Tokyo's BEST Hotel? Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel Review!

APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Tokyo Japan

Tokyo's BEST Hotel? Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel Review!

Tokyo's BEST Hotel? Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived (and surprisingly, mostly thrived in) the behemoth that is the Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel. "Best" is a bold claim, I know, but let's just say this place has a lot going on. And honestly? For Tokyo, and for the price, it's pretty darn impressive.

First Impressions & Location, Location, Location (and a Slight Panic About the Size)

Right, so picture this: you stumble out of the Asakusa subway station, blinking in the Tokyo sunshine, and BAM! There it is. The APA. It's… well, it's big. Towering, even. I won't lie, my first thought was "Good lord, where do I even start?" But the location? Chef’s kiss. Right in the heart of Asakusa, a stone's throw from the iconic Kaminarimon Gate. You're practically tripping over Senso-ji Temple. Score! Easy access to everything, which is crucial when you're battling jet lag and a desperate craving for tempura.

Accessibility: Did I Get Lost? Maybe.

I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did take a quick look around for accessibility. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a plus. Elevators are crucial in a place this size (thankfully there were many), and I spotted accessible routes. Still, in a Tokyo hotel, things can be a little… compact. I'd recommend checking their website for specific details if accessibility is a top priority.

Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe in the Robot City

This is where the APA shines. This place is spotless. Seriously. I’m talking "hospital clean" levels of sparkle. They're absolutely nailing it on this front. They’ve got those anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in all the safety protocols. Seriously, they were wiping down everything! They were going all-in on "cleanliness theatre" and I was here for it, especially in the current climate. There's security everywhere, like CCTV everywhere. The rooms are sanitized between stays. They seem to be throwing everything they have at keeping the place safe, which is reassuring, really.

Rooms: Tiny, but Terrific (and with ALL the Tech!)

Okay, let's talk rooms. You’ve probably heard the stories about Tokyo hotel rooms being… cozy. Well, the APA doesn't disappoint in that department. My room was compact, let's just say! But, and this is a big but, it was efficient. The bed was super comfy (extra-long, bless!), the air conditioning worked a treat, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those all-nighter exploring the bright lights of Tokyo.

And the tech! Oh, the tech! They have all the essentials. Free Wi-Fi (thank god!), a TV with a ton of channels (including some very questionable Japanese game shows that I became bizarrely addicted to), and a handy little desk for… actually, I mostly just used mine to pile up snacks. Free bottled water? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check. A really well-stocked mini-bar? Check. Honestly, it made being crammed into a box feel almost luxurious. Well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little.

Internet: Connected to the World (and My Instagram Feed)

Wi-Fi was solid. No complaints. I could upload my photos (very important), stream Netflix, and generally stay connected without any major issues.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast (and a Slight Food Coma)

Okay, this is where things get interesting. They have a bunch of restaurants, including a restaurant with Asian cuisine and a Western-style breakfast buffet. Breakfast buffet-wise, it's standard hotel fare, but well-executed. I'm talking eggs, bacon, pastries, rice, soup, the works. Just what you need to fuel a day of exploring. They have a coffee shop for that caffeine fix. Plus, they've got a convenience store right there! You can buy anything from a toothbrush to a beer. That's convenience gold. Room service is available 24 hours!

Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything

This hotel is a Swiss Army knife of services. Concierge? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Check. Dry cleaning? Check. They have everything you might conceivably need. Need to withdraw cash? There's an ATM. Need to send a fax (seriously, who still does that?)? They have a business center. They even have a gift shop!

Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Not Just a Place to Sleep!

This is where things go up a notch. They are not kidding about things to do and ways to relax. It has a fitness center, if you are the type. A sauna! A spa! A pool (with a view!) that I didn’t have time to use, but you can. There's a bar for your happy hour needs, and they probably did have to remove the shared stationery because of Covid.

My Personal Anecdote – The Breakfast Buffet & the Unexpected Connection

I'm going to ramble a bit here. My favorite thing was… the breakfast buffet! Now, I know that sounds boring. But hear me out. I’m not one for breakfast. I usually skip it. But the APA’s breakfast, with its scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and those little Japanese sausage things, was just right. One day, I was struggling to open a packet of soy sauce (language barriers, ya know?) and a sweet, elderly Japanese lady came over and helped me. We didn't speak the same language, but there was a genuine connection there, a moment of shared humanity. It just reminded me of how amazing travel can be—how a simple breakfast can lead to an unexpected connection. This moment was priceless. It’s the little things, the genuine moments, that transform a hotel stay into something more.

