Ninja WiFi – up to 20% off for pocket Wi-Fi in Japan

Ninja WiFi – up to 20% off for pocket Wi-Fi in Japan

When planning a trip to Japan one of the things that you definitely have to take into consideration is how to stay connected to the internet. Even though Japan is a modern high-tech country, it can be quite hard to find reliable Wi-Fi connections there. Many of the so-called free Wi-Fi hotspots require you to fulfill surveys and registered there with your real data, or they have data caps and very slow speeds which certainly won't satisfy you. That is why I definitely recommend that you get a pocket Wi-Fi router from a reliable company. That way you will be able to stay connected to the internet wherever you go since the majority of Japan is well covered. All you need to do is charge Wi-Fi router when it's runs out of power and you will stay connected at all times. 

If you decide that you would book a pocket Wi-Fi router, I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out Ninja WiFi and the services they offer. I used ninja Wi-Fi on my trip across Japan and I have to say that I was extremely satisfied. They offer reasonably priced unlimited use of high-speed 4G LTE that is available all across Japan. No matter which part of the country visited, I was always well connected with high speeds and reliability. Ninja WiFi has a pickup and drop off desk at many terminals across Japan and I found that quite convenient. When I arrived at Narita airport and recovered my luggage, I immediately went to the Ninja WiFi pick up desk, told the staff my name and my reservation code and I got my Wi-Fi router. It was that simple! 

I was able to immediately connected the internet and notify my family that I had arrived safely in Japan. Another reason why this is really good is the fact that it gives you the ability to use Google Maps and other types of navigation apps that rely on internet connection. Thanks to this I was able to quickly and easily find the best route to my hotel. As I already said, the speed off the internet connection was extremely satisfactory. I was able to watch HD videos, browse web pages, and use apps on multiple devices at the same time without any problems. The device itself is quite small and compact which makes it easy to carry. 

All in all, I think that getting a good pocket Wi-Fi device is a necessity on a trip to Japan and that you should definitely book one. Make sure to visit Ninja WiFi and check out all the things they have to offer to you. Also, if you book using the link on our website you will get a discount of up to 20%.  So if you are going to Japan soon and want to have a good and reliable Internet connection, look no further than Ninja WiFi!

Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi - Executive Twin Room

Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi - Executive Twin Room

I'm sure that by now you know quite a lot about my trip across Japan this September. As you probably know, I started this trip with the goal of visiting as many places as possible, mostly in the area around Tokyo, and because of that, I had to switch many hotels. The last one in which I stayed, and certainly not the least, was the Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi. I'm especially fond of this hotel since it was the place where I stayed the most nights. As you might have already guessed by the name of the hotel, it's located in the famous Tokyo nightlife district of Roppongi, and as such, it was the best place to experience Tokyo's nightlife. As I said in my previous post, this hotel has a perfect location, since most of the famous bars and clubs in Roppongi are only a short walk away.

After arriving in Roppongi and walking around a bit, I quickly found the hotel. It is quite easy to spot thanks for the fact that there are huge shiny letters on the side of the building showing its name. Even though I arrived a bit earlier than the stated check-in time, the staff was very kind and allowing me to check in right away. I was given a quick rundown of the rules and some instructions about the hotel and pointed to my room which was an Executive Twin Room.

 The room was located on one of the top floors of the hotel, and thanks to that, it had an amazing view of the many impressive buildings located in and around Roppongi. I was even lucky enough to be able to see the famous Tokyo Tower through my window. I spent quite a lot of time there just relaxing on the sofa next to the window and taking in the view of the whole area. I especially loved watching the night slowly descending on the city and the first lights turning on. The room itself was entirely satisfactory and it had everything I expected it would have. 

My bed was large and comfortable, sofa and the rest of the standard furniture was of good quality, and the air conditioner was a lifesaver considering how hot it was that time Tokyo. The amenities that are included in the room where a hairdryer, many toiletries, slippers, a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, an alarm clock and an electric kettle. The bathroom itself suited the style and the size of the room. It had a modern Japanese bidet toilet and a bathtub with a shower. However, I preferred heading to the SkySpa to take a bath there, since it was for me one of the highlights of the hotel.

I have to say that I quite enjoyed the days I spent in the Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi and the whole area in general and that I will be coming here again I hope. Also, I suggest that you check out their website to learn more about what can this amazing hotel offer to you?

