Ok so I've narrowed down my list of possible hotels to 4 and was curious anyone thoughs on which one is the best value
1.Villa fountaine ueno (the shindome one has been discussed here before) $116/nt including tax for a twin room
2.Nishi Shinjuku hotel $110ish/nt Including tax for a twin room
3.Sunlite Shinjuku hotel $116/nt Including tax for a twin room
4. New takawana prince $107/nt+tax and service charge
5.Takawana prince $117/nt+tax and service charge for a twin room (With taxes and service charge a little more than we wanted to spend per nt)
Right now I'm leaning towards number 1 just wanted some input or any other ideas anyone might have..
cheers
howie

The Takanawa Prince (not the New one) seems to get high reviews from some flyertalkers, I think LapLap has a better review on that property.

I would not regard Shinagawa, or indeed most anywhere on the Yamanote line, as "out of the way."

I would not regard Shinagawa, or indeed most anywhere on the Yamanote line, as "out of the way."
Post has been corrected because I was thinking about another hotel someone suggested when I was typing that!
cheers
howie

1.Villa fountaine ueno (the shindome one has been discussed here before) $116/nt including tax for a twin room

Villa Fontaine Ueno is an older property than the Shiodome one. I have not been inside, but I would not expect the same "modern" feeling that I like about the one in Shiodome.

Also, the Ueno Okachimachi neighbourhood is rather rough and ready - quite the opposite of the Shiodome skyscraper zone (which is pristine but sterile). I think Ueno has a certain charm, but others will disagree.

Ueno is quite easy to reach from Narita airport - Keisei Skyliner is cheaper and quicker than N'EX.Keisei Limited Express trains are even cheaper...

I have stayed at the Nishi Shinjuku Hotel (my own review here: http://www.flyertalk.com/reviews/review.php?review_id=175)
and the Takanawa Prince (review here: http://www.flyertalk.com/reviews/review.php?review_id=172)

And I am familiar with the New Takanawa Prince and the Sunlite.

The Sunlite and Nishi Shinjuku are extremely similar - both are decent 'Business' hotels near Shinjuku with small rooms and modular molded washrooms.

The New Takanawa is a step up - with much larger rooms - http://www.princehotels.co.jp/newtakanawa/index.html (I believe the baths have some kind of jet system) and is located in the grounds of a gorgeous garden. It's a popular destination for those on guided tours and Japanese couples on a moderate-good income and the lobby reflects this.

The Takanawa Prince is more sedate somehow. Rooms are a good size, location is excellent. Doesn't feel out of the way at all - you should get to most parts of Tokyo within 30 minutes or so for under $3.

At the prices you've stated, I have no doubt whatsoever that the Takanawa Prince provides the very best 'value'. (Tax and service charges comes to exactly 15.5%) - the cheapest rooms at the New Takanawa are larger (29msq v 24msq) but the view from the "Tower View' rooms at the Takanawa is magnificent (request a higher floor for these and a lower floor for "Garden View" rooms).


Another cheap option in Shinjuku is the Park Inn (review and links here - http://www.flyertalk.com/reviews/review.php?review_id=174)

I have not stayed at any of the Villa Fontaine Hotels, but I wouldn't choose to spend my holiday around Ueno. (I understand where jib71 is coming from - but I prefer the 'downtown' feel in Nippori and places like Minowa... it's just a little too 'seedy' around Ueno station)

H:

Go for the Takanawa or the New Takanawa. You won't regret it.

I spent 10 days at the Villa Fontaine Ueno in May. I was impressed by the value for the room, especially since it was one of the few budget hotels in Tokyo I could find that doesn't charge 2x for double occupancy. We stayed in the standard room for 8100-9400Y a night (rate is higher Tuesday-Thursday). Breakfast was decent and the free internet was great. Room was small (of course) but not too small, and we loved the nightly fresh pyjamas (is this a Japanese hotel staple or just a Villa Fontaine thing?).

