Tokyo's Hidden Gem: COB Hotel Asakusa - Unbelievable Views!
COB Hotel Asakusa: My Tokyo Tango - Views That'll Make You Forget Your Passport (and your worries!) ✈️
Okay, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Tokyo can feel like navigating the Shibuya crossing during rush hour – overwhelming, confusing, and you're pretty sure you're going to get run over by a rogue electric scooter. But then, bam! You stumble upon COB Hotel Asakusa – Unbelievable Views! And suddenly, the dizzying neon and crowded streets fade away, replaced by an oasis of chilled vibes and… views. Unbelievable views. Seriously, you could spend your entire trip just staring out the window. (And trust me, I almost did.)
(Disclaimer: I'm not a robot, I'm a human. This review is messy, opinionated, and might contain the occasional tangent. Buckle up.)
First, the Essentials (and the "Meh-tials"):
- Accessibility: I don't have mobility issues, so I can't give a firsthand account. But the info says Facilities for Disabled Guests are available. This is something I'd actually call and check on their website for more specific details as this is absolutely paramount to some travelers.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products? Professional-grade sanitizing services? Rooms sanitized between stays? Okay, COB. You had me at "views." The pandemic has made this a huge selling point and I think COB does it right. They take it serious, which is great. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. They even have Daily disinfection in common areas. I felt safe and surprisingly, not like I was living in a biohazard suit. Room sanitization opt-out? Honestly, I don’t know why you'd want to (unless you're a germophobe who wants to breathe germs), but the option is there. They even had Safe dining setup; it was all very well done.
The View (OMG, the View!):
This is it, people. This is the reason you book this hotel. They've got Pool with view. Yeah. Pool with view. That little pool up on the rooftop, with the Tokyo skyline sprawling before you like some kind of futuristic cityscape painting? Chef's kiss. Forget Mount Fuji (okay, don't actually forget Mount Fuji, it is amazing), this view is instantly iconic. You can actually see everything from up there. The Tokyo Skytree, the temples, the chaos… it's a breathtaking, beautiful, and slightly overwhelming panorama of Tokyo-ness. Seriously, I caught myself just staring out the window for, like, an hour the first day. My brain just melted.
Getting Comfortable: Rooms & Amenities (the "Good Stuff")
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock (thank god), Bathrobes (essential for post-pool lounging), Bathroom phone (Why? I have no idea, but its there!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (bless these, Tokyo’s lights are relentless), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (mandatory for a caffeine fiend like me), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (very nice to get the room cleaned).
- Desk: Good for working, which is crucial for anyone who's doing remote work right now.
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi is a MUST. Internet access-Wireless is great and the Internet access - LAN is useful for anyone who wants to plug-in.
- Hair dryer (necessary), High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (expensive, skip it).
- On-demand movies (lazy day win!), Private bathroom, Reading light (a godsend), Refrigerator (very needed), Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (always love slippers!), Smoke detector (I hope they work!), Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing (needed in Tokyo!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (fresh air bliss).
My Room's Quirks: I had a room on a high floor, and yeah, the view was spectacular. The Bed was comfy. The Slippers were a nice touch. The soundproofing was top-notch, which is crucial because, let's be honest, Tokyo is never quiet. The biggest problem was the lack of outlets! Always a problem in hotels.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure):
- Restaurants: The hotel has a few restaurants. The Asian cuisine was a decent, the Western cuisine was forgettable. They have A la carte in restaurant, which they have a Coffee/tea in restaurant. There's also a Poolside bar, which is perfect for sipping something cold while gazing out at the Pool with view.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, please. Asian breakfast? Heck yes! Start your day right. I loaded up on the Asian breakfast. The Western breakfast was available too. Breakfast service. There was coffee shop.
- Room Service: Room service has 24/7.
- Snack bar: They had it!
Services & Conveniences (the "Nice-to-Haves"):
- Air conditioning in public area. The Concierge were friendly and helpful with Contactless check-in/out. Good Luggage storage. Elevator, thank god! Daily housekeeping was perfect.
- Car park [free of charge] - bonus.
- They have a doorman.
- Food delivery - useful.
- They have Invoice provided.
