Panda fever grips Tokyo as two new guests head to Ueno Zoo
February 22, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
Panda fever is gripping Tokyo as two of the furry creatures arrived at Ueno Zoo late Monday night.
With their own specially painted All Nippon Airlines jetliner and colorful transport boxes, the pair received a welcome treatment usually reserved for royals, with various decorations appearing around the streets of Tokyo.
Special panda manju buns have even been made, with all manners of trinkets on sale around Ueno station as the area geared up for the new arrivals.
Click View Gallery above for images of the panda-monium
The zoo will pay a hefty price tag of US$ 950,000 per year over 10 years to lease the animals, with the money going back to China where it will be used for wildlife protection.
Accommodations in Tokyo
December 1, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Food and Accommodations
The captivating aura of the Tokyo metropolis is the what makes the city so appealing. This place is a fine mix of contemporary life and the ancient tradition that goes hand in hand. Visitors get to experience something that make this place stand out of the others, and that is their rich culture and tradition, which they have not let go of in the process of modernization. At some place one may experience the hi-tech environment which makes it so special and at the he may be enjoying the serenity in some breathtaking mountain top.
Tokyo is one of the most visited places, not just for its futuristic approach but also for the kind of hospitality it extends to all its guests. It has got everything in itself, you may satisfy your appetite with the exotic spread which is one of its kind here, or shop your hart out at one of the futuristic shopping store, visit the most exotic places on earth or simply relax in one of their best hotels which offer you the best of hi- tech facilities on card.
There are those expensive ones promising all the best of services ever experienced, while on the other hand they have the budget hotels which provide all amenities and comfort at reasonable rates. With so many varied ranges of hotels accommodation is never an issue in Tokyo. Tourist need not worry about the language problem since there are many hotels who offer Western style of service with staff interacting in English.
Just to get a brief idea of the kind of hotels that are available in Tokyo, here is a short description:
The Budget Hotels:
This kind of hotels may be found in the Taito area, in the region of Ueno and Asakusa. Most of the budget hotels are available mainly in this region, but if one is not willing to stay in this part they may find some more in places like Yokohama too.
The cheapest alternatives available in Tokyo are the Capsule hotels which offer all the services expected by a guest but at a very reasonable rate. They do not have extensive behavioral rules which need to be strictly followed. But most of them allow men only.
The Mid-Range Hotels:
These kinds of hotels are often situated near the railway stations and have very small size rooms for single occupancy. These reasonably priced hotels may be found through out Tokyo and one may enjoy all the services available which are typical of Japan. These are mainly of two types Tokyo Stay and Ryokans.
The Luxury Hotels:
These are best if you have an extravagant lifestyle. These are high in price and offer special services for its guests. One may get to experience the best of the hi-tech facilities these kinds of hotels offer.
You may find these hotels in the regions of Shinjuku and Aksaka in Tokyo.
These different kinds of hotels offer services to people of different walks of life and makes the stay in Tokyo a life time experience.
Hotels in Tokyo
March 22, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Food and Accommodations
Tokyo is a city of the future. It is a city of energy and movement that still takes the time to smell the roses. One moment you can walk in state-of-the-art shopping centers and the next you can stroll in one of its many beautiful gardens. It is a city of almost limitless possibilities.
That Tokyo is a popular destination for tourists is not surprising. Its incredible mix of technology, interesting cuisine, and energetic nightlife draws many people. Tokyo also offers visitors fun and futuristic shopping centers, a world famous transit system, as well as some of the most luxurious hotels on the face of the earth.
Tourists on a budget need not despair. Travelers can find any kind of accommodations they want, ranging from the obscenely expensive to the affordable. Hotels in Tokyo can be found virtually anywhere in the city, so locating one should not be a chore. A good mix of the more economical hotels and the ritzy ones are available in most areas. Many of the hotels in Tokyo have someone on the staff that can speak English, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing the language. Some are the different kinds of hotels in Tokyo include:
Economical Hotels:
These hotels are found primarily in the Taito vicinity, mostly in Asakusa and Ueno. There are also hostels located in these areas. If you don’t mind being a bit outside the city, many inexpensive hotels can be found in adjacent areas like Yokohama.
The cheapest of the cheap are called capsule hotels. However, due to their strict behavioral rules and traditions, they are not very fond of hosting foreigners. These accommodations are for single people only, and most of the time just for men.
Moderately Priced Hotels:
These hotels are usually referred to as “business hotels.” The rooms are usually very small, but they are often located in sought after areas, in the heart of the city. These rooms are a good option for single people who won’t be spending much time in their rooms. Business hotels can be found throughout the city.
Expensive Hotels:
If you have the money to spend on top-of-the-line accommodations, these hotels are for you. Many five star luxury hotels can be found in the heart of Tokyo, especially in Akasaka and western Shinjuku.


