Published date: January 16, 2025
Taking the Train to Kichijoji
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
My favorite accommodation that I use when touring Tokyo is "Grids Tokyo Ueno Ekimae Hotel & Hostel." It is ideally located within walking distance from Ueno Station, making it very convenient as a base for sightseeing or business in Tokyo. The access to popular spots like Ueno Zoo and Ameyoko is excellent, and there’s almost no stress related to moving.
The café lounge on the first floor is a truly pleasant spot to relax. The spacious environment is perfect for remote work or some light tasks. Recently, there has been an increase in guests from overseas in the lounge, creating a vibrant international atmosphere. It's common to see guests chatting with each other in English, making it an ideal environment for those looking for some social interaction. Additionally, the lounge offers drinks and snacks, making it perfect for a little relaxation at night or a light breather after a day of sightseeing.
During my stay, I used a dormitory room. The bed spaces are compact yet very functional, allowing for privacy. Individual lockers with locks are also provided, ensuring the safety of valuables. Having hangers available makes it convenient for organizing luggage while traveling. The shared shower rooms and wash areas are clean and very pleasant to use.
The charm of this hostel does not stop there. It offers affordable accommodations, but also provides a great balance of comfort and warm service. The staff is friendly and responds diligently to inquiries regarding sightseeing information, making it recommended for first-time visitors to Tokyo.
Grids Tokyo Ueno Ekimae Hotel & Hostel is an accommodation option with excellent balance between accessibility and comfort. I will definitely choose this place again for my next stay in Tokyo!
Experiences during the trip
On this day, I decided to extend my journey a bit and headed to the Kichijoji area via JR. Kichijoji is an area filled with fashionable and unique shops, making it an exciting place to explore. This time, I would like to share the gourmet experiences and moments of relaxation I encountered there.
First, I casually stopped by a curry shop called "Sarya Sajiro." This restaurant, run by an Indian owner, left a strong impression with its friendly service that simply made me smile. What I ordered that day was biryani, an Indian dish made with spiced rice and mixed with meat, fish, and vegetables, all lavishly combined. Among Indian cuisine, it's a particularly deep dish. I chose that day's special, the fish biryani. It had generously cut pieces of fish, making for a satisfying meal. The inclusion of a salad and drink made it all the more delightful.
For the drink, I ordered hot chai, which had a rich flavor that fully expressed the aroma of spices and paired wonderfully with the biryani.
Additionally, I could add curry to my meal for an extra 220 yen, so I selected chicken curry. The spicy yet creamy flavor of the curry enhanced the deliciousness of the biryani. It was a lucky encounter to find such a wonderful restaurant, and I was completely satisfied to the extent that I want to visit again.
After the meal, I headed to "LIGHT UP COFFEE," located a bit of a walk away, in search of coffee. This shop specializes in light-roasted coffee, and as I asked the staff for recommendations, I chose a Tanzanian drip coffee. It featured a refreshing acidity reminiscent of apples and oranges, making it a perfect cup for post-meal relaxation. Enjoying a carefully brewed coffee in a stylish interior was truly blissful.
Afterward, I took a leisurely stroll at Kichijoji Nishikouen. Soaking up the winter sunshine while basking felt rejuvenating and was so comfortable that I almost forgot the time. Kichijoji has many other intriguing shops. Next time, I want to visit more intentionally and discover new favorites.