Kawagoe Tobu Hotel Japan

Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel: Your Dream Japan Getaway Awaits!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive deep into the rabbit hole that is the Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews. I'm here to tell you the real story, the messy, glorious truth about whether this place lives up to its "dream Japan getaway" billing. And my word, it was a journey. Consider this your slightly-off, brutally honest, and hopefully hilarious guide.

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First Impressions: The Kawagoe Crawl

So, Kawagoe. Think "Little Edo," a town dripping with history, traditional architecture, and the smell of roasted sweet potatoes. Getting there from Tokyo is surprisingly easy, and the hotel… well, the hotel's easy to find too, right near the train station. Score one for accessibility – it’s super close. And that instantly soothed my pre-trip anxieties. I'm a sucker for convenience, you see.

Accessibility? Check! The hotel is genuinely accessible. Elevators galore, ramps, and I even saw signs for accessible rooms. This is huge, folks. Japan, while beautiful, can be a bit of a maze for those with mobility issues. This hotel seems to have its act together.
(More on Accessibility, Because It Matters): The proximity to the station is crucial. You’re not schlepping luggage hills and dales from a distant stop. This alone makes it a win for anyone - but especially for those with mobility challenges, or just a ton of bags (like me).

The Room: My Humble Abode and the Fight with the Blackout Curtains

Okay, let's talk about those rooms. They're… fine. Modern, clean, with all the usual suspects: air conditioning (thank the lord!), a mini-fridge, and a ridiculously comfy bed. Let's talk about the Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's fantastic, and it ACTUALLY worked! (A pet peeve of mine is hotels that boast free Wi-Fi and then deliver a dial-up experience. Not here, friends!). It was strong enough to stream movies, which is crucial. I will say, the blackout curtains put up a fight. I swear, I wrestled with them for a solid five minutes before finally achieving darkness. Victory, I tell you!

Available in all rooms: Absolutely, everything needed. Air conditioning (Hallelujah!), alarm clock (who uses these anymore?), bathrobes (a touch of luxury!), bathtub, blackout curtains (as mentioned, a bit of a battle), Carpeting (standard), closet (good size), coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water (always appreciated!), hair dryer (thank goodness, saved me time!), high floor (nice views!), in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available (great for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (yup!), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale (um, no comment), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers (nice touch!), smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing (a must!), telephone, toiletries (stocked!), towels, umbrella (useful!), visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens (for fresh air!). You're covered!

The Food Fight: From Breakfast Buffets to Ramen Raves

Look, I'm a foodie. I live to eat. So, the dining situation was crucial. Crucial! The hotel offers:

Restaurants: There are restaurants! (Duh.)
Breakfast [buffet]: This was a mixed bag. The buffet was decent. They have a fair bit of variety and the food seemed clean and safe to eat. The coffee, on the other hand… let's just say it wouldn't win any awards. But, hey, Asian breakfast options, and Western breakfast options!
A la carte in restaurant: I didn't try this, but it's there.
Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yup!
International cuisine in restaurant: Yep.
Coffee/tea in restaurant/coffee shop: Available.
Room service [24-hour]: Now we’re talking! Room service is a lifesaver.
Snack bar: Didn't visit.
Vegetarian restaurant: Possibly, not sure
Poolside bar: Don't forget the Poolside bar!
Desserts in restaurant: I’m in!
Buffet in restaurant: Yes!

Now, the real highlight, though, was exploring. The hotel is surrounded by amazing restaurants. I stumbled upon a ramen place a short walk away that was divine. The broth, the noodles, the pork belly… pure heaven. That ramen experience alone almost made the trip worth it. The food scene in Kawagoe is a total win.

(A little sidebar of rambling, because that's how my brain works) I found myself oddly obsessed with the hotel's little "convenience store." It wasn't anything grand, but it had everything you needed. A quick snack, some water, a forgotten toothbrush… a lifesaver when you’re jet-lagged and just want a packet of instant noodles. This is the stuff that makes a hotel stay smooth.

(Back to the scheduled program!)

Things to Do: Spa Days, Fitness Frolics, and the Pool with the View

Alright, time to loosen those muscles. The Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel has options:

Spa: The spa! I had to try the spa.
Sauna: The Sauna!
Spa/sauna: Yes!
Swimming pool: There's a swimming pool!
Pool with view They call the pool a swimming pool with a view, its got a view.
Fitness center They have a Fitness center
Gym/fitness: Indeed.
Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: They have them!

