Itinerary for Senior First timers in Japan
Dec 12, 2018, 1:12 am
#46
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,375
What's your hotel budget?
I'd encourage you to consider what's been advised: find a place with easy station access; get a decent hotel with enough space; be willing to take taxi at times.
Getting a hotel with spacious (>25m2) room within a few minutes' walk of a convenient train station would be ideal. For that, though, you may need to spend more than you'd like. But if you can afford it, I think it'll make the trip a whole lot better for your folks.
Dec 12, 2018, 12:06 pm
#47
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 29
Shinjuku is the most crowded station in Tokyo and Ikebukuro the second most crowded.
Only thing is that Shinjuku is considerably larger than Ikebukuro. This dilutes the intensity of the crowds a little, but it does create its own problems as it is notoriously difficult to find ones way around this mega station.
My husband reminded me that although Shinagawa Station is one of the easiest to navigate, the walk up to the Grand Prince Takanawa Hotels and the Marriott Sakura Tower does involve a climb up a moderately steep hill. (It’s a completely flat walk towards the IC Strings on the Konan side of the station). Shinagawa is a bit hillier than Shinjuku, so there is that downside.
Taxis are particularly easy to get at Shinagawa Station though, so this problem can be disappeared for under 800yen. Walk towards the station is all downhill.
Only thing is that Shinjuku is considerably larger than Ikebukuro. This dilutes the intensity of the crowds a little, but it does create its own problems as it is notoriously difficult to find ones way around this mega station.
My husband reminded me that although Shinagawa Station is one of the easiest to navigate, the walk up to the Grand Prince Takanawa Hotels and the Marriott Sakura Tower does involve a climb up a moderately steep hill. (It’s a completely flat walk towards the IC Strings on the Konan side of the station). Shinagawa is a bit hillier than Shinjuku, so there is that downside.
Taxis are particularly easy to get at Shinagawa Station though, so this problem can be disappeared for under 800yen. Walk towards the station is all downhill.
Last edited by hanajiro; Dec 12, 2018 at 12:13 pm
Dec 12, 2018, 12:58 pm
#48
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: Free agent!
Posts: 1,426
As someone who has a wheelchair bound sister, I would advise OP to check with the hotels to see if the shuttle bus is wheelchair/handicapped accessible if they plan on utilising this service. We had a recent stay at a hotel in Hong Kong that offered something similar but my sister couldn't use it as the bus was not wheelchair accessible, nor did it have somewhere for the foldable wheelchair to be stashed.
Dec 12, 2018, 1:10 pm
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,391
http://www2.princehotels.co.jp/takan..._timetable.pdf
Am not sure if it’s a service other wheelchair users can use, but as the OP’s mother’s chair can be folded it might be fine, but as Kevin Crumbs says, best to check (I used a fold up wheelchair for the Sheraton Miyako which has a shuttle to and from Meguro, had some mobility and could just manage the steps and there was room for the folded chair resting on a passenger seat) But as I said, a taxi will be inexpensive. Despite having stayed at the the Grand Prince Hotels quite a few times, I can’t remember taking the shuttle. The walk is not long at all.
The actual Shinagawa Prince Hotel is the only hotel I’m not recommending. Rooms are much smaller and more like a typical business hotel. Have never stayed at the Shinagawa Prince as I’ve always found better deals elsewhere.
Dec 12, 2018, 6:01 pm
#50
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 92
Shinjuku is the most crowded station in Tokyo and Ikebukuro the second most crowded.
Only thing is that Shinjuku is considerably larger than Ikebukuro. This dilutes the intensity of the crowds a little, but it does create its own problems as it is notoriously difficult to find ones way around this mega station.
My husband reminded me that although Shinagawa Station is one of the easiest to navigate, the walk up to the Grand Prince Takanawa Hotels and the Marriott Sakura Tower does involve a climb up a moderately steep hill. (It’s a completely flat walk towards the IC Strings on the Konan side of the station). Shinagawa is a bit hillier than Shinjuku, so there is that downside.
Taxis are particularly easy to get at Shinagawa Station though, so this problem can be disappeared for under 800yen. Walk towards the station is all downhill.
Only thing is that Shinjuku is considerably larger than Ikebukuro. This dilutes the intensity of the crowds a little, but it does create its own problems as it is notoriously difficult to find ones way around this mega station.
My husband reminded me that although Shinagawa Station is one of the easiest to navigate, the walk up to the Grand Prince Takanawa Hotels and the Marriott Sakura Tower does involve a climb up a moderately steep hill. (It’s a completely flat walk towards the IC Strings on the Konan side of the station). Shinagawa is a bit hillier than Shinjuku, so there is that downside.
Taxis are particularly easy to get at Shinagawa Station though, so this problem can be disappeared for under 800yen. Walk towards the station is all downhill.
