Unbelievable Tokyo Views: Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into Unbelievable Tokyo Views: Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku Awaits! Prepare yourself for a messy, honest, and hopefully hilarious review. This isn't gonna be your typical cut-and-dried, bullet-point affair.
First Impressions: Shinjuku Showdown!
Right, so, Tokyo. It's a vibe, isn’t it? And Nishi-Shinjuku? Well, it's where the skyscrapers get serious. Tokyu Stay is nestled right in there, promising views that'll make your jaw drop. My jaw? It almost did. Here's the deal: the pictures on the website? They don't even begin to do it justice. Seriously, the sheer SCALE of those buildings… it's overwhelming in the best way possible. First things first, checking in was smooth – thankfully, I’m not a fan of fiddling around with hotel stuff, and this was pretty painless.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Okay!)
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way because, let's be honest, it matters. Accessibility is… a work in progress, as it often is in Japan. (Side note: If you have accessibility needs, you absolutely should double-check with the hotel directly before booking, okay?).
- Wheelchair accessible: The website doesn't scream "fully accessible" but it does mention facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally require it, so I can't give a definitive "yes" or "no," but there's an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. Navigating the general areas seemed do-able.
- Elevator: Yep, thankfully!
- General: The lobby and common areas were manageable. If you're a wheelchair user, though, I'd strongly advise calling ahead and getting specifics about room accessibility.
- My Personal experience: Let's just say I had a close call using the automatic doors after one too many sake bombs the night before – a little heads up goes a long way!
The Room: Views for Days (and Nights!)
Alright, let's talk about the reason you're considering this place: the views. I was on a higher floor (thankfully, you can request that, which I highly recommend.) And wow. Just…wow. I spent a good hour just staring out the window, mesmerized by the city lights. Truly Unbelievable.
- Available in all rooms: So, you get your own private viewing party. Win!
- Air conditioning: The sweet, sweet relief of AC after a sweaty day of exploring. Necessary in Tokyo's summer heat.
- The Bed and Bathrooms: A good bed! The bathroom was modern, with a separate shower/bathtub. A little small, but hey, it's Tokyo. Spacious bathrooms are a luxury. You get a full range of toiletries.
- Convenience: Coffee and a kettle are available – essential for a bleary-eyed traveler. And the mini bar – my love!
- Free Wi-Fi & Internet: Rock solid Wi-Fi, which is a must for staying connected and figuring out which ramen place to try next.
- Room decorations: I didn't see the point of fancy decorations in a hotel room when the view is so distracting, to be honest.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuel for Your Adventures!
Alright, food, glorious food! I'm a massive foodie, and Tokyo delivered. Tokyu Stay has a few options, although it's not exactly a culinary mecca within the hotel.
- Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet was standard. The usual: international dishes with some Asian options. It did the trick, but it wasn't a highlight.
- Coffee Shop: Essential. Needed that caffeine hit!
- Restaurants: There are Restaurants, but I didn't indulge in them. I was too busy eating ramen and sushi nearby!
- Snack Bar/ Convenience Store: Very convenient! Grabbed snacks and drinks for late-night munchies.
- Room Service: 24 hours, which is fantastic. Especially if you're up at 3 am, jet-lagged and craving a burger.
- My Personal experience: I spent most of my dining time exploring the endless food options outside the hotel. Seriously, Nishi-Shinjuku is a food paradise.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: (Or Not!)
Okay, so Tokyu Stay isn't really a resort. But it is a solid base for exploring.
- Fitness Center: I didn't try the gym. I was too busy walking around the city!
- Spa/Sauna: Nope. Sorry! This isn’t about luxury, it's all about location, location, location.
- Things to do (outside): The best thing is that it is super near to everything! Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (a MUST!), the Robot Restaurant(weird, but memorable), and countless bars and restaurants are all within easy reach.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure
Japan is generally a clean and safe place, and Tokyu Stay followed suit.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seeing staff in masks and other safety measures was comforting
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep, the hotel has taken all the necessary precautions in response to viruses, including the use of anti-viral cleaning products, which are reassuring.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: They are doing the necessary, even if you don't really notice it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: If you feel uncomfortable, you can always opt-out of a daily clean!
- Room sanitation: The hotel did a good job of cleaning during the stay.
- Security: There's 24-hour security and CCTV, which makes you feel safe.
- Overall: You won't need to worry about safety!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was immaculate.
- Concierge: The staff were super helpful with directions and recommendations.
- Luggage storage: Useful for pre/post-check-in/out.
- Laundry service: Available.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location!
- Airport Transfer: You’ll have to arrange this yourself, but it's easy to get to the hotel from the airport by train. The hotel is conveniently located near a station.
