Tokyo's Hidden Gem: Nesthotel Kuramae - Unbelievable Views & Perks!
Nesthotel Kuramae: My Brain-Bending Tokyo Staycation (With a View to DIE For!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to tell you about Nesthotel Kuramae in Tokyo. Forget sleek, impersonal hotels. This place? This place got me. It's a hidden gem alright, but more like a shining, sparkly, jaw-dropping gem, hidden in a perfectly unassuming Tokyo neighborhood. Seriously, I walked in, sighed dramatically because I was exhausted after the train, and then… BAM! View. Just… the view.
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- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of Nesthotel Kuramae in Tokyo: From breathtaking city views to surprisingly awesome accessibility. Let’s dive into the pros, the maybe cons, and all the in-between moments of this amazing Tokyo experience!
Getting There & Getting Around (Accessibility - Let's Start with the Practical Stuff!)
The accessibility is, thankfully, a big plus. Tokyo can be a nightmare for anyone with mobility issues, but Nesthotel Kuramae really tries. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Yep. Everything seemed pretty well thought out, from the lobby entrance to the accessible rooms. They've definitely kept in mind all the practical items such as elevator size, easy-to-move room layouts, or staff assistance. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I noticed the effort, which is more than I can say for some other swanky Tokyo digs I’ve encountered! Getting there was a breeze too. Airport transfer can be arranged (more on that later), and Kuramae station is super close. Public transport, a bit hectic perhaps, but definitely reachable. A little bit of a hike, but overall, thumbs up.
Rooms… The Good, the Bad, and the OMG That View!
Okay, let's be honest. I'm a sucker for a good room. And my room at Nesthotel Kuramae? Chef’s kiss (even before they started using that phrase everywhere). We are talking a light, airy, modern space, with everything you could possibly need. Free Wi-Fi? Duh. Air conditioning that actually works? Praise the travel gods. (Honestly, some hotels in Tokyo seem to think "AC" is a suggestion!) My view, though? That’s where it went from “nice hotel room” to "HOLY MOLY." The Tokyo skyline, spread out before me, a glittering tapestry of lights, the Tokyo Skytree dominating the horizon. It was simply stunning. I mean, I spent a good hour just staring out the window.
Now, the downside? The rooms are, well, Japanese hotel rooms. So, while they're well-designed, they aren't huge. But honestly? I didn't even care. That view! Also, there’s a free mini-bar of bottled water, which is always a win.
(Side note: I opted for the non-smoking room, and it was truly non-smoking. Clean, fresh smelling… bliss.)
Food, Glorious Food (And Drink!)
This is where Nesthotel Kuramae truly shines, even if it doesn't immediately seem that way.
- Breakfast: Oh, the breakfast! Not the usual bland hotel fare. They've got a buffet with both Western and Asian options. Think fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, miso soup that actually tastes good, and a killer selection of pastries. I may have, ahem, overindulged. (The room-service breakfast option might also be a good choice when you're as lazy as me!)
- Restaurants: Several restaurants. You can choose from international cuisine, or, you know, Asian cuisine (which I of course opted for!). The food was genuinely tasty! I think I ate more than I needed.
- Bars: Poolside bar? Yes, please! Happy hour? Double yes! Sipping a cocktail, watching the sunset over Tokyo? This is the life, people. The perfect complement to the view.
- Coffee Shop: I'm not a huge coffee person, but the coffee shop was cute and convenient for a quick caffeine fix.
**The Pool, the Spa, and the "Zen" Factor… (or, My Attempt at Relaxation)
Alright, listen. I'm a stressed-out human. I travel to relax. And Nesthotel Kuramae tried to help me with that.
- Pool with a View: The outdoor pool is… magnificent. Seriously, swimming in that pool, with the Tokyo skyline stretching out around me? Almost too much beauty to handle. And yes, it does feel as amazing as it sounds.
- Spa: The spa! Ah, yes. I treated myself to a massage. It was… heavenly. The staff was professional, the atmosphere serene. They do have a body scrub and body wrap.
- Sauna/Steamroom: Yup, both. I’m more of a cold-shower person, but the option is there.
- Fitness Center: I’m not really a "gym" person. But hey, there is one if you're into that sort of thing.
My Epic Poolside Story (a little stream of consciousness…)
Okay, so here's a confession. The pool? It's not just a pool. It's a vibe. One late afternoon, I found myself poolside, cocktail in hand, blissfully watching the sunset. Then… a small, fluffy dog (a very well-behaved Shiba Inu, I might add) wandered by, giving me the cutest of glances. This dog then proceeded to sit with its owner. I looked at the Shiba Inu. I then proceeded to giggle. The owner grinned, and then… the Shiba Inu decided to lie down with its cute face and look at me in a "hello." To have such an experience while staying there, shows you that it is definitely a relaxing environment. This entire experience embodied the joy of Nesthotel Kuramae. Random, unexpected, delightful. In that moment, all the stresses of life melted away. It was the ultimate proof of how much I needed this trip.