Dec 12, 2018, 6:03 pm
#51
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 92
Shinjuku station is massive and crowded and can be somewhat overwhelming. But I still think it's better than Ikebukuro Station in terms of getting around by wheelchair and as far as flow of people being less chaotic. Shinjuku is certainly not the most expensive hotel district in Tokyo, but more expensive than places like Shinagawa and Ueno.
What's your hotel budget?
I'd encourage you to consider what's been advised: find a place with easy station access; get a decent hotel with enough space; be willing to take taxi at times.
Getting a hotel with spacious (>25m2) room within a few minutes' walk of a convenient train station would be ideal. For that, though, you may need to spend more than you'd like. But if you can afford it, I think it'll make the trip a whole lot better for your folks.
What's your hotel budget?
I'd encourage you to consider what's been advised: find a place with easy station access; get a decent hotel with enough space; be willing to take taxi at times.
Getting a hotel with spacious (>25m2) room within a few minutes' walk of a convenient train station would be ideal. For that, though, you may need to spend more than you'd like. But if you can afford it, I think it'll make the trip a whole lot better for your folks.
Dec 12, 2018, 6:53 pm
#52
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: AA EXPlat, 2.4MM; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 580
Beautiful pictures. The compliment from a photography guy (I'm there just for photography) You meant Fushimi-Inari Shrine? The reason I take Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo is to travel against the cherry blossom path so if we miss one place, we can go back and catch it. I could book Hotel Granvia because its convenient location but not sure how loud the place is. What can JR passes benefit us in this case? Should we buy 1 week JR pass and then buy metro passes for the remaining 2 days? I know JR passes can't be used on Tokyo lines or Toei lines. Thanks.
Also will I get foreign transaction fees if I use a regular credit card to book for the rooms via US sites such as Booking.com/Priceline?
Also will I get foreign transaction fees if I use a regular credit card to book for the rooms via US sites such as Booking.com/Priceline?
Dec 12, 2018, 11:23 pm
#54
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,375
Thanks for the info. My co-worker said he's been at Ikebukuro station before. He said as long as I avoid the rush hours in the morning 6-9am and afternoon (4-7pm) then I should be fine. The problem is lots of time we don't know what time we go back to the hotel. Anyway, I'll try to book the hotels again.
Not sure when you're going, but you mentioned cherry blossom so I presume you're talking late March ~ early April. I think the challenges for you will be: a).you're going at time of year when room rates/availability don't work in your favour; b).you're looking for a room for 3 adults, which really limits your options.
In terms of decent but reasonably-priced places that are known to accommodate 3 people, I would suggest looking up:
- Any of the Richmond Hotels chain.
- Any of the Hotel Mets chain.
- Hotel Levant Tobu.
Sakura Hotel seems like another hostal type establishment. You haven't told us your budget yet. Can you afford 15,000~18,000yen per night? Because that's about how much it'll probably be per night for 3 adults at any of the above hotels. $ is a very personal matter, I realize. So I don't want you to feel defensive. But in all sincerity, I just don't think most people in their 60's~70's would feel at home staying in a hostal type place filled with young budget travellers, not to mention lack of space.
Dec 13, 2018, 6:26 am
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,391
fandi, what I have seen over the years is that the budget hotels and hostals (such as the Sakura) require that you book them months in advance and they book up completely in peak periods. The prices tend to be constant.
On the other hand, more upscale hotels will only show what are effectively rack rates this far in advance. Very often, usually three or two months before, those upscale hotels will release deals with their internet partners and you then find much more economic options on booking sites. I haven’t really ever paid more than 13,000yen for a double (two people) room in Tokyo. I’m not against hostals, but jet lag manifests itself in forcing me to go to the toilet during the night even more than usual. I really appreciate ensuite bathrooms.
By all means make a refundable booking, but you may want to wait at least until January or February before you completely lock yourself in to an itinerary. Am happy to help if you want to share your dates and budget.
On the other hand, more upscale hotels will only show what are effectively rack rates this far in advance. Very often, usually three or two months before, those upscale hotels will release deals with their internet partners and you then find much more economic options on booking sites. I haven’t really ever paid more than 13,000yen for a double (two people) room in Tokyo. I’m not against hostals, but jet lag manifests itself in forcing me to go to the toilet during the night even more than usual. I really appreciate ensuite bathrooms.
By all means make a refundable booking, but you may want to wait at least until January or February before you completely lock yourself in to an itinerary. Am happy to help if you want to share your dates and budget.
Dec 14, 2018, 8:52 pm
#56
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA
Programs: UA, NW
Posts: 3,752
Also, Ikebukuro Station is one of the more chaotic stations in Tokyo. Its layout leaves a lot to be desired, and it leads to people walking in all sorts of directions in the concourse. It's so common for people to bump into one another that they don't bother apologizing when it happens. From many places, the most feasible way to get down to the basement concourse without stairs is to actually enter the department store and take its escalator. That's confusing if you're not familiar with the station. Shinjuku Station gets much more traffic, but Ikebukuro Station is definitely more chaotic and probably more difficult for handicapped people.
