Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: APA Kamata Ekimae Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: APA Kamata Ekimae Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - A Hot Mess of Honesty
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash the truth about the APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae. Forget the polished travel blogs, the sterile reviews – this is real. This is the review you need BEFORE you book. And frankly, after staying there, I'm not quite sure how they keep this place so under the radar… it's almost a conspiracy, or maybe just really, REALLY good marketing?
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Arrival and First Impressions: Kamata – The Unassuming Hero.
First things first, Kamata. Where is Kamata? (I'm not judging, I asked the same question.) It's a surprisingly convenient, yet un-flashy, area of Tokyo. Think… local. Think… REAL Tokyo. It's a quick train ride from Haneda Airport (HND) – seriously, the airport transfer is a BREEZE, and that's huge – perfect if you're arriving bleary-eyed after a long flight. As for the hotel itself, it's right outside the station. Like, right there. Perfect for a quick getaway, weekend trip, and budget-friendly adventures.
Accessibility: More Than Just a Ramp (Which is Essential!)
Okay, this is important. Accessibility. I didn't need it personally on this trip, but I was actively looking for it, and it was available. The elevators are good, and I noticed ramps everywhere. Wheelchair accessible is a BIG TICK. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge relief to see. So, if that's a priority, breathe a sigh of relief – APA Kamata Ekimae seems to genuinely care about accommodating everyone.
On-Site Restaurants/Lounges: Solid, but Don't Expect Michelin Stars.
Let's be upfront here: this isn't a foodie paradise. There's a restaurant, which offers Asian cuisine and International cuisine , and a breakfast buffet which is definitely worth the price of admission. I got there a bit late one morning and the scrambled eggs were a little… well… scrambled. But there was a good variety – the Asian breakfast options were better – perfect with a cup of strong coffee. The Coffee/Tea in restaurant is a godsend, especially after a late night. The Poolside bar and other Restaurants are solid and the happy hour is on my list to investigate next trip.
The Rooms: Tiny but Mighty! And CLEAN, OMG SO CLEAN!
Look, let's be honest, Japanese hotel rooms are known for being… compact. The APA Kamata Ekimae is no exception. But! They’ve made brilliant use of the space, think about the way the small things are placed, the layout, and you’ll start to see that it's not just "small," it's efficient.
What really impressed me was the cleanliness. Seriously, it was immaculate. Daily housekeeping is clearly taken seriously. I swear, they use Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. EVERYTHING was sparkling. The linens were crisp, the bathroom was spotless. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was a major win for me. The rooms get sanitized between stays – another bonus! The Mini-bar was decently stocked.
Available in all rooms breakdown:
- Free Wifi: Check and Check! Wi-Fi [free] in the room and strong, reliable Internet access – wireless is absolutely vital for my work and that's a HUGE plus. They even had Internet access – LAN, but I didn’t need it.
- Air conditioning: Crucial, especially in the Tokyo heat. Air conditioning is on point.
- Bathroom: Was great and simple. There was an Additional toilet and a Mirror and all the other essentials.
- Amenities: They had Bathtub, Slippers, Bathrobes, Slippers, Coffee/Tea Maker, Complimentary tea, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels.
- Things to Watch: Blackout curtains are a must, and they delivered.
- Other: Desk, Closet, Mirror, Non-smoking, Reading light, Scale, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is something they genuinely excel at. Besides the extreme cleanliness, you can tell they prioritize safety. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms. Security [24-hour]. First aid kit. With the current world situations, it's reassuring. They also pay attention to health: Hand sanitizer is readily available, and they offer Cashless payment service.
Things to do & Ways to Relax: Basic but Functional
This isn't a resort. Don’t expect a sprawling spa. But there is a Fitness center, which is a great perk, and I saw a Sauna and Spa/sauna, and they had some interesting options. I didn't check them out properly, but it does open up options.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Filling Your Belly
Breakfast is decent. You can also arrange an Alternative meal arrangement. There is always the Room service [24-hour]. Coffee shop is great for a quick caffeine fix. They also have a Snack bar. I didn't spend a lot of time at the hotel, so I didn't explore this area as I would have liked.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The staff trained in safety protocol. Concierge service is available. The Concierge staff was helpful with information. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service is a lifesaver. There's a Convenience store nearby, which is crucial. Cash withdrawal is available. There is also Luggage storage, which helps with early arrivals.
