Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel (You NEED to See This!)
Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel (You NEED to See This!) - A Review That's Actually Real (Unlike Those Perfect Ones)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about the APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae. Forget the flowery brochures and polished Instagram posts. This is your real guide, from a seasoned traveler who's survived more jet lag than she cares to admit. And trust me, this place is more interesting than you think.
Let's be brutally honest, yeah? Kanda isn't exactly the sexiest part of Tokyo. It’s a business district, full of salarymen and ramen shops. But that's precisely why the Kanda Ekimae APA is brilliant. It's a haven amidst the hustle, a surprisingly affordable oasis. And, dare I say it, a little bit…charming.
(SEO Time! Let's talk keywords!)
Here's the deal: I'm gonna cover ALL the things. Accessibility? Yep. Wi-Fi? Absolutely. Food? My GOD, yes, because I lived and breathed it.
(Accessibility - A Real-World Perspective)
Okay, let's get this out of the way. Accessibility: The APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae is listed as having Facilities for disabled guests, and the presence of an Elevator is a HUGE plus, as for many older buildings or hotels. They also have that 24-hour Front Desk, which, trust me, is a godsend when you're bleary-eyed at 3 AM, needing to ask about the Wi-Fi password (more on that later).
Wheelchair Accessible: I didn't personally test its full wheelchair accessibility, but their website and reviews suggest it's generally good. Always double-check with the hotel beforehand, especially if you need specific room configurations. I saw no ramps.
(Internet – BECAUSE We NEED It!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I mean, come on, we all live on our phones, right? The Internet access – wireless worked like a dream. No buffering doom. The Internet access – LAN (for those old-schoolers, I guess?) is there too. I'm not sure if I'll ever use LAN again, but the Wi-Fi in public areas was good too. Seriously, a seamless digital life is a big win. The Internet services are clearly well thought-out.
(Cleanliness and Safety – More Important Than Ever)
Let's be real, after the last few years, this is HUGE. Cleanliness and safety are paramount. The APA Kanda Ekimae, thankfully, gets it. I noticed they were using Anti-viral cleaning products and had Daily disinfection in common areas. There were also Hand sanitizer everywhere (thank GOD) and the staff seemed genuinely committed to hygiene. They have a Hygiene certification, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. I also saw evidence of Professional-grade sanitizing services.
They also do the standard stuff well. There are Safety/security feature in rooms, like Smoke alarms, and the Front desk [24-hour] is always staffed. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and the presence of a Fire extinguisher is always a welcome sight.
(Rooms – The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Comfy)
Okay, the rooms are…compact. Let's call it "efficient." But, and this is important, they're well-designed.
- Air conditioning? Check.
- Blackout curtains? Bless.
- Free Wi-Fi? Yasss.
- Mini bar? Not really. But they do put a bottle of water for you and a complimentary tea in the room.
- Hair dryer? Yes, and a decent one!
- Refrigerator? Yep, perfect for those convenience store snacks. Oh, and the Wake-up service worked perfectly, so I wasn't missing any morning appointments.
- Soundproofing? Pretty darn good, considering the location.
- Smoke detector? Of course.
- Shower? Fine. Clean and functional. The Toiletries are basic, but get the job done.
- Bed? Comfortable.
Side Note: I’m obsessed with the Toiletries, so I'd say it’s a plus. I was pleasantly surprised.
Important for those who might need it: The Extra long bed, the Interconnecting room(s) available, the Laptop workspace, and the Alarm clock. Available in all rooms: The desk, Mirror, Scale.
The "Cons" (Let's Be Honest)
- Small Spaces: Seriously, don't expect to host a dance party in there.
- Views: Let's just say the views aren't the main attraction. You're probably looking at another building. But hey, you're in Tokyo.
- "Room for Activities?" : They do not have a proposal spot or anything for couples.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Perspective)
This is where the APA Kanda Ekimae really shines. Okay, they have restaurants (plural!). Breakfast is available (Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service are available), but it’s not free. It’s a bit of a madhouse at peak times, but there's a surprisingly good selection.
- Asian breakfast: This is a must-try.
- Western breakfast: You can get one, too.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Plenty of choices.
- Happy hour: A lifesaver after a long day.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: Caffeine fix sorted. They also have Desserts in restaurant, which is like a cherry on top.
- Lunch and dinner: The Buffet in restaurant gives you options, and they offer A la carte in restaurant, too.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES. Especially handy after a late-night exploration.
- Snack bar: Great for those impulse cravings.
- Soup in restaurant and Salad in restaurant: For the health-conscious, like me!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options available.
- Poolside bar: A great addition!
The BEST THING: The Ramen Shops!
