SHINJUKU

WHERE TO STAY:

Hundred Stay Tokyo

I decided to have a staycation as we are packing house and I felt totally overwhelmed. I wanted somewhere for Ren to be able to crawl around and somewhere that wasn't on the edge of Tokyo. After a quick search on Agoda, I stumbled on this too good to be true deal of ¥15000 for a 57m apartment/hotel/serviced apartment near Shin Okubo station - normal price is around ¥80000! If I needed to go to to Shinjuku, it would be a 15 minute stroll and Korean Town was 5 minutes away. (I'm a bit obsessed with sweet & spicy Korean Chicken)

I was sold and booked for three nights. Upon arrival I could not believe my eyes. On the 20F with views to match, I felt like I was in a chic NYC apartment. There was a basic kitchen, fridge, hob and dryer/washer and more space than I imagined.

Hot Tip:

• Wi-fi Hotspot in each room and with a cost of ¥300 per 24 hours you can take it with you when you hit the town.

• Free Water daily

• Basic buffet - if not included will cost ¥600.

• You can purchase laundry detergent and kitchen sponge and dishwashing liquid for ¥100.

• English speaking staff

There is something about being high up above the city, watching the train glide past and the lights that dance in the darkness. It's a feeling of nostalgia with a sprinkle of self-reflection, a splash of hope and a lot of dreaming all rolled into one. For a fleeting moment I felt like Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation. With the lights off, staring out over Tokyo city, I got lost in the moment.

FOR THE KIDS:

1. Shinjuku Marui Main Building (Honkan)

High up above the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku lies a hidden and - usually - quiet English garden. Take the elevator to the top floor. If you have a stroller, you can park it in the designated parking area, with locks and climb the 20-odd stairs to a beautiful contained area that is safe for a run-around and an, impromptu, picnic.

3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022