March 2016 - Vikingess Voyages

Monday, March 28, 2016

The New Chitose Airport: Ramen Paradise at the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (北海道ラーメン道場)

6:00:00 PM

Hokkaido is among other things known for its delicious ramen, and at the New Chitose Airport (新千歳空港) you can find a special area dedicated to ramen from all over Hokkaido. This area can be found on the third floor of the airport (before you enter the safety control), and is called the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (北海道). Dojo is the Japanese word for a martial arts training room, so you can imagine this is some pretty serious stuff. 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

[Hotel Reviews] Hokkaido: New Furano Prince Hotel (新富良野プリンスホテル)

4:00:00 PM
Above: The New Furano Prince Hotel seen from the ski slope
The New Furano Prince Hotel is a four-star hotel located in Furano, Hokkaido. This area is world famous for its powder snow, and the ski slopes here have been used for numerous World Cups (you can read more in my previous blog post). New Furano Prince Hotel is a part of the Seibu Group, and this group also operates the Furano Ski Resort. The hotel is situated right next to the slopes, and it takes only a couple of minutes to slide from the entrance of the hotel to the nearest ski lift.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Skiing in Hokkaido: Furano Ski Resort (富良野)

10:51:00 PM

Hokkaido is known far outside Japan's borders for its soft powder snow and magnificent skiing slopes. There are many areas on the island where one can enjoy some leisure time in the pristine powder snow, and one of them is the city Furano (富良野). 
Furano lies in the heart of Hokkaido and is known throughout Japan as a famous skiing destination; in fact more World Cups have been held here than anywhere else in Japan. Even so it remains a hidden jewel for foreign tourists, as most of the visitors to Hokkaido head towards the more famous slopes of Niseko instead.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Tokyo Hotel Special: 2015 & 2016 Brand New Tokyo Hotels

11:00:00 PM
The number of tourists visiting Japan has been rapidly increasing during recent years, and as Tokyo is getting ready for the 2020 Olympics there are steadily new hotels opening in the metropolis. If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking to stay in one of the brand new hotels you can check out the rest of this post, where I will introduce 16 of the hotels that opened in Tokyo during the last part of 2015 and hotels opening in spring 2016.

For hotels opening in the autumn 2016 / spring 2017 check out this post





Area: Ikebukuro

2015 4th Quarter

Book And Bed Tokyo


Address:〒171-0021 Tokyo, Toshima, Nishiikebukuro, 1−17−7, ルミエールビル
Home Page:http://bookandbedtokyo.com/en/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/Co3eR9XcXfH2

Access: 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station (池袋駅) on the ■ Yamanote Line ■ Saikyo Line ■ Shonan-Shinjuku Line ■ Seibu Ikebukuro Line ■ Tobu Tojo Line ■ Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line ■ Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line ■ Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line

Recommendation Points: One of the hottest new accommodations in town. Staying in Book & Bed is like staying in your personal library. Not to mention that the location could hardly get better for exploring Tokyo, as Ikebukuro is one of the most central stations in town with direct lines to all major sightseeing spots.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1147512



Area: Asakusa

2015 4th Quarter

Bunka Hostel Tokyo (ブンカ ホステル東京)

Phone:03-5806-3444
Address:1 Chome-13-5 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032
Home Page:http://bunkahostel.jp/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/AxbczRYRNbF2

Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (浅草駅) on the Tsukuba Express and Tobu lines

Recommendation Points: Great location at a reasonable price. All the major sightseeing spots in Asakusa are within walking distance, and a fancy Japanese style izakaya bar is located at the ground floor of the hostel if you wish to have fun all night.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1061664



2015 3rd Quarter

Red Planet Asakusa Tokyo (レッドプラネット 浅草 東京)

Phone:03 5828 0177
Address:東京都台東区浅草1-11-6
Home Page:https://www.redplanethotels.com/ja/hotels
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/7H5wrSuJhsK2

Access:
・5 minutes away from the Tawaramachi Station (田原町) on the Ginza Line
・10 minutes from the Asakusa Station (浅草駅)

Recommendation Points: 7-minute walk to the Sensō-ji Buddhist temple, 15 minutes’ walk to the Sky Tree. The Donquijote Asakusa store is situated right around the corner.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=926400



2015 4th Quarter

Grids Hostel Lounge Nihombashi East

 (グリッズホステルラウンジ 東京 日本橋イースト )

Phone:03-6667-6236
Address:〒103-0005東京都中央区日本橋久松町4-7
Home Page:http://grids-hostel.com/hostels/nihonbashi-east/index.html
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/DMmFeaMk1s72

Access: 
・2 minutes from the Bakuroyokoyama Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line
・3 minutes from the Higashi-Nihombashi Station on Toei Asakusa Line
・6 minutes from the Bakurochō Station
・8 minutes from the Ningyocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line & the Toei Asakusa Line
・8 minutes from the Kodemmachō Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line

Recommendation Points: Cheap stay at a good location. International bar on the first floor where you can meet other travelers.