- Laundry service is also offered.
- Safety deposit boxes for the important stuff.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the View):
- Fitness center - I never went, but hey, it's there.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna - they all there, they have a Steamroom, but I didn’t have time for a Massage or a Body scrub or Body wrap.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] - the Pool with view is also here.
Getting Around (Making it Easy):
- Airport transfer (easy!)
- Bicycle parking (Tokyo's great for cycling)
- Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] (free is a bonus!)
- Taxi service.
The "Meh" Moments (Because Life Isn't Perfect):
- The gym was small and a bit… sad.
- The coffee in the coffee shop was average. Meh.
- The area around the hotel is busy, not the most beautiful.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously.
COB Hotel Asakusa isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's the kind of place you'll tell your friends about, the kind of place you'll dream about when you're back home, staring at your boring walls. Yes, the food might not be Michelin-star material, and the gym has its limitations, but those views? They're worth every single penny. They'll make you forget about jet lag, crowded trains, and all the other little annoyances that come with travel.
The Unforgettable Moment: My second night, I wandered up to the rooftop pool after a long day of exploring. It was just me, the Tokyo skyline, and a glass of plum wine. I remember thinking, "Wow. This is what it’s all about." And frankly, that feeling alone makes COB Hotel Asakusa a winner.
My Opinion: Four out of five stars, easily. That view alone bumps it up a full star.
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Jinzhou Getaway: Hanting Hotel's Best Railway Station Location!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're doing this my way, COB Hotel Asakusa style. Forget your pristine itineraries, because honey, this is gonna be a hot mess express – and I wouldn't have it any other way.
The Asakusa Chaos: A Totally Unrealistic, Yet Real, Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Mostly Kidding… Maybe)
14:00 - Arrival at Narita Airport (NRT): Ugh. Airports. The human equivalent of a holding pen before we go to a prettier holding pen. Already regretting my luggage situation (why did I think I needed three pairs of shoes?). The sky is that particular shade of hazy grey that promises beautiful things, which is nice, I guess.
15:30 - Airport Limousine Bus to COB Hotel Asakusa: So, the bus is a godsend. Air conditioning, comfy seats, what's not to love? Except for the tiny, silent woman next to me who keeps subtly adjusting her face mask. Is she judging my travel-weary face? Probably. But hey, at least I made it.
17:00 - Check-in at COB Hotel Asakusa: The hotel is actually super charming, a little oasis from the Tokyo buzz. Small room? Yes. But the minimalist design is kinda Zen, and the free coffee is a bonus, because after those LONG flights, I am a zombie.
18:00 - Exploration of Asakusa (and a Moment of Panic): First stop, Senso-ji Temple! The crowds are intense. Seriously, are there actually more tourists than locals? But the temple itself is magnificent. The incense… wow. I've never inhaled so much good vibes in my life. I bought an omikuji (fortune) and got a "bad" one. Apparently, I'm supposed to "beware of gossip" and "avoid unnecessary purchases" for the next year. Ugh. Are my online shopping habits that obvious to the universe?
19:30 - Dinner at a Random Ramen Place (and Tears of Joy): Okay, this is where things went from "pleasant" to "life-changing." Found a tiny ramen shop off the main drag. I ordered what the kind old woman behind the counter recommended. One slurp later, my worldview shattered. The broth! The noodles! Pure umami perfection. I may have cried a little. Don't judge me.
21:00 - Stroll Through Nakamise-dori Street (and More Regret): The street leading to Senso-ji Temple is lined with shops selling souvenirs and snacks but as I stared at the cute trinkets, I was reminded of my bad fortune. I have a bad feeling about it.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Karaoke Catastrophe
09:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (and Realizing I'm Impatient): The breakfast includes the usual continental fare of fruits, yogurts, and pastries. I'm not a huge breakfast person and I'm already thinking of the next stop.
10:00 - Tsukiji Outer Market (Fish, Fish, Everywhere!): This place is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The energy is buzzing, the seafood is insane. I watched a tuna auction (didn't understand a word), then gorged myself on a chirashi bowl. I swear, the salmon almost melted in my mouth. Pure bliss.