Getting Around: Super Convenient
The Airport transfer is a massive, massive plus. Getting to Haneda Airport is really easy. There is Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
For the Kids:
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed the Babysitting service which is again, a bonus.
My Personal APA Kamata Ekimae Anecdote:
One night I got back to the hotel late and STARVING. The restaurant had closed. I was panicking. Then I remembered the Convenience store right around the corner. I grabbed some instant ramen, a beer, and a pre-packaged salad. I ate it in my clean, comfortable room, feeling strangely happy. Sometimes, the simple things are the best. That moment truly summed up the APA Kamata Ekimae experience.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect, Thankfully!)
- The "pool with a view" advertised sounds incredible, but I learned during my research it is an outdoor one and is closed almost year round.
- No pets allowed. (Sorry, Fido!)
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The tiny elevators – a classic Japanese experience.
- The sheer silence in the room – I slept like a baby!
- The feeling of relief when you realize how easy it is to get to the airport. It’s like MAGIC.
Opinionated Language & Natural Pacing:
- Cleanliness? Off the charts! Seriously, they deserve a medal.
- Budget-friendly? YES! Without sacrificing quality.
- Location? AMAZING! For both the airport and exploring Tokyo.
- Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY! Especially if you want a clean, convenient, and affordable base to explore the city.
The Verdict: Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret (For a Reason)
The APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae isn't glamorous. It’s not pretentious. It's honest, clean, safe, and incredibly convenient. It's the kind of hotel that makes your trip easier, giving you one less thing to worry about, and letting you focus on the real reason you came to Tokyo. I’m already planning my next visit.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a trip to the APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae in Tokyo. Prepare for chaos, ramen cravings, and possibly a minor existential crisis.
Trip Title: Kamata Kicking & Tokyo Tingles (and a whole lot of jet lag)
Dates: Oct 26th - Nov 1st (ish… time is a construct, right?)
Hotel: APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae (Pray for me, it's a capsule hotel, I think I'm claustrophobic. Send snacks.)
Day 1: The Great Descent (and the Instant Regret of Luggage)
- Morning: Arrive at Narita (NRT). Okay, so, the flight? Let's just say if you’re looking for a masterclass in “adulting,” don’t look at me. I’m pretty certain I spent 95% of the flight wide-eyed and convinced the plane was about to fall out of the sky. Also, holy crap, that luggage situation. Did I really pack that much? I’m talking internal monologue on whether I actually need five pairs of shoes. (Spoiler alert: I do. Obviously.)
- Afternoon: Okay, train. Which one? Is this the right one? The signage is making my brain hurt. The people… they’re so… efficient. I’m already convinced I’m going to be the one tourist who holds up the entire Japanese railway system. Pray for me, friends.
- Arrival and Hotel (more like a shoebox): Found the APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae. It's, well, it's an APA hotel. I'm bracing myself for the tiny, tiny, tiny room. Wish me luck to fit my bag, and have a place to breath!
- Evening: Initial exploration of Kamata. Hunt down ramen. I've been dreaming of ramen since I booked this trip, like, actual, vivid, slurping-in-your-sleep dreams. Find a place with a long line, assume it's good (that's what all the travel bloggers tell you, right? I'm already questioning everything.) and shove my face. Hopefully it doesn’t disappoint. This is the beginning of making my own opinion, don't be afraid.
Day 2: Shibuya Scramble & a Misguided Karaoke Attempt
- Morning: Brave the Shibuya crossing. Ah, the famous Shibuya crossing! It's… a lot. A beautiful, overwhelming, human river. Seriously, the organized chaos is mesmerizing. I will not get lost. I will not get lost. I'll try not to run anyone over. I did not expect this level of people, It is going to take a while to just walk across the street.
- Afternoon: Shopping. Okay, maybe. I’m not a huge shopper, but I feel like I’m supposed to shop. Maybe I'll grab a Hello Kitty something. I’ll need to make sure I have extra space to go back home and pack the extra things I bought.
- Evening: Karaoke. Oh, god. I'm not a singer. At all. My vocal range is somewhere between "dying frog" and "squeaky door hinge." But I'm going to do it. I feel like it's a necessary cultural experience. My friends will be so proud- or perhaps utterly mortified. Either way, there will be pictures (and regret).