Area: Ueno


2015 Second Quarter

Akihabara BAY HOTEL (Female Only)
女性だけが泊まれるカプセルホテル 秋葉原BAY HOTEL


Phone:03-5256-0015
Address:東京都千代田区神田練塀町44-4
Home Page:http://www.bay-hotel.jp/akihabara/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/p8eB5uw5UE12

Location: 
・3 minutes away from the JR Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅)

Recommendation Points: Within walking distance from Akihabara. The first capsule hotel available for women only.

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1199280



2015 Second Quarter

Super Hotel Akihabara-Suehirocho (スーパーホテル秋葉原・末広町)

Phone:03-6848-9000
Address:東京都台東区上野3丁目2-5
Home Page:http://www.superhoteljapan.com/cn/s-hotels/akihabara/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/5Yi1GYJQkyN2

Location: 
・3 minutes away from Exit G14 of the Suehiro-cho Station (末広町駅) on the Ginza Line (銀座線) ・8 minutes from the JR Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅)
・8 minutes from the JR Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅)

Recommendation Points: Free breakfast is included in the stay (available until 9 am), along with some free amenities for women. Within walking distance from Akihabara.

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=863092



2015 3rd Quarter

APA Hotel Okachimachieki-Kita S (アパホテル御徒町駅北 S)

Phone:03-6803-0222
Address:東京都台東区上野6丁目7番19号
Home Page:http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shutoken/15_okachimachieki-kita-s/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/yFvnfXhUfB92

Location: 
・3 minutes away from the JR Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅)
・3 minutes away from the JR Ueno Station (上野駅)
・3 minutes away from the Ueno Station (上野駅) on the Ginza Line (銀座線) & the Hibiya Line (日比谷線)

Recommendation Points: Just couple of minutes’ walk from the famous Ameyoko Shopping Street. Access to both the JR and Metro within 3 minutes.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1059308



2016 1st Quarter 

APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae (アパホテル 上野駅前)

Phone:03-5830-1711
Address:東京都台東区上野7丁目12-11
Home Page:http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shutoken/43_ueno-ekimae/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/FxijZWoxFuF2

Location: 
4 minutes away from the Iriya Exit (入谷口) of the JR Ueno Station (上野駅)
・7 minutes away from Exit 9 of the Ueno Station (上野駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (銀座線) & the Hibiya Line (日比谷線)
・4 minutes away from the Iriya Station (入谷駅) on the Hibiya Line (日比谷線)

Recommendation Points: Totally new hotel opened January 27th 2016. Part of the well-known APA chain. Easy access to sightseeing spots in Ueno.

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1115906



2016 1st Quarter

APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae (アパホテル 京成上野駅前)

Phone:03-5846-6811
Address:東京都台東区上野2丁目14-26
Home Page:http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shutoken/44_keiseiueno-ekimae/index.html
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/4JWAMwykivp

Access: 
・1 minute away from the Keisei Ueno Station (京成上野駅)
・3 minutes away from the JR Ueno Station (上野駅)

Recommendation Points: Totally new hotel opened March 1st 2016. Part of the well-known APA chain. Easy access to sightseeing spots in Ueno.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1145700



Area: Shinjuku


2015 2nd Quarter

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku  (東急ステイ 新宿)

Phone:03-3353-0109
Address:東京都新宿区新宿3丁目7-1
Home Page:http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/hotel/SJ/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/gH8sXX6HJHG2

Access: 
・1 minute away from the Shinjuku Sanchome Station (新宿三丁目駅) Exit C3
・8 minutes away from the JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (新宿駅 東口)

Recommendation Points: Located right in the heart of Shinjuku close to several shops (including the Isetan department store), convenience stores and restaurants.