My only complaint was that it was slightly away from the 'action'. The next time I'm in Tokyo I might spend a few more $$ to stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya.

...we loved the nightly fresh pyjamas (is this a Japanese hotel staple or just a Villa Fontaine thing?)...
Fresh yukata each day is pretty much standard in Japanese hotels. I just wish they had XL size for us oversized gaijin. I never get to wear them. :p

JR

Fresh yukata each day is pretty much standard in Japanese hotels. I just wish they had XL size for us oversized gaijin. I never get to wear them. :p

JRI feel your pain.

H:

Go for the Takanawa or the New Takanawa. You won't regret it.
Very happy with my choice of the new takanawa :-)
cheers
howie

Oh good!

I hope you love the garden as much as I do.

P.S. what are the jet tubs in the bathrooms actually like?

The New Takanawa is a step up - with much larger rooms - http://www.princehotels.co.jp/newtakanawa/index.html (I believe the baths have some kind of jet system) and is located in the grounds of a gorgeous garden. It's a popular destination for those on guided tours and Japanese couples on a moderate-good income and the lobby reflects this.


What are people's opinions of the guided tours? I was just reading this (http://act.jtbgmt.com/itdt/scripts/sunrise/sunrise_detail.asp?webyear=2006&orig=web&webg=1100&t_gp=Y&t_no=O050)
which is tempting me -- I've got 3 nights in Tokyo planned as part of an RTW trip, travelling on my own and never been to Tokyo/Japan before. Is it something worth considering? 76000JPY if I stay at the New Takanawa, which seems to be highly recommended :) ^

What are people's opinions of the guided tours? I was just reading this (http://act.jtbgmt.com/itdt/scripts/sunrise/sunrise_detail.asp?webyear=2006&orig=web&webg=1100&t_gp=Y&t_no=O050)
which is tempting me -- I've got 3 nights in Tokyo planned as part of an RTW trip, travelling on my own and never been to Tokyo/Japan before. Is it something worth considering? 76000JPY if I stay at the New Takanawa, which seems to be highly recommended :) ^

How did you arrive at that figure?

I make it 60,500yen plus 25,500yen supplement (86,000yen)

Through http://www.iace.co.jp/english/fare/pkg/onsen.htm
You can get a return to Hakone with accomodation for 17,000 yen

Using Utell you could probably get the Takanawa Prince for about 14,000yen per night - total 45,000 for 3 nights including the train to/from Hakone.

As for guides - look at the bottom of this page for info:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/23/AR2006062300733_2.html

or there's http://www.hatobus.com/ which offers the classic guided tour experience.

If you're worried about getting to the hotel from the airport before you've had a chance to orientate youself - www.limousinebus.co.jp/e will get you from door to door (about 3,000 yen each way)

See? Saved yourself loads of money already!

How did you arrive at that figure?

I make it 60,500yen plus 25,500yen supplement (86,000yen)

By misreading a 6 as a 5 :o :)

lots of advice snipped but noted!

See? Saved yourself loads of money already!

Fantastic, thanks a lot! ^

Fantastic, thanks a lot! ^

You're welcome!

And don't forget about picking up a Hakone Free Pass for unlimted travel in the area from Odawara.
Weekday pass:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_02.html

Weekend pass:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_01.html

More info here: http://wikitravel.org/en/Hakone

The New Takanawa is a step up - with much larger rooms ...

At the prices you've stated, I have no doubt whatsoever that the Takanawa Prince provides the very best 'value'. (Tax and service charges comes to exactly 15.5%) - the cheapest rooms at the New Takanawa are larger (29msq v 24msq) but the view from the "Tower View' rooms at the Takanawa is magnificent (request a higher floor for these and a lower floor for "Garden View" rooms).Which hotel do you prefer, assuming a small differnce in price is unimportant? All else being equal, I'd rather have 29sqm than 24sqm (and a nice view).

