Adventures of Anette: Japan
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Japan. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Gifu: 5 Things you should try in Gujo Hachiman (郡上八幡)

1:51:00 PM
A charming shop in Gujo Hachiman
Photo: Anette

Gujo is a small town in Gifu prefecture, an area most known for the historical city of Takayama and the Unesco-listed village Shirakawa-go. I recently visited Gujo Hachiman for the Gujo Odori festival, but there are many other things this little town has to offer for interested visitors. If you're looking for activities you can do while in Gujo Hachiman you can check out five of my recommendations in this post!

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Gifu: 7 Tips About the Gujo Odori Festival You Need To Know

11:32:00 AM
Non-stop dancing until dawn. This is the Gujo Odori.
Photo: Anette

Bon-Odori (A dance taking place during the Japanese Obon period) is a typical sight during summer in Japan, concentrating on mid-August. You can find these dances being held throughout the country, both in the bigger cities (here from Bon-Odori in Ebisu) and out on the countryside. Amongst them is the Gujo Odori taking place at Gujo Hachiman (郡上八幡) in Gifu Prefecture, known as one of Japan's three most important Obon Odoris. Every night tens of thousands of people come together to dance to the songs of ancient times, with the sound of their geta shoes clashing against the pavement and tunes of shamisen filling the air. As you get closer to dawn the sounds around you intensify, and it is as if you can feel the spirits of an age long gone. This is a Japanese Obon festival you wouldn't want to miss out on.

Friday, June 15, 2018

Osaka & Kyoto Hotel Special: Grand Opening Hotels 2018

11:19:00 PM

While the Japanese government just has introduced a new law to reduce the number of apartments rented out through sites like AirBnB, so-called "minpaku", the number of hotels that are welcoming foreigners continues to increase with the steadily growing number of tourists visiting Japan. Just like last year I've made a list of newly opening hotels in Osaka and Kyoto (you can also check out the list for grand new 2018 Tokyo hotels here) for those interested in trying out some of the shiny new hotels while in town.




Area: Minami


Welcome to Osaka's world of neon lights! The southern ("minami ") part of Osaka offers endless options for nightlife, entertainment, and shopping. Shinsaibashi, Namba, and Dotonbori are all popular choices for visitors to this side of town. Although it can be rather congested, the area offers anything from low to mid-range items, so if you are looking for unique gifts to bring back home this place will definitely not disappoint you. Just watch out for large groups of Chinese tourists shopping like there's no tomorrow. 



Opening: Jan 2018


Address:2 Chome-9-15 Minamisenba, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0081
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/KWnscsVPrBy

Closest Station: 
● Shinsaibashi Station 心斎橋駅 (Midosuji Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線, The Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line・長堀鶴見緑地線線)
● Yotsubashi Station 四ツ橋駅 (Yotsubashi Line 地下鉄四つ橋線)

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Number of Rooms: 100

Recommendation Points:
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=2962076




Opening: Jan 2018


Address:2 Chome-10 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/EJYeTSXJTKm

Closest Station: 
● Shinsaibashi Station 心斎橋駅 (The Midosuji Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線, The Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line・長堀鶴見緑地線線)
● Yotsubashi Station 四ツ橋駅 (Yotsubashi Line 地下鉄四つ橋線)

Check-in: 14:00
Check-Out: 12:00

Number of Rooms: 186

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=2962076




Opening: March 2018


Address:1 Chome-5-24 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0086
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/g7u8UPEvuy12

Closest Station: 
● Yotsubashi Station 四ツ橋駅 (Yotsubashi Line 地下鉄四つ橋線)

Check-in: 14:00
Check-Out: 12:00

Number of Rooms: 110

Recommendation Points:
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=104270




Opening: April 2018

Hotel Oriental Express Osaka Shinsaibashi
ホテルオリエンタルエクスプレス大阪心斎橋


Address:3-2-13 Minami-senba,Chuo-ku,Osaka, Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan, 542-0081
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/Lf4dgptgzaF2

Closest Station: 
● Shinsaibashi Station 心斎橋駅 (The Midosuji Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線, The Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line・長堀鶴見緑地線線) 

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Number of Rooms: 120





Opening: May 2018


Address:556-0005 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Naniwa-ku Nipponbashi 5-8-25, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/pgrgqMdDe8T2

Closest Stations:
● Ebisu-cho Station 胡町駅 (Sakaisuji Line 地下鉄堺筋線) - 2 minutes walk
● Namba Station なんば駅 (Nankai Main Line - 南海本線) - 10 minutes walk from the south entrance gate

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Recommendation Points: 
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=1620320




Opening: February 2018


Bon Hostel 
ボン ホステル


Address:556-0012 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Naniwa-ku Shikitsuhigashi 3-1-3, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/FkG4qRWacg92

Closest Stations:
● Imamiyaebisu Station 今宮戎駅 (Nankai Main Line - 南海本線) - 1-minute walk
● Namba Station なんば駅 ( Nankai Main Line - 南海本線) - 10-minute walk

Check-in: 16:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Recommendation Points:
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda


Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4066663




Area: Central Osaka


Central Osaka consists of the neighborhoods Yodobashi, Honmachi, and Kitahama. Although there isn't a lot to do in this area it is a convenient base for exploring other parts of town. The area is known for its reasonable accommodation prices, and as it mainly is an office district you can also find a large variety of good options for dining out.