Service, Cleanliness, and the Little Things That Matter
- Cleanliness & Safety: Spotless! Everywhere. The rooms were immaculate, the common areas well-maintained. (They also clearly had a robust cleaning protocol in place, with anti-viral products, hand sanitizers everywhere, and staff adhering to safety protocols).
- Concierge: Super helpful. They were able to get taxis, give recommendations, and generally make my life easier.
- **Cashless Payment: ** A huge plus in a mostly cashless world. Easier than pulling out those Yen!
- Smiling Staff: Always ready to help and the service was great!
Downsides (Because Even Paradise Has a Few Bugs)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect.
- The Price: Okay, maybe a little pricier than some budget hotels. But honestly, after experiencing that view, I felt it was worth every single penny.
- Minor Imperfections: Sometimes the Wi-Fi could be a little spotty, but hey, I was there to unplug!
- The Location, kind of: It is a little away from the more central areas. But then again, the proximity to Kuramae station made it easy to get anywhere, which helped!
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype? ABSOLUTELY!
Nesthotel Kuramae isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of Tokyo, recharge your batteries, and maybe, just maybe, have a Shiba Inu make your day. I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and already plotting my return. Seriously, if you're looking for a hotel in Tokyo with amazing views, excellent service, and a touch of magic, book this place. You won't regret it.
(P.S. Book the room with the skyline view. Trust me.)
H. Moment Hotel Songjeong: Busan's BEST Hidden Gem? (You HAVE to See This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly-pressed travel itinerary. This is the gloriously messy, slightly neurotic, and hopefully hilarious journey of yours truly through the neon-drenched, ramen-fueled wonderland of Tokyo, centered around Nesthotel alt. Kuramae Station. Consider it more of a "diary of a slightly-unhinged tourist."
Day 1: Arrival and the Battle of the Vending Machines
14:00 - Landed! Narita Airport (NRT). Okay, the first hurdle: customs. Let's just say my Japanese "konnichiwa" was met with a polite but firm "Move along, please." Sigh. I'm already messing up!
15:30 - Train time! Managed to navigate the ridiculously efficient Narita Express (thank GOD for the pre-booked ticket!) and make my way to Kuramae. The sheer cleanliness and organization of the train almost gave me a panic attack. It's an accomplishment by itself for me to arrive at the Nesthotel.
17:00 - Check-in at Nesthotel alt. Kuramae Station. Ah, sweet, air-conditioned bliss. The room is tiny, as advertised, but hey, the bed looks comfy and I am very tired.
17:30 - The REAL battle begins: Vending Machines! Seriously, these things are everywhere. Coffee, tea, sports drinks, mysterious gloopy stuff in a can…It's a sensory overload. I stare at the buttons for, like, five minutes, feeling a mix of confusion and adrenaline. Finally, I commit: a can of something vaguely citrusy. Nope. Tasted like liquid disappointment. I’m never giving up on this. I need to find the holy grail of vending machine perfection.
18:30 - Exploring Kuramae. Wandered around the neighborhood. It's cute, quiet, a world away from the frenzy of Shibuya. Found a tiny ramen shop with only six seats.
19:30 – Ramen Disaster. Ordered a bowl of ramen from that tiny shop. It was glorious. The broth was a perfect symphony of pork and umami, the noodles perfectly al dente. Then the owner, an elderly woman with a permanent scowl, somehow managed to spill the broth ALL OVER MY SHIRT. I looked like I'd wrestled a bowl of angry noodles. She just shrugged. I laughed, mostly to hide the sheer embarrassment of being so clumsy.
21:00 - Bedtime. Exhausted. But also buzzing with the energy of being in Tokyo. The ramen incident made me realize how truly alive I am.
Day 2: Sensoji Temple and Harajuku Fashion Fiasco
08:00 - Breakfast: Hotel's complimentary breakfast. Toast, a sad-looking sausage, and some Japanese pickled vegetables that I cautiously tried. They weren't bad.
09:00 - Asakusa's Sensoji Temple. Holy cow, it's crowded! So many people, so many incense sticks, so much… spiritual energy? I was almost overwhelmed. But the temple itself is gorgeous, the giant lantern is amazing. Got my fortune. Predicted only good luck. I'll believe it when I see it.