Which hotel do you prefer, assuming a small differnce in price is unimportant? All else being equal, I'd rather have 29sqm than 24sqm (and a nice view).

Although the standard rooms at the New Takanawa Prince are a little larger, they don't have the glorious views of the Tokyo Tower facing rooms at the Takanawa Prince. My other problem with the New Takanawa rooms are the frills and flowered decor :td: .

The review I posted a link to (post 6) has this link: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/index.html which shows you the decor and floor plans of the Takanawa Prince.
Tokyo Tower facing rooms face North, those facing the garden face South. All the garden facing rooms are a little larger than the standard ones at the New Takanawa.

You can compare this directly to what's available at the New Takanawa Prince using this link: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/newtakanawa/index.html
Garden facing rooms face East, I can't imagine that those facing West would have a spectacular vista.

Scroll over the rooms in the blue box to see what's avaiable at the Shinagawa Prince using this link: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/index.html#syukuhaku
I guess you'd have to get a high room to enjoy the same views that the Takanawa Prince has.

The New T offers an executive room @ 36sqm and a king bed for 18000. http://travel.travelocity.com/hotel/HotelDetail.do?propertyId=13917&tab=map&SEQ=11579233155528102006&hotelQKey=-3533997122290814702

The lowest price for a room with a queen bed is 23000 at the Takawana Prince. From what I can tell, it's only 24sqm
http://travel.travelocity.com/hotel/HotelDetail.do?propertyId=13915&tab=rooms&SEQ=11579226896178102006&hotelQKey=-8327671778552578685

Utell has the same pricing.

Twin or double beds are less appealing. For the difference in room and bed size, I'd give up some view. I can even live with flower decor. Is the view that bad from the New Takanawa?

Twin or double beds are less appealing. For the difference in room and bed size, I'd give up some view. I can even live with flower decor. Is the view that bad from the New Takanawa?

Garden view rooms should be lovely at the New Takanawa, so if you can get one of those the view shouldn't be much different to getting a deluxe room at the Takanawa.

As for the other side... it shouldn't be bad, but you won't get the panoramic view of Tokyo that the Takanawa Prince Hotel has.

The links you've given only show general info on the hotel... not the rooms that are availble on your stay.

I guess the Queen room you're being offered is the one you see when you push the 3rd button along on this link: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/takanawa/index.html which is also 24m2. Great view though as it will certainly face North.

I had no idea that the New Takanawa had executive rooms (no mention here: http://www.princejapan.com/NewTakanawaPrinceHotel/newtanakawa-guestrooms.asp) I did know they had suites, but I thought all the rooms were the same size.

Sounds like the best deal to me. I'd say go for it! (And not just because I'd love to see your report back afterwards! :) )
But remember that tax might not be included.

Alas, the links must be timed.

Daily Rate (per room): 18000 Japanese Yen
Room Description: Executive Room Double Balcony*Icebox*Catv*36sqm*2.2x2m*King Bed
Rate Description: Utell Superior Hotel Promotion
Additional information: CANCEL DEADLINE: CANCEL BY 4PM THE DAY OF ARRIVAL.

Tax is not included. At the moment, we're booked in the Park Hotel at Shiodome. Same prce, 22sqm room, views.

My wife is a bit concerned that the New Takanawa Prince is not on the subway line, making it a little harder to get to the temples and gardens we intend to see. For example, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Hama Rikyu Garden. On the other hand, New Takanawa Prince could be a touch easier to get to from NRT.

Back in April, we stayed in the Takanawa Prince and had a great time. We had a garden view and it was beautiful. Now we're trying to figure out where to stay when we head back to Tokyo in November...

Fresh yukata each day is pretty much standard in Japanese hotels. I just wish they had XL size for us oversized gaijin. I never get to wear them. :p

JR

Don't forget about the slippers too! How is a gaijin with big feet supposed to get to the onsen? :)

My wife is a bit concerned that the New Takanawa Prince is not on the subway line, making it a little harder to get to the temples and gardens we intend to see. For example, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Hama Rikyu Garden. On the other hand, New Takanawa Prince could be a touch easier to get to from NRT.