Opening: April 2018


Address:541-0043 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo-ku Koraibashi 2-4-10, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/H5bSSMyEEV42

Closest Station: 
● Yodobashi Station 淀屋橋駅 (Midosuji Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線)
● Kitahama Station 北浜駅 (Keihan Electric Railway, Sakaisuji Line - 京阪電鉄 地下鉄堺筋線)

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Number of Rooms: 244

Recommendation Points:
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=3008799





Opening: April 2018


Address:541-0046 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo-ku Hiranomachi 1-6-6, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/nu46Xn2G2kM2

Closest Station: 
● Kitahama Station 北浜駅 (Keihan Electric Railway, Sakaisuji Line - 京阪電鉄 地下鉄堺筋線)

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Number of Rooms: 116

Recommendation Points:
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=2990780




Opening: May 2018


Address:3 Chome-12-5 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/NWFTbzsj57U2

Closest Stations:
● Honmachi Station (本町駅) - 3 minutes walk

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4656519





Area: Kita / Umeda


Umeda is known as one of Osaka's main hubs, and some of the city's biggest shopping malls and companies can be found here, along with a wide range of restaurants and bars. With a direct train to Kyoto and Shin-Osaka's Shinkansen bullet train just a few stops away, Umeda also provides a perfect base camp for exploring other parts of Japan.




Opening: June 2018


Address:3 Chome-1-1 Umeda, Kita, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 530-0001
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/MNrPcUhZY8R2

Closest Station: 
● Umeda Station 梅田駅 (Midosuji Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線)
● Osaka Station 大阪駅

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Number of Rooms: 400

Recommendation Points: 
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=2865504





Opening: May 2018

★★


Address:553-0003 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Fukushima-ku Fukushima 6-16-6, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/cyMv7giGegr

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations: 
● Osaka Station 大阪駅 (JR京都線・JR神戸線) - 10 min walk
● Fukushima Station 福島駅 (JR大阪環状線) - 7 min walk

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4408028




Opening: August 2018




Address:530-0002 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita-ku Sonezakishinchi 1-13, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/2Lh4H85vq592

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations:
● JR Osaka Station 大阪駅 - 5 min walk
● Kitashinchi Station 北新地駅 (JR Tozai Line - JR東西線) - 1 min walk
● Umeda Station 梅田駅 (Midosuji Subway Line - 地下鉄御堂筋線) - 5 min walk
● Nishi-Umeda Station 西梅田駅 (Tanimachi Subway Line - 谷町線) - 5 min walk

Recommendation Points: 
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=3733356




Area: Osaka Bay


Most known as an entertainment area, Osaka Bay is the base of Universal Studios Japan, an American-style theme park that is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If that isn't enough for you, you can also find the Tempozan Harbor Village, which includes a giant Ferris wheel, the Osaka Aquarium, a LEGOLAND Discovery Center (not to be mistaken with the Legoland in Nagoya) and a shopping and dining complex.



Opening: July 2018


Address:6-1-16 Shimaya, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-0024 Japan

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations:
JR Universal City Station ユニバーサルシティ駅 (JR Sakurajima Line - 桜島線) - 2 minutes walk

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4145734



Area: Kyoto


Last but not least, Osaka's neighbor city Kyoto. The ancient Japanese capital has endless adventures to offer (I lived here myself for two years, but still feel I couldn't experience more than a fraction of the city), and if you want to get the most out of the city it might be a good idea to base your stay here. Truly a gem of a city, this metropolis will make you feel like you're visiting a small village with its small and charming houses. 