11:00 - Nakamise-dori Street. Souvenir shopping! Found an adorable Maneki-neko (lucky cat). Bought some matcha-flavored Kit-Kats. I need to stop buying snacks and start buying experiences.
12:00 - Train to Harajuku. This is where things get…interesting.
13:00 - Harajuku, OMG. Takeshita Street. The colors! The fashion! The sheer volume of teenage angst-fueled adorableness! It's a sensory explosion. I feel old and boring.
13:30 - The Fashion Fiasco. I went to a thrift store in Harajuku that I thought had some real possibilities. It was like walking into a rainbow barfed on by a unicorn. I attempted to buy a weird, oversized, neon-green jacket with… sequins. It should have been a sign.
- The Problem: It was a size XL. Even for me, who is usually on the larger side of things, this jacket was ENORMOUS. It was like wearing a tent lined with glitter.
- The Verdict: I didn't buy the jacket. It's still okay though, because it's my travel memory now.
15:00 - Lunch in Harajuku: Crepe time! I bought a crepe filled with strawberry, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. It was pure sugary joy.
16:00 - Shibuya Crossing. The most famous intersection in the world! Crossing the street in a wave of people is an experience in itself. The energy is electric. I just had to cross a few times.
18:00 - Dinner: Okonomiyaki. Found another small restaurant, and made a delicious savory pancake.
19:00 - Back to the hotel. Feet hurt. Brain is fried. Tokyo is exhausting, but in the best way possible.
Day 3: The Tsukiji Outer Market and Electric Town
07:00 - Tsukiji Outer Market. Woke up early (shocking, I know) to tackle the legendary Tsukiji Outer Market. This is a must-do, even if you’re not a huge seafood fan.
- The Experience: The energy in the market is incredible. The vendors are shouting, the fish are glistening, and the smells… oh, the smells! It's primal, and it's intoxicating.
- The Food: I devoured a fresh tuna bowl that was like heaven on a plate. The tuna practically melted in my mouth. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about it. I'm never going back to supermarket sushi again.
10:00 - Exploring Ginza. Window shopping in Ginza is a sport. I can't afford anything, but it's fun to look.
12:00 - Akihabara (Electric Town). Okay, this is where my inner geek came alive. Arcades, anime shops, electronics galore!
- The Arcade Experience: I spent way too much time and money in an arcade playing Taiko no Tatsujin (Japanese drumming game). I was TERRIBLE, but it was so much fun.
14:00 - Exploring Anime Shops. I actually spent almost three hours navigating the multi-story anime and manga shops. Found some things.
16:00 - Late Lunch/Early Dinner: Decided to eat something completely random but I was too tired to go back out, so I grabbed food out of the hotel's vending machine. It was an experience, that, perhaps, I don't want to have again.
19:00 - Back at Nesthotel alt. Another day, another wave of sensory overload. Starting to get a grip on the trains.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone (Maybe)
08:00 - Woke up. Sleep is a precious commodity in Tokyo.
08:15 - Consider Day trip to Hakone. Deciding is half the battle, and I'm not sure I have the energy right now. The prospect of the beautiful scenery feels relaxing, but the logistical nightmare of a day trip is intimidating. The forecast is supposed to be good, so…
09:00 - Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast. Today I try the pickled vegetables again. Okay, they still aren't bad.
10:00 - I did it! Off to Hakone.
- The Hakone Loop: Took the train to Hakone-Yumoto! Then the bus to the pirate ship. Then the ropeway up the mountain. The views of Mount Fuji were incredible (when the clouds parted, which, thankfully, they did).
- The Onsen: After the gorgeous sights, it’s a must to complete the loop in a hot spring bath (onsen).
- The Art Museums: Not quite enough time to see every museum in the area, but I managed the Hakone Open-Air Museum. It had unique sculptures made by artists around Japan!
- Travel Challenges: There's the language barrier, even though I'm getting much better, and it was a long day.
19:00 - Back to Nesthotel alt. Exhausted but happy. Time for a deep sleep.
Day 5: Last Day, Last Noodles (Maybe)
- 09:00 - Sleep in! One good night's sleep did wonders.
- 10:00 - Breakfast.
- 11:00 - Final Shopping, or attempt at it. Some last minute souvenir shopping.
- 13:00 - Lunch: I have to have one last bowl of ramen.
- 16:00 - Farewell, Tokyo. I can't believe it's over already.
- 19:00 - In Transit.