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=788273



2015 3rd Quarter

APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower (アパホテル 新宿歌舞伎町タワー)

Phone:03-5155-3811
Address:東京都新宿区歌舞伎町1丁目20-2
Home Page:http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shutoken/39_shinjuku-kabukichotower/index.html
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/aw1DK4PQ6vy

Access:
・6 minutes away from the JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (新宿駅 東口)
・5 minutes away from Exit B13 of the Tokyo Metro Shinjuku Station (新宿駅)
・2 minutes away from the main exit of the Seibu Shinjuku Station (西武新宿駅)

Recommendation Points: Part of the well-known APA chain. Easy access to the entertainment district Kabukicho.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=936623



Area: Ginza


2015 1st Quarter

HOTEL UNIZO Ginza-Ichome (ホテルユニゾ銀座一丁目)

Phone:03-3562-8212
Address:東京都中央区銀座一丁目9番5号
Home Page:http://www.hotelunizo.com/ginza1/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/5NBJTvqwmSP2

Access:
・1 minute from Exit 10 of the Ginza Ichome Station (銀座一丁目) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (東京メトロ有楽町線)
・5 minutes from Exit A13 of the Ginza Station (銀座) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (日比谷線) & Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線)
・3 minutes away from Exit 2 of the Kyobashi Station (京橋駅) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (日比谷線) &  Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線)
・4 minutes away from the Takaramachi Station (宝町駅) on the Toei Asakusa Line (投影浅草線)

Recommendation Points: Located just a block away from Ginza's main street, perfect for shopping.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1016164



2015 3rd Quarter

Hotel Sunroute Ginza (ホテルサンルート銀座)

Phone:03-5579-9733
Address:東京都中央区銀座1丁目15-11
Home Page:http://www.sunroute-ginza.jp/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/6rFqti3ofEs

Access:
・2 minutes’ walk from Ginza Ichome Station Exit (銀座一丁目駅) Exit 10
・3 minutes’ walk from Takaramachi Station (宝町駅) on the Touei Asakusa Line (都営浅草線)
・6 minutes’ walk from the Ginza Station (銀座) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (銀座線), the Hibiya Line (日比谷線) and the Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線)
・4 minutes away from the Kyobashi Station (京橋駅) on the Tokyo Metro銀座線) Exit 2

Recommendation Points: Only 3 minutes’ walk to Ginza’s main shopping street. Several stations within walking distance.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1031992



2015 3rd Quarter

Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel (東京銀座ベイホテル)

Phone:03-6226-1078
Address:東京都中央区銀座7-13-15
Home Page:http://www.bay-hotel.jp/ginza/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/ypEA4AXgYXt

Access:
・6 minutes away from the Shimbashi Station (新橋駅) on the Ginza Line (銀座線)
・8 minutes away from the JR Shimbashi Station (新橋駅)
・6 minutes away from the Higashi Ginza Station (東銀座駅) on the Hibiya Line (日比谷線)
・8 minutes from the Tsukijishijō Station (築地市場駅) on the Ooedo Line (大江戸線)
・10 minutes away from the Ginza Station (銀座駅) on the Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線), Hibiya Line (日比谷線) and the Ginza Line (銀座線)

Recommendation Points: Situated in the heart of Ginza this is the place to go if you’re looking to experience a night (or more) at a capsule hotel. There are separate floors for men and women and private lockers available.


Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1047046



2015 4th Quarter

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza (ダイワロイネットホテル 銀座)

Phone:03-5159-1380
Address:東京都中央区銀座1-13-15
Home Page:http://www.daiwaroynet.jp/ginza/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/7GPPaZwEMWA2

Access: 
・Half a minute from Exit 10 of the Ginza Ichome Station (銀座一丁目駅) on the Yurakucho Line (有楽町線)
・4 minutes from Exit A7 & Exit A13 of the Ginza Station (銀座駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (銀座線) & the Marunouchi Line (丸の内線)
・8 minutes from Exit A7 of the Higashi Ginza Station (東銀座駅) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (日比谷線) and the Toei Metro Asakusa Line (都営地下鉄浅草線)
・8 minutes from the JR Yurakucho Station on the Yamanote Line (山手線) and the Keihin Tohoku Line (京浜東北線)

Recommendation Points: Several shops, restaurants, and bars located within walking distance from the hotel, with the entrance to the Ginza Ichome subway station right in front of the hotel’s entrance.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=932051



2016 1st Quarter

Tokyu Stay Ginza (東急ステイ銀座)

Phone:03-3541-0109
Address:東京都中央区銀座4-10-5
Home Page:http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/hotel/GZ/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/w2HcDbmLWSy

Access: 
・3 minutes from Exit A7 of the Ginza Station (銀座駅)
・1 minute from Exit A2 of Higashi-Ginza Station (東銀座駅)

Recommendation Points: Brand new hotel opened up in March 2016. Great location for people visiting Ginza whether it is for sightseeing or business.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1095291



Area: Roppongi


2015 4th Quarter

APA Hotel Roppongi Eki-mae (アパホテル六本木駅前)

