Tokyo's Hidden Gem: APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon - Unbelievable Stay!
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon - Unbelievable Stay! (Yeah, Right?) - A Messy, Opinionated Dive
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea… or, more accurately, the lukewarm green tea from the mini-fridge, about the APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon. They call it a hidden gem. Hidden. Let’s just say it’s… efficiently located. And “unbelievable stay?” Well, “experience” might be more accurate because holy moly, this one’s a roller coaster.
First, the gritty details, then the feels.
Accessibility: Trying to make this work, ya know?
- Wheelchair Accessible: Supposedly. I saw elevators, which is a good start, but navigating the sometimes-tight corridors? Yikes. Definitely call ahead and double-check specifics for your needs.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Check the website for specifics. I saw something about it. My brain has some serious short-term memory issues due to lack of sleep, but I'm pretty sure I read something.
- Getting Around: Okay, this is KEY in Tokyo. 🚃 Shimbashi station is nearby, which helps, but navigating ANY Tokyo station is a whole other level. I swear, they're bigger than some small countries. Taxi service is available, but pricey. Consider that airport transfer (details below!) for an easy arrival.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to within an inch of its life?
- COVID-19 Protocols: This is where APA Hotel gets some serious kudos. They are, and I mean are, obsessed with cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, they use them!. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, absolutely. Hand sanitizer everywhere you turn. I'm talking, overkill level, but hey, I'll take it. Hygiene certification, they got it. Staff trained in safety protocol - I saw them scrubbing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes!! My room, which was the size of a postage stamp (more on that later!), was SPARKLING. I even sniffed the sheets. Don't judge me. You would too.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Double-Checking.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Tokyo Adventures
- Restaurants: Okay, the restaurant situation is… functional. There’s usually an Asian breakfast (noodle soup! Yes.) and sometimes Western breakfast. The breakfast buffet is, as far as I could remember, decent? I spent most of my time inhaling things at 7/11, because that’s where all the actual good food lives. 🍜
- Coffee/Tea: Available. I'm pretty sure I saw some.
- Coffee Shop: Maybe. I remember a vending machine.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Nope. Dream on.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Bar: Uh… maybe.
Rooms! Oh, the Rooms! – Adventures in Compact Living
- Available in all rooms: Let's be honest: Air conditioning, absolutely essential for sweaty Tokyo summers. Free Wi-Fi, praise the gods. Complimentary tea, yes! (though the taste is a mystery). Daily housekeeping, thank you, sweet angels. Hair dryer, crucial for the humidity. Refrigerator, essential for beer. In-room safe box, good to have. Satellite/cable channels, something to watch at 3 AM when you can't sleep because of jet lag.
- Size matters: The rooms are… cozy. Think tiny. I'm 6'2" and felt like I was wearing the room. You gotta embrace the challenge. You may want one of the other, bigger rooms, if available.
- Bathroom: The bathroom was… efficient. Everything you need, nothing you don't. I still miss my giant US bathroom with the giant shower.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Elevator
- Elevator: Yes, thank the heavens!
- Concierge: They're there. Helpful. Efficient. Not exactly chatty.
- Cash withdrawal: I didn't even see an ATM
- Convenience store: Yes! This is Tokyo. Every corner is a 7-Eleven of dreams.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yeah.
- Dry cleaning: I hope, since I didn't use it.
- Doorman: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events I don't know about events, but the wifi in my room was perfect.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or, Maybe Not)
- Fitness center: Uh, I think so. Didn't venture near it. Probably room for 3 people max.
- Spa/Sauna: Nope.
- Swimming pool: Nope.
- Body scrub/Body wrap/Massage: Maybe in the surrounding area but the hotel doesnt offer these..
- Foot bath: I wish.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Honestly, I didn't see much set up for kids.
- Babysitting service: I couldn't guess.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: They did this. Saved me a ton of hassle. Worth it.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes but… you're likely walking or on the train.
- Taxi service: Yes.
And now, for the FEELINGS.
Look, the APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon isn't the Ritz. It’s not a resort. It’s a functional hotel. Here’s what I loved: the location. It’s close to everything. The cleanliness. Seriously, the cleanliness was a balm to my germ-phobic soul. The price. Tokyo is EXPENSIVE, and this hotel offered a decent deal. And the free Wi-Fi. I mean, come on.
