Recommended duration:
- 4-5 days in Tokyo (Big big city, disneyland, temples, shopping, animes)
- 2-3 days in Hakone (Hot springs, scenery, trekking, lavender farm, musicalbox?)
- 2-3 days in Osaka (Big city, universal studio, temples, shopping)
- 2-3 days in Kyoto (City with History, temples, shopping)
Where to stay in Tokyo
There are many hotels in Tokyo. Basically, our choices can be divided into three general areas. As mentioned in the previous post, Shinjuku is would be the best choice for travelers. Followed by places near Shinjuku (e.g. any place near a station along JR Yamanote Line should be fine). The third choice would be Asakusa, aka an Old Town where the most hostels can be found here.
On staying in Shinjuku:
When I thought it is impossible to find a cheap lodging in Shinjuku, I chanced upon this gem that is like a stone throw from the Shinjuku Station! But it's not suitable for people who are light sleepers. You will see why later...
One thing very bad about this hostel is that it does not have any official website. This means that we have to book it through an agency. Bummer. But this is probably due to the fact that it is very new. It is less than a year old as its official launch was on 1 Aug 2007.
You can read more about it here. For those who are feeling apprehensive about this capsuled concept hostel, their beds are pretty spacious for an average (female) Asian, at 210cm x 150cm. It is a pleasant surprise to see that they are providing free towels. :D They have free shampoo and soap too but usually I'll prefer to use mine instead.
I realized some travelers did not sleep in the same hotel every night. For example, if they are planning to explore Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku (central) in 2 days, they will choose a hotel for lodging in Shinjuku for that 2 days. Of course, we have to be hardworking enough to plan super early and lugged our luggage all over Tokyo.
There are a few types of lodging in Tokyo, so it's might be also a good idea to experience a few of them during our stay there:
1. Ryokans (Think tatami mats. They are a bit harder than normal mattresses)
2. Capsule Hotels (Which countries have capsule hotels?)
3. Normal Hotels
4. Hostels
On staying near Shinjuku
i narrowed my search to Ikebukuro.. as it's just one stop away! Other potential ones are Ueno and Ochanomizu. I'm not reading up on them yet.
This is probably our best bet. Their annex suites include private bathroom/toilets,cozy tatami and mattress. To top it off, it also comes with a mini living room, refrigerator, water boiler, microwave oven, AC/heater, alarm clock,and hair dryer. Plus, it's only 5 min away from Ikebukuro JR Station! OMG, I wanna stay here. But this is so popular that you have to book 2 months in advance. :/
It's affordable too! (i say this is "pi and chi" lor.. where to find...)
Room For Three - ¥ 11,000 -->$48pppn
Room For Four - ¥ 12,000 -->$39pppn
On the Asakasu Hostels:
I read about issues on the cleanliness in Khaosan Tokyo and Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro. Ahems. From the hostels reviews, most travelers recommended Backpackers Hostel K's House Tokyo instead. :)
Important Things missing:
- Lodging in Hakone/Osaka/Kyoto
Not-so-important things missing:
- Places of interest
- Transportation
- Weather
