Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu

Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu is a stylish and modern hotel located right in the heart of Tokyo. It's convenient location, only 6 minutes on foot from the Yaesu Central Exit of Tokyo Station, makes it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring Japan’s capital and the surrounding Kanto region. 

The hotel recently opened on March 31, 2023, in the Yaesu area, a central Tokyo district that is constantly evolving with large-scale redevelopment projects including Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, a huge shopping and restaurant complex. The 16-story hotel building is both functional and stylish and is home to 95 rooms. 

The stylish exterior of the hotel

The Karaksa chain of hotels is a new style of minimalist hotel designed specifically for international tourists visiting Japan. The hotel is extremely popular with families traveling with children and groups of over 3 people, who typically stay more than one night and spend more time in their room and hence need a functional and relaxing space. Karaksa has 3 hotels in Tokyo and 7 nationwide in major sightseeing locations such as Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo. 

The entrance to Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu

Here are some reasons why you should choose Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu for your next stay in Tokyo. 

Functional and Stylish Rooms 

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a room, so guests can get the room that is just right for their needs. There are 8 types of rooms at the hotel which include double, twin, and triple rooms with 21㎡ of space that are functional yet comfortable, as well as wide twin and quadruple rooms that offer over 30 ㎡ of space and can accommodate up to 4 guests. 

Comfort Quadruple Room

There are also 52 connecting rooms that are linked together by inner doors, which can accommodate up to 6 guests across the two rooms. 

The wide twin rooms have two king / queen beds on a raised floor with 31.5 ㎡ of space. The quadruple rooms have 4 single beds which can accommodate up to 4 people. 

King Double Room

These rooms provide a comfortable space for up to 4 people and include a shower space with a bench as well as rain and waterfall shower heads. The washroom and toilet are conveniently separated. 

The large wide twin and quadruple comfort rooms also include a washing machine and dryer, projector, and large windows with city views, making them perfect for families or groups of travelers. 

Executive Wide Twin Room

Deluxe Wide Twin Room

The connecting rooms are a great option for families or groups of travelers with 21.4 ㎡ of space in each room. The adjoining rooms are connected by an inner door, which can be closed when necessary, allowing up to 6 people to stay in the same room and enjoy the space together as a family or group. These rooms allow guests to move freely back and forth between the spaces with the added convenience of two bathrooms and being able to close the inner doors when going to bed at night. These types of rooms are ideal for extended stays in Tokyo. 

Connecting Rooms

Comfort and Convenience 

The hotel is within walking distance of Nihonbashi (business and commercial district), Tokyo Station with its Shinkansen bullet train network and is close to one of Japan’s largest bus terminals at the Yaesu Central Gate of Tokyo Station. All this means that it is a great base for travel not only within Tokyo but the surrounding Kanto area. 

Front lobby of Hotel Karaksa Colors Tokyo Yaesu

The Second Floor Lounge 

The lounge on the second floor offers a variety of different spaces, including a children’s area, workstation, and food area. The lounge is not only a breakfast venue, but also offers snacks, light meals, and beverages during lounge hours, and wine, alcohol, and snacks during bar hours in the evening. 

The second floor lounge

Designed under a “Food Market” concept, the buffet style dining serves dishes from a variety of cuisines ensuring that there is something for everyone. The drink machines are, as you expect of Tokyo, high-tech. The soft drink machine allows you to choose your level of carbonation from high, medium or low, and even allows you to mix different soft drinks together. 

The kitchen cart lounge buffet

There is free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. In addition to a laundry corner and other convenient services for long stays. 

Laundry Corner

Foreign Language Support for International Visitors 

There are a full range of services available for overseas visitors to ensure that their stay is both comfortable and stress-free. This includes multilingual staff who can speak a variety of different languages and contactless check-in/out and payment machines available in 5 different languages for international guests. All this means that international visitors can have a relaxing and enjoyable stay without having to worry about speaking Japanese. 

Easy to Navigate Booking System 

The official website and booking system is available in over 4 languages including English, Japanese, and Chinese.  

You can actually save money on your trip by booking your hotel room directly via the official website. 