Huh? :confused:

The New Takanawa is not too far from the Yamanote (loop) line - you have a direct link to Harajuku (Meiji jingu) and Shimbashi (Hama Rikyu).
You're also right next to Takanawadai which is a bona fide subway station on the Toei Asakusa Line which gives you a direct link to Shiodome (slightly nearer Hama Rikyu than Shimbashi) as well as Asakusa (from where you can get a boat to/from Hama Rikyu.

You might want to look at Priceline to see if you can get the Intercontinental - it's often there for 19,000yen including taxes, making it potentially slightly cheaper than either of the Takanawa Princes.

Maybe executive rooms means a room on the executive floor?

Maybe executive rooms means a room on the executive floor?

Once you figure out what that actually means, please let us know!

Maybe executive rooms means a room on the executive floor?

Or maybe a room with an executive on the floor? :D

I thought I saw a reference to an executive floor, but now I can't find it.

Was the New Takanawa Prince recently renovated? Some online reviews complain of worn out rooms (at both Takanawa Prince and New TP - I see from your review that the TP was renovated in 2005).

Was the New Takanawa Prince recently renovated?

Come on now richardd!

You've seen the decor at the New Takanawa. It's been at least ten years since anyone in Japan would have admitted that the furnishings were stylish and tasteful.

As the executive floor seems to be where the business facilities are located (as well as having the bigger rooms with two sets of balconies), perhaps they've opted for a more 'manly' decor.

Unfortunately, nobody seems to have described their experiences on the internet in English (or Spanish) .

But seriously, as the prices for your visit are starting to hit the 20,000yen mark, have you looked at staying at the Intercontinental instead? I've never had to pay more than 15,000 yen inclusive for my TP stays. It's easy to give bombastic praise when the rooms are that price.

Allow me to rephrase. I can easily live with unstylish. Stained, cracked, dirty, etc. is much harder to cope with.

Intercontinental:

1 King Superior River View Includes View Of Downtown Sumida , River Equipped With 100 Mbs High Speed Internet Access Vpn -> $167 on priceline. taxes "may apply"

35sqm rooms. Hotel web site says if you find a lower price, it will match and give you another 10% off.

Seems a bit out of the way, though.

Intercontinental:

1 King Superior River View Includes View Of Downtown Sumida , River Equipped With 100 Mbs High Speed Internet Access Vpn -> $167 on priceline. taxes "may apply"

35sqm rooms. Hotel web site says if you find a lower price, it will match and give you another 10% off.

Seems a bit out of the way, though.

The Intercontinental Tokyo Bay correct?
Yes it is a bit out of the way, if your wife is worried about public transport access to the places you mentioned in your previous post, from the intercontinental, since its out there on Odaiba island, its a longer ride and a little more expensive and possibly more transfers are required.

The Intercontinental Tokyo Bay correct?
Yes it is a bit out of the way, if your wife is worried about public transport access to the places you mentioned in your previous post, from the intercontinental, since its out there on Odaiba island, its a longer ride and a little more expensive and possibly more transfers are required.

??

The IC isn't on Odaiba at all (although it has good links with the yurikamome line) - it's a 15 minute walk from Hamamatsucho on the Yamanote line - and has links with the subway too.

Map here: http://www.holidaycityjapan.com/inter-continental-tokyo/map.html

Come on now richardd!

You've seen the decor at the New Takanawa. It's been at least ten years since anyone in Japan would have admitted that the furnishings were stylish and tasteful.


What I'm trying to say here that if they had been refurbished they wouldn't look so dated. (I think I did understand what you meant - not sure it's mutual)

Good point. Understood.

Any other hotels you'd recommend?

We are now arriving NRT on a Thursday afternoon and flying NRT-TPE Saturday afternoon (then back to Osaka/Kyoto for a while).