The spa was… okay. The massage was good, I've had better -- and I've had worse. The sauna was perfectly serviceable. The pool? The pool with a view was pretty cool.

Important Note to Self: Next time, book that spa treatment before I'm a total stress ball.
This isn't a luxury resort, it’s well-equipped enough for a decent break.

Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive?

Let's be honest, in our post-pandemic world, cleanliness and safety are paramount. And the Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel seems to get it.

Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Tick.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Good to know.
Safe dining setup: They're trying.
Individually-wrapped food options: Yep.
Cashless payment service: Convenient.
(Side note): I’m a bit of a germaphobe, and I felt pretty darn safe throughout my stay.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

Air conditioning in public area: Bliss!
Cash withdrawal: Always useful.
Concierge: Helpful.
Convenience store: As mentioned, a lifesaver.
Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
Elevator: Critical for accessibility.
Laundry service: Yup.
Luggage storage: Helpful.
Safety deposit boxes: Secure.
Car park [free of charge] - What?! Score! The car park is free!

Getting Around: Navigating the Surroundings

So, you’re not glued to the hotel, right? You're here for Kawagoe!

Taxi service: available.
Car park [free of charge] This is amazing.
Car park [on-site]: also there.

Things I Loved (and a little gripe):

The Location: Seriously, right by the station is a HUGE win.
The Cleanliness: They do a great job keeping things spotless.
The Free Wi-Fi: Reliable internet access is ESSENTIAL.
The Kawagoe Vibe: The town itself is enchanting.
The Price: It's a good value for the quality you get.

My slightly less-than-perfect experience:

The Coffee: Needs work, definitely.
The Spa: It's

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile travel brochure itinerary. This is the Kawagoe Tobu Hotel in Japan, my Kawagoe Tobu Hotel experience, and trust me, it's gonna be a bumpy, hilarious, and probably slightly embarrassing ride.

Day 1: The Arrival (and the Jet Lag Monster)

14:00 - Arrival at Narita (NRT): Ugh. The airport. Don't get me wrong, I love the promise of adventure, but airports? Pure chaos. I'm convinced they're designed to make you question your sanity. Found my luggage surprisingly quickly, which is a win. Felt a surge of optimism! Maybe this trip would be different!
15:00 - The Train to Kawagoe: Okay, figuring out the train system was a challenge. Like, a "sweating profusely, muttering incoherently in a crowded station" kind of challenge. Thank god for Google Translate. I ended up on the right train eventually. Phew!! The views from the train were… well, there were power lines. Lots of them. Still, the anticipation was building, like a tiny, caffeinated firefly inside me.
17:00 - Check-in at Kawagoe Tobu Hotel: Finally! Got to the hotel, and it was gorgeous, or as gorgeous as you can be after 14 hours in transit. The lobby smelled faintly of… something. Incense maybe? Or possibly, my jet lag-addled brain was hallucinating again. Check-in was smooth enough, though I nearly tripped over my own feet while trying to grab my room key.
18:00 - Room Revelation: Oh my god, the room! Tiny. Absolutely tiny. And yet… perfect. It had everything I needed. A comfy bed, A tiny bathroom (seriously, I think I could shower and brush my teeth simultaneously), and the all-important, life-saving… toilet with heated seat. Now that, my friends, is luxury. Honestly, the heated toilet seat alone was worth the price of admission. I spent a good ten minutes just wandering around the room, grinning like an idiot.
19:00 - Dinner Disaster (and Deliciousness): Found a restaurant nearby. Huge mistake. I’d walked over and was absolutely famished. The menu was all Japanese. I tried to order something, and then got mortified. The waiter was very patient. One of the perks of the restaurant was their incredibly kind staff, who did their best to navigate my blundering attempts at speaking Japanese. I ordered something that might have been chicken? Or maybe a deep fried something. But the food? Oh, the food! It was… heavenly. Seriously, a religious experience. I ate so much. I'm pretty sure I was the loudest eater, but who cares? It was delicious, and after the train, the airport, and all that jet lag, I needed some comfort food.
21:00 - Collapse: Collapsed onto the bed, fully clothed. Jet lag officially won. Managed to brush my teeth (thanks heated toilet seat!), but that was about it.