Opening: March 2018


Address:604-8214 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Shinmachi-dori, Nishikikoji-agaru, Mukadeya-cho 387, Japan

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations:
Karasuma Station 烏丸駅 (Hankyu Kyoto Main Line - 阪急京都線) - 5 min walk
Shijo Station 四条駅 (Karasuma Line - 地下鉄烏丸線) - 5 min walk

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=3016464




Opening: April 2018


Address:〒600-8092 Kyoto, 239-1, Shinmeicho, Shimogyo-ku
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/DyJjTzWndTE2

Check-in: 13:00
Check-Out: 12:00

Closest Stations:
● Karasuma Station 烏丸駅 (Hankyu Kyoto Main Line - 阪急京都線) - 3 min walk
● Shijo Station 四条駅 (Karasuma Line - 地下鉄烏丸線) - 5 min walk

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4605020




Opening: May 2018


Address:604-0867 Kyoto, Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Joshinyokocho 186, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/fPrHK7rzCAB2

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 10:00

Closest Stations:
Marutamachi Station 丸太町 (Karasuma Line - 地下鉄烏丸線) - 2 min walk

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4467546




Opening: May 2018


Address:〒604-8031 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Nakagyō-ku, Daikokuchō (Kawaramachidōri), 59-1
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/ejRmeeNxpXS2

Check-in: 15:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations:
Kawaramachi Station 川原町駅 (Hankyu Kyoto Line - 阪急京都線) - 3 min walk
Sanjo Station 三条駅 (Keihan Main Line - 京阪本線) - 3 min walk

Recommendation Points: 
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Other New Group Properties opening in Kyoto 2018:
Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (ホテルリソル京都 四条室町) - Opening in August
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto Oike Fuyacho (ホテルリソルトリニティ京都 御池麩屋町) - Opening in October

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=4415553




Opening: June 2018


Address:604-8031 Kyoto, Kyoto, Chuo-ku Kawaramachi Sanjo Sagaru Daikokucho 59-1, Japan
Google Map:https://goo.gl/maps/F8nEHVa949s

Check-in: 14:00
Check-Out: 11:00

Closest Stations:
JR Kyoto Station JR京都駅八条東口 (Hankyu Kyoto Line - 阪急京都線) - 3 min walk

Recommendation Points: 
10% discount available for travelers registered on Agoda

Check Room Availability:https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1732488&hid=3624790



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Related blog posts

Sunday, April 22, 2018

Japan’s First Street Workout Gym - Kamui Park

11:10:00 AM
During a recent trip to Osaka, I had the chance to stop by Japan's one and only street workout gym called Kamui Park. This gym was opened just a couple of months ago by a friend from college, Kamui, who had been working out in local parks for some years before he decided to take the chance and open up Japan’s first street workout gym.

Monday, April 16, 2018

[Hotel Review] The Next Step to Explore Asakusa - Hotel Amanek Asakusa Azumabashi (ホテル アマネク 浅草吾妻橋)

11:22:00 PM

Above: Tokyo Sky Tree as seen from the hotel bedroom
Spring is the season for new beginnings, from everything to new fiscal years to the start of new semesters. It is also a season for newly opening hotels, and last week I went to check out a new hotel called Amanek that is scheduled to open its doors to tourists from April 18th 2018.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

The Oiran Cherry Blossom Festival Report: Tsubame Sakura Festival - Oiran Dochu (つばめ桜祭り)

6:56:00 PM

The cherry blossom period is one of the best time of the years to visit Japan. Not only can you enjoy the marvelous sight of the thousands of flowers in bloom, but the temperature is also perfect (Japanese summer can be extremely hot and humid). If you want to combine the sakura season with a traditional Japanese festival featuring an Oiran Dochu parade you even have the chance to do this after the last sakura in Tokyo has fallen.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

[Hotel Review] The Center of Osaka Nightlife - Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba

11:08:00 PM
Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba is a new and modern 4-star hotel that opened up its doors to guests on July 15th, 2017. Situated right next to the popular areas NambaShinsaibashi, and Dotonbori you literarily have the streets of Osaka at your fingertips. We recently spent a night at the hotel, and I've added some photos and information about the hotel in this post.

See also: 


Tuesday, February 20, 2018

The Ultimate Sakura - Cherry Blossom - Forecast for Japan 2018

9:09:00 PM

It is finally time for the most popular season here in Japan; the Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Season! After the coldest winter in some 40 years, it is really nice that we're finally approaching warmer days. Due to the cold weather this winter the sakura flowers are projected to start blooming slightly later than usual. If you're traveling to Japan this cherry blossom season you can check out where to go below. The list begins in the north of Japan and goes down to the south of Kyushu.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Cherry Blossom Season in Japan: 6 Top Tokyo Hotels to Enjoy the Sakura

2:43:00 PM

Time for Cherry blossom season!

The 2017 cherry blossom season is getting closer! It is fun to go out in the park and enjoy the sakura flowers, but while you're here why not stay at a hotel where you can enjoy the view of the beautiful flowers right outside your doorstep? As they say in Japan: Ichigo ichie (一期一会) - “Treasure every encounter, for it will never recur”! The short encounter with the Japanese sakura will indeed be a memory for life. So without further ado here is an introduction to 6 hotels that are perfect as a base to experience the Japanese cherry blossoms!