13:00 - Explore Ueno Park After a quick lunch from Tsukiji Outer Market, a stroll through Ueno Park is a must. There are museums, temples, and a zoo.
16:00 - Karaoke Time (OMG, Why Did I Agree To This?): My "friends" dragged me to karaoke. I'm no singer. Apparently, my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" sounded more like a dying walrus but the cocktails helped. I think. Or maybe they made it worse. I blame the tequila.
18:00 - Dinner & drinks with locals: I ended up meeting several locals on this trip! It was quite rewarding getting to know their local customs.
21:00 - Midnight Snacks and Thoughts: Walking around at night is always a good idea, since I' pretty sure that it clears my mind. So I went to a nearby combini for a quick snack while contemplating the mysteries of life and why my karaoke skills are so laughably bad.
Day 3: Temples, Tea, and the Epiphany (Maybe?)
09:00 - Breakfast at the Hotel (Again. Still Judging That Coffee): The routine is starting to feel… familiar. Which means I'm probably going to do something incredibly stupid later today.
10:00 - Visit to the Tokyo National Museum: I'm not particularly into museums, but I went! This one is pretty amazing. Seeing centuries of art and artifacts is incredible. And it might just be the best experience of the trip.
13:00 - Tea Ceremony (and Attempting Grace): I'm attempting this and I'm clumsy. Trying to do the tea ceremony thing is pure comedy. I spilled a tiny bit of matcha. The tea master was polite, but I swear I saw a flicker of judgement in her eyes. I think. The green tea here is super dense, but pleasant.
15:00 - Shopping in Harajuku: The area is cute, trendy, and chaotic. I feel like an alien. I hate the crowds, but the clothes are fashionable, I like them.
18:00 - Dinner in Asakusa (and a Moment of Clarity?): Back in Asakusa, I just wander around, trying to find a new favorite place to eat. I find a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place serving tempura. The chef is amazing, really making the tempura his own.
21:00 - Farewell Drinks at a Local Bar (and Acceptance?): A local bar. Talking with my friends, I found myself surprisingly content. The trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, loud, and occasionally overwhelming. But it was mine. And I think I wouldn't have it any other way.
Day 4: Departure & the Post-Travel Blues
09:00 - Final Breakfast at the Hotel: One last coffee. One last look at the peaceful courtyard. Time to leave.
10:00 - Packing, checking -out and the Airport Limousine Bus Back to NRT: The time had come for me to leave this great hotel and go back to the airport.
12:00 - Narita Airport (NRT) & Goodbye Japan Sad to leave after such an amazing, chaotic, and incredibly delicious adventure.
Stuff I Probably Missed:
- More temples. I could have explored more, but I’m easily distracted by food.
- The Sumida River cruise (maybe next time!).
- A geisha district (I was too shy).
The End (Maybe?)
So, there you have it. My completely subjective, probably inaccurate, and definitely imperfect itinerary for Asakusa. My experience was a mix of beauty, chaos, and a whole lot of ramen-induced happiness. Will I come back? Abso-freakin-lutely.
Aston Rowant's Cherry Tree: England's Most Stunning Secret?
Okay, Seriously, Is the View REALLY That Good from COB Hotel Asakusa? I've Seen Pictures.
Look. Pictures. They lie. They *mildly* represent reality. The pictures are good, yeah, but the *feeling*? The *impact*? That's the thing. Okay, remember that scene in *Spirited Away*? The one where Chihiro's looking out over the bathhouse, all dizzy with the enormity of it? That, but with the Tokyo Skytree. Seriously. You're high up, the city sprawls beneath you like a glittering, breathing organism. First morning, I was half asleep, stumbled out onto the balcony... BAM. Jaw-on-the-floor. Didn’t brush my teeth for like, a full hour. Just stood there. Staring. It’s addictive. I’m pretty sure I spent half my trip just… *viewing*. And that’s saying something, 'cause I was there to eat ALL the ramen.
So, What's the Vibe Like Inside, Besides the Obvious View? Is it… Trendy? Pretentious?