- Car park: No problem finding a place to park the car or hire a taxi.
- Overall: The location is fantastic. Super convenient for exploring Tokyo using the subway and JR lines.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe…
- Family/child friendly: Honestly, if you're traveling with young kids, I’m not sure this is the best choice. It's more geared towards solo travelers or couples. But the hotel does have a babysitting service, and family-friendly things to do are nearby.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
Okay, time for the real talk. Tokyu Stay isn't flawless.
- Space: The rooms are not massive. But, again, that's Tokyo.
- Amenities: The hotel doesn't have a pool or a grand spa. It's a practical, well-located hotel, not a resort.
- Memorable Moments: I had an awesome time at a bar nearby, which was an enjoyable experience, although it had nothing to do with the Hotel.
- Quirky Observations/Emotional Reactions: The sheer energy of the area. It's go, go, go all the time! This is a busy area; it's not a calm escape.
- Stronger emotional reactions: Overall, it was a great experience.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
So, the big question: should you book Unbelievable Tokyo Views: Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku Awaits!?
If You Are:
- Looking for amazing city views
- Wanting a super convenient location
- Prioritizing a clean and well-maintained hotel
- On a budget somewhere in the middle
Then You Might Want To Consider:
- You crave luxury
- You are after a lot of on-site amenities
- You are traveling with young children and want a lot of Kid-friendly services.
My Final Word: I would totally book this hotel again. The views alone make it worth it.
The Offer!
Craving Unbelievable Tokyo Views? Book Your Stay at Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku NOW!
Here's What You Get:
- Breathtaking City Views: Wake up to Tokyo's iconic skyline from the comfort of your modern room.
- Prime Location: Explore Shinjuku's vibrant nightlife, delicious restaurants, and iconic attractions, all within walking distance or a quick train ride away.
- Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy all the essentials – free Wi
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because my trip to Tokyo, specifically bunking down at the Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku, is about to get real. Forget pristine itineraries; this is a messy, glorious, jet-lagged chronicle of a human trying to navigate a mega-city.
Tokyo Tilt-A-Whirl: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary (And My Brain's State)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Hunt (or, How I Almost Lost My Mind in a Train Station)
- 14:00 - Landed in Narita. Jet lag? More like a full-blown interstellar travel experience. The sheer amount of people was overwhelming. Suddenly, I understood why people love those "lost in translation" movies. I, however, was lost without the Bill Murray charm (and the fancy hotel).
- 15:00-ish - Train Trauma: Narita Express to Shinjuku. Okay, so, I thought I was prepared. I'd practiced my "Arigato gozaimasu" and "Sumimasen" in front of the mirror. But navigating the train system? Pure chaos. Signs are in both Japanese and English, which seemed helpful, but then you've got multiple lines, express trains, local trains… It's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while simultaneously being attacked by toddlers. I swear I saw a unicorn wearing a tiny conductor hat.
- 16:30 - Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku Check-in. Ah, sweet, blessed relief. The hotel room was thankfully clean and compact, with a washing machine in the room (bliss!). The tiny space, though… let's call it "cozy." My suitcase practically took up half the available real estate. I started humming "Tiny Dancer" and nearly shed a tear.
- 18:00 - The Ramen Quest. Okay, so, I'd heard about the ramen. The amazing ramen. The ramen that would change my life. I ventured out into the neon jungle, armed with a Google Maps search and a stomach that was definitely rumbling louder than a Tokyo subway train. I stumbled upon a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. The line was long. I felt like a total idiot, but I was determined. The broth? Divine. The noodles? Perfection. I slurped the whole thing down in, like, three minutes, feeling a wave of pure, unadulterated joy. (And then, instantly, a crippling fear that I'd made a complete mess of my face. I didn't, but the anxiety lingered.)
- 20:00 - Post-Ramen Meltdown (Emotional Edition). Okay, so, I stumbled out of the ramen place, full of deliciousness and still slightly overwhelmed. I wandered towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, only I have the spatial awareness of a goldfish. I found myself staring at a vending machine selling, like, 20 varieties of tea and just burst into tears. Not sobbing, but like, a single tear. Then another. The sheer beauty of the lights and the strangeness of being here hit me all at once. I ended the night by watching anime in my little coffin of a room. Perfect.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Karaoke, and the Majestic Meiji Jingu Shrine
- 08:00 - Breakfast: 7-Eleven Savior! I'd prepped for adventure! I'd stocked up on convenient store goodies. I felt smugly prepared. I also woke up with a craving for a specifically flavored onigiri and was annoyed that my perfectly prepared itinerary didn't account for my culinary mood swings.
