable channels (never watched 'em), scale (terrifying!), seating area (more like a seating nook), separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), shower (powerful!), slippers (essential for hotel life!), smoke detector (vital!), socket near the bed (THANK YOU, finally!), sofa (nope, more like a bench), soundproofing (pretty good!), telephone (…who uses these?), toiletries (basic, but functional), towels (plenty!), umbrella (Tokyo rain is serious business), visual alarm (good for safety!), wake-up service (never used, alarm clock is my best friend), Wi-Fi [free] (we'll get there), window that opens (fresh air, glorious fresh air!)
- Additional toilet (a separate toilet room, which is a very Japanese thing, and I approve).
- Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families or groups).
The real kicker? The bed. It was… surprisingly comfortable. For a Japanese hotel bed, it was a minor miracle. I slept like a log, which is saying something considering I was battling jet lag and the general excitement of being in Tokyo.
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes and Wins
Okay, let's talk about Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! But… it wasn't always the most reliable. Sometimes it was blazing fast, other times… it was like trying to stream a cat video on dial-up. Internet access – LAN: I didn't even bother with the LAN, honestly. Who uses that anymore? Internet services: There's probably something, but I didn't need 'em. Wi-Fi in public areas: Seemed okay, but I mostly stuck to my room. The internet situation was a small annoyance, but hey, it's free. And let's be honest, you're in Tokyo! Get off your phone and go explore!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Sanity
This is where APA Ginza Takaracho really shines, especially post-pandemic. They're taking cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, hygiene certification, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, staff trained in safety protocol, sterilizing equipment. It felt…safe. Like, really safe. You could tell they were putting in the effort. And that’s HUGE. That peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Alright, let's get to the good stuff: food!
- Restaurants: Yes, plural!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I didn't try it.
- Bar: Yes, a bar! Perfect for a nightcap after a long day.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get interesting. Breakfast [buffet] is offered. I went. It was… well, it was a buffet. The usual suspects: eggs, bacon (or some version of it), pastries, some Japanese options like rice and miso soup. Nothing to write home about, but it filled the hole. However, I must admit, Breakfast takeaway service is an option.
- Breakfast in room: No, not that I saw.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes.
- Coffee shop: Nope.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes, but I didn't partake.
- Happy hour: I didn't see any.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Probably.
- Poolside bar: HA! No pool.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! A lifesaver when jet lag hits and you're craving something, anything.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't see one.
- Western breakfast: See above.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Probably.
My biggest food-related experience? The coffee. The coffee in the room was… well, it was coffee. Not the best, not the worst. But the coffee in the lobby? That was a different story. It was decent! I found myself popping down for a coffee before heading out in the morning. Little things, right?
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Or, "Where's the Pool?!"
Okay, so this is where APA Ginza Takaracho isn't exactly a resort. Spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, swimming pool [outdoor], nope, nope, nope, and nope. No pool. No spa. No fancy relaxation options. Fitness center: They do have a fitness center! I didn't use it, because, you know, exploring Tokyo is my workout. Gym/fitness: See above. Massage: I didn't see any.
However, there is a Foot bath. This is a very Japanese thing, and frankly, after a day of pounding the pavement in Tokyo, it's a godsend. I spent a glorious half-hour soaking my tired feet, watching the world go by. It was perfect.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where APA Ginza Takaracho is pretty solid.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes!
- Business facilities: They have them.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: Yes! Helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Right next door! 7-Eleven. Your best friend in Tokyo.
- Currency exchange: They offer it.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes! Spotless.
- Elevator: Yes!
- Facilities for disabled guests: See above.
- Food delivery: Probably.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Indoor venue for special events: Yes.
- Ironing service: They offer it.
- Laundry service: They have it.
- Luggage storage: Yes!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have 'em.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yes, designated.
- Terrace: Nope.
- Taxi service: Yes.
- Valet parking: I didn't
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. This is my trip to Tokyo, and it's gonna be a glorious, slightly-chaotic mess. And we're starting at the APA Hotel Ginza Takaracho, which, fingers crossed, is more "sleek Tokyo chic" and less "tiny, soul-crushing box." Let's see how this unfolds, shall we?
Day 1: Tokyo - Oh, the Glorious Confusion!
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Narita (NRT). Ugh, airports. The sheer scale of them always throws me. Finding the right train to Tokyo Station felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by a sadist. But hey, I survived! And then, the APA Hotel…well, it's… compact. Like, "could barely swing a cat" compact. But clean! And the tiny window offers a glimpse of the city. Tiny victory!
- Rambling thought: Okay, serious question: how do Japanese people fit everything into these tiny apartments? I swear, I saw a guy fold his laundry into a paper crane. Impressive, but also slightly terrifying.
- Afternoon: Check-in, unpack (read: cram my suitcase into whatever space is left), and then… food. My stomach is already rumbling a symphony of hunger. Head to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Apparently, the inner market moved, but the outer one is still supposed to be a sensory overload of deliciousness. I'm ready.
- Anecdote: Okay, so the Tsukiji Outer Market. Wow. The smells! The energy! The sheer volume of people. I swear, I got jostled by a guy carrying a giant tuna, and almost ended up swimming in a vat of soy sauce. But the sushi… Oh. My. God. The freshest, most melt-in-your-mouth sushi I've ever had. Worth every single jostle. I could eat that every single day.
- Evening: Wandering around Ginza. The lights! The shops! The money. I felt like a pauper in a sea of luxury. But even just window-shopping was an experience. Ended up in a department store that was like a museum of weird and wonderful things.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of vending machines in Japan is mind-boggling. Seriously, they sell everything from hot coffee to…well, I'm not entirely sure what was in that one with the blinking lights. I may or may not have bought something from it. Curiosity got the better of me.
