Koraku Garden Hotel, where you can enjoy Nishikigoi

One day in May, I had some business in Tokyo, so I decided to stay in Tokyo alone on short notice.

I chose the Koraku Garden Hotel in central Tokyo, thinking, 'Since I'm here, I might as well stay at a hotel with a calm atmosphere.' I ended up experiencing the beauty of Japan in an unexpected way and had a wonderful time, so I'm writing this article to summarize it.

Access to Koraku Garden Hotel

This hotel is located a 10-minute train ride from Tokyo Station via JR, followed by a walk of just under 10 minutes. It's a little tricky because you have to cross several large intersections, but since you just follow the main road, it wasn't a scary route.

I had business at Tokyo Station this time and headed directly to the hotel from Iidabashi Station, but it is also a convenient location for those sightseeing at Tokyo Dome in the Suidobashi area or Tokyo Daijingu Shrine in the Iidabashi area.

Delightful hotel services

After checking in, I was introduced to a rare and delightful service called the 'Shampoo Viking.' About 10 types of shampoo are lined up in front of the front desk, and you can put your favorite shampoo in a case and take it to your room.

I was so absorbed in choosing a shampoo that I forgot to take a picture, but for someone like me who has many hair concerns, I was very happy to be able to choose one that suited me from so many options.

Hotel atmosphere

Since the Japan-China Friendship Center is next door, I saw structures and signs throughout that reflected that atmosphere.

I felt this especially in the breakfast buffet venue.
National flags were placed at the entrance, conveying the importance placed on Japan-China friendship.

Also, the breakfast venue was heavily promoting 'Nishikigoi' (koi carp) in this way.

In the space from the entrance to the breakfast venue, a 'Nishikigoi Sanctuary Exhibition' in collaboration with Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture, is being held. Various goods such as sake with koi depicted on the bottles and lucky charms were lined up, and it was very impressive.

Also, there were many large, real Nishikigoi in the courtyard of the breakfast venue, and I ate breakfast while watching these magnificent fish. I had never had the experience of eating while watching Nishikigoi before, and I clearly remember feeling very elegant.

The background music in the venue was "Sakura" by Ketsumeishi, and I felt very relaxed and in touch with Japan. I truly felt that this is a hotel I would like to recommend not only to Chinese visitors but to all international guests.

Just seeing this garden makes staying at the "Koraku Garden Hotel" worth it!

A morning stroll at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
I heard that "Koishikawa Korakuen Garden" is just a short walk from the "Koraku Garden Hotel," so I went there after breakfast. I went out of curiosity without any prior knowledge, but it turned out to be the oldest surviving daimyo garden in Edo, whose layout was completed by the famous Mito Komon (Mitsukuni Mito) himself.

The "Korakuen Garden," built to resemble famous places and classics from both Japan and China, has many highlights. I stayed for about an hour, but I really wanted to take my time and stay longer.
A garden so quiet and peaceful that you forget you are in the middle of Tokyo.
Depending on the season, you can enjoy the expressions of the four seasons, such as cherry blossoms, irises, lotus flowers, and snowy landscapes.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, where "Japanese" and "Chinese" elements coexist, has been entertaining everyone for a long time. On this day, there was a Nogizaka46 concert at the nearby Tokyo Dome, and I could even hear the sound from it at times.
Thanks to that, I was very lucky to have a deeply atmospheric time where I could feel the culture of the "past" and the "present" in addition to the "Japanese" and "Chinese" elements.

It takes about 3 minutes on foot from the "Koraku Garden Hotel," so please visit "Koishikawa Korakuen Garden" for an early morning walk!

Exploring hotels for solo travelers

There is a manga I like called "Ohitorisama Hotel" (Solo Traveler Hotel), with original concept by Maro and art by Maki Hirochi, which depicts the features of real-life hotels.

Inspired by this manga, I agonize every time I book a hotel, trying to make sure it will be a memorable stay.

This time, I stayed at a "hotel where you can feel the Japanese spirit," and I had a wonderful time.

I would like to continue summarizing my experiences here whenever I stay at a wonderful hotel.