Okay, this is my personal obsession. The Kanda area is teeming with ramen shops. You can find some incredible bowls of Tonkotsu and Tsukemen. I am still dreaming of the one I stumbled upon down a little side street. That ramen was a religious experience.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Does This Place Have Soul?)
Okay, it's primarily a business hotel, so don't expect a sprawling resort. However:
- Fitness center? Yep.
- Sauna? Yes! (And a spa/sauna combo!)
I did feel like I had ways to relax.
(Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter)
- Concierge? Yes, and helpful.
- Cash withdrawal? Yep.
- Currency exchange? Yep.
- Daily housekeeping? They are on the ball.
- Doorman? Nope, but always someone to help.
- Elevator? Yes.
- Laundry service? Yes, and it was surprisingly affordable.
- Luggage storage? Always a lifesaver.
- Convenience store: This is a MUST in Japan.
- Gift/souvenir shop? If you need a last-minute something.
- Car park? Plenty of it!
(Getting Around - Navigating Tokyo Like a Pro)
- Airport transfer: They can help you with this.
- Taxi service: Easy peasy.
(For The Kids - Family & Child Friendly?
- Babysitting service: Not available.
- Kids facilities: Not a lot, to be honest, but Tokyo is generally very kid-friendly.
(Okay, the REAL Conclusion - Is It Worth It?)
Yes. Absolutely. Especially if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and well-located base for exploring Tokyo without breaking the bank. The APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae might not be glamorous, but it's honest, reliable, and a great value. Plus, the ramen nearby is a serious bonus. It isn't perfect, but it's real. It's a good place to land, and, honestly, that’s all you need sometimes.
(The "Book Now" Pitch - You KNOW you want to!)
Tired of those over-priced, soulless hotels? Craving authenticity? Want to experience Tokyo without the tourist traps?
Here's my offer:
Book your stay at the APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae NOW, and get:
Escape to Paradise: Siswan Jungle Lodge, Haryana's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's my itinerary for three gloriously messy days in Tokyo, centered around that APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae – a place I'm already picturing in my head, probably small, probably efficient, probably with a vending machine that dispenses tiny bottles of coffee like a caffeinated siren song. I'm going to be brutally honest, and you're gonna get the real me.
Day 1: Tokyo Drift… into a Nap
8:00 AM (ish) - Land, Oh Sweet Land! - Okay, "ish" is the operative word here. Flights… ugh. Let's just say I'm at Narita, bleary-eyed, clutching my neck pillow like a lifeline. The airport itself is a chaotic symphony of luggage carts and existential dread (did I pack enough snacks? Did I accidentally bring that embarrassing t-shirt?). First order of business: find the rail pass exchange. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that it's not a four-hour line.
10:00 AM (hopefully!) - The Train Gauntlet - Okay, so the rail pass thing went relatively smoothly (phew!). Now: Trains. This feels like joining a very polite, very efficient, very fast conga line. The Shinkansen is a sleek bullet, and the Tokyo metro… well, embrace the sardines-in-a-can feeling. This is where the jet lag REALLY hits. I'm pretty sure I saw someone napping standing up. Respect.
12:00 PM - Arrival at APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae (and a mini-panic attack) - The hotel. Ah, the hotel. I've read the reviews. Small. Efficient. Like I'm not expecting a ballroom here but I'm secretly hoping for a slightly larger window than the size of a postage stamp. Check-in, the language barrier dance (lots of pointing and smiles, and me desperately hoping I booked the right room). The elevator – another potential sardine situation. The room… yeah, it's small. But hey, it's clean. And hey, there's a freaking toilet with a heated seat. Japan, you win.
1:00 PM - The Great Nap of Recovery - Okay. This is essential. The jet lag is a beast. I'm collapsing onto the bed like a rag doll. The next few hours are a blur of glorious, unadulterated sleep. Don’t judge me. Sometimes, you just need it.
4:00 PM - Ramen Reconnaissance Mission - I'm jolting awake, disoriented. But Ramen. Ramen is calling. Yelp is my guide. I'm off to find a local ramen shop. The search itself will be an adventure, probably involving getting lost, accidentally wandering into a pachinko parlor blaring with noise (more on that later), and asking some kindly old lady with a massive shopping bag where the best noodles are.
6:00 PM - Ramen Nirvana (and a Lesson in Chopsticks) - Found it! The shop is tiny, packed, the air thick with the smell of pork broth and deliciousness. The ramen arrives. It’s a work of art. I attempt to eat delicately with chopsticks, which quickly devolves into a messy, noodle-slurping free-for-all. Soup on my face, broth on my chin, but I couldn't care less. Heaven.
