We had a lovely couple of weeks in Masami’s apartment. It was spotlessly clean, probably the cleanest Airbnb we’ve stayed in!
The location was great, 5 minute walk to Hatagaya metro which we used to get to Shinjuku Station (and could get everywhere from here). We got the 72 hour metro passes and found these great value at 1,500 JPY. We just had to top up each time we set off or returned via Hatagaya (the Keio New Line is not included in the pass).
The apartment was spacious enough for the two of us for a couple of weeks. Exactly as described and we made use of the washer and hairdryer, really useful as we didn’t have to pack too much so had plenty of room for souvenirs.
The air con was a dream, as the temperature reached 37 on most days. If you, like me are attractive to mosquitos make sure you pack a good DEET based repellent. I was bitten on the first night several times. I struggled to find a repellent with more than 10% DEET in the local pharmacy’s (was difficult to translate DEET). There is a mosquito repellent plug in (found in the wardrobe on one of our last days). It didn’t have a refill in so if you’d like to use this, may be worthwhile asking Masami.
The instructions Masami left to get to the apartment from the airport were really useful. The portable WiFi was fantastic to use when out and about.
We ate at the Pizza and wine bar on one occasion which is on the local shopping street. It was great and good value (pizza 500JPY, glass of wine or beer also 500JPY). Would recommend exploring this street as it has a gelato place and flower shop and some other interesting things. Local small supermarkets were useful for water and snacks.
We would recommend ‘Good Times’ bakery at Shinjuku Station (East exit) for breakfast. ‘Berg’ also at Shinjuku East exit for bar snacks and wine/beer (great atmosphere). ‘Katsu Midori’ for great value sushi (most plates between 100 and 200JPY). It has a really great/easy ordering system and it’s such good value. It is on 8th floor of Seibu department store in Shibuya. There’s always a queue for seats (but don’t let it put you off, it moves fast). We also enjoyed great value gyoza at ‘Harajuku Gyoza-ro’ 200JPY for a plate of 6 and the best lemon sour we had.
We’d most definitely recommend Masami’s apartment, and hope to visit again in the future!