Ideal hotel would be convenient to NRT, convenient to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Hama Rikyu Garden, nice room not too small and around US $200/night. Near the restaurants mentioned in the recent vegetarian thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=587283) or a decent Italian restaurant would be a bonus.

Only other place we haven't mentioned - although its come up in several current threads, is the Le Meridien Pacific (NOT the Grand Pacific) which is even nearer Shinagawa station than the TP. Check the SPG forum as you might get some decent bonus points (you could probably get some free nights if you were prepared to do a minimal matress run with the LMGP)

I understand the bathrooms aren't as nice as the TP or the NTP, but are conventional for Japan.

Thing is, if you think anything under 30m2 is too small, you're not going to be that well served on your budget.

Otherwise, we're talking about Ikebukuro.... (not my personal choice of base)

Ideal hotel would be convenient to NRT, convenient to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Hama Rikyu Garden, nice room not too small and around US $200/night.

Considering these 3 places dot every which way on the map, the hotels mentioned and described in this thread, such as the TP, NTP, LeMeridian Pacific, Shinagawa Prince (New, Executive Towers), can get you to those places, as these hotels are close to Shinagawa Station, which is on the Yamanote Line, and Narita Express trains also stop at that station, also the TP,NTP are close to a subway station that can also take you to other points (mentioned in previous threads).

Continuing my obsession with Tokyo hotels:

TP does not seem to have queen or larger beds at a reasonable price
NTP seems run down and shabby
LeMeridian Pacific does not have queen or larger beds at a reasonable price
Shinagawa Prince seems to have only small rooms

I've been thinking of Shinjuku, for the NEX stop
Keio Plaza: 30 sqm, queen, apparentlty renovated, breakfast, about $225
Century Hyatt and Tokyo Hilton, seem similar.

Tokyo station area could be convenient, but I can't figure out something appropriate near it.

Thanks for your help and patience :)

Tokyo station area could be convenient, but I can't figure out something appropriate near it.

In the Tokyo Station Area you pay more per sq. meter than Shinjuku -
Marunouchi hotel is a very convenient - just across the road from the Marunouchi North exit of Tokyo Station. It's new, clean, stylish, pleasant etc. - but more expensive than the Keio, for a somewhat smaller room:
http://www.marunouchi-hotel.co.jp/english/guestrooms/index.html

You pay for the convenience.

Seems like a nice hotel. They list the rooms as having double beds, but the actual size is at least queen bed sized (1800mm x 2080mm). Oddly, travelocity and expedia list king and double beds (or twin) with different pricing, although the hotel web site only has double beds (or twin).

A bit smaller, lower floor, no breakfast for a bit more money and a more convenient location. Is either area more appealing (restaurants, easy to figure out, etc.)?

thanks

FWIW - of those mentioned the IC would get my vote. I occasionally stay there on one-nighters and see it as a bit of a bargain for what it is - and sometimes prices will drop a lot as the dates get near if they're looking to off-load.

I would suggest if you do book, book whatever rate they have now on a cancellable rate and keep looking back to see if they drop.

The rooms at the IC are not huge and aren't the Ritz but big enough ( bigger than most Japanese chains) and comfortable - the one's I have had anyway, have always been clean, modern and with good quality bathrooms - fantastic bell staff and generally friendly and together FOH.

Not the greatest immediate area - hence the price - but it's an easy walk to the yamanote line - and if you're worn out on the way back it would be only flag-fall $6 bucks or so to get a cab .

You'll have to take into account the extra hassle time and expense of staying there and it will be circa 2,000 yen from Tokyo station.

Is either area more appealing (restaurants, easy to figure out, etc.)?

Both the Marunouchi Hotel (in Marunouchi) and the Keio (in Shinjuku) are in "businessy" skyscraper zones. This makes for less character than some other neighbourhoods in Tokyo. But both hotels are within short distances of some very good dining areas with plenty of character. (Marunouchi is one stop from Yurakucho and thence Ginza / Keio is a 10 minute walk to the Shinjuku station area).