- **21
Nesthotel Kuramae: The Unfiltered Truth (and the Views!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is the view *really* as insane as everyone says?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. The view. The VIEW. Look, I'm a jaded travel writer, I've seen "stunning" before. But this? This actually made me gasp. Legit. I'm talking the Tokyo Skytree, the whole dang city sprawling out before you like a glittering carpet of possibility. Yes, it's as good as you've heard. No, it's probably better. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, which, let's be real, is time *very* well spent. There was this one particularly gorgeous sunset… I swear, the sky was bleeding gold and purple. I ALMOST cried. Almost.
What's the deal with the "perks"? Are they just trying to lure you in?
Listen, hotels *always* hype up their perks. Free breakfast? Usually a sad continental situation. Free Wi-Fi? Sometimes slower than dial-up. But here, the perks actually, you know, *worked*. They advertise a "relaxing onsen experience" - and it actually *was*. The tiny little spa they have - I think it was a plunge pool and a sauna - was incredible after a long day. And the free coffee machine in the lobby? Lifesaver! Okay, it *did* run out of milk once at 6 am, which was a low point for me, caffeine-deprived and grumpy, but hey, nobody's perfect.
Is it actually *hidden*? Kuramae seems…not exactly Shibuya.
Okay, "hidden gem" is a travel writer cliché, I know. But Kuramae… it's got a certain…quiet charm. It's definitely off the beaten path. You're not battling selfie sticks every five seconds. This is a GOOD thing. You can actually wander around, breathe, and feel like you're *living* in Tokyo, not just visiting it. It felt like a real neighborhood, with quirky little shops and the smell of… well, I think it was fresh soba noodles coming from a place down the street. I totally got lost once, stumbled into a tiny park full of old men playing shogi, and made a friend just by pointing and smiling a lot.
The rooms… tiny, right? It's Tokyo, after all.
Alright, the rooms are…compact. Let's be honest. You won’t be hosting a dance party in there. But, honestly, it didn't bother me *that* much. They're cleverly designed, making the best use of the space. The bed was comfy, the bathroom was clean (and blessedly, had a proper shower!), and I spent most of my time looking out the window anyway. Plus, they had those little Japanese toilets with all the buttons! I swear, I wasted about fifteen minutes just playing with them. Don’t judge me.
Let's talk breakfast! Is it the usual sad hotel fare?
Oh, the breakfast. Okay. It's a buffet, yeah. The usual suspects are there: pastries (some of them suspiciously glazed), scrambled eggs, the ever-present sausages that always feel a little sad and rubbery. But! They also had some Japanese options, which is a win! I mean, I'm not gonna lie, I loaded up on the rice and miso soup every morning. And the coffee was decent, which, as I said, is crucial. One day, though, some kid grabbed like, six croissants and then…didn’t eat any of them. Teenage life, eh? At least the view from the breakfast room was AMAZING – which made up for the potentially carb-heavy start to the day.
Is there any nearby food that you'd rate? Cheap eats, specifically.
Yes! *Oh, yes!* Forget the hotel food! (Maybe.) Kuramae is packed with amazing little restaurants. Okay, so, this is where I got *really* into it. There's this tiny ramen place just a few minutes walk away – I went there three times in four days. The broth was rich, the noodles were al dente, and it was CHEAP! I swear, best ramen I've had in ages. Then there's a bakery… oh, the bakery! Flaky pastries, crusty bread…I may have gained five pounds. Totally worth it. Honestly, just wander around, follow your nose, and you’ll find something fantastic. (Just be prepared to maybe queue a bit. It’s Tokyo, after all.)
How easy is it to get around from Nesthotel Kuramae?
Super easy! The hotel is right by the Kuramae station, which means you're hooked up on the Toei Subway Line (you'll get familiar with that line, trust me). Easy access to all the major areas – Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, all within like, a heartbeat (okay, maybe half an hour). It's way easier to get around than I thought it would be. Google Maps is your friend, even though I did have a few "lost in translation" moments trying to buy a ticket. I even managed to navigate the trains with a suitcase – a feat I'm still patting myself on the back for.
Would you actually go back?
Okay, let's be real. As you probably guessed from my rambling, I *loved* the Nesthotel Kuramae. Absolutely. Without question. I'm already plotting my return. That view alone is worth the price of admission. The location is convenient, the staff was friendly (even when I asked about the milk machine at 6 am!), the onsen was just divine. And the ramen! Ugh. I need it now. So, yes. Go. Seriously. Go. Just…don't book *my* room.
What's the *worst* thing about the hotel? Be honest! (Because no place is perfect)
Okay, fine. Let's get real. The *worst* thing? Hmmm… Okay, here goes: the elevators. There are two of them, and they got seriously bogged down during peak times. Like, you’d push the button, wait… wait… wait… and then maybe it'd show up. Then you'd cram in with other tourists clutching awkwardly at their luggage. It was aUnique Hotel Finds
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