Day 2: Exploring Kawagoe and the "Candy Alley"

08:00 - Wake up (kinda): Woke up. No, I surfaced. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Coffee was first. And then to the candy alley.
09:00 - Breakfast: The hotel breakfast was… fine. Standard hotel fare. The coffee was surprisingly good. The little pastries were cute. I got a little too excited about the mini-omelets.
10:00 - Kawagoe Exploration: The "Warehouse District": Okay, this place. Stunning. Seriously, it's like stepping back in time. The old merchant houses, the black-tiled roofs… I was completely mesmerized. Wandered around, snapping photos like a crazed tourist. Bought a tiny traditional doll. Very touristy, and I don't care. I’m a sucker for cute things.
12:00 - Lunch Somewhere Near "Candy Alley": Finally got to the "Candy Alley." Just wanted to dive into the streets. Ordered some ramen from a tiny place, again, and then I realized I was eating. This time I think I ordered the right stuff. The ramen was simple but delicious.
14:00 - Candy Alley (Round 2): Oh. My. God. Candy Alley. Pure, unadulterated sugar rush heaven. Seriously, this place is a sensory overload. The smells of everything. The colors. I had no self-control. Bought some weird, chewy candies, some hard candies, a couple of lollipops. My teeth and I had to take a breather after all that sugar. It was worth it.
15:00 - Temple Pilgrimage (and Philosophical Crisis): Visited a temple. Beautiful. Peaceful. Meditative. And then I started thinking about… everything. My life. The universe. The meaning of… Wait, am I having a quarter-life crisis? No, just the sugar high.
17:00 - Shopping: Went back to the hotel. Took a nap. Woke up. Saw some shopping places. Saw my debit card come out.
19:00 - Dinner: Trying Japanese food again: Found a restaurant nearby. Tried to order a variety of things. Didn't know which thing I have ordered. But it was great.

Day 3: The "Other" Side of Japan (and a Meltdown)

07:00 – Wake up Slept in a bit. Jet lag, as expected, was still going strong.
09:00 – Hotel Breakfast Headed down to eat. This time, I actually made something edible, and it tasted great!
10:00 – Kawagoe Castle Explored the grounds. It was nice and full of history, but the sky was grey.
12:00 – Lunch I decided to grab something from a convenience store. I picked up some stuff I couldn’t read, and ate them anyway.
14:00 – Packing: Time for a hotel visit. I started to pack. I didn’t know why, but I just felt…empty. The trip wasn’t going as planned. Or at least not in a way I liked. I was alone. I was feeling lost.
16:00 – Checking out Checked out, and left.
17:00 – Leaving I headed towards the train station. The train to Tokyo. Sigh. I guess this is going to be it.

Final Thoughts:

Okay, so Kawagoe wasn't exactly a picture-perfect fairytale. There were moments of pure joy, moments of utter frustration, and a whole lot of sugar-induced madness. But that's life, isn't it? Messy, imperfect, and full of unexpected surprises. And ultimately, I'm incredibly grateful for the experience. The Kawagoe Tobu Hotel was a great base, and if you can snag a room with a heated toilet seat, do it. You won't regret it. And to anyone thinking of going to Kawagoe? Go. Just go. Embrace the chaos, the sugar, the language barriers, and the occasional existential crisis. You'll come back with stories, and maybe a new appreciation for the simple pleasures of life. And who knows, maybe you'll find a little piece of yourself in the process. Just… pack some extra antacids. You'll need them.

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Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel: Your Dream Japan Getaway? Let's Figure That Out!

Okay, so… is this Kawagoe Tobu Hotel really "unbelievable"? Like, actually?

Alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a strong word. My expectations were sky-high, fueled by those glossy hotel websites. Honestly? It's not every aspect of the stay. The lobby? Pretty darn swanky. Like, “ooh, fancy!” swanky. But the "unbelievable" part really hinges on your priorities. If you’re after picture-perfect Instagram shots and a super-modern vibe, then yeah, you might find yourself going "Wow!". If you're a budget traveler expecting a five-star experience… temper those expectations a bit. Think more like an *amazing* three-and-a-half-star. Let's just say, the "unbelievable" adjective is doing some heavy lifting!

Tell me about the rooms! Are they tiny, like some Japanese hotels?

