Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [94]
Yaesu Terminal Hotel (Map; 3281-3771; fax 3281-3089; www.yth.jp; 1-5-14 Yaesu, Chūō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥12,000/17,600/17,600; ; JR Yamanote line to Tokyo, Yaesu north exit or Ginza line to Nihombashi, exit B3) Near Tokyo station, this business hotel sports clean lines. Rooms are quite small, but prices are good for this area and it feels a touch classier than the usual bland business hotel. Rooms have flat-screen TVs and LAN internet access. The pleasant in-house restaurant’s wall of plate-glass windows looks onto streetside treetops.
Ginza & Shiodome
Along with Akasaka, Ginza is home to the thickest concentration of elite hotels in Tokyo. Prices here reflect the desirable real estate and proximity to several subway lines, great shopping, excellent restaurants, all manner of theatre, and the political and financial districts of the city.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome (Map; 3569-2220; fax 3569-2221; www.hvf.jp; 1-9-2 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku; s/d/tw from ¥10,000/14,000/18,000; ; Toei Ōedo line to Shiodome, exit 10) This place is a superb midrange deal with an upscale feel. Lighting in lobby areas is dim and subtly spooky, but the rooms are comfortable and modern, with internet-TV and high-speed LAN. Rooms don’t include fridges, but the hotel offers the rarity of a complimentary buffet breakfast. Parking costs ¥2100 per night.
Ginza Nikkō Hotel (Map; 3571-4911; fax 3571-8379; www.ginza-nikko-hotel.com; 8-4-21 Ginza, Chūō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥14,060/29,475/28,320; ; JR Yamanote line to Shimbashi, Ginza exit or Ginza, Marunouchi line to Shimbashi, exit 5) In a prime location right on Sotobori-dōri between Ginza and Shimbashi, this is a business hotel with small, cosy rooms and decently sized bathtubs. Internet access is available with modems provided by the hotel.
TOP END
Ginza Yoshimizu (Map; 3248-4432; www.yoshimizu.com; 3-11-3 Ginza, Chūō-ku; s/tw/tr ¥17,000/27,500/31,800; Hibiya, Toei Asakusa lines to Higashi-Ginza, exits 3 & A7) Stepping through the bamboo doors of the Yoshimizu means leaving behind phones, TVs, internet access and city din in favour of more natural living. This elegantly simple ryokan features earth walls, bamboo and tatami flooring, organic cotton bedding and a sentō made from immaculate granite and hinoki (Japanese cypress). Organic meals are served in a peaceful, communal dining room – breakfast is included in room rates, but dinner reservations are a must. Rooms with shared toilet and shower are considerably cheaper; check the website for current rates.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza (Map; 3543-1131; fax 3543-5531; www.gardenhotels.co.jp/eng/ginza.html; 8-13-1 Ginza, Chūō-ku; s/d from ¥19,100/25,600; ; JR Yamanote line to Shimbashi, Ginza exit or Ginza, Marunouchi lines to Shimbashi, exit 1) Semi-organic urban decor characterises this sleek hotel. Hardwood trim and a minimalist aesthetic create a spacious, relaxed feeling, with tech comforts like Bose sound systems, flat-screen TVs and free LAN internet in rooms. Six universal rooms accommodate wheelchair users. Parking costs ¥1800 per night.
Mercure Hotel Ginza Tokyo (Map; 4335-1111; fax 4335-1222; www.mercure.com/asia; 2-9-4 Ginza, Chūō-ku; s/d/tw from ¥20,890/32,740/32,740; ; Yūrakuchō line to Ginza-itchōme, exit 11) Though it has an upper-end business vibe to it, the Mercure also has a decidedly French hominess about it, with toile accents complementing the neat, modern rooms. LAN internet access, satellite TV, minibar and an excellent Japanese and French buffet breakfast ¥2100 are among the perks here, in addition to its convenient location. Parking is ¥1500 per night.
Imperial Hotel (Map; 3504-1111; fax 3504-9146; www.imperialhotel.co.jp; 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaichō, Chiyoda-ku; s/d from ¥35,700/40,950; ; Chiyoda, Hibiya, Toei Mita