Day 3: Culture Shock (and Tempura Dreams)
- Morning: Visit a temple or shrine. Kyoto is a bit far, so I might try to find a local one. I need some kind of spiritual reset after the karaoke humiliation. I'll attempt to be respectful, try not to trip, and maybe, maybe actually learn something.
- Afternoon: Food market adventure. I am determined to try all the weird and wonderful things. I mean, what's a trip to Japan if you don't eat something that looks like it crawled out of the ocean? I can't even. I'm already salivating.
- Evening: Tempura. Search for the best tempura in the world. No, I'm serious. I want to find the place that makes your eyes roll back in your head with pure, fried, crispy joy. I want to feel the ultimate tempura bliss. It's an investment.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone (and Possibly, Existential Dread on a Boat)
- Morning: Train to Hakone. The plan is to do the scenic tour: cruise on the lake, see views of Mount Fuji (crossing my fingers, the weather gods can be cruel), and maybe even try to visit an art museum.
- Afternoon: The lake cruise. This is where it could go either way. If the weather is good, it'll be amazing. If it's cloudy… I suspect it'll be a lot of "huh, that's a lake." Time to see a Fuji view.
- Emotional Reactions: Okay, maybe a little bit of a breakdown… I feel like I'm lost in it, like, I don't know who I am anymore. What am I doing here? Am I even enjoying myself? All the feelings of inadequacy, and the people, the pressure to enjoy, the cultural differences, the… I need a snack.
- Evening: Back to Kamata. I'm not sure how I'll feel after that day trip. Hopefully, a little less existentially panicked and a lot more appreciative of the world.
Day 5: Akihabara, Gadgets, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Arcade Game
- Morning: Akihabara. The electric town! This is a test. Can I navigate the otaku wonderland without getting completely overwhelmed? I'm going to try to stay focused and not accidentally spend all my money on a life-size Gundam statue.
- Afternoon: Arcade games. It's like the Wild West, but with neon lights and joystick. I am terrible at arcade games, but I'm going to try. Maybe I'll discover hidden talent. Or maybe I'll just look like a fool. Either way: high score or bust.
- Evening: Dinner in Akihabara. Themed café time! Maybe a maid café… or a robot restaurant… or maybe I'll just chicken out and eat at a generic ramen place. Decisions, decisions…
Day 6: Last-Minute Panic and Souvenir Shopping
- Morning: The inevitable scramble for those last-minute souvenirs. I will undoubtedly wait until the last possible second. I'll need to find something for… everyone. My mom, my friends, my weird uncle who loves things that light up… This will be a true test of my shopping abilities.
- Afternoon: Another ramen. Because, duh. And maybe one last stroll through a neighborhood I haven't explored yet. Take it all in, savour the moment..
- Evening: Pack. Cry. Contemplate moving to Japan permanently. Curse my suitcase. Order another ramen. (I could live off ramen, I swear!)
Day 7: The Return (and the Longing)
- Morning: Head to Narita. This is it. The end. The last Japanese convenience store visit. the. Goodbye. I will miss the people. I will miss the food. I will miss the everything.
- Afternoon: The Long Flight. The long, long, long flight.
Important Notes:
- Jet lag: It's real, folks. Embrace the naps. Load up on coffee. And maybe, just maybe, don't schedule anything too taxing the first few days.
- Money: I'm budgeting, but I have a feeling I will be wildly overspending.
- Language: My Japanese is… nonexistent. I’ll be relying on Google Translate and a lot of smiling.
- Emotions: Expect a rollercoaster. This is a solo trip. It'll probably be filled with moments of pure joy, moments of frustration, and a whole lot of "what am I doing with my life?"
This is my (highly imperfect) plan. It's subject to change at any given moment. The adventure awaits. Wish me luck (and send snacks).
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APA Hotel Kamata Ekimae: The Truth (And the Messy Parts) - FAQs You NEED
Is this hotel *really* THAT secret? I mean, Kamata?