Here's what I thought was a struggle: The rooms. They are small. Tiny. But again, it's Tokyo. Space is a premium. I felt like I was living in a well-designed shoebox. The ambiance? It's "business-traveler chic" or maybe "slightly sterile efficiency." Don't expect a lot of warmth and fuzzy feelings.
The Unforgettable Experience:
Okay, this is where it gets weird. One morning, I was trying to navigate the breakfast buffet (which was…fine, whatever). And I slipped. Not a full-blown wipeout, but enough that I nearly took out a bowl of miso soup. The staff rushed over, apologizing profusely. I was mortified, but they were so genuinely concerned! They even brought me extra napkins and a little tray of extra pastries to make up for the near-death experience. Was it over the top? Maybe. Was it charming? Absolutely. That’s the kind of slightly awkward, but perfectly Japanese experience you get in Tokyo.
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My Verdict:
The APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon is a perfectly fine place to crash in Tokyo. It’s clean, functional, and well-located. It’s not romantic. It’s not luxurious. But it is perfectly reasonable.
My “Unbelievable Stay” Offer – Because, Let’s Be Honest, You Need a Deal:
Book your stay at the APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon NOW using my special code (DM for it!) and get:
- 10% off your room rate! (Hey, every yen helps!)
- Free breakfast for one day! (Fuel up for your adventures!)
- A complimentary bottle of water in your room! (Hydration is key!)
- A personalized guide to nearby 7-Eleven delights! (Because you NEED this).
WARNING: Be prepared for a compact living experience. But hey, you’re in Tokyo! You're there to experience the city, not to lounge in your room all day. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the efficiency. Just maybe bring extra socks, and watch out for the miso soup. You have been warned.
Book now, and prepare to be… adequately impressed!
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Tokyo Tango: A Trip That Tried Its Best
Okay, deep breaths. This isn't your perfectly Instagrammable travel diary. This is me, rambling about Tokyo, the APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon, and all the glorious, chaotic, and sometimes deeply embarrassing experiences that came with it. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku's Siren Song (or, How I Almost Got Lost Immediately)
- Pre-Flight Anxiety: Spent the entire flight convinced I'd forgotten my passport. Three frantic bag checks and a quick sob into a tiny airplane pillow later, turns out, I'd packed two. Genius.
- Arrival at Narita & the Train of Doom (Shinkansen): The airport was a whirlwind of polite bowing and incomprehensible announcements. Managed to navigate the train system thanks to a pre-downloaded YouTube video (bless the internet gods). Then the Shinkansen… sleek, fast, and slightly overwhelming. I was clutching my perfectly packed itinerary like a life raft.
- Hotel Check-in at APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon: Ah, the APA Hotel. Tiny rooms, but clean. And, surprisingly, a decent view of… some buildings. The bed was a solid brick of firmness. Apparently, back support is a MAJOR priority in Japan.
- First Meal, First Disaster: Hungry from the flight, I ventured out. Ended up in a tiny ramen shop. Ordered using the vending machine (another glorious Japanese invention!). Accidentally selected the "extra spicy" option. My face was the colour of fire. Tears streamed. Tasted amazing.
- Shinjuku Nightlife: Okay, so I’d heard about Shinjuku. Lost in the labyrinthine train stations that all look identical. The robot restaurant was booked - but the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was free and offered amazing views of the city. The neon lights, the energy… it was intoxicating. Briefly considered becoming a permanent resident. Managed to eventually find my way back to the hotel. Only slightly traumatized.
Day 2: Temples, Tranquility… and a Lost Wallet (Oh, Boy).
- Tsukiji Outer Market: A Fishy Awakening: Woke up to what I think was my alarm. Headed to the Tsukiji Outer Market. Seriously, the freshest sushi. Ever. Watching the tuna auctions was an experience. I might have briefly shed a tear over the sheer beauty of a perfectly carved piece of sashimi.
- Senso-ji Temple: Beautiful, serene. Wandered around, lit some incense. Briefly felt like I'd achieved inner peace. Then I went to buy a souvenir… and realised my wallet was gone. Cue panic. Cue frantic retracing of steps.
- Panic Attack: Lost wallet. Passport. Cash. Credit cards. Meltdown officially commenced. The kind where you're desperately trying to remain composed while a giant, silent scream bubbles up inside you.