The Marunouchi Hotel is immediately above the shops and restaurants in the OAZO mall and just across the road from the Marunouchi building - which offers quite a lot of mid-to-high end dining options. These tend not to be the most "interesting" dining experiences in Tokyo - but they are all of a fairly high quality. That makes it easy to grab a bit of breakfast from Kobeya bakery in the morning. Keio Hotel has its own hotel restaurants and bakery etc. but the cost performance is not great.

As for "ease of understanding" - I would say Marunouchi is easier to get my bearings in than Nishi Shinjuku. (That may be due to the fact that I spend much more time in Marunouchi). Since the Marunouchi hotel is almost on top of Tokyo station and Otemachi subway station, the transport links are easy to find, easy to reach. Keio Hotel has the Oedo line immediately next to it, but the other transport links (ie. Shinjuku station) are a fair walk away.

As for "ease of understanding" - I would say Marunouchi is easier to get my bearings in than Nishi Shinjuku. (That may be due to the fact that I spend much more time in Marunouchi).

I spend far more time in Shinjuku (my grandmother-in-law lives in Yoyogi 3) and I agree with you. Marunouchi is much easier to get your head around. Part of the appeal of Nishi Shinjuku is that you can spend days there feeling dazed and disorientated... and that's before you finally get out and onto ground level... ;) . Take a compass... it helps!

Not the greatest immediate area - hence the price - but it's an easy walk to the yamanote line - and if you're worn out on the way back it would be only flag-fall $6 bucks or so to get a cab .

The IC Tokyo Bay (right?) is nowhere near the Yamanote Line. It is near the Yurikamome train.

The IC Tokyo Bay (right?) is nowhere near the Yamanote Line. It is near the Yurikamome train.

At my pace (in the autumn or winter), it's a 15 minute walk from the IC to Hamamatsucho and the Yamanote line, for others, I grant it may be a 20 minute walk (may seem longer at the height of summer).

The Yurikamome line is right next to the IC.

My husband agrees with you railroadtycoon. I guess it depends on people's personal concept of distance.

It's between 600 and 700 metres walking distance from Hamamatsucho station to the IC (about 550 metres as the crow flies).

For the record, any distance under 1km is 'near' the way I perceive things, YMMV.

(I just checked for comparison, to get in at the 'front' entrance, the New Takanawa prince is about 600metres from Shinagawa station, Le Meridien Pacific is 300 metres, Takanawa Prince is about 400 metres... all these hotels involve a little bit of a climb to get to them

AND - it's at least 600 metres - perhaps slightly more - to get from the Yamanote entrance/exit at Shinjuku to the Keio Plaza. Add another 300 metres on top of tha to go from the Yamanote line to the Hilton.)

:confused: :eek: :p
Please forgive me I've been a dummy.
For some dang reason I thought the IC Tokyo Bay was on Odaiba, I was thinking of that hotel near Tokyo Big Sight, the Tokyo Bay Washington

Seems like a nice hotel. They list the rooms as having double beds, but the actual size is at least queen bed sized (1800mm x 2080mm). Oddly, travelocity and expedia list king and double beds (or twin) with different pricing, although the hotel web site only has double beds (or twin).On further investigation, the difference in beds is purely terminology. Some of the bed sizes Japanese hotels label "double" are at least as big as western queen beds.

Meanwhile, I'll go back to pondering nicer hotel room with breakfast (Keio) against easier location (Tokyo station).

Are there a nice Italian restaurants (or others likely to have vegetarian food) near Tokyo station or Shinjuku?

:confused: :eek: :p
Please forgive me I've been a dummy.
For some dang reason I thought the IC Tokyo Bay was on Odaiba, I was thinking of that hotel near Tokyo Big Sight, the Tokyo Bay Washington

Don't worry! You can't be infallible all the time :)

And you've raised a valid point (albeit unwittingly) about what constitutes being 'near' a station. It isn't the easiest hotel location, so its just as well to think carefully before staying there.