Phone:03-5413-6351
Address:東京都港区六本木6-7-8
Home Page:http://www.apahotel.com/hotel/shutoken/38_roppongi-ekimae/index.html
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/D2Vaqai7rJR2

Access:
・1 minute walk from Exit 3 of the Roppongi Station (六本木駅) on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (日比谷線) and the Toei Metro Oedo Line (大江戸線)

Recommendation Points: Part of the well-known APA chain. Located close to Roppongi’s bars and shopping selections.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1094464



Area: Akasaka


2015 2nd Quarter

Keio Presso Inn Akasaka (京王プレッソイン赤坂)


Phone:03-5562-0077
Address:東京都港区赤坂6-2-13
Home Page:http://www.presso-inn.com/akasaka/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/NwqP9jE7VYB2

Access: 
・1 minute walk from Exit 5b of the Akasaka Station (赤坂駅) on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (千代田線)
・10 minutes walk from Exit 10 of the Akasaka Mitsuke Station (赤坂見附駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (銀座線) & the Marunouchi Line (丸ノ内線)
・7 minutes walk from Exit 11 of the Station (溜池山王駅) on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (銀座線) and the Nanboku Line (南北線)

Recommendation Points: Complimentary breakfast is included in the stay. Excellent location with many great restaurants in the hotel’s vicinity.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=886037



2015 3rd Quarter

Centurion Cabin and Spa - Ladies Only
(センチュリオンキャビン&スパ - 女性専用)

Phone:03-6441-3381
Address:東京都港区赤坂4-2-4 赤坂Leeビル2
Home Page:http://centurion-cabin.com/
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/AThdNUbWk6G2

Access: 
・2 minutes from the Akasake Mitsuke Station (赤坂見附駅)
・3 minutes from the Akasaka station (赤坂駅)

Recommendation Points: Free usage of the spa area (sauna and onsen) included in the stay, with detailed usage instructions provided in English. You can enjoy free coffee, tea, and juice at the spa. A wide range of amenities is also provided in the stay, including a yukata (Japanese style robe) you can use during your stay.

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=866941


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Related blog posts

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Tsubame Sakura Matsuri Oiran Dochu: The Soto-Hachimonji (外八文字) - How to Walk like an Oiran

10:55:00 PM

The devil is in the detail, and that can particularily be said in the case of Japanese traditional arts. For the Edo-period courtesan women called Oiran everything was planned down to the tiniest detail to make sure that they performed their role to perfection, and they even had their own walking style known as the Soto-hachimonji (外八文字). Soto-hachimonji can be translated into something like "outside 8-shape", and simply put this technique involves drawing the character 8 with your feet as you walk. Add the 15-cm high geta shoes and the 30-kilo costume and you might start to get an idea about how tough this must have been back in the days.

All posts about the Tsubame Sakura Matsuri 

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Tokyo Cafes: The Usabibi Bunny Cafe (うさびび)

7:27:00 PM

Pet cafes have become quite a common thing in Japan, and in Tokyo you can find cat cafes, dog cafes, owl cafes, goat cafes and even reptile cafes. With a lack of space and strict rules against pet ownership many locals who want a pet but cannot have one choose to visit a cafe with their favourite animal. 
Tokyo's Ikebukuro area is one of the places that is most known for its pet cafes, and just recently I visited the Usabibi Bunny Cafe (うさびび - home page here) with one of my friends.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Tokyo Hot Spring Theme Parks: Back to Edo with Oedo Onsen Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語)

3:44:00 PM

Soaking in a hot spring might not be the first thing that springs to mind (no pun intended) when thinking about the asphalt jungle of Tokyo. However, just a 20 minute train ride from Shibuya you can find not only a traditional style hot spring but a whole Edo era theme park where you can try out a range of Japanese cultural activities. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture without having to go traveling outside of the metropolis during your stay the place to go would definitely be the Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari  (大江戸温泉物語).

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

[Hotel Review] Chichibu: Heritage Minoyama Ryokan - いこいの村ヘリテイジ美の山

9:16:00 PM

In addition to being famous in Japan for tourist spots such as the Mitsumine Shrine and the Shibazakura in Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu is also a great place for people who want to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan hotel at half the price of what you would have to pay for if you visit Hakone. Recently I went to Chichibu with my fiancé and his family, and we had the pleasure of staying a night at the ryokan Ikou no Mura Heritage (いこいの村ヘリテイジ美の山).

About Me

Adventures ofAnette


A modern day shield-maiden who loves to explore the unbeaten paths of the world. From her base in Tokyo, Anette takes on both rural and urban challenges, and goes by the motto "No challenge too big, no adventure too small"!
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