- Emotional Reaction: The first day in Tokyo felt like being hit by a tidal wave of culture. Overwhelmed? Yes. Exhausted? Absolutely. But also…utterly, utterly thrilled.
Day 2: Temples, Tranquility, and Total Tourist Mode
- Morning: Travel to Asakusa. Senso-ji Temple. I'm not religious, but the whole place just emanates a sense of peace. The incense smoke swirling around, the giant paper lanterns, the quiet reverence of the people… It was beautiful.
- Minor Category: Found some omikuji (fortune slips) at the temple. Got a "moderate luck" one. Honestly, that's about where I'm at in life right now.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the Nakamise-dori market, the street leading to the temple. Souvenirs! Snacks! So many delicious-looking things. Managed to resist buying a Hello Kitty katana (it was tempting, though).
- Imperfection: Got lost. Again. Ended up wandering down a side street, which, admittedly, was where I found the best taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste) ever. So, a happy accident? Maybe.
- Evening: Shibuya Crossing! The world-famous scramble crossing. I was prepared for it to be crowded, but nothing prepared me for the sheer madness of it all. Hundreds of people pouring across the street in every direction. It's exhilarating. And then, the Hachiko statue. Very touching.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: Okay, I spent way too long just sitting in a Starbucks overlooking Shibuya Crossing, watching the chaos unfold. I mean, I had a coffee, but mostly I just sat there, utterly mesmerized. It's a perfect microcosm of Tokyo: organized chaos, a beautiful mess, and a constant flow of movement. I could have watched it for hours. And maybe I did.
- Emotional Reaction: Shibuya Crossing felt like a movie. I felt like I was in a movie. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated, joyful chaos.
Day 3: The Imperial Palace, Ramen Run, and Karaoke Catastrophe
- Morning: Imperial Palace East Garden. The gardens are beautiful, serene, and a welcome break from the urban hustle. I wandered through the ruins of the Edo Castle, and imagined what life must have been like.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, the Imperial Palace is nice, but honestly, it's a bit…underwhelming. I mean, the gardens are lovely, but the palace itself? Pretty standard. I was expecting something a bit more…palatial.
- Afternoon: Ramen time! Researching the best ramen joints is serious business. Found a place in Shinjuku with a massive line. The anticipation was killing me. And then…the ramen. Oh, the ramen. Rich, savory broth, perfectly cooked noodles, tender pork belly. I slurped it down like a starving man.
- Messy Structure/Occasional Rambles: Okay, ramen. Let's talk ramen. I could eat ramen for every single meal. Different broths, different toppings, different levels of spice. It's a culinary adventure. I want to eat ramen everywhere. I'm already planning my next ramen pilgrimage. I should probably start a ramen blog. Or maybe just open a ramen shop. Yeah, ramen.
- Evening: Karaoke. Because, Japan. I went with some new friends I met at a bar. Turns out, my singing voice is…questionable. Let's just say, the experience was a disaster. But a hilarious, fun, bonding disaster.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Karaoke was mortifying. Absolutely mortifying. I think I may have permanently scarred the ears of everyone present. But you know what? I don't even care. I belted out some truly awful tunes, laughed until my sides hurt, and made some great memories. The sheer joy of being terrible at something, and just embracing it? Priceless.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone - Nature's Embrace
- Morning: Train to Hakone, a mountain resort town known for its natural beauty. The train ride itself was stunning, with views of Mount Fuji (if the weather cooperates!).
- Afternoon: Cruise across Lake Ashi, surrounded by mountains and, hopefully, a clear view of Mount Fuji. Then, a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, soaring over volcanic hot springs.
- Anecdote: I was so busy taking pictures of Mount Fuji, I almost walked off a cliff. Okay, maybe not a cliff, but a slightly precarious ledge. Close call. Focus, people, focus!
- Evening: Return to Tokyo, exhausted but content.
- Emotional Reaction: Hakone was a breath of fresh air after the city. The natural beauty was breathtaking. I felt my stress melt away.
Day 5: Departure - Sayonara, Tokyo!
Morning: A final stroll through a neighborhood market near the hotel, buy some last-minute souvenirs.
Afternoon: Head to Narita (NRT) for my flight home.
Rambling thought: Okay, so leaving is bittersweet. I'm ready for my own bed, but I'm also going to miss the chaos, the food, the culture shock. I'm already planning my return trip. Maybe next time I'll learn some actual Japanese. Or at least how to navigate the train system without getting lost every five minutes.
- Opinionated Language: Tokyo, you magnificent, crazy, chaotic city. You've stolen my heart (and probably my wallet). See you again soon!
Final Thought: This itinerary is just a suggestion. Feel free to completely ignore it. Get lost. Eat everything. Embrace the weirdness. That's the best way to experience Tokyo. And most importantly, have fun!
APA Ginza Takaracho: The Truth (and a Few Tears) - My FAQ
Okay, so, is APA Ginza Takaracho *actually* the best hotel near Tokyo Station? Or is it all hype?
The rooms! I've heard they're… compact. How compact are we talking? Like, can you swing a cat?
What about the location? Is it *really* convenient for Tokyo Station and exploring the city?
The amenities! What's the deal with the breakfast, the Wi-Fi, and all that jazz?
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *worst* thing about APA Ginza Takaracho?
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Any pro-tips for surviving the APA Ginza Takaracho experience?
What about the staff? Are they nice?
Did anything *really* memorable happen? Any funny stories?