For the Kids: Babysitting and Everything Else

I don’t have kids, so I’m not a super expert here, they cater well to the family. They do have a babysitting service mentioned, so they do have a plan for them.

Getting Around: Easy Peasy

Getting around is a breeze. The airport transfer is available. There's a taxi service at the door, and it's so close to the subway, you're golden.

Final Verdict: Should You Stay Here?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a clean, efficient, well-located hotel in Tokyo, the Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel is a fantastic choice. It’s not perfect (the rooms are small), but the pros far outweigh the cons. It's a great base for exploring Tokyo, and it offers everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay.

My Honest Recommendation:

This hotel is perfect if you want a clean, safe, and well-located base camp for your Tokyo adventure. Plus, the price is right.

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Ready to experience the magic of Tokyo? Book your stay at the Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel and get a free welcome drink at the bar! Plus, mention this review and receive a complimentary late checkout (subject to availability). Don't miss out – book today and let the adventure begin! This hotel offers a great value and is perfectly placed for your Tokyo experience.

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APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Tokyo Japan

Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're not going to pretend this trip to the APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon in Tokyo will be Instagram-perfect. This is the real, messy, beautiful, and slightly-hungover truth.

Tokyo Tango: An APA Hotel Asakusa Ramble

Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lagged and Judgemental (or, "Why Does My Butt Hurt Already?")

• Morning (ish): Landed at Narita. Ugh. Airports. The symphony of luggage wheels and frantic announcements makes me want to crawl back into the womb (but, like, with Wi-Fi). Customs was surprisingly smooth, which made me immediately suspicious. Is it going to cost me later?
  • Imperfection Alert: Forgot to pack my noise-canceling headphones. Rookie mistake. My eardrums are already suffering from the relentless roar of the airplane. Lesson learned: prioritize peace the next time.
• Mid-Day: Train to Asakusa. Oh, the trains! So efficient, so clean, so… packed. I’m pretty sure I brushed shoulders with a salaryman and a mime at one point. No judgement; it's a sign of the world's diversity.
  • Quirky Observation: The Japanese are masters of the subtle nod. I think I spent half the journey trying to decipher if someone was politely acknowledging my existence or silently judging my travel wardrobe (aka, the same sweatpants I wore on the plane).
• Afternoon: Arrived, finally. The APA Hotel. Honestly, it's…functional. The room is small, like a meticulously organized shoebox, but hey, who needs space when you're in Tokyo? The view is…well, I see a wall. But I'm sure the Kaminarimon view is lovely, and I'm just too tired to care right now.
  • Emotional Reaction: The moment I saw that tiny room, I felt a surge of…acceptance. I'm here. I'm in Tokyo. This is, at least for a little while, my life. Maybe I can deal with the wall.
  • Afterthought That bed is going to be heaven.
• Evening: Wandered (stumbled) to a local ramen place. The noodles were divine. I haven't felt this satisfied in a while. My body is screaming for sleep, but my soul is humming with the thrill of the first day.
  • Anecdote: Totally forgot about my credit card and almost had a full on meltdown when I had to go to an ATM. Panic ensued. Did ramen in the streets. Worth it!
  • Messier Structure: Okay, so I'm exhausted. I will not pretend i can accurately remember what happened during the evening.
  • Final note: Sleep is coming, and it will be glorious.