7:00 PM - Shibuya Crossing Pilgrimage (and a near-disastrous selfie) - Shibuya Crossing. The famous scramble. Prepare. It's insane. But also exhilarating, beautiful, a swirling chaos of humanity. Trying to take a selfie in the middle of it? Disaster. I'm almost mowed down by a rogue cyclist. I survive.
8:00 PM - The Golden Gai Surprise - A narrow network of tiny bars, each with their own unique vibe. Some are welcoming to tourists, some… not so much. It's a crapshoot, but the atmosphere is electric. I'm going to tentatively poke my head into a few. My goal: a tiny glass of sake and maybe a conversation with a local (or at least someone who tolerates my terrible Japanese).
- An Anecdote: Okay. This one's really important. I stumbled upon a tiny, like, tiny bar in Golden Gai. The bartender was a wizened old woman with eyes that could see right through you (in a good way, I think). She spoke almost no English, I spoke even worse Japanese. The whole thing was absurd and amazing. We communicated with gestures and laughter and the universal language of… well, of sake. It was probably the most 'authentic' experience of the trip. She kept refilling my glass. I felt like I was in a scene from a movie. I loved it. I swear, I saw the ghost of a geisha in the shadows!
9:30 PM - Back to the APA (with a slight wobble) - Time to drag myself back to the hotel. The sake has done its work. Sleep. Good sleep.
Day 2: Culture, Cuteness, and a Possible Karaoke Catastrophe
9:00 AM - Tsukiji Outer Market Rumble - Okay, early start. Which means, for me, a frantic button-mashing session on the snooze button (that bloody jetlag again!). But, the reward: Tsukiji Outer Market. I want sushi. All the sushi. I will battle the crowds. I will eat everything that looks remotely delicious. I'm talking fresh seafood, grilled skewers, tamagoyaki (sweet omelet cubes), the works. I'm going to be a mess of soy sauce and happiness.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer speed and grace with which the fishmongers fillet fish is mind-blowing. They're like sushi ninjas, and I'm just standing there drooling.
11:00 AM - Sensō-ji Temple Serenity (and a near-miss fortune slip) - After the food coma, I want something calming. Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa. The incense, the giant lanterns, the overall atmosphere of peace… perfect. I might get my fortune from the wooden sticks (omikuji). I hope I don't draw a negative one. (I almost did. Whew!)
12:30 PM - Harajuku High Fashion and Hyper Cute Overload - Time to embrace the colorful chaos that is Harajuku. Takeshita Street. Rainbows. Cotton candy. Teens in outrageous outfits. I may or may not secretly consider buying a frilly dress. I will definitely take photos, even though I'm probably going to feel like an ancient relic surrounded by youth.
2:00 PM- Meiji Jingu Shrine – Soulful Serenity - Okay, time to balance the kawaii overload with some calm. Meiji Jingu Shrine – a quiet, wooded haven dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Big trees, gravel paths, a welcome respite from the city buzz. I need this.
4:00 PM - Karaoke Kaos - Okay, this is either going to be amazing, or a legendary disaster. Karaoke. In Japan. I can't sing. But I love it. I will find a karaoke box. I will attempt to sing something in Japanese (badly). I will (hopefully) have a blast. Prepare for some serious off-key warbling. I am slightly terrified.
- Emotional Reaction: The karaoke box was… the stuff of legends. The room was tiny, the sound system was insane, and I butchered every song I sang. But… it was liberating. I belted out Bon Jovi’s "Livin' on a Prayer" like my life depended on it. My voice cracked. I howled. I laughed until my sides hurt. It was the best, most embarrassing, most exhilarating thing I did.
6:00 PM - Dinner and Drinks in Shinjuku (with a potential wrong turn) - Shinjuku. The skyscrapers, the neon lights, the energy. I'll wander, get lost (inevitably), and find a restaurant. I'm aiming for something local, maybe a yakitori place. I'll drink sake. I'll attempt to communicate with the staff.
8:00 PM - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Evening Stroll) - I want a walk to calm me. It should be beautiful at night. (I'm going to regret this if it's packed!)
9:00 PM - Back to the hotel for a good night's sleep. - Hopefully.
Day 3: History, Farewell, and a Tear (maybe)
10:00 AM - Ueno Park and Museums - Okay, I know, this is a late start, but I'm still recovering from karaoke! Ueno Park is a big place and has some great museums, I'll go for a walk, have some coffee.
1:00 PM - Back to the hotel to pack, and start the long trip home.
2:00 PM - Depart APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae.
3:00 PM - Narita & Departure - I'm back at the airport, clutching a
Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel: The Truth (and My Love/Hate Affair) - An Unofficial FAQ
Okay, Seriously, Why All the Hype? Is the Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel *Really* Tokyo's "Best Kept Secret"?