- The Kindness of Strangers: Okay, this is where Japan completely redeemed itself. Several, incredibly kind people helped me with translations and offered assistance. A lovely older woman even offered me a cup of tea while I tried to remember where I’d last seen my wallet. Ended up back-tracking to a small restaurant. I find the restaurant where I first start getting ramen. The waiter remembered me: I’d left my wallet behind! Saved. My. Life. (And my sanity.) Seriously, I owe that waiter a lifetime supply of delicious ramen.
- Evening Wind-Down: After the Lost Wallet Crisis, I needed to recharge. Back to the hotel, a good book, and a restorative dose of my mini-fridge’s green tea.
Day 3: Akihabara, Anime & Existential Questioning
- Akihabara: Electric Town. Lights. Sounds. Video games. Cosplay. More lights than I ever imagined existed. I'm usually a complete tech dunce, but the sheer energy of the place was infectious. Spent way too much time (and money) in the arcade.
- Anime & Manga… and Overwhelm: Okay, I’d seen a few anime before. But Akihabara? A whole different level. I tried to appreciate it, I really did, but after a few hours of sensory overload, I just needed to sit down. It's amazing, but it can be a little too much.
- Karaoke Night: Found a karaoke bar. Sang terribly. Had the best time ever. This is what travelling is about: the awkwardness, the laughter, the shared experience. I am pretty sure I butchered something by Queen on a karaoke.
- The Search for Ramen, Round 3: Needed a late-night pick-me-up. Found a ramen shop (surprise!). The broth was perfect, the noodles a work of art. Felt like I was finally starting to get it.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone: Art, Nature & a Questionable Cruise
- Hakone: Beautiful mountain scenery. Lush greenery. Lake Ashi. The art museum was fantastic: thought-provoking, engaging. Spent a solid hour contemplating a giant sculpture of an upside-down… something.
- The Hakone Ropeway: The views from the ropeway are stunning. I saw sulfur vents. I breathed in the air, full of the smells of volcanic activity. I felt like I was on another planet.
- The Cruise: The cruise on Lake Ashi. The boat was slightly cheesy, and the commentary in both Japanese and English was… interesting. The wind was so strong that my hair was standing straight up.
- Finding My Way Back: I had to change trains a few times to get back to the hotel: it was late. The train was packed. But I made it back to the APA Hotel.
Day 5: Departure – Reflecting on the Tiny Hotel & the Big Memories
- Packing: My small room was a whirlwind of clothes and souvenirs. I still don’t know how I managed to fit it all. The space seemed to shrink even more as I tried to stuff everything into my suitcase.
- Final Breakfast: Grabbed a last quick breakfast at a local bakery. I was sad I wasn't staying longer. I would miss the delicious food. I was glad to go home, but I feel like Tokyo is calling me.
- Departing: Said goodbye to the APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon. Goodbye to the tiny bed that I actually kinda loved. Goodbye to the surprisingly good view of the buildings. Goodbye, Tokyo. You were chaotic, confusing, delicious, and at times, utterly bonkers. But I will be back.
The APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon: A Brief Review (Because Why Not?)
- Pros: Affordable (ish). Clean. Convenient location. Free Wi-Fi. Reasonably close to train station.
- Cons: Tiny rooms. Firm beds. The bathroom was… a little too compact. Lots of (slightly strange) propaganda in the room. The elevator was SLOW.
- Overall: Would I stay there again? Maybe. It was functional. It was in a good location. It was an experience. If you are on a budget, this hotel will be perfect. My only recommendation is to be prepared for the firm bed.
Final Thoughts:
Tokyo is a city that challenges you, frustrates you, and ultimately, charms you. It's a sensory overload, a cultural immersion, and a culinary adventure all rolled into one. And even though I lost my wallet, nearly set my face on fire with ramen, and had a few moments of sheer panic, it was an incredible trip. I can't wait to go back and do it all again. Maybe this time, I’ll bring a bigger suitcase. And a stronger sense of direction. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn some basic Japanese.
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APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon: The Good, the Bad, and the Seriously Tiny (But Did I Love It?) - FAQ Honestly!
Okay, Seriously, Is This Hotel REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? My Instagram feed is calling me a liar.
Look, "hidden gem" is a bit oversold, alright? It's not a secret society handshake situation. But compared to the glitzy behemoths in Shinjuku? Yeah, it's a bit of a find. Shimbashi itself is more business-y, which I actually *loved*. Fewer flash-mob selfie ops, more salarymen grabbing ramen at 2 AM. So, gem-ish? Maybe a slightly chipped but still sparkling agate.