If you're trying to save money, perhaps compromise on the location a bit by going a bit further out (like Kawasaki). But I wouldn't compromise on the ease of access to a train station or, to an extent, the quality of accommodation.
If you're trying to save money, perhaps compromise on the location a bit by going a bit further out (like Kawasaki). But I wouldn't compromise on the ease of access to a train station or, to an extent, the quality of accommodation.
Dec 23, 2018, 1:14 pm
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 92
I guess your new hotel (Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro) is on the west exit side of Ikebukuro. Although I prefer the east exit side in terms of hanging out and so forth, I will say entering Ikebukuro Station from the west side is more straightforward if you can't use stairs. Having said that, Ikebukuro Station is busy all day long. It's certainly going to be extremely busy even after 7pm.
Not sure when you're going, but you mentioned cherry blossom so I presume you're talking late March ~ early April. I think the challenges for you will be: a).you're going at time of year when room rates/availability don't work in your favour; b).you're looking for a room for 3 adults, which really limits your options.
In terms of decent but reasonably-priced places that are known to accommodate 3 people, I would suggest looking up:
- Any of the Richmond Hotels chain.
- Any of the Hotel Mets chain.
- Hotel Levant Tobu.
Sakura Hotel seems like another hostal type establishment. You haven't told us your budget yet. Can you afford 15,000~18,000yen per night? Because that's about how much it'll probably be per night for 3 adults at any of the above hotels. $ is a very personal matter, I realize. So I don't want you to feel defensive. But in all sincerity, I just don't think most people in their 60's~70's would feel at home staying in a hostal type place filled with young budget travellers, not to mention lack of space.
Not sure when you're going, but you mentioned cherry blossom so I presume you're talking late March ~ early April. I think the challenges for you will be: a).you're going at time of year when room rates/availability don't work in your favour; b).you're looking for a room for 3 adults, which really limits your options.
In terms of decent but reasonably-priced places that are known to accommodate 3 people, I would suggest looking up:
- Any of the Richmond Hotels chain.
- Any of the Hotel Mets chain.
- Hotel Levant Tobu.
Sakura Hotel seems like another hostal type establishment. You haven't told us your budget yet. Can you afford 15,000~18,000yen per night? Because that's about how much it'll probably be per night for 3 adults at any of the above hotels. $ is a very personal matter, I realize. So I don't want you to feel defensive. But in all sincerity, I just don't think most people in their 60's~70's would feel at home staying in a hostal type place filled with young budget travellers, not to mention lack of space.
Dec 23, 2018, 1:37 pm
#58
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 92
fandi, what I have seen over the years is that the budget hotels and hostals (such as the Sakura) require that you book them months in advance and they book up completely in peak periods. The prices tend to be constant.
On the other hand, more upscale hotels will only show what are effectively rack rates this far in advance. Very often, usually three or two months before, those upscale hotels will release deals with their internet partners and you then find much more economic options on booking sites. I haven’t really ever paid more than 13,000yen for a double (two people) room in Tokyo. I’m not against hostals, but jet lag manifests itself in forcing me to go to the toilet during the night even more than usual. I really appreciate ensuite bathrooms.
By all means make a refundable booking, but you may want to wait at least until January or February before you completely lock yourself in to an itinerary. Am happy to help if you want to share your dates and budget.
On the other hand, more upscale hotels will only show what are effectively rack rates this far in advance. Very often, usually three or two months before, those upscale hotels will release deals with their internet partners and you then find much more economic options on booking sites. I haven’t really ever paid more than 13,000yen for a double (two people) room in Tokyo. I’m not against hostals, but jet lag manifests itself in forcing me to go to the toilet during the night even more than usual. I really appreciate ensuite bathrooms.
By all means make a refundable booking, but you may want to wait at least until January or February before you completely lock yourself in to an itinerary. Am happy to help if you want to share your dates and budget.
Dec 23, 2018, 2:07 pm
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,391
Fandi
Don’t worry too much about the station. I chimed in about Ikebukuro because it was one of the few stations I still have bad memories of using when I was in a wheelchair.
Only other places that, from experience, I would suggest avoiding as a base are
Daikanyama - HUGE gap between the trains and the platform there due to a large curve
Shimbashi Station - one of the few on the Yamanote line with no elevator access. To get to street level you need to rely on a whole elevator to be cleared so that a platform can be created
This is me at Komagome station where the same system was in place.
Don’t worry too much about the station. I chimed in about Ikebukuro because it was one of the few stations I still have bad memories of using when I was in a wheelchair.
Only other places that, from experience, I would suggest avoiding as a base are
Daikanyama - HUGE gap between the trains and the platform there due to a large curve
Shimbashi Station - one of the few on the Yamanote line with no elevator access. To get to street level you need to rely on a whole elevator to be cleared so that a platform can be created
This is me at Komagome station where the same system was in place.