- 09:00 - Meiji Jingu Shrine - A Sanctuary and a Reality Check. Absolutely stunning. The sheer scale of the torii gates was breathtaking. It's so serene, the complete opposite of everything that embodies Tokyo with the noise everywhere. The air smelled fresh, the cedar trees were tall, the whole atmosphere felt like a gentle hug. It made me realize maybe I was actually starting to chill out a little.
- 11:00 - Harajuku Frenzy (and My Failed Attempt at Cool). The vibrant energy was incredible, the fashion was insane (I saw a girl dressed as a giant cupcake!), but honestly? I felt like a fish out of water. The crowd felt way too young and cool for me. I tried to buy a crepe and failed. I also learned, that Harajuku is very much a scene, not a place to wander around awkwardly. Still, I got an amazing photo of a fluffy corgi wearing a tiny hat. Worth it.
- 13:00 - Lunch with a Side of Regret. Ramen again. I should have ventured out, but I was still riding the high of the first bowl. This time, I was a little underwhelmed. Maybe I had been drunk on the previous experience. Or maybe the ramen wasn't worthy. The restaurant was overly crowded. Too many people taking selfies! It was a bad experience. I’m not always a fan of having the same meal twice on a trip.
- 16:00-ish - Karaoke Catastrophe. Okay, so I thought, "I'm in Japan! I have to do karaoke!" I found a karaoke box. The system? Complicated. The song selection? Vast. My singing? Off-key and mortifying. I think I butchered "Bohemian Rhapsody" so badly I'm pretty sure they're playing it on loop in hell as a form of punishment. I had fun, though. That's all that matters, right? I left vowing to never sing in public again. (I broke that vow later in the week.)
- 19:00 - The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Serenity Found (Again). Okay, so after the karaoke "performance," I needed to find my happy place again. The gardens were the perfect antidote to the chaos of the day. I wandered the winding paths, breathed in the fresh air, and pretended I was in a Studio Ghibli film. 10/10 would recommend. I just needed to be very, very quiet after the karaoke experience.
Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market and the Unplanned Adventures in Shibuya
- 06:00 - Rise and (Sort of) Shine: Tsukiji Outer Market! No, I didn't wake up at 3 AM and go to the inner market. But I did make it to the outer market relatively early. The place was buzzing. The sheer variety of seafood was overwhelming. I ate some of the best sushi of my life. The tuna just melted in my mouth. Worth every penny. The energy was intoxicating; I can still smell the fish and the salty air.
- 08:00 - Fish Fatigue (And More Shopping). I'd managed to survive the chaos of Tsukiji. After, I managed to do some shopping for some trinkets.
- 10:00 - Impromptu Shibuya Crossing Experience. Okay, so I got a bit lost, and by "a bit," I mean I walked in the wrong direction for, like, an hour. I stumbled out of the subway and found myself… staring at Shibuya Crossing. The sheer volume of people was mind-boggling. It felt like the world's largest ant colony. And it was exhilarating! I just watched the crossing the first time. I'm not sure if I was terrified, overstimulated, or just plain amazed. It was everything I imagined.
- 11:00 - The Hachiko Statue and a Moment of Sentimentality. Yes, I went. Sure, it's a tourist trap, but it's an iconic symbol of loyalty. I took a photo, then lingered. It wasn't just about the statue; it was about being here, in this moment, feeling the heart of Tokyo beat around me. I ended up seeing a lot of people visiting, which reminded me how special everything was.
- **13:00 - Lunch in Shibuya - Found a small spot. The food was okay.
- 15:00 - The Unforgettable (Or, Maybe I've Forgotten It) Karaoke Round 2. I was feeling brave. I was feeling impulsive. I had a karaoke craving. I don't even remember what I sang. I stumbled back to the hotel, my voice gone, my brain fried.
Day 4: Ginza Glamour and the Quiet Reflection
- 09:00 - The Unplanned Late Start. I'm starting to hate the alarm clock.
- 10:00 - Ginza - Fancy Pants Time! Ginza is all about the glitz and glam. I window-shopped (because, let's be honest, I couldn't afford to buy anything). The architecture was stunning and the sheer opulence was something to behold. I felt very out of place.
- 12:00 - Lunch - Ramen. Again. I know. I have a problem!
- 14:00 - Return to the Hotel and a Moment of Peace. I went back to the hotel. The tiny washing machine in my room was amazing. I have really enjoyed the convenience.
- 19:00 - Last Dinner, Final Thoughts.