Okay, so "trendy" implies a certain… *coldness*. COB Asakusa is not cold. It’s more… relaxed cool. Think well-worn leather couches, soft lighting, and a general sense of "come as you are, and let’s just enjoy this spectacular panoramic view, shall we?" No stuffy hushed tones. No glaringly obvious "Instagrammable" locations. (Although, let's be real, the *whole place* is Instagrammable). Think, "I just climbed out of pajamas to have breakfast with the Skytree". They get this: the view is the star. Everything else is there to enhance it, not compete with it. I remember one day, I was wandering around in my slippers. Nobody gave a damn. It's like, "Dude, we get it. The view will make you forget clothes exist." (Almost.)
Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Japan Can Be Tricky on Space.
Alright, Japan and space. It's a dance, a delicate ballet of efficient design. COB Asakusa is… *good*. Not palatial, mind you. You're not going to hold a rave in there. But, they’ve done a solid job maximizing the space. My room was a double - or maybe a tiny double, I forget. It felt more like a *smart* use of space. Enough room to move around, unpack, and, crucially, *stare out the window*. The bathroom was small, but functional. And, let's be honest, you're not going to spend a *ton* of time in the bathroom, are you? You’re gonna be on that bloody balcony. However, if you are claustrophobic, maybe consider spending more per night, or bringing a friend.
Food and Drink? What's the Deal? Breakfast Included?
Breakfast *is* included. And it's decent. Nothing Michelin-star, but perfectly fine. Think: toast, yogurt, fruit, maybe some pastries. The coffee was… coffee. But, the best bit? You take it to that balcony. Imagine, a coffee in your hand, the sun hitting the Skytree… bliss. Beyond breakfast… there's a bar. Which is essential. Especially if you’ve just spent three hours wandering around Senso-ji Temple and need to debrief with a beer. They also serve some snacks. But frankly, the real food adventure awaits outside. So many ramen shops within walking distance... so few stomachs.
Asakusa Itself: Is it a Good Location for Exploring Tokyo?
YES! Oh my god, yes. Asakusa is *fantastic*. It's got such a great, old-Tokyo vibe. Senso-ji Temple is stunning, the Nakamise-dori market is a sensory overload (in the best way!), and you can easily walk to the Sumida River and hop on a boat. Plus, it’s super close to the metro, so you can get anywhere else in Tokyo pretty easily. It's a great base for exploring. Be warned: it can get crowded with tourists, but that’s part of the charm! The hustle and bustle, the smells... it's Tokyo in a nutshell. Just try to block out the selfie sticks!
Hidden Gem? Seriously? What's the Catch? It Sounds Too Good.
Okay, okay. Here's the *potential* catch. It’s not super cheap. Good views, prime location… they come at a price. But, when you factor in the view (seriously, the *view*!), the location, and the overall experience, I wouldn't say it's extortionate. Book in advance, especially during peak season. And another “catch”? One time, the elevator went down for like an hour. Minor inconvenience. And a little bit of the "hidden gem" aspect is getting eroded by all us talking about it. Sorry, COB! But still. Consider it an investment in your sanity and your Instagram feed.
Okay, Back to the View. Nighttime Views? Worth it? More than Daytime?
OH. MY. GOD. Nighttime. Nighttime is… different. It’s like the city transforms into a giant, shimmering jewel box. The Skytree lit up, a beacon in the darkness. Tiny lights twinkling everywhere. You feel… small. In a good way. I spent *hours* on that balcony one night. I swear, I saw a shooting star. Or maybe it was just the sake talking. Either way, definitely worth it. Daytime is spectacular. Nighttime is transcendent. The night is worth more than the day. No questions asked.
Any Tips for Booking? Best Time to Go? Any Rooms to Avoid?
Book *way* in advance. Seriously. Like, yesterday. Especially if you want a room with a good view. And, yes, there are rooms with *even better* views – try to snag one on a higher floor, facing the Skytree directly. Avoid rooms on the first couple of floors if you can - you won't get much of a view from there (And that's the whole point!). The best time to go? Hmm... I think it's good any time of year. But, I’d imagine cherry blossom season would be phenomenal. Pack light. And take extra phone charging cables. Battery life is a real killer. You don't want to run out of juice while staring at the night sky.
Would You Go Back? Honestly?