And about those Instagram posts... Don't worry, sweet pea. We all embellish. Pretending you’ve actually *discovered* something... it's part of the game, isn't it? I mean, *I* did, so...
What About the Room Size? I've heard whispers... of the closet-sized variety.
Prepare yourself. You are *not* booking a ballroom. My room? It made a shoebox seem spacious. I'm talking, you-can-touch-both-walls-while-sitting-on-the-bed-sized small. Literally, the bed *occupied* most of the space. And the bathroom... oh, sweet suffering sardines, the bathroom. Tiny! But hey, it's Japan. Space optimization is an art form. Think of it as an advanced Tetris challenge: can you fit yourself, your suitcase, and your dreams of ramen in this impossibly small space? The answer is usually yes. Eventually.
Real talk: The first five minutes? Panicked. Landed flat on that bed more times than I'd care to admit getting used to not being able to do a full stretch. But then, after a while you get used to it. Really, *you* get to realize that you don't need a huge space to live (and sleep) in. And it’s kinda freeing, in a claustrophobic way.
The Onsen! Are they real? Are they *good* real? Tell me everything because I’m picturing a luxurious, spa-like experience.
Yes! APA Hotel Shimbashi Onarimon has an onsen! And yes, they're real. But *luxurious*? Maybe not the way you're picturing it. Think... functional. Clean. Japanese. And... *public*! You're going to be butt-naked with strangers. But that's part of the fun, right? (Deep breaths, everyone). The water itself was lovely and hot, though. Ah... my aching muscles. The feeling after a long day of sightseeing? Pure bliss..
Confession time: I was a bit intimidated at first. The whole getting-naked-with-people thing. But the ritual itself is very calming. And honestly? Everyone's so focused on getting clean, no one really cares about staring at you (or your tourist tan). It was actually a very peaceful experience. And, afterwards, when I felt those good vibes hitting me? It was pure bliss. I think I slept better that night than I ever have!
How's the Location? I want to explore all the things!
The location is pretty darn good. You're in Shimbashi, which is a short train ride from everything. Ginza's a quick walk. Easy access to trains and subways to everywhere else. The hotel's right near a station too, which is gold, especially when you’re dragging your jet-lagged self around. Tokyo is huge, so you can't be right *on* everything, but this is a solid home base. And the immediate area around the hotel? Full of little izakayas, ramen joints that didn't exist for the 'gram, and tiny shops. It felt more authentically Tokyo than some of the tourist traps.
What About Food? On-site? Nearby? I live to eat, and I don't want to be eating convenience store food all day.
The APA Hotel offers a breakfast buffet. It's... typical. Think: Japanese staples like rice, miso soup, and maybe a sad little sausage. It's… edible. But please, don't limit yourself to it. The *real* magic is outside. You're surrounded by amazing options. I'm talking noodle shops that could convert the staunchest carnivore, tiny ramen places that’ll redefine your definition of broth, and even... gasp... a 7-Eleven with surprisingly decent onigiri (rice balls) when the hangover hits.
My favourite food find? This tiny ramen place just a few blocks away. I went there every single night. The old woman running the place didn't speak a lick of English, but oh, *that* ramen. Perfect noodles, rich broth, the works. I even tried to tip, and she just gave me the sweetest, disapproving glare. That's how you know it's *good*. It was probably the best thing about my stay.
The Room Rate? Worth it? Should I just book a hostel and "save" money?
The price is *usually* reasonable, especially for Tokyo. APA Hotels are often budget-friendly. But before you jump in, check the prices! Prices in Tokyo can fluctuate ridiculously. As for hostels… it kinda depends on your travel style. Do you mind sharing a room with 10 strangers? Do you mind the noise? Do you mind the communal showers? If the answer to any of those is a resounding “NOPE,” then the APA Hotel is probably worth it. You get privacy, onsen access, and more or less a clean space to sleep. Consider the cost of your sanity too. It's important!
Anecdote time! I, unlike some, value my sleep. One time, I splurged on something fancy (the other place was more of a palace!) and even then, I barely slept! I was so busy worrying about getting my money's worth in the (expensive) restaurant, the (pricey) spa, I didn't rest! The APA? I crashed hard every night, completely stress-free. And that is priceless, truly!
Any other quirks I should know about?
The check-in process can be... efficient. Don't expect a lot of small talk. You get your keycard, your room number, and you're on your way. The TV has some, shall we say, *unique* content (be forewarned!). Oh, and the beds are pretty firm. Again, Japanese. But honestlyHotelicity
