The Key to Your Tokyo Trip: A Guide to Affordable & Popular Hotels

 

Here are a few recommended business hotels near Shinjuku.

• Japan House Ikebukuro: about 12,000 JPY per night

• Hop Inn Tokyo Iidabashi: about 13,000 JPY per night https://www.hopinnhotel.com/ja/our-hotels/hop-inn-tokyo-iidabashi

• Vessel Inn Takadanobaba Ekimae: about 15,000 JPY per night https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/inn/takadanobaba/

• SHORTsuido: about 15,000 JPY per night

• BuRan House: about 15,000 JPY per night

Train companies in Tokyo are known for their extensive networks and often operate a variety of businesses, including hotels, often located at or near major stations. Here are some famous business hotels and hotel brands in Tokyo that are operated by train companies:

JR East (East Japan Railway Company)

• The Tokyo Station Hotel: A classic and luxurious hotel located directly within the historic Tokyo Station building. It offers a unique and elegant experience.

• Hotel Metropolitan: A brand of city hotels often found near major JR stations. The Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro and Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo are well-known examples.

  
  

• JR-East Hotel Mets: A large chain of business hotels, with numerous locations throughout Tokyo, often right next to JR stations. They are known for their convenience and modern, streamlined rooms. Examples include JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya and JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara.

  
  

• The Blossom: A brand of hotels that offers a higher-end experience while still being conveniently located. The JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku is an example in Tokyo.

Tokyu Corporation (Tokyu Group)

• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: A prominent high-rise luxury hotel in Shibuya, a major hub for the Tokyu line.

• The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: A sophisticated luxury hotel in the heart of Tokyo, known for its elegant design and prime location.

• Tokyu Stay: This is a popular business hotel brand known for its long-stay amenities, with many rooms equipped with kitchenettes and washer/dryers. They have numerous locations in Tokyo, often near Tokyu line stations.

Keio Corporation

• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: A very famous and prominent high-rise hotel in the Shinjuku district. It was the first skyscraper hotel in Japan and is directly connected to the Keio train line's Shinjuku Station. The Keio Plaza Hotel chain is a subsidiary of Keio Electric Railway.

Sotetsu Group

Sotetsu Hotels is the collective name for the hotel chains operated by Sotetsu Hotel Management Co., Ltd., which is the hotel operating company of the Sotetsu Group. The company operates a wide range of hotels specializing in accommodation, both in Japan and internationally.

Main Brands

Sotetsu Hotels has several brands to meet the diverse needs of its guests.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn / Sotetsu Grand Fresa:

Sotetsu Fresa Inn is an accommodation-specialized hotel mainly located in major urban areas. Many of these hotels are conveniently situated near train stations, making them ideal for both business and leisure travel.

Sotetsu Grand Fresa is a higher-grade hotel than Fresa Inn, with a greater focus on interior design and furnishings.

Hotel Sunroute:

This was a hotel chain formerly operated by the JTB Group and was transferred to the Sotetsu Group in 2014. Some hotels are still operated under the Sunroute brand today.

THE SPLAISIR:

This brand is positioned as the upper-tier for hotels directly managed by the Sotetsu Group, including those overseas and domestic accommodation-specialized hotels. In 2024, the first domestic location opened in Yokohama.

THE POCKET HOTEL BY SOTETSU:

This is a simple private-room hotel that sits between a business hotel and a capsule hotel. It offers lockable private rooms with shared toilets and showers.

Features

Accommodation-Specialized: The hotels primarily provide services focused on lodging, aiming for an efficient and comfortable stay.

Aggressive Expansion: The company is actively opening new hotels both in Japan and overseas, positioning the hotel business as a key pillar of the group.

Convenient Locations: Many of the hotels are located in places with excellent access, such as major train stations and airports.

Please note that the "Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers" is operated by a different company within the Sotetsu Group (Sotetsu Hotel Co., Ltd.) and is positioned separately from Sotetsu Hotels.

In addition to the convenience of being located near train stations, railway hotels have implemented various measures to provide a sense of security and "peace of mind" for their guests. This sense of security is primarily derived from the following three key factors.

1. Excellent Location and Convenience

Many railway hotels are directly connected to or located adjacent to major train stations. This prime location is a significant source of peace of mind.

Reduced travel burden: Guests don't have to walk long distances with heavy luggage, and they don't have to worry about getting wet on rainy days.

Safety at night: When checking in late at night or departing early in the morning, guests travel through a well-lit and busy station area, which significantly reduces feelings of insecurity.

No need to worry about getting lost: Even in an unfamiliar city, guests can simply head towards the station to find their hotel, eliminating the stress of getting lost.

2. Strict Security and Management Systems

The combination of the railway company's reliability as a public transportation provider and the hotel's security expertise ensures a high level of safety.

Card key management: To prevent unauthorized entry, many hotels require a card key to access elevators and guest floors.

Security guards and surveillance cameras: Security guards are stationed in key areas, such as hotel entrances and station connecting passages, and surveillance cameras are installed to strictly monitor for suspicious individuals.

Lighting and cleanliness: The areas from the station to the hotel are kept bright and clean, which reduces psychological anxiety by minimizing shadowy areas or trash.

3. High-Quality Service and Hospitality

Railway hotel staff understand the feelings of travelers who may be unfamiliar with the area or tired from sudden schedule changes.

Coordination during emergencies: Due to their close collaboration with the station, hotels can provide quick and accurate information in the event of a disaster or railway issue.

Temporary luggage storage: The service of storing luggage before check-in or after check-out allows guests to travel lightly for sightseeing or business, reducing mental stress.

Detailed consideration: The well-established support system for guests with special needs, such as wheelchair users or those with white canes, also contributes to a feeling of security.

These factors work together to make railway hotels more than just a place to stay; they serve as a "safe base" for travelers.