Published date: August 8, 2025
Unexpected First Snow~ Stay at OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
On my trip to Tokyo in March, I unexpectedly encountered rare early spring snowfall, and choosing to stay at "OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts" added a sense of romance and surprise to the journey. The hotel is situated in the lively Asakusa area, yet the overall style is tranquil and comfortable. It is part of Hoshino Group’s design accommodation brand, known for its philosophy of "immersing in local culture and easy check-in," perfect for either independent travelers or short stays.
The hotel's location is very convenient, just about a five-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line or Ginza Line. Nearby, you have Senso-ji Temple, Kaminarimon, and Nakamise Shopping Street, lively yet traditional, also with plenty of convenience stores and supermarkets. If you plan to visit Mount Fuji, Hakone, or Lake Kawaguchi the next day, OMO3 is an excellent choice for an overnight stay, making it easy to catch a train and transfer to a highway bus in the morning.
During my stay, it pleasantly snowed in Tokyo, and the rooftop became a popular photo spot. Standing on the terrace, I could enjoy a 360-degree view of Asakusa’s rooftops and streets covered in white, while in the distance, **Skytree** quietly stood enveloped in white fog, creating a dreamlike urban landscape. When the lights came on in the evening, the night view became even more enchanting. The rooftop area also features a communal seating area serving simple drinks and snacks, allowing guests to enjoy food while chatting and taking in the Tokyo night sky.
The room design follows the OMO brand's consistent minimalist yet thoughtful style; I stayed in the loft-style room. The upper level features a cozy sleeping area, resembling a secret hideout beneath a roof, giving a whimsical and comforting feeling. The bedding is soft, and the space is not cramped; the lower level includes a sofa, luggage storage area, and washbasin, with separate bathroom facilities, ensuring that two guests won’t disturb each other. The overall space planning is exquisite and suitable for couples or families.
The hotel does not offer breakfast options, but on the first floor, there are vending machines and a snack area with local specialty rice balls, light snacks, and drinks, plus a coffee machine and microwave. In the evening, if you prefer not to go out, you can grab some treats and head to the rooftop to enjoy the night view, which is one of the delights of this hotel.
The staff at OMO3 are friendly and familiar with local culture. The front desk provides nearby walking routes and maps of specialty shops, like recommended hidden wagashi shops, Showa retro cafes, or niche stationery stores, allowing guests to experience Asakusa from different angles. Additionally, inquiries about transportation to Mount Fuji can be made at the front desk, making it very friendly for foreign travelers.
Overall, "OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts" is a high-quality accommodation that combines geographic convenience, warm design, and local cultural experiences. Whether planning to explore the charms of Asakusa, experience the rare snowfall of Tokyo, or use it as a stopover to Mount Fuji, this is a stay not to be missed. On my next visit to Tokyo, I would still want to return to this warm and approachable space.
Experiences during the trip
During my stay at OMO3 Asakusa, I rediscovered the joy of "taking slow walks." The iconic Kaminarimon Gate is just a three-minute walk from the hotel. Standing under its giant lantern, I felt a genuine sense of having arrived in Tokyo. Walking through Kaminarimon leads to the bustling Nakamise shopping street on either side, filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs like ningyo-yaki, senbei, and matcha ice cream. I found myself eating my way through, wanting to sample everything from each shop. Despite the large number of tourists, this place retains a nostalgic local charm.
There was an unforgettable little episode. One evening, I wandered into "Denkou-in Street" next to Senso-ji Temple, a quieter, more local alley compared to Nakamise. I stumbled upon a fortune cat shop run by an elderly man. Seeing my interest in a particular ema (wooden prayer plaque), he communicated with me using simple English and gestures, saying, "This is for travelers' blessings, and I hope you can smoothly visit Mount Fuji later." I bought one and felt a bit touched; such warmth is rare to encounter in big cities.
There are many interesting spots near the hotel, like Sumida Park, which is about a 10-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple. Walking along the riverside, I enjoyed the view of the Tokyo Skytree. On nice days, I could see the blend of sky colors and reflections on the water, creating a poetic scene. I even went for a short jog there at 7 AM, feeling as if I were living like a local in Tokyo; it was quite special.
I also recommend walking about 15 minutes to Kappabashi Tool Street, known for its kitchenware and food model wholesale shops. They offer everything from Japanese tableware to food samples. I bought a sushi keychain to give to a friend, which was super fun and infused with a unique Asakusa cultural flavor.
In the evening, if you don’t want to venture far, there are plenty of traditional izakayas and dessert shops in the alleys behind Kaminarimon. One night, I had soba noodles paired with tempura in a cozy little shop, then headed back to the hotel rooftop to enjoy the night view. It lightly snowed that day, and the Skytree in the distance lit up, resembling a glowing tower of the future, shining in this historic neighborhood.
Asakusa is not just a touristy check-in spot but a community combining history, daily life, and local sentiments. The location of OMO3 allowed me to experience these small stories at a more leisurely pace and perspective, making this trip full of unexpected surprises and memories.