Okay, room size. This is where reality *kinda* crashes back to earth. They're…well-designed. Let’s put it that way. Not shoebox tiny, thank goodness! But don’t expect a ballroom. You'll learn the art of suitcase origami pretty quickly. I swear, I spent a good ten minutes just *trying* to maneuver around the bed the first morning. And the bathroom? Efficient. Like, everything you need, neatly packed into a space that's… compact. It's functional. But let's be honest, after a long day of exploring Kawagoe, I yearned for a little more elbow room! Remember to double check which room type you're getting. I *think* I accidentally booked a shoebox initially... thankfully, they were sympathetic, and I was able to upgrade. Phew!

The location! Is it convenient for exploring Kawagoe?

Location, location, location! *That* is where the Kawagoe Tobu Hotel truly shines! Seriously, you step out, and you're basically *there*. Close to a bunch of the main attractions – the warehouse district, the candy alley, the temple... it’s all walkable, which is HUGE. This is a major win, especially after you've stuffed your face with sweet potato snacks. After a day of exploring the town, you just stumble back to the hotel. Amazing! And the train station is literally *right there*. Makes getting there from Tokyo and back super easy. Trust me, after a long day of sightseeing, the last thing you want is a marathon commute. That perfect location really made a huge difference.

Food! What's the deal with the breakfast buffet? Is it any good?

Breakfast! Okay, buckle up. Because this is a tale of highs and… not-so-highs. The spread itself is pretty impressive. Loads of options. Western stuff, like eggs and bacon (yay!), and then a whole heap of Japanese delights. Rice, miso soup, grilled fish... the works. And the *quality*? Generally good. But here’s where things get a bit… chaotic. The first morning, it was a beautiful, calm experience. All that delicious food. The second morning? Complete and utter pandemonium. A huge tour group descended, and it felt like I was battling for my toast! So, my advice? Go early. Really early. Like, before the masses arrive, if you want a peaceful start to your day. And be ready for a little jostling! The chaos, and the slightly undercooked bacon, *almost* ruined it for me (but I got it. And it was worth it).

Anything I should absolutely NOT miss while staying there?

Okay, besides the obvious (Kawagoe itself)? Two things. First, wander up to the little park or viewpoints near the hotel. Great views! Get your camera ready because there are some stunning photo ops. And second? Take a deep breath, and relax. Embrace the experience. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the unplanned ones. Oh yeah, and try the sweet potato ice cream from that little shop near the castle... Seriously. Get it. You won't regret it.

What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, gotta stay connected!

Wi-Fi. Ah, the bane of modern travel. It was… mostly fine. Reliable enough for basic browsing, sending emails (yes, I *did* check those emails at 3 AM!), and occasionally streaming Netflix. Didn’t try to game or anything too bandwidth-intensive, but for everyday use, it was a solid "thumbs up." There were a couple of moments, when I tried to FaceTime my dog, when it gave up the ghost, but it probably wasn’t the Wi-Fi's fault... the poor thing was probably terrified. All in all, nothing that would ruin your trip. Just don’t expect lightning-fast speeds.

Is it good for families?

Hmmm, good question. It *can* be. The location is obviously fantastic with kids, which is a huge win. Being able to pop back to the hotel for a nap or a quick change of clothes is pure gold. And the hotel seemed pretty kid-friendly. The staff were all lovely, as always. But, and this is a big "but", the rooms might get a bit cramped if you're a big family. You might want to consider a larger suite. Overall, yes, I'd say it's a good option for families, but do your research regarding room sizes and any specific amenities your kids might need.

Did you have any problems with the staff?

Nope! The staff were universally lovely. Super polite, extremely helpful. Their English was good enough for me to get by (and my Japanese is close to non-existent). They were always willing to help, whether it was directions, restaurant recommendations, or just smiling and nodding. I felt completely comfortable there, and that makes a huge difference. One time, I accidentally knocked over a glass of water at breakfast (oops!), and they were so kind and unfazed. That's the level of service I'm talking about! They really made the stay more enjoyable.

Okay, so… final verdict? Would you recommend the Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel?

Look, the "Unbelievable" moniker might be a *slight* exaggeration. But, overall? Absolutely, yes! The location alone is worth the price of admission. The rooms are clean and well-maintained (even if a little compact). The staff isTravel Stay Guides

Unbelievable Kawagoe Tobu Hotel: Your Dream Japan Getaway Awaits!