Hotel New Otani Tokyo - "Shin-Edo" Room

Hotel New Otani Tokyo - "Shin-Edo" Room

As you probably already know, I spent the better part of September on a trip across Japan, with the goal of seeing as much as possible that this great country has to offer and to present all of that to you. During this trip, I had the luck of staying at one of Tokyo's most prestigious hotels, Hotel New Otani Tokyo. This great hotel is located in the heart of Tokyo and it is probably the biggest and most luxurious hotel in which I stayed at. Hotel New Otani Tokyo has the capability to provide world-class service to over 2000 guests, and it is equipped with a wide variety of additional facilities such as meeting areas, shops, restaurants, and the absolutely breathtaking traditional Japanese garden.

I had the pleasure of staying in one of the most recently decorated rooms called the "Shin-Edo" room. According to the hotel's website, this room has the goal of showcasing their innovative approach to Japanese hospitality, and I have to say that they succeeded with flying colors. I knew that I was going to a high-class luxury hotel and that the room and the service there would be extraordinary, but this exceeded even my expectations. I remember first walking into the room and being blown away by the immense size of the room and the beautiful garden that could be seen right through the window. I was also pleasantly surprised by the gifts that were waiting for me in the room; a small souvenir and some complimentary drinks and snacks as well.

The things that caught my eye first were the double-sized beds and a large flat-screen TV. Also, there were huge windows whose blinds I could control with a press of a button which I found quite amusing. Some other things that were included in the room were a work desk, a few chairs, a small table and the rest of the furniture that you would expect in a hotel like this one. 

One of the main features of this room was the traditional Japanese Cypress wood bath. Bathing here almost made me feel like I was in a traditional onsen somewhere in rural Japan. I Immensely enjoyed preparing the traditional bath, especially after a long day of sightseeing, so I definitely recommend this room to all fans of onsens. As you might expect, the room was filled with a wide variety of amenities such as free Internet access & Wi-Fi, in-room safe, refrigerator, Japanese tea set, hairdryer, towels, pajamas, bathrobe and a large number of consumable toiletries. 

All in all, it was truly a great experience to stay here. I loved everything that this room and Hotel New Otani Tokyo had to offer, and I'm sure I will be coming again to this hotel when I visit Tokyo again. I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out the website at this hotel, and consider it as an option if you plan on coming here soon.

THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon - Ideal Location

THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon - Ideal Location

THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon is a hotel located in Tokyo's famous Asakusa District. During my trip across Japan this September, I stayed in this hotel for 2 nights and I was exploring the surrounding area. It was a cool experience and I would like to share it with you in this blog post.

If you have been following my blog posts, you know that during my trip to Japan I've been in Yokohama for several days. Unfortunately, during my stay there, a huge typhoon arrived in the area and messed up not only my plans but also the whole train timetable. As a result of that, I arrived at THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon behind schedule and extremely tired. Luckily the hotel is located very close to Asakusa station and I didn't have to walk a lot. The check-in procedure was quickly completed in and I was shown to my room. After getting to the room I relaxed a bit, unpacked, and enjoyed the view of the Tokyo Skytree and the surrounding buildings from my window. 

By the time I was ready to head out and explore Asakusa, the Sun was already starting to set, but there was still large activity in the street. Many tourists were exploring the area, some of them in a Jinrikisha, a 2-wheeled passenger cart that is pulled by a rickshaw runner. I also spotted a lot of people wearing traditional kimonos or yukatas. This was to be expected since this was a popular tourist area in Tokyo thanks to the nearby Sensoji temple. 

THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon is even named after this since Kaminarimon is one of the gates that lead up to the Sensoji temple. This gate is located right in front of the hotel and marks the beginning of the Nakamise-dōri street which leads to the temple itself. The street is known for being one of the best places to buy traditional souvenirs, everything from kimonos and yukatas, to street food and even traditional Japanese dog leashes. By the time I arrived at the Sensoji temple, it was already dark and the lights were lit up to showcase the temple and the pagoda. Since it was getting late, there were less and fewer people so I could enjoy it in a more intimate environment and I loved it! Because of that, I definitely suggest that you come here a bit later if you want to experience the same thing. Just be careful not to come too late since after 11 p.m. the lights go out. After exploring this area I headed back to the hotel to refresh a bit before heading out again. I loved that the hotel was so close to many hot spots in Asakusa, so it was no problem coming back for a quick refreshment or snacks. This time I went to Hoppy Street, an area famous for many izakayas and bars where you can eat and drink with the locals during the whole day, even during the weekdays. I had a lot of fun there and met a lot of cool people. When I was done with partying and wanted to go back to the hotel, I didn't need to get a cab or take the train since Hoppy street was just a walking distance away from THE GATE HOTEL.