Wrap Up 

Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu is a great choice for international visitors looking for a functional, stylish and convenient place to stay while in Tokyo. 

All images courtesy of Karaksa Hotel Colors Tokyo Yaesu

Hotel Information 

Address: 3-5-13 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027 

Phone: +81 (0)3 6880 6602 

Website: https://karaksahotels.com/en/tokyoyaesu/ 

Access 

Approximately 60 minutes from Narita Airport on the JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station.

A Lovely Experience at Ibiza55 Club l Bar

I was strolling in the nicely lit streets of Shinjuku, looking up at the lovely neon lights climbing up the buildings, scanning the people whose work cages were open. The sun was setting down. 

People were laughing. The ambiance was much less stressful than the morning rush. That evening’s haste was much more hopeful, as if people were looking forward to something. 

Of course they were. It was Shinjuku! 

Charming night at Shinjuku

Night came up and I passed by an interesting entrance of a bar/club with vibrant colors. People were rushing to go in from the outside. It had a white frame that said Ibiza55. I went through the ignited frame of lights and went down the stairs to be welcomed by a very friendly owner who seemed to love what he does. 

The entrance of that bar called me in

I love to meet those kinds of people, who find a way to enjoy and love what they do, rather than stoically accepting life’s harshness, those who see a full half in a cup. I marched a few more steps to the bar and ordered a beer. The bar had a colorful neon sign behind it, which made me more aware that I was in Shinjuku, one of the best places to party in one of the most prominent cities in the world, Tokyo. It made me feel blessed. 

The bartender was an attentive gentleman who welcomed me with a wide smile. I took my reasonably-priced beer, grabbed a sip, and metaphysics started to take its turn. 

I asked myself: Why do people party? What makes it so fun? 

People often look to experience feelings that overwhelm them, that take their hand towards the top. The cognitive is sometimes too much to bear, but “to feel” gives a fluid and organic sense of flow that is unmatched. 

People party to feel. 

There are many hardships in life that make us numb. Long work hours, job politics, conflict resolution and risk management matters. All too serious and too boring. 

People want to live, laugh, and be free. No one wants to be contained, neither in a work cubicle nor for bosses they probably disdain. 

People party to feel free. 

People party to feel free

Luckily, before my mind became too thoughtful, a lovely woman joined me on my right seat. She was wearing a red dress which I couldn’t take my eyes off. She had an extensive face and a wide smile; the one which had the extra teeth look. Her eyes held some mystery in them. Her hair was falling like waterfalls around her shoulders and back. 

Before my mind went back to labor, I said the first thing that I could think of: 

“Cool bar, huh? Do you come here often?” 

“Yeah,” she said, “Ibiza55 is one of my favorite places to be in Tokyo. Everyone here is just so nice. I feel alive here.” 

Her name was Yoko, and she spoke perfect English (My favorite kind). 

More people joined in. Suddenly, it was 11 p.m. and the bar was almost full. It gave it a cozier feeling. 

People seemed to have forgotten about the worries of their day. Partying seemed like a meditative approach that lets the mind be, which many times and surprisingly, is a great way to find solutions. 

It was 4 a.m. now at the bar and I thought it would be closing soon. 

“When do you close?” I asked the bartender. 

“12 p.m. the next day,” he said. 

Woah, those people surely know how to party, I thought. 

I decided not to leave any time soon. I was in a special place, at a romantic time, and there were many beautiful people around me. I was living and collecting memories that I will never forget. 

I realized that our favorite memories are those stories we collect from time to time, and stories most of the time include people. 

Where are most of the people? 

At Ibiza55 Club l Bar.

Shibuya Scramble Square

There has been a lot of new development going on in Tokyo over the last few years to get the city looking good for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. One of the shiny brand new places that opened up at the end of last year is the Shibuya Scramble Square Building right above Shibuya Station.

The multipurpose skyscraper rises to a height of about 230 meters, making Shibuya Scramble Square the tallest building in the Shibuya area of Tokyo.

Shibuya Scramble Square ~ Tokyo’s Newest Landmark

The new Tokyo landmark opened on November 1, 2019, and can boast 47 floors comprising of an observation deck, offices, an industrial exchange facility, and commercial facilities such as shops and eateries.