Okay, seriously... is the view from Tokyu Stay Nishi-Shinjuku *really* as good as everyone says? Because I've seen a LOT of pictures, and frankly, I'm starting to get skeptical.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm gonna be brutally honest here. Yes. And NO. Look, the pictures are legit. You're talking *massive* windows, looking out at the Tokyo skyline. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is practically in your backyard (or at least, a very, *very* close neighbor). You get those classic, dazzling daytime views with the mountains in the distance (if the weather's playing nice, which, let's face it, it rarely is in Tokyo). And the night view? Absolutely stunning. Like, the kind of view that makes you want to grab a bottle of sake, forget the jet lag, and just... stare. I almost cried a little during my first sunset. Crap, I *did* cry. Don't judge me.
But here's the catch. "Worth it" is a sliding scale. It depends on your priorities. If you're on a shoestring budget, it might make you wince a little. It depends on your room, the corner ones are probably worth the money. Also, it depends on what you are planning to do during the days. You will be out most of your time unless you plan to relax or work.
So, is it worth the money? Probably. Will it blow your mind? Almost certainly. Just make sure you budget for the view, and don't forget the tiny, slightly underwhelming kitchen (more on that later...). And that the bed is comfortable enough... cause you will want to watch that view from bed more than you might think.
Let's talk about the rooms. They look pretty compact... and I've seen some tiny kitchens. Can you actually *cook* in them, or is it just for making instant ramen?
Oh, the kitchen. The *kitchen*. Okay, so picture this: A single hob. Maybe a microwave (if you're lucky). A sink that's about the size of a teacup. And the counter space? Let's just say you'll be doing a lot of chopping on your lap. I'm not kidding. I tried to make a proper stir-fry one night. Disaster. Utter, glorious, hilarious disaster. I’m pretty sure I spent more time washing up than actually cooking. And burning the soy sauce on the hob... *shudders*.
So, can you "cook" in them? Technically, yes. You can *attempt* to cook. You can probably microwave something. Instant ramen is definitely your friend. Breakfast is doable, maybe with some effort of pre-planning. Don't get your hopes up for a Michelin-star meal experience. This is a place for simple meals to enjoy the view with. I recommend that you prepare ingredients before hand. Consider buying from convenient stores that are everywhere. Think: pre-cut veggies, ready-made sauces, and maybe some pre-cooked chicken, and you might just survive.
How is the location? Is Nishi-Shinjuku convenient for getting around to the main sights in Tokyo? Or am I going to spend half my trip on the train?
Okay, location is a *huge* win. Nishi-Shinjuku is seriously well-connected. You've got the Oedo metro line right there, and Shinjuku Station is a short walk. Shinjuku Station, if you’ve never been, is a beast. A beautiful, chaotic, wonderfully confusing beast. But once you get the hang of it (which, let's be honest, might take a few days) you can get *anywhere* in Tokyo from there.
The train is a lifesaver and it's really efficient, you can expect your time in the train to be shorter than in other cities.
I'd say yes! It's an easy place to just be. Also close to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. You can go up for free to see the view (a good backup if you want to save money!), and it often has cool events.
I'm a bit of a clean freak. How clean are the rooms and facilities at Tokyu Stay? Are they spotless, Japanese-level clean, or...what?
Okay, so I’m also pretty particular about cleanliness. And the answer is: yes, it's good. Probably good enough for you. And me. The rooms are generally very clean. The housekeeping is well-organized. They provide toiletries, some nice ones. The bathrooms are spotless. The only thing is that they are very small. Think compact and efficient. This is Tokyo, after all, space is a premium.
The general cleanliness? Top-notch. Not quite operating-room sterile, but definitely above average. You won't be finding any rogue hairs or questionable stains. And trust me, I *look*. I'm like a cleanliness detective. Don't be afraid to book based on a clean place alone.
What are the amenities like? Anything special (like a gym or laundry) that I should know about?
Hmm, amenities. Let's be realistic here. It's not the Four Seasons. There is no gym. There is laundry, which is a lifesaver if you are a heavy packer or doing a long stay (like I was!). They have a coin-operated laundry room. It's functional. It works. It gets your clothes clean. You will likely share it with others. Prepare to wait.
They have the typical amenities, like free Wi-Fi (which is strong), a safe, a fridge (a useful fridge!), and the usual toiletries. The best one were the comfy slippers. They make you feel at home in your room. Also, nice air conditioning during summer.
Okay, the view again. But *really*... did it *live* up to the hype? And what's the best time of day to enjoy it?
Alright, I get it. We’re back at the view. Because, honestly, it's the *reason* you stay here! Did it live up to the hype? Yes. Absolutely. Here's what you need to know: Sunset. Sunset. Sunset. Set your alarm. Cancel your plans. Do *not* miss the sunset. I might have rearranged my entire itinerary around it. (I did). Uptown Lodging