Look, "best kept secret" is a bit much, alright? More like...a well-known secret that people STILL aren't *quite* prepared for. Here's why it's popular: Location, location, location! Right by Kanda Station? Practically a hop, skip, and a jump to anywhere in Tokyo. And the *price*. Let's be honest, Tokyo hotels can be brutal on the wallet. APA? Often a lifesaver. Plus, the efficiency factor is off the charts. I mean, these rooms...they're a masterclass in Space Management 101. Think tiny, but functional.
But "best"? I wouldn't go *that* far. I've got this intense, love-hate relationship with APA hotels in general. One minute I'm praising their clean surfaces and well-organized spaces, the next I'm wondering if I accidentally booked a spaceship's escape pod. It's a *vibe*, people, a very specific, APA-vibe.
Let's Talk About the Rooms. Are They *Really* That Small?
Yes. They are. Prepare yourself. Imagine a shoebox. Now, imagine a really, *really* well-organized shoebox furnished with a bed, a desk, and a tiny bathroom that you could practically shower in while brushing your teeth. You get the gist. I once spent, I kid you not, a full 20 minutes rearranging my luggage to optimize space. I swear, I considered vacuum-sealing my clothes.
But here's the thing. You're in *Tokyo*. You're not supposed to be *in* your hotel room all day! You're out exploring, eating, experiencing. The room is a crash pad, a place to recharge. And for that, it works. Plus, the beds are usually pretty comfy, and the showers are surprisingly powerful.
The Bathroom: The Saga Continues! What's the Deal?
Oh, the bathroom. The jewel of the tiny empire. Seriously, it's compact. Like, claustrophobic-if-you're-prone-to-that compact. But also, unbelievably efficient. You've got the toilet (probably heated, which is a godsend in winter!), the shower/bath combo (sometimes with a detachable showerhead – YES!), and a tiny sink. Everything is pristine. Honestly, the cleanliness is a major plus.
My one caveat? The lack of counter space. Good luck trying to juggle all your toiletries. I recommend packing a hanging toiletry bag. Trust me. It's a game-changer. I spent far too much time balancing my toothbrush on the edge of the sink. *Don't be like me.*
I Heard About Their Breakfast. Should I Bother?
Okay, the breakfast situation... It's... functional. Don't expect a gourmet experience. It's usually a buffet, showcasing a selection of Japanese and Western staples. Think: rice, miso soup, eggs (sometimes scrambled, sometimes boiled), toast, maybe some pastries, and maybe (a big maybe) some sad-looking sausages.
My advice? If you're on a tight budget and need to fuel up before a busy sightseeing day, sure, grab breakfast. It's convenient. But if you're a foodie, or if you're used to a more lavish breakfast spread, skip it. There are *amazing* breakfast options nearby. Kanda Station has plenty of cafes. Go explore! I myself only took the breakfast once, and I don't think I'll need to go again.
What About the Staff? Are They Helpful?
Generally, yes. The staff at APA hotels are usually efficient and professional. They speak enough English to handle basic requests. Don't expect a ton of warmth and chatty interactions, but they're perfectly competent. My experiences have been pretty neutral overall, nothing to write home about, but definitely not a bad experience.
Location, Location, Location! Really That Good?
YES. The Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel's location is its *strongest* selling point. Right by Kanda Station means you have access to multiple train lines, making it ridiculously easy to get around Tokyo. Think of it as your strategic base of operations. Seriously, the convenience alone is worth the price.
You're also surrounded by shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. Need a quick snack? A late-night ramen fix? It's all there. I got home *really* late one night, and was famished. Luckily, there were all the convenience stores, and then the hotel had vending machines as well, it was a lifesaver.
Are There Any Hidden Costs I Should Know About?
Not usually. APA hotels are generally pretty upfront about their pricing. However, always double-check the fine print! Some hotels may have optional extras (like laundry services or in-room movies) that you'll be charged for.
The Vending Machines...Tell Me Everything!
Oh, the vending machines. They're a glorious symbol of Japanese efficiency. They're everywhere in the hotel, and *stocked*. Drinks of every variety. Snacks you've never seen before. Sometimes, even instant ramen. The vending machines were an absolute godsend after a long day of exploring. And the best part? They take cash *and* Suica cards (or Pasmo, etc.).
My tip: Embrace the vending machine culture. Experiment! You might discover your new favorite drink. I discovered Calpis thanks to one of those machines. My only regret? Not buying more. You'd better take advantage of them.
Okay, So, Bottom Line: Should I Stay at the Kanda Ekimae APA Hotel?
It depends. If you:
- Value location above all else
- AreInfinity InnsAPA Hotel Kanda Ekimae Tokyo Japan
APA Hotel Kanda Ekimae Tokyo Japan