Okay, "secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like some hidden portal to Narnia. Kamata itself is... well, it's a real slice of Tokyo life, not the tourist-trodden paths of Shibuya or Shinjuku. Think authentic, buzzing with locals, and *surprisingly* convenient. So, secret in the sense of "not overrun by Instagrammers". You'll mostly be surrounded by salarymen, families, and the occasional lost tourist who's clearly missed their transfer. Which is exactly what happened to *me* the first time… Let’s just say I was a sweaty mess by the time I checked in. The irony, right?
The APA Hotel Chain… Aren't they, like, *everywhere*?
You're not wrong. They DO seem to multiply like… well, like APA Hotels, haha. But this one, in *this* location, in Kamata, has earned its place in my heart (and my wallet!). They are consistent, clean, and generally a decent enough place to crash. But it's the Kamata location that really sets it apart – it's the *vibe*. Maybe it’s because you're forced to interact with actual Tokyo residents, unlike the touristy districts. Or maybe I just *really* needed a soft mattress that night, I was so jet-lagged.
Alright, what about the rooms? They always look… compact… in APA hotels.
Compact is putting it *mildly*. Think "efficiently designed". You're not getting a suite here. You're getting a room that's perfectly adequate for one, maybe two, if you *really* like each other and can navigate around the bed with a precision usually reserved for astronauts. The bathroom is, shall we say, *cozy*. The shower? Be prepared to get friendly with the walls. But honestly? After a day of exploring Tokyo, all I needed was a place to collapse. And they do provide everything you could reasonably need. And the beds… oh, the beds! Firm, reliable, and a lifesaver at 3 AM when you have to wake up for the bathroom.
Okay, I'm sold on the "authentic" part, but is the location ACTUALLY good for getting around Tokyo?
YES. Absolutely, positively, YES. The "Ekimae" in the name isn’t lying. It’s right. there. RIGHT. THERE. Like, practically spitting distance to Kamata Station, one of the lines that will connect you to most of the hotspots without much drama. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing, when your feet are screaming and you just want to be horizontal. From there, you can easily get to Haneda Airport (very important!), and the other major hubs. It's a DREAM, trust me. Made getting home at 2 am, a lot less painful.
Any perks I should know about? Like, do they have a good breakfast buffet?
Okay, about that breakfast...Let's just say, it's… *serviceable*. It’s not going to win any Michelin stars, but it'll fill a hole. Expect the usual suspects: rice, miso soup, questionable (but edible!) sausages, and a variety of… well, let's call them "Asian breakfast staples." Free coffee is a MUST, and can be a godsend. Honestly, I always skipped it and went straight for the local convenience store. *That's* where the real breakfast magic happens. A hot coffee, a perfect onigiri, and a quick bite to eat – the perfect Tokyo starter, and much cheaper.
What little things impressed you the most?
Several things:
- The Vending Machines: Seriously, they are EVERYWHERE in Japan. And in Kamata, the selection is *chef's kiss*. From iced coffee to quirky snacks, they became my late-night saviors.
- The Staff. Yes, they're polite, but there's a genuineness there. They seem genuinely interested in helping, even if my Japanese is… let's say, "enthusiastic."
- The Laundry service. Life-saver after sweaty days of roaming. And cheap, and fast!
Any downsides? Because everything can't be perfect.
Okay, here’s the unvarnished truth:
- Room Size. I've already mentioned it, but it bears repeating: It’s. Tiny. Be prepared to live out of your suitcase.
- The Noise. You’re in a city. So, there will be noise. Especially the occasional train screeching to a halt. Light sleepers, bring earplugs. Do it!
- The "APA" Factor. If you're expecting luxury, you’re in the wrong place. It's clean, comfortable, and efficient. But it’s not a romantic getaway.
Okay, let's get REALLY honest. Would you actually stay there again? And if so, why?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. I’ve stayed there multiple times, and I'll be back. Why? Because it's reliable. It's convenient. It's the kind of place that just *works*. And the best part? It's affordable, particularly compared to hotels in more central areas. Plus, I love that it's in Kamata. It keeps me grounded. And frankly, after a day of battling crowds and navigating the trains, I appreciate the simplicity and the comfortable bed more than any fancy amenities. This place saved me after a day when I got lost in Tokyo, late at night with no battery, in a country I didn't know. I'm forever thankful. And even though it's not perfect, it's *perfect for me*. It’s my Tokyo home away from home.