The next day I decided to hop on the subway and visit some nearby areas such as Akihabara and Ueno. They were located only a few stops away so I did not lose any time. I would also like to note that the Tokyo Skytree is located not far from the hotel, only a short trip across the Sumida River. However, I did not visit the Skytree since I already visited it on my last trip and my time was limited.

In the end, I can conclude that the location of THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon is ideal both for the people who want to go sightseeing as much as possible and for those of you who want to spend some nights partying and meeting friendly locals. Also, many of Tokyo's most popular tourist destinations are just a stone throws away, so I definitely suggest that if you plan to visit this part of Tokyo, check out THE GATE HOTEL Kaminarimon and consider it as a potential base for your trip to this area.

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Club Premium Twin Room

Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers - Club Premium Twin Room

As you probably know, in September I went on a trip across Japan to visit many fascinating destinations and show to you as much as I can about Japan. One of these destinations was Yokohama, and since I decided to spend a few days there, I needed to find a good hotel to stay at. I chose Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers, and I have to say I was extremely satisfied with my selection. As a matter of fact, the whole hotel and my stay there exceeded my expectations. Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel is located right next to the Yokohama station, so I was extremely well connected to the whole city and the surrounding area. In this great hotel, there are so many amazing things such as restaurants, lounges, fitness room, swimming pool and so on. But of course to a guest, the most important thing in a hotel is the room in which he stays, and I have to say that my room here was outstanding.

The room in which I stayed was a Club Premium Twin Room which is located on the Sheraton Club floors of the hotel. Guests who stay at this floor have several privileges such as the ability to use the Sheraton Club Lounge and to check-in at the exclusive check-in counter located there. The room featured two separate large beds, a large bathroom and an absolutely spectacular view of the whole Yokohama area. I could even see Mount Fuji in the distance when the weather was kind and there were not many clouds.

The bathroom was one of the most impressive I ever saw in a hotel. It went along the length of the entire room and even had a small window facing the rest of the room. The bathroom has a smart Japanese toilet which even lifts its lid when you approach it and has all the standard features of other Japanese toilets. It also contains a large bathtub and a shower surrounded by glass walls. In the bathroom, there was a large number of amenities such as toothbrushes, razors, shaving foam, bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and many more toiletries.

As I already said, the room has a great view of Yokohama, and that is thanks to its two large windows that make you feel like you're flying through the air when you come close to them. The beds are also oriented so that they're facing the windows. That way you can be woken up by sunlight if you so desire. Between the two large windows, there is a big flat-screen TV so you can enjoy Japanese TV program. But even though the Japanese TV is really fun, especially if you know the language, it is a bit underwhelming compared to the amazing view of the city and I found myself watching through the window a lot more than watching on the TV.

The room has all the other furniture you would expect in a hotel such as this one. There was a large desk, a small table, a few chairs, closets, nightstands, and the rest of the usual stuff. It also included Air-Conditioning, electric kettle, minibar, refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, hairdryer, safety deposit box, coffee machine, many toiletries, and other amenities.

It was a pleasure to stay in this room and to experience this great hotel. If you plan on going to Yokohama, I suggest you consider Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Towers as a hotel to stay at while here, you will not be disappointed.

Traditional Japanese Ryokan - Kokuya

Traditional Japanese Ryokan - Kokuya

If you have been following this blog, you probably heard about Kokuya, a traditional Japanese Ryokan located in Nagano prefecture. I visited Kokuya during my trip across Japan and I really loved it. The whole area and Shibu Onsen Kokuya itself reminded me of traditional Japan. Everything is decorated in a traditional way, the rooms, baths, even the staff wears traditional clothing. 

The room in which I stayed was quite large and included a private open-air bath with hot spring water, which was one of the highlights of the whole room. The room itself consisted of several areas. First one is a small entrance hall where you would leave your shoes upon entering the room. Then there was a bathroom which had a bidet toilet and a bathtub. The main room consisted of a large area that was intended for several tatami mats, traditional Japanese beds, and also had a traditional Japanese table. Then there was a small sunroom which had a table and several chairs, so you could relax there if you did not prefer the traditional table. 

