🌸 Tokyo Hotel Tour: 🌸
Siva McAteer • June 30, 2025
🌸 Our 4-Day Stay at Hotel Monterey Hanzomon 🌸
Konnichiwa from Tokyo!
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and looking for a comfy, convenient hotel in central Tokyo, you have to check out Hotel Monterey Hanzomon. We just spent four days there, and I have a full walk-through to share — plus a few funny stories (hello, lost keys 😂). Whether you're a first-time traveler or seasoned globetrotter, I hope this helps you decide where to stay in Tokyo!
🏨 Why We Chose Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
I actually booked Hotel Monterey Hanzomon based on a recommendation from my daughter — she stayed there before heading off on her cruise and raved about how cozy and well-located it was. Spoiler alert: she was right.
🔑 First Impressions: Fancy Wooden Keys & Comfy Vibes
One of the first things that caught our eye? These super fancy wooden room keys! Pro tip: Don’t lose them or you’ll get charged (looking at you, hubby… 😅). Though funny enough, I don’t think we ever got billed. Lucky us?
Also — how cool is this — the room key activates all the power in the room. Just slide it into the slot, and boom, everything comes alive!
🛏️ The Room: Small But Mighty
Okay, I expected Tokyo hotel rooms to be tiny, but this space was really well designed. It felt cozy without feeling cramped, and it had more amenities than I expected.
- The headboard had built-in power outlets (a lifesaver for charging all our devices!)
- We had a quiet neighborhood view — perfect for relaxing after long sightseeing days
- Cute hotel-provided jammies and slippers
- A shoehorn and brush (it’s the little things!)
- And a space-saving dehumidifier that I mistook for AC at first 😂
🚿 The Bathroom: Toiletry Heaven
If you're the kind of traveler who forgets a toothbrush, don't worry — Hotel Monterey Hanzomon has you covered. I did my research, and yep, they stock plenty of toiletries:
✔️ Toothbrushes
✔️ Razors
✔️ Cotton sets
✔️ Combs
✔️ Tiny cups
✔️ And that super cool Japanese toilet we love (just like the one we have at home!)
Also, can we talk about the bath mat? I’m weirdly obsessed with it. Functional and aesthetic.
☕ Bonus Features: Tea, Fridge & a Clever Alarm Clock
There’s a cute little tea station with coffee, tea, and a mini fridge — perfect for late-night snacks or chilling a bottle of sake. Plus, a sleek alarm clock by the bed made it easy to adjust to the time zone (Jet lag? Who?).
Also, shoutout to my space-saving suitcase that made unpacking and organizing a breeze in this cozy room. Packing smart in Japan is a must.
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely YES. 🙌
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon is clean, quiet, centrally located, and filled with thoughtful touches that made our stay easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for sightseeing, shopping, or heading out on a cruise like us and my daughter, this hotel is a solid win.
Have questions about the hotel or planning your Tokyo trip? Drop a comment — I'd love to help!
To book this hotel for yourself, use my link!
Until next time,
Siva McAteer – Travel Enthusiast, Content Creator & Hotel-Hunting Ninja
#HotelMontereyHanzomon #TokyoStay #JapanTravel #HotelReview #TravelBlog #UGC #HotelTour
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Winning! Japanese arcades aren’t just games—they’re a whole cultural experience. On Day 6 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stepped off the ship and into the neon world of a Hiroshima arcade. And let me tell you—it was one of the highlights of the day! Japanese Arcades: More Than Just Games In Japan, arcades are called game centers, and they’re everywhere. While they’ve been declining in numbers since their 1980s peak, there are still around 4,000 arcades across Japan today. At their height, there were over 44,000 nationwide—yes, more arcades than convenience stores! What makes Japanese arcades so special is that they’re not just for kids—they’re fun for the whole family. You’ll find multi-story game centers filled with crane games, rhythm machines, retro classics, and even photo booths (purikura). Crane Games – The Ultimate Challenge 🐾 The most iconic part of any Japanese arcade? The crane games, also known as UFO catchers. These machines lure you in with cute prizes that look easy to grab… but are way trickier than they seem. After a few tries (and maybe some encouragement from bystanders), I managed to win not one but two Mofusand plush toys! 🎉 For those new to Japanese pop culture—Mofusand is an insanely popular series of cute, chubby cats often dressed in shark or animal costumes. They’ve become a favorite prize in gachapon machines and arcades across the country.
