I greatly enjoyed my visit to this apartment in Hatanodai. It is a cozy place, perfect for anyone traveling alone. Shinobu is an excellent host! After welcoming me to the room, she gave me a quick tour of the neighborhood. She made herself available for any questions, responded promptly and made me feel welcome and at home. She invited me to lunch with her and her husband, and we had an excellent time together. I now have 2 new friends in Tokyo and look forward to seeing them on my next visit!
Hatanodai is a vibrant area with lots of small shops and restaurants, but is not crowded and very few westerners are there. This gives it an authentic feel and makes it an adventure. There are not many signs in English so it will be a challenge if you are not familiar with Japanese, but people are friendly and willing to help you navigate ordering food. Every place I nervously entered I was warmly greeted and made to feel welcome. There are multiple convenience stores and markets within minutes of the apartment, starting with a 7-11 across the street.
The location is ideal for getting to all the important spots in Tokyo like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Odaiba, Kawasaki, Shimbashi, Akihabara, etc. The trains come frequently and are the envy of the world for their cleanliness and efficiency. After the hustle and bustle and crowds of all the busy areas, it was a delight to return home to the quiet Hatanodai station. The apartment is located next to a busy street, so if you’re a light sleeper like me, you will find earplugs helpful. That being said, I slept well every night.
To sum up, Shinobu’s apt is a great value for the money, pocket WiFi included (strong reliable signal), handy kitchen, oils and spices for cooking, tea and coffee provided, amenities like toothbrush and razors in the room, extra blankets and towels and the toilet has it’s own little room. I loved staying here and will stay again if available on my next visit.