At Arigato Travel, we love sharing interesting accommodations in Japan and all I can say is that the one I’m covering today is very special! I had the opportunity to stay at Section L Ginza East for a night and it was an amazing experience, so let me tell you why!
A very convenient location during your stay in Tokyo
Located in a really central and convenient neighborhood of Tokyo just a few minute’s walk to Tsukiji, Section L is a great place to access every other area of the city since there are several subway lines within easy walking distance.
I have been living in Tokyo for a few years, but to be honest I’m not really familiar with this area. That’s why I decided to go for a walk and explore a bit to see what was around the hotel. In place of the buzz typical of central Tokyo, the neighborhood is quiet and a perfect place to stay to relax after a full day of walking in the busy and crowded city! Supermarkets and convenience stores are close by, and you can also access delicious restaurants. But if you walk 10 minutes, you can also go to Turret and enjoy one of the best coffee shops in Tokyo (that’s my number one pick in town!)
There is also Sakuragawa Park very close by, so you can chill on sunny days (it’s a nice spot during Cherry Blossom season!) If you have kids, there are also tons of fun amenities for them. But now let’s talk about the hotel itself!
An Eco-Friendly accommodation
First of all, after you make your booking and fill out your information, you’ll receive a QR code for easy check-in on your arrival. The staff at the front desk was super welcoming and everyone speaks perfect English, which is great for travelers who don’t speak Japanese at all and are worried about not being understood! They explained to me how the hotel works and everything was pretty simple and straightforward. But the thing that surprised me (in a good way) was that they asked me if I needed, slippers, a toothbrush, or any other supplies for my night there. Usually, you find this automatically in your room.
BUT, Section L is an eco-conscious property and they care about the environment and everyone’s impact on it. Because you don’t always use what is usually provided in hotel rooms, here you only pick up what you need. No waste! Moreover, they use environmentally friendly products everywhere they can, like with their toothbrushes made from wood and wrapped in paper to avoid plastic.
After I got my stuff and had a quick and pleasant chat with the team, I took the elevator straight to my room. And wow…
Can I move here? Please?
Just so you have a better picture, the room I was staying in was twice the size of my whole apartment in Tokyo. I almost got lost between the bedroom and the bathroom!
Named “Japandi Deluxe”, it’s a 1LDK 40sqm room including a queen size bed, sofas that are also convertible to single beds, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining table, a work desk (perfect for a workcation), a television, a coffee table, a shower and bath, separate toilets, a washing machine, a balcony… and so much more! It’s highly recommended for couples or families and I can tell there is everything you need for a comfortable stay.
But let’s go back to the kitchen, which was for me one of the highlights. To be honest, cooking in my really small kitchen is kind of frustrating. There is no space for anything and I have to play Tetris as soon as I want to prepare something… But look at that!
A fridge and freezer, a microwave, a rice cooker, a kettle, 3 stoves, a toaster, a dishwasher (!!!), some utensils, and a HUGE space to prepare your favorite meals. Is this heaven? Every time I enter a hotel room, the first thing I do is check everywhere and try everything, so as you can imagine I had to give this kitchen a try. That’s why we decided to buy some ingredients and make a carbonara for dinner. It was so pleasant to cook without worrying about where to put the pan when I hold the plate with my third hand… and it was also so yummy!
But because we can’t live in the kitchen forever, we decided to go for a small walk to help digest the food in the area before taking a bath, chilling, and going to sleep. The bathroom was spacious and the hotel also provides amenities such as shampoo, shower gel, and conditioner (and a little duck). I usually take a shower but I couldn’t resist taking a bath this time (I told you I need to try everything, I’m a kid).
After being refreshed, what’s better than relaxing in the living room? There is a sofa where you can rest, a television, and a small table. There was also a book in the room about recommended Tokyo restaurants and bars so, of course, I had to check a few addresses to add to my list.
Then we set out for the last objective of the day: sleeping. The queen-size bed (by BoConcept) was amazingly comfortable and is the perfect size if you’re tall and worried about the Japanese-size beds you find at some hotels around the country. There were a lot of cushions, a blanket, and extras in the closet if necessary. Moreover, the rooms are soundproof so I can assure you you’ll sleep like a baby.
There is also a desk if you’re here for work. The hotel provides a good wifi connection and the room is very bright, which makes it a good place to kick some emails and show your face on Zoom for meetings (while pretending it’s your apartment).
More than a place to stay, a community
Focused on community, the Section L staff want their guests to be friends with each other and meet. That’s why they also provide a platform where you can register and share some events with the other persons staying at the hotel. They also share news and can be reached out to if you need any help or have any questions.
More than that, they have a happy hour every Thursday evening (called Thirsty Thursday) so the guests can relax and talk with each other. This is also a great way to talk with the staff who will share great stories and give you advice on what to do/eat in the area!
Each month the alcohol they offer changes, which is a nice way to discover local drinks from Japan (and for free). This time we had the opportunity to choose between Nikka Whisky, a Gin from Hiroshima, and a Rum from Kagoshima Prefecture. Everything was delicious (the Rum was surprising – I’m usually not a big fan but this one was special and really yummy!) and we had a great time with everyone. If you’re going to Section L make sure to go on a Thursday for more fun and to meet other travelers from all over the world!
What are you looking for?
With their flexible stay, Section L is not just great for one night but also perfect for mid and long-term rent! The good news is that they provide a percentage discount if you stay longer.
I had a wonderful time there and I’d recommend staying there for a few days to enjoy the experience fully. I think the “Japandi Deluxe” is perfect for a couple or a family but if you’re looking for something smaller they have other options such as the “Japandi Classic” (25sqm 3pax) or the “Japandi Cozy (25sqm 2pax)”. You can find the details of each room on their website: https://section-l.co/ginza-east/ They also have a location in Asakusa if that’s more convenient for you!
More so than in a regular hotel, I really felt at home and felt way better than staying in any hotel room that looks the same as in every other country. I think this is a fantastic way to explore Tokyo! The building is modern and clean, the staff friendly and the rooms are equipped with everything you need in daily life. So make sure to book a room for your next trip!
You can read their interview here: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/interview-with-section-l-japans-most-amusing-apartment-hotels/
Address: 1 Chome-14-5 Shintomi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0041
Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/E7CMr2YnNqctqT7n9
Website: https://www.section-l.co
Instagram: @staysection_l
Facebook: @sectionl.tokyo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RD8n2u91gyQ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/section-l/
Join our 3-hour food tour in the Tsukiji area during your stay at Section L Ginza East!
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