Day 2: Senso-ji Temple & Sensory Overload (or, "I Think I Accidentally Bought a Magical Broomstick")

• Morning: Senso-ji Temple. Wow. Just…wow. The grandeur of the temple, the vibrant street leading up to it, the scent of incense…it's a sensory explosion. I've seen a million pictures, but nothing prepares you for the actual experience.
  • Doubling Down on an Experience: Senso-ji's atmosphere almost brought me to tears. The sheer number of people, the colorful stalls, the feeling of history…it's overwhelming in the best way possible. The fortune telling sticks were a highlight. I have no idea what my fortune means, but hey, it's something.
  • Opinionated Language: If you don't appreciate Senso-ji, you're probably dead inside. Just saying.
• Mid-Day: Nakamise-dori. The street leading up to the temple is a total tourist trap (but a delightful one). Everything from mochi to swords. I spent far too much money on souvenirs. Then I got the "gift" feeling…I don't even know what they are, but I bought a bunch of them anyway.
  • Imperfection: I totally got scammed on a weird, fluffy hat. I blame jet lag and the irresistible allure of fluff.
• Afternoon: Exploring! The backstreets. Found a tiny tea shop and had the best matcha latte of my life. Seriously, I might move to Tokyo just for the matcha.
  • Rambling: You know, I think I'm starting to get Tokyo. It's not just about the big attractions; it's about the tiny moments, the unexpected discoveries, the feeling of getting completely lost in the best possible way.
• Evening: Karaoke! Yes, I know I should be tired. I'm also a little tipsy. Belted out (attempted to belt out) some questionable karaoke. My voice is shot. Worth it.
  • Emotional Reaction: Karaoke: pure, unadulterated joy, followed by a solid dose of mortification. My inner child is currently doing a victory dance even if my peers are hiding in the corner.

Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market & Farewell (or, "I Ate Too Much Tuna, I Should Be Fine")

• Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market. A seafood paradise! Seriously, the freshest sushi I've ever had. The energy of the market is infectious. The only downside: the queues are brutal.

  • Opinionated Language: If you don't eat sushi at Tsukiji, you have failed as a human being. The tuna! Oh, the tuna!

• Mid-Day: Packing. Sigh. Reality is starting to set in. My luggage is overflowing with souvenirs, oddities, and vague hopes for a second suitcase.

  • Imperfection: Failed the great Japanese way, i struggled, packed sloppily and forgot half of what I needed.

• Afternoon: Last stroll through Asakusa. One last look at the Senso-ji temple. One last matcha latte. Trying to soak it all in.

  • Emotional Reaction: I'm going to miss this place. The chaos, the beauty, the sheer weirdness of it all. Already planning my return.

• Evening: Farewell dinner at a local izakaya. Toast to the trip, toast to memories, and toast to going home(ish).

  • Messier Structure & Stream-of-Consciousness: Wait…did I pack my passport? Nope. Okay. Everything is fine. I had a good time. I want to stay forever, but I'm also ready for my own bed. Everything will be fine. I hope. Maybe.

• Day 4: Departure (or, "Back to Reality")

• Morning: Get the plane, and the hangover,

• Afternoon: Arrive home.

• Final Thoughts: Tokyo, you were crazy, you were beautiful, and you were exhausting. I wouldn't have had it any other way. Next time, I promise to bring earplugs, a bigger suitcase, and maybe learn some basic Japanese. And, you know, try to avoid the fluffy hat scams.

Unbelievable Rosa Canina in Sankt Anton am Arlberg: You WON'T Believe This!

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APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Tokyo JapanOkay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Asakusa Kaminarimon APA Hotel! This isn't your sterile, corporate review. This is a *journey*. Consider yourself warned.

Alright, spill it. Is this hotel actually in a good location, or are the pictures lying to me?

Okay, FINE. The location? Dude, it's *gold*. The Kaminarimon Gate? Right. There. Like, you stumble out of the hotel, and BAM! Iconic Tokyo moment. Seriously, I walked out the first time just gawking, like a proper tourist. You're practically *in* the heart of Asakusa. The shopping street (Nakamise-dori) is right there, the Senso-ji Temple is a few steps away… You can't beat it. It's *convenient*. And the subway? Super close. Perfect for escaping the crowds or getting to other parts of Tokyo. My feet were killing me at the end of the day, but at least I didn't have to walk a mile just to *get* back to the hotel. Genius.

Let's talk about the room. I've heard the APA Hotels are... compact. Is this true? Prepare me.