Work on the building started in 2014, and it was designed to embody the future of Shibuya, a dynamic, international, and ever-changing city in Tokyo.

Photo by: 江戸村のとくぞう on Wikimedia Commons

The observation deck called “Shibuya Sky” on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square offers fantastic views of the iconic scramble crossing below as well as 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and the surrounding area. You can even see Mount Fuji on clear days!

Photo by: Real Estate Japan on flickr

There is plenty of space to just relax and take in the amazing scenery with soft sofas and hammocks.

What is your favourite Tokyo landmark? Please leave your reply in the comments below. 

Shibuya Sky is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with entry ¥2,000 for adults.

Official Website 

 

Tokyo Racecourse ~ More Than Just Horse Racing

Looking for a cheap & fun day out in Tokyo? Check out Tokyo Racecourse located only a short 20-minute train ride from downtown Tokyo in Fuchu City.

Tokyo Racecourse, which is run by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), is a fun family orientated travel destination just outside of central Tokyo that is a great escape from the big city. A visit here is like taking a day trip from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, whisking you away to a thrilling location that feels like you are miles away in a totally different part of the country.

Back home in Australia, a day at the races means men in suits, ladies in gorgeous dresses and fascinators (hats), and a chance to mingle with the rich and famous for a day. In Japan, it is more of a family affair with kids and cute mascots. There is definitely something for everyone at Tokyo Racecourse.

Entry to the theme park-esque venue is only 200 yen for live race days and FREE on days with no races, and includes access to all the ride and attractions for FREE. There are a lot of staff on hand at each attraction to ensure that everything goes smoothly and everyone is safe and looked after with the greatest of care.

There are lots of entertaining spots to enjoy for the day at Tokyo Racecourse including the various activities and attractions below: 

Fuji View Grandstand & Grassed Area 

A massive modern grandstand that offers views of the iconic Mount Fuji on clear days, it is the perfect place to take in a race and feel the excitement and atmosphere of a day out at the races. Bring a picnic blanket and your lunch box and you can relax on the grassed area near the grandstand to admire Japan’s best thoroughbreds in action.

Infield Amusement Playground 

Follow the underground passage under the track to kids heaven at the infield amusement playground which includes a huge blown up Turfy (JRA mascot) jumping castle, JR-dome adventure playground, mini Shinkansen ride and food fair with a different theme each week.

Hiyoshigaoka Park 

The kids will love the playground equipment at this cool park which includes a huge wooden pirate ship, jungle gym, grass lawn to play on and sand pit.

Horse Riding Experience 

Jump on the back of a former racehorse in the paddock to experience what it is like to ride these majestic animals.

Horse Patting (Uma no Fureai) 

A great place for the kids to stroke the horses and get comfortable with these beautiful warm animals. There are little ponies for the little ones, and bigger horses for the big kids. This is a fantastic spot for that golden photo opportunity.

Horse Carriage Ride in Rose Garden 

Enjoy a slow stroll around the rose garden in a horse-pulled carriage through the Zelkova-lined street. You will feel like royalty with this relaxing ride which comes complete with driver dressed in elegant attire.

Horse Viewing in the Parade Ring 

Catch a glimpse of the race horses and jockeys close up before the race. This is the place where the punters will be studying the horses before the race to try and pick a winner.

JRA Racing Museum 

Learn all about the storied-history of horses and horse racing in Japan, including a hall of fame of Japan’s most famous horses.

Restaurants & Food Court 

One of the hardest decisions you will have to make at Tokyo Racecourse is what to eat. With a wide-range of restaurants located all around the venue you have some great choices including some of my personal favourites such as Coco Ichibanya and Hanamaru. If you are on a budget, you are also allowed to bring your own food and drinks into the venue.

Umajo Spot 

The Umajo spot is a women’s-only café at Tokyo Racecourse designed to appeal to younger women. Here female visitors can enjoy special horse-themed goodies and drinks while learning all about the betting process in a cute kawaii space.