Sakura Hotels
1.Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa (Shinagawa)
2.The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo(Shinagawa)
3.Hotel New Otani Tokyo (Akasaka)
4.Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (Shinjuku)
5. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (Meguro)
6.Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo (Takadanobaba)

1. Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa
(グランドプリンスホテル新高輪)

~~A garden with approximately 230 cherry trees~~ 

グランドプリンスホテル新高輪のホテル外観
Above: From hotel's page
All of the 938 rooms at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa come with a private balcony for you to enjoy the view of the beautiful Japanese garden right outside your window. Encircled by the 3 Prince hotels Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa and The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo lies the 20,000 sqm Japanese garden exclusive for hotel guests, and here there are 19 types of Sakura, with a total number of around 230 trees. You can enjoy a stroll around the garden, and the view of the garden from the hotel lobby is also stunning. During the sakura season, you can admire the special evening atmosphere with light-up of the sakura trees. 
Above: View of the garden from the hotel lounge. From hotel's page




2. The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo
(ザ
・プリンス さくらタワー東京)

~~The cherry blossom tower~~

ザ・プリンス さくらタワー東京のホテル外観
Above: From hotel's page
The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo is as mentioned one of the three Prince hotels surrounding a Japanese garden with more than 230 sakura trees. The hotel is a great choice if you want to see the cherry blossoms at its best, with the sakura trees outside The Prince Sakura Tower being particularly dense. From morning till night you can enjoy seeing the cherry blossoms in different shades of pink, and the road outside of the hotel also has an arch of sakura trees. With good timing, you're almost guaranteed a memorable cherry blossom season with a stay here.


3. Hotel New Otani Tokyo
(ホテルニューオータニ)

~~Get spellbound by the beauty of the Japanese garden~~

ホテルニューオータニのホテル外観
Above: From hotel's page
Inside the hotel area, there's a 40,000 sqm Japanese garden that has become known both as the symbol of Hotel New Otani and as one of the finest gardens in Tokyo. In this magnificent garden, you can view the blossoming cherry trees, some of them beautifully surrounding the hotel garden's waterfall just like an idyllic picture. In the middle of the Japanese garden there's a Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, and here you can also try out the hotel's special sakura cocktail.
See also: Visit to a Luxury Outdoor Pool in Tokyo: The Hotel New Otani Garden Pool

4. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
(ホテル椿山荘東京)

~~120 Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom~~ 

ホテル椿山荘東京のホテル外観
Above: From hotel's page
The 20,000 sqm garden at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has a more than 130 years long history, and with more than 20 types of cherry blossom flowers the sakura (河津桜 - Kawazu Sakura and 寒緋桜 - Kanhizakura / Taiwan Cherry) start to bloom from the middle of February and from then the different types of cherry trees will bloom one by one all the way up till April. In the evening there are light-ups of the garden, providing yet another wondrous spectacle for the lucky guests. 

5. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
(目黒雅叙園)

~~~~Right by Tokyo's most popular Sakura Spot Meguro River!~~ 


Above: From hotel's page
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo has only 23 rooms, all of them with a size of more than 80㎡, but it is still one of the most highly rated hotels in TokyoParts of their rooms underwent a renovation in 2017 and this year they're celebrating their 90th anniversary. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is also a part of the wonderous Meguro Gajoen wedding complex that inspired locations in the Gibli movie "Spirited Away". Guests visiting during the sakura season will find the location of the hotel impeccable, as it lies right by Tokyo's number one hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot the Meguro River. The riverside of the Meguro River is home to around 830 Someyoshi cherry trees and provides a breathtaking scene when the flowers are in bloom. 



6. Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo 
(リーガロイヤルホテル東京)

~~A hotel surrounded by famous cherry blossom spots~~

Above: From hotel's page
Winner of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016 this classical European style luxury hotel is guaranteed to give you a good base for experiencing the sakura season. There are numerous famous cherry blossom spots in the area surrounding the hotel including the Ōkuma Garden (大隈庭園), the Kandagawa River (神田川) and Asukayama Park (飛鳥山公園). At the hotel restaurant, you can enjoy the taste of spring with various seasonal dishes, and they also serve a seasonal special sakura cocktail for the occasion.

Final comment

How about a luxurious Ohanami?


Above: Norwegian bunda and sakura by Joe Photography
The sakura season is one of the most beloved times of the year in Japan, and if you're lucky enough to find yourself in Tokyo during this special season a stay at a hotel with good access - or even better; a view of a sakura garden - would be the perfect way to spoil yourself during your visit. For more information about sakura spots in Japan, you can check out some of the blog posts below. 

Related blog posts



This blog post has been based on an article by Yoyaq

This page contains affiliate links, and if you follow a link and make a hotel reservation through these links you help support this blog without any additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your kind support!


Thank you for reading! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below
~Anette

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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