Compact? Honey, they're *engineered*. You're not renting a room; you're renting a highly efficient, Tetris-like experience. My first thought? "This feels like a spaceship." (And not the cool, Star Trek one. More like a… cramped escape pod.) The bed? Right up against the wall. You could probably high-five the person in the next room if you leaned out far enough. Seriously, I spent the first five minutes just figuring out *how* to get around. It’s a test of your folding skills, your spatial awareness, and your ability to appreciate the minimalist aesthetic. But you know what? After a day of exploring Tokyo, you're so exhausted you just want to pass out. And at least it was *clean*. Obsessively so, actually.

The bathroom situation. Give it to me straight.

Okay, the bathroom. Miniature masterpiece, right? Like, the toilet is almost *touching* the sink. You're basically sitting in the shower while you brush your teeth. But! They're *efficient*. The toilet, a marvel of Japanese engineering, has a built-in bidet and, of course, heated seat. The shower pressure? Surprisingly good. The toiletries? Fine. A little… hotel-generic, but they got the job done. The *real* test? Trying not to drop your phone while using the tiny, tiny, *tiny* sink. Seriously, I’m convinced they design these things to wash a single pair of hands at a time. You'll learn to pack your toiletries strategically. Trust me.

Breakfast - worth it or skip it? Give me the lowdown.

Okay, breakfast… Alright, here’s the thing. I’m a sucker for a good hotel breakfast, and this one… look, it's *fine*. It’s a buffet, and it's got the usual suspects: toast, eggs, some kind of mystery sausage, maybe a sad little salad bar. BUT. There's usually a *decent* selection of Japanese options. Rice, miso soup, pickles… You know, the good stuff. And the coffee? Drinkable. You're probably not going to write home about it, but it'll fuel you for a day of exploring. My advice? If you're a hardcore breakfast person, maybe skip it. If you're on a budget and just need something to get you going, it's perfectly acceptable. I personally loved their little selection of Japanese pickles. Got my fill of pickled ginger every morning!

Any other amenities? Gym? Pool? A place to cry?

Okay, let's be real. This is not a luxury resort. There isn't a pool (thank god; where would they *put* it?!). No gym. No place to cry (though the compactness might inspire a little existential dread, I'm not gonna lie). They *might* have a vending machine. And that’s about it. Basically, it's a place to sleep, shower, and leave your luggage while you're off conquering Tokyo. Don't expect a spa day. Expect efficiency. And maybe a little bit of a "wow, this city is *intense*" feeling.

Seriously, would you stay there again? Tell me *honestly*.

Look, here's the deal: I'm not gonna lie, I wasn't *thrilled* with the size of the room at first. The whole "spaceship" thing was a little claustrophobic. But the location? Unbeatable. The cleanliness? Impeccable. The price? Surprisingly reasonable. And honestly? After a long day of dodging crowds and navigating the subway, I *needed* the no-nonsense, uncomplicated experience. Would I stay there again? ABSOLUTELY. Especially if I'm on a tight budget and prioritizing location and convenience. The APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon is a pragmatist's dream. You're not getting luxury, but you *are* getting a great basecamp for exploring Tokyo. I’d consider the hotel a 7/10. Maybe 8/10 if I'm feeling generous and haven't stubbed my toe on the tiny bedside table.

What about the view from the room? Is it Instagrammable?

Okay, the view. This is a tricky one. Depends on your room. Some rooms, I heard, have a decent view of the Tokyo Skytree. I, however, wasn't so lucky. My view, which I'd describe accurately as "the next building over," was… not particularly Instagrammable. Think air conditioners, fire escapes, and the general hum of city life. Honestly, I didn't really *care*. I wasn't there to stare out the window. I was there to *be in Tokyo*. And that's what's important. But, yeah, if you're a view person, might want to request a room with a Skytree view. Just don't go in expecting a postcard-perfect panorama from *every* room, or you *will* be disappointed.

The staff. Are they helpful or do they give you the silent treatment?

The staff were, in a word, *efficient*. Polite, helpful enough, but definitely not overly chatty. Think of them as highly trained navigators in a well-oiled machine. They're there to get you checked in, get you your key, and answer basic questions. Don't expect a lot of small talk. But! When I needed help with something, they were actually super helpful. My suitcase got stuck in the elevator (mortifying, I know), and they came to my rescue immediately. They were patient with my terrible Japanese. So, not overly friendly, but undeniably competent. And that's what you need, sometimes.

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APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Tokyo Japan

APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon Tokyo Japan

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