Japanese-style Garden 

Enjoy the seasonal beauty of this quiet and peaceful Japanese-style garden located behind the horse viewing parade ring. In spring, the garden comes alive with cherry blossoms, and in fall, there is colorful autumn leaves to admire. There is also a large pond featuring Japanese koi (carp) and plenty places to sit and soak up the beauty and atmosphere.

Horse Show 

Watch some equestrian elegance here with a horse show featuring acrobatics, trotting and beautiful dance performances by the horses.

Future Events 

On November 24th, 2019, the Japan Cup, a big Group 1 race will be held at Tokyo Racecourse. This international event will feature horses from around the world and is one of world racing’s richest purses.

In conjunction with the Japan Cup on November 24th, from 9:00 - 16:00, there will be the following events:

(1) Special novelty items will be gifted to visitors on answering a simple questionnaire.

(2) There will also be a stamp rally and those who participate and complete it, will get a discount coupon of 1000 yen that can be used at any of the food stalls or presented with a novelty item.

Note: These events are only for overseas visitors to Japan.

For more information about Tokyo Racecourse, visit the JRA website.

Tokyo Racecourse Information 

Address: 1-1 Hiyoshi-cho, Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, 183-0024

Entry fee: ¥200 (free for children under 15) on live race days. FREE for all on non-race days.

Open hours: 9am-5pm on race days

Weekdays: 10am-noon, 1pm-4pm (except Mondays, Tuesdays, holidays)

Website: japanracing.jp

Access 

Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku and either get off at Fuchu Keiba Seimon Mae Station or Higashi-Fuchu Station. The walk from Fuchu Keiba Seimon Mae Station to the main gate is only 2 minutes, while from Higashi-Fuchu Station, it is a 10-minute walk.

Enthronement Ceremony for Japan’s Emperor

Today, Tuesday, October 22nd is a National Holiday in Japan to celebrate the formal enthronement of Emperor Naruhito.

At 1pm (JST) Japan’s new Emperor, Naruhito formally proclaimed his accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne in an ancient-style ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

The central enthronement ceremony, called “Sokui no Rei” in Japanese is held at the “Seiden Matsu no Ma”, the Seiden State Room of the Imperial Palace. About 2,000 dignitaries attended the ceremony including the Prime Minister of Japan, heads of both Diet chambers, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and foreign dignitaries from about 190 countries.

The short ceremony involved the Emperor, who was dressed in a traditional reddish brown robe called the “Kourozen no Gohou”, entering the State Room with his chamberlains who carried two of the three sacred Imperial treasures (the scared sword, and the sacred jewel), which act as symbols of Imperial power.

Image from NHK World Japan

The Emperor proclaimed his accession to the throne on the 6.5-meter-high Takamikura, also known as the Chrysanthemum Throne in the center of the room. The Takamikura (高御座) is a special throne kept in the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and is used by the Japanese monarchy for enthronement ceremonies. It has been used for important ceremonies since the Nara Period in the 8th Century.

The current throne, along with the “Michodai” or the “August Seat” for the Empress were made in 1913 for the accession of Emperor Taisho.

The Takamikura Throne from Wikimedia Commons

The elaborately decorated octagonal canopy of the throne is decorated with a side panel of a phoenix and a Qilin (dragon-headed creature), while the canopy is topped with a large golden statue of a phoenix. Inside the throne are stands called “An”, where the sacred Imperial treasures, along with the State Seal and Privy Seal will be placed.

Image from NHK World Japan

According to legend, the Japanese monarchy is said to have been founded in 660 BC by the legendary Emperor Jimmu. It is the oldest continuing hereditary monarchy in the world with Emperor Naruhito, the 126th monarch to sit upon the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Japan in 8K

Japan is an amazing country full of contrasts from natural landscapes to high-tech modern marvels. Most of us have seen Japan from the ground but taking a look above from the air gives you a totally new and different perspective.

Armadas, a video production company based in Japan recently released a stunning 8K video which captures the beauty of Japan from above. The video highlights major tourist attractions such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya and Hakodate. Some of the amazing sights include:

Hakodate, one of the main cities in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island is the gateway to this wild & rugged northern frontier. The city is famous for its dramatic night views from the top of Mount Hakodate and Fort Goryokaku, which was Japan’s first western-style fortress.

