The fun part about travelling has to be the details that go into the planning or perhaps, I am just a masochist. I mean, I’m the girl that has an excel sheet for what goes into my luggage which to my defence is for insurance purposes should things go sideways.
Japan is notoriously expensive in terms of food, accommodation so, I scoured hotels.com which has the best interface for booking imo. Found a couple that fit the bill – clean, near a subway station, somewhat central, airport shuttle available etc.
Managed to get P to buckle down and actually look at the choices this weekend. Since, P booked the tickets so I offered to take the responsibility of booking our accommodation. Our travel budget wouldn’t allow us to be temporary residents of um, the Tokyo version of the Waldorf Astoria but, I did not want smoke filled and 80s gaudy floral imbued decor either. A girl has to have some reprieve. It is a vacation.
So, after a tough search we are booked at Mitsui Garden Hotel – Yotsuya which according to the map and my paltry cartography skills shows that we will be on the edge of Shinju-ku. 3mins from Yotsuya JR.
Technology plug – I love my iPhone! In a matter of minutes, I downloaded two apps: Tokyo Underground – which shows the entire route map, allows you to select your destination and gives you the best route and estimated time. All without a 3G or WiFi connection. Awesome! If you did have your location on, they could tell you what’s the closest station next to you.
Tokyo Cool on the other hand is a good supplement to an actual guidebook, gives you titbits of information but reminds me of the LUXE guide and sort of fancy pants, not really in touch with the moderate budget conscious traveller.
Can you tell I’m excited?