And of course, there was a small outside courtyard which includes my own private open-air bath with hot spring water. I was able to enjoy a quick bath whenever I wanted all the while enjoying the fresh mountain air. The room also had standard amenities such as these flat TV, safe box, refrigerator, air purifier and humidifier, many toiletries and so on. All in all, the room was absolutely perfect in my opinion. I had everything I needed and more and it truly made me feel like I was living in old Japan. I suggest that everyone experiences this at least once in their lifetime if not more. I know I will definitely return here when I come back to Japan!

Everything about Shibu Onsen Kokuya left a good impression on me, but the thing that impressed me the most was the high-quality traditional dinner and breakfast they serve there, all made from local ingredients. I was there for 2 nights and enjoyed every meal they prepared for me. The first dinner was a full course and included amazing meals such as boiled Shinsyu-Wagyu-Roast beef, local salmon, steamed egg custard with eel, cooked duck, deep-fried tofu and many more. Most of these I have never tried before in my life, and I was stunned by all the delicious meals I had discovered. The staff member that was serving the dinner was quite helpful and she explained every meal to me. 

On the second dinner I had a similar experience, tasty and unique traditional dishes from local ingredients, prepared and served with care and precision. I also had the chance to try a locally brewed beer and I have to say I was positive surprised by the quality. 

The breakfast was similar, but I also had an option to have a Western breakfast instead of a traditional Japanese one, so each morning I had a different one. Japanese traditional breakfast included a bowl of freshly cooked rice, fresh vegetables and fruit, and Kokuya’s signature onsen tamago—soft-boiled eggs cooked in hot spring water, while the Western food you can get in many hotels, but with a unique spin.

I have to say that the meals I had in Kokuya were the best part of my whole stay there, and that says a lot since the whole stay was a great experience. Both the rooms, baths, and sightseeing, all were amazing, but the meals we're on another level. I wholeheartedly recommend that you check out Shibu Onsen Kokuya and book stay here if you want to experience the additional side of Japan. I'm sure you will enjoy every minute of your stay at this unique place. 

InterContinental Tokyo Bay Dining

InterContinental Tokyo Bay Dining

InterContinental Tokyo Bay is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Tokyo. I stayed in this amazing hotel during my last trip across Japan and I absolutely loved it. You can read all about my stay there on my website Japanko Official. Now I am going to tell you a little bit more about this great hotel and about some of the dining options and services it offers. There are several restaurants and lounges located in the InterContinental Tokyo Bay and they all look amazing. Unfortunately, I did not have the time to visit them all, but those that I did visit I absolutely loved. 

One of my favorite parts of the hotel was the Club InterContinental Lounge. Every morning of my stay in the hotel, after my morning shower, I went there to get some breakfast. The Club InterContinental Lounge is located on the 20th floor of the hotel and it is only accessible for guests staying on the Club InterContinental Floors. In the morning you can have some really good breakfast there, and during the afternoon they serve some nice tea coffee and delicious snacks, while in the evening Club Dinner is served. I was impressed by the variety and quality of the meals and beverages they offer there. So much so, that I was looking forward to the breakfast every day. There was always something new to try and some tasty food to eat again. As I already said, during the breakfast you can enjoy a wide variety of meals such as vegetables, breads, cereals, egg dishes like omelets, bacon, sausage, cheese, fruit and so on, all the while enjoying the morning sunlight and the view of the entire city below you. During the dinner, you can try different kinds of snacks, appetizers, soups meals like roast pork and fried chicken, sushi and many kinds of desserts. You can also drink a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages such as beer wine juice or soda. Dining and enjoying the view from the club intercontinental Lounge truly one of the highlights of my stay in Tokyo and I wish I could have had more time to just relax there and enjoy the view of the city with some nice coffee and snacks.

One more amazing place that you have to check out in this hotel is the New York Lounge. It is a beautifully decorated lounge located on the 1st floor. There you can sit in high-quality sofas and enjoy delicious gourmet meals or amazing cocktails all the while surrounded by beautiful art. Right next to it is an N.Y. Lounge Boutique which offers a rich selection of cakes, baked goods, breads & hotel original goods carefully created by Executive Chef Pâtissier Junji Tokunaga. I really enjoyed some of the unique looking and delicious pastries there.

After dinner and desserts, I suggest you check out the Tokyo Bay Night Bar "Sky View Lounge". There you can enjoy cocktails and other beverages with the bright lights of Tokyo all around you. You can even see the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Tower.

InterContinental Tokyo Bay has many more cool restaurant, lounges and facilities. I suggest you check out their website for more information and that you book a stay there if you are visiting this part of Tokyo.