Yohohama is a lively port city south of Tokyo that was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade. This video beautiful captures the Minato Mirai 21 area of Yokohama, which is a seaside urban area that features many large skyscrapers including the Landmark Tower and Queen’s Towers as well as the colourful Cosmo World Ferris Wheel.

Nagoya is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Japan that was a key player in Japan’s economic revival. The city is home to one of Japan’s best and most historic castles as well as some amazing modern architecture such as JR Central Towers, Midland Square and the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers.

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital is home to some of Japan’s most important temples and shrines. The Kyoto Station area features some interesting architecture with Kyoto Station one of the largest buildings in Japan and a shopping and transportation hub. Kyoto Tower is a rocket poised for takeoff on the doorstep of the station and a popular landmark.

Tokyo is Japan’s modern capital and is the world’s most populous metropolis. The city is home to some of Japan’s best architectural marvels from the twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku to the iconic Tokyo Tower, regarded as the symbol of Tokyo. Tokyo Skytree towering over the city at 634 meters is the new modern symbol of Tokyo and one of its best landmarks.

Take a look at this video from Armadas and sit back and enjoy the show from above.

5 Unique Experiences in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s modern capital has many highlights from the ancient Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to the nightlife of Shinjuku. Tokyo pretty much has it all and is a city like no other on the planet.

If you are looking for something a little bit different from the norm and a totally unique experience, check out these 5 unique experiences in Tokyo.

MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM – teamLab Borderless 

One of the most popular and unique museums in Tokyo is the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM – teamLab Borderless. This futuristic digital art museum in the Odaiba area of Tokyo is a world of artwork without boundaries that will stimulate all of your five senses. Wander around and experience art moving out of rooms as well as a chance to interact and communicate with the art in a three-dimensional 10,000 square meter world.

Official Website

MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM | Photo by rabbit_akra on flickr

Robot Restaurant 

Japan is known around the world for its robot technology and now you can experience it first-hand at the Robot Restaurant in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku. One of the top tourists attractions in Tokyo, it is one of the wildest and craziest shows on the planet. Be prepared for your eyes and ears to be bombarded with laser lights, noise and kitsch. Enjoy a bento-box meal while you watch the fun-filled show, which includes fembots, robot fights, dinosaurs and sexy dancers.

Official Website 

Fembots at the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku | Photo by Cory Doctorow on Wikimedia Commons

Join a Cooking Class 

Tokyo has more Michelin Stars than any other city in the world with some amazing authentic regional food on offer from all across the country. Food is a big part of any trip to Japan, so why not take it to the next level by joining a cooking class in Tokyo. A wide variety of cooking classes are available such as sushi making, ramen, bento making and wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionary). You can even join a regular Japanese family for some traditional home-cooked Japanese dishes as well as vegan and vegetarian options. They have about 480 cooking classes in Tokyo, so you are bound to find something that interests you.  

Book an authentic cooking class in Tokyo!

Sushi Making Class

Anata no Warehouse Kawasaki 

Tokyo is home to some of Japan’s best video arcades including Anata no Warehouse in Kawasaki, an industrial city in the Greater Tokyo area. This five-story arcade is specifically designed to look like the former Walled City of Kowloon in Hong Kong. This dystopian amusement arcade is strictly for adults with its sci-fi Blade Runner-esque atmosphere, it feels like you are entering an alien world. If you are a gamer, this is heaven for you, with each level of the building dedicated to different type of gamers.

Official Website

Anata no Warehouse | Photo by Ken Ohyama on Wikimedia Commons

Odaiba 

Odaiba is a high-tech entertainment and shopping area on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Here you will find the iconic rainbow bridge which connects Odaiba to the heart of Tokyo as well as a life-size Gundam statue and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Odaiba is home to the MORI Building Digital Art Museum, Venus Fort, a Venice-themed shopping mall, Zepp Tokyo, one of Tokyo’s largest concert halls/nightclubs and the Aqua City and Diver City shopping centers.

Rainbow Bridge at night from Odaiba | Photo by Gussisaurio on Wikimedia Commons