I came back to post

http://www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/5701/fiche_hotel.shtml

The Mercure Ginza seems to have rates for the Queen bed rooms going at 16,150yen (plus about 200yen taxes) certainly for the night I looked at.

May be useful for someone. I've never stayed here myself, but with the TP being out of my reach this time, financially, I'm considering it. For those unfamiliar with Accor hotels - do realise that their beds are rather 'firm' compared to those celebrated at Westins and Sheratons.

Are there a nice Italian restaurants (or others likely to have vegetarian food) near Tokyo station or Shinjuku?

There are Italian restaurants nearly everywhere. And from Shinjuku you can easily get to Takadanobaba - lots of students and people from other parts of Asia there, I'd imagine you'd find quite a lot of vegetarian food in the area (but this is just a guess).

I've not had that many breakfasts included in my rates in Japan, but what I have had didn't seem very inspiring for vegetarians.
Even the piece of seaweed you get given with your rice in the morning you'll have to be wary of - they are often seasoned with fish. I guess this will leave you with a choice of criossants, breads, rice, and perhaps a little fruit... don't expect any cheese. The 'boiled' eggs might be raw or barely cooked, you're supposed to break them into hot rice and stir to lightly scramble them (tamago onsen... mmmm), so be careful.
I guess there's 'anpan' you can have - a sweet bread bun filled with red azuki bean jam (think of it as a home grown chocolate substitute... chocolate is a recent import after all).

Personally I'd rather have the convenient location and get my own breakfast, compared to London, decent pre-cooked food is incredibly cheap in Tokyo. But not fruit, not unless you head out a little, or are prepared to shop in less 'upmarket' areas. The price of broad beans is incredible - a portion of flame grilled 'soramame' at an izakaya should be a perfect option for you... but you'll balk at the price... unbelievable!

And don't forget about picking up a Hakone Free Pass for unlimted travel in the area from Odawara.
Weekday pass:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/freepass/hakone_02.html


Just wanted to bump this thread to say thanks again LapLap, I don't know if I would ever have heard about this pass were it not for this post. I just finished 4 days in Tokyo and spent one of those exploring Hakone, in beautiful weather with great views of Fuji, and loved every minute of it. ^ ^ ^

I just finished 4 days in Tokyo and spent one of those exploring Hakone, in beautiful weather with great views of Fuji, and loved every minute of it. ^ ^ ^

Oh congratulations! Beautiful weather AND a clear view of Mount Fuji is a much rarer experience than you may think.

I'm delighted you enjoyed Hakone. MrLapLap and I spent our first day (and night) together there, so it will always be a special place for me. I can't think of a better place to say "that's where I fell in love with my husband".

Hope the mosquitoes didn't get you. I completely forgot to warn you about those!

Oh congratulations! Beautiful weather AND a clear view of Mount Fuji is a much rarer experience than you may think.

This photo (http://flickr.com/photos/dsf/266534019/) sums it up really (although Fuji actually looked a lot better than my phone could capture).

Hope the mosquitoes didn't get you. I completely forgot to warn you about those!

:eek: Thankfully they didn't! And I would definitely have known about it - mosquitoes love biting my legs and my reacion is not a pretty sight (not that my legs are a pretty sight anyway!)

In the Tokyo Station Area you pay more per sq. meter than Shinjuku -
Marunouchi hotel is a very convenient - just across the road from the Marunouchi North exit of Tokyo Station. It's new, clean, stylish, pleasant etc. - but more expensive than the Keio, for a somewhat smaller room:
http://www.marunouchi-hotel.co.jp/english/guestrooms/index.html

You pay for the convenience.

My favourite hotel otaku has posted some photos from her visit here:

http://sheepcote.jp/rum/hotel/mnh-p01.htm

(I always feel like I've really been to a hotel after seeing her pictures)