Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [93]
Capsule Inn Akihabara (Map; 3251-0841; www.capsuleinn.com; 6-9 Akihabara, Taitō-ku; capsule ¥4000; ; JR Yamanote line to Akihabara, Shōwa-dōri exit) A few minutes’ walk from the centre of Akihabara, put your feet up in a clean capsule of your own. Men get a sentō, while women make do with showers. But only the women’s floors contain suites where several capsules share a common area, perfect for girlfriends travelling together. Check in after 5pm.
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MISSING THE MIDNIGHT TRAIN
Cinderellas who’ve stayed out partying past midnight and found that their last train has turned into a kabocha (pumpkin) needn’t fret. If dancing the night away doesn’t appeal, and an astronomically priced taxi ride doesn’t compute, give the capsule hotel a miss and try a manga kissa instead.
Kissaten (coffee shops) have long been mainstays for socialising away from home, but the next-generation versions offer a place for watching DVDs, getting some Playstation action, catching up on email or catching some Zs. Manga kissa have libraries of DVDs and manga, bottomless cups of coffee and soft drinks, and inexpensive food. Staff make regular rounds to ensure safe surfing and sleeping.
Overnight rates – typically around ¥2500 for eight hours – are a bargain. Check in at the reception desk, prepay for your stay and while away the wee hours in a cosy private cubicle. Try one of these if you’re stranded:
Aprecio (Map; 3205-7336; www.aprecio.co.jp/shinjuku/english/service_guide.htm; B1 fl, Hygeia Plaza, 2-44-1 Kabukichō, Shinjuku-ku; overnight package from ¥2400; 24hr; JR Yamanote line to Shinjuku, east exit) This clean, comfortable spot in Kabukichō offers all the usuals in smoking and nonsmoking wings, plus massage and beauty services, billiards and darts.
Bagus Gran Cyber Cafe (Map; 5428-3676; www.bagus-99.com/netcafe, in Japanese; 6th fl, 28-6 Udagawachō, Shibuya-ku; per 8hr ¥1500; 24hr; JR Yamanote line to Shibuya, Hachikō exit) This popular chain has branches all over Tokyo.
Manga Hiroba (Map; 3497-1751; www.mangahiroba.com/e; 2nd fl, Shuwa Roppongi Bldg, 3-14-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku; 1st hr ¥380, 30min thereafter ¥150; 24hr; Hibiya, Toei Ōedo lines to Roppongi, exit 3) Along Gaien-higashi-dōri, this one’s handy for pre- or post-party surfing but is always crowded.
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MIDRANGE
Tokyo Green Hotel Ochanomizu (Map; 3255-4161; fax 3255-4962; www.greenhotel.co.jp; 2-6 Kanda-Awajichō, Chiyoda-ku; s/d/tw ¥8600/14,200/14,200; ; JR Chūō line to Ochanomizu, Hijiribashi exit or Marunouchi line to Awajichō, exit A5) Though Kanda offers little of interest, this clean, thoughtfully renovated business hotel is a lovely retreat from the surrounding monotonous concrete jungle. Comfortable rooms and friendly staff elevate it from the typical business hotel. Look for its bamboo-covered entryway along Sotobori-dōri.
Hotel Mystays Ochanomizu (Map; 5289-3939; fax 5289-3940; www.mystays.jp in Japanese; 2-10-6 Kanda-Awajichō, Chiyoda-ku; s/d/tw ¥10,100/15,200/16,200; ; JR Chūō line to Ochanomizu, Hijiribashi exit or Marunouchi line to Awajichō, exit A5) A few doors down from the Green Hotel Ochanomizu, this newly-remodelled business hotel is another great deal in the neighbourhood. Though rooms are typically small, the dark wood and subdued grey and cream tones give them a more upmarket feel. Free LAN internet, Simmons beds and electric kettles add to the comforts; there’s also a coin laundry. Staff don’t speak much English but will do what they can to meet your needs.
Ryokan Ryūmeikan-Honten (Map; 3251-1135; fax 3251-0270; www.ryumeikan.co.jp/honten_e.htm; 3-4 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku; s/d with breakfast from ¥10,100/17,200; ; JR Chūō line to Ochanomizu, Hijiribashi