Unbelievable Tokyo Getaway: Richmond Hotel Musashino's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Tokyo Getaway: Richmond Hotel Musashino's Secret Revealed! – My Completely Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the digital tea on the Richmond Hotel Musashino. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram posts – this is the real deal. I'm talking sweat, snacks, and maybe a slight existential crisis, all fueled by my recent Tokyo adventure (and a serious caffeine addiction). Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility & Ease of Landing (and Moving Around in Style)
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I appreciate a place that tries. They advertise facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. Did I personally test it? No, I'm a perfectly able-bodied human, albeit one who trips over thin air. But the elevator is definitely there. Important. The front desk? 24-hour, thank goodness. Because jet lag is a beast. Airport transfer? Yes! And a car park [free of charge]. Tokyo parking is a nightmare, so that's a MAJOR win. Plus, taxi service is readily available. I'm all for being chauffeured after a 14-hour flight, you know?
Cleanliness & Safety (Because Let's Be Real, We’re All a Bit Germ-Averse Now)
Okay, deep breaths. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check. Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe anyway, and this place truly felt…clean. They've got the whole safety thing DOWN. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offered room sanitization opt-out! Mind. Blown. I opted in, obviously. I mean, who wouldn’t? They've got hygiene certification which sounds fancy. Felt secure. Really, really secure. Especially with the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. The fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and all that jazz were present and accounted for. Basically, you'd be safer here than in your own sterilized, bubble-wrapped home… probably.
Rooms & Amenities (My Little Sanctuary…Eventually)
My room? Ah, yes, my little haven of sanity in the Tokyo whirlwind. Truth be told, I’m not always a fan of hotel rooms. They often feel… sterile. But Richmond Hotel Musashino actually got it right.
- Air conditioning: Essential. Because Tokyo humidity is a… well, it's an experience.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Yassss! The internet was reliable, which is a luxury. Didn't test the Internet [LAN], but I've got a Wi-Fi addiction.
- Blackout curtains: Bless their hearts. Tokyo lights up at 5 a.m., and you need sleep, dammit.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes, please. And the complimentary tea was actually decent.
- The High floor I was on made it extra peaceful. I'm a sucker for a good view (or at least not looking directly at the wall of another building).
- Bathrobes, slippers… standard hotel luxury.
- Free bottled water – always appreciated.
- Daily housekeeping: My little nest was always tidy. And my stuff didn't miraculously disappear, so score!
- All the usual suspects: Desk, closet, safe box, hair dryer, etc.
- I didn't need the interconnecting room(s), but it's a nice option for families.
- The bed was comfy. Not the most luxurious, but after a day of exploring, I crashed hard.
The bathroom phone was a bit retro, I’ll be honest. Still, it's a nice touch. The separate shower/bathtub was great, especially after a long day of walking. The toiletries were okay, but take your own if you're fussy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Restaurants? Multiple. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep, and not a bad one! They offer Asian breakfast alongside the Western breakfast, because, duh, you're in Japan. I tried both. The Asian breakfast was a culinary adventure, from miso soup to pickled things I couldn't identify (but bravely ate!). The Western breakfast was standard fare: eggs, bacon, pastries, the works. Surprisingly good coffee too, and thank god.
- There's a coffee shop. I practically lived there.
- They had a salad in restaurant, which was a major relief. My body was crying out for greens after the ramen overload.
- A bar! Essential for post-exploration relaxation (or pre-exploration bravery, who am I kidding?).
- I appreciated the bottle of water they provided in the room.
- Room service [24-hour]: because sometimes you just want a burger at 2 a.m.
- I didn't try the desserts in restaurant, but I am pretty sure they were great. They are in Japan.
- I did miss a Poolside bar and Snack bar.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Besides Eating)
Alright, the big question. What's the relaxation situation?
- Fitness center: I'm not the exercise type, but it was there.
- Spa/sauna: Score! Not a full-blown, fancy spa, but enough to get your relaxation on.
- I didn't go for any treatments, no Body scrub, or Body wrap.
- There is no Pool with view.
Services & Conveniences (Making Life Easier)
This is where Richmond Hotel Musashino really shines. They understand the traveler's needs.
- Daily housekeeping: My little nest was always tidy. And my stuff didn't miraculously disappear, so score!
- Cash withdrawal: Crucial.
- Concierge: Super helpful with directions, recommendations, and generally making my life easier.
- Currency exchange: Essential for those who haven't mastered the yen yet (me).
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Because you can't wear the same travel outfit for a week straight (or maybe you can, no judgement).
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver on check-out day.
- Convenience store: Snacks at your fingertips. Seriously, this is the best.
- Cashless payment service – a great option!
- Doorman: Always a nice touch.
- Elevator: Again, important.
- I didn't need the Babysitting service, but it's there if you do.
- They also have all the standard stuff: Meeting/banquet facilities, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, etc.
The Quirks & the Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, the truth bomb. It's not perfect. The decor is a little… functional. Not exactly "Instagrammable chic." I definitely had to hunt to find the smoking area, so if you are a smoker, keep that in mind. My big disappointment? No Pool with view. But honestly? I spent so much time exploring Tokyo that I barely had time for the hotel pool anyway.
The "Secret" Revealed? (My Emotional Conclusion)
The "secret" I'm alluding to? It's not some hidden, glamorous celebrity haunt. It's the reliability. The Richmond Hotel Musashino is a solid, reliable, clean, and conveniently located base for exploring Tokyo. It's not trying to be fancy, just comfortable and practical. And that, my friends, is a huge win. I came away feeling well-rested, well-fed, and ready to book my next trip.
Recommendation for Your Stay
For: Anyone who wants a stress-free, comfortable, and centrally located base for exploring Tokyo. Families will love it (and the Family/child friendly options!), those who want to explore the city.
Not for: The ultra-luxury, need-everything-now traveler.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.
My Unmissable Things:
- The Breakfast [buffet]. It starts your day right.
- The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Seriously, internet access is a must.)
- The ridiculously convenient Convenience store, even when I was hungry at 3 AM.
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Colorado Springs' SCARIEST Hotel? You WON'T Believe What Happens Here!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is me trying to survive, maybe thrive (jury's still out), and definitely over-caffeinate in the Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino. Prepare for a rollercoaster of existential dread, questionable food choices, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of getting lost in translation. Here we go… Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino Pilgrimage: A Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Convenience Store Calamity
10:00 AM (Japan Time, which is probably 10 hours ahead of wherever I am… yikes): Arrive at Narita (NRT). The sheer size of this airport is a character in itself. I mean, I swear I walked for an hour just to find baggage claim. (Note to self: pack lighter next time, you absolute baggage-hoarding monster). Jet lag is already kicking in, making me feel like I'm operating in a dream.
12:00 PM: Okay, finding the train to Musashino. I'd studied the maps, memorized the Japanese words for "Where is the station?" (which, let's be honest, I've already forgotten), and downloaded a translation app. And yet, I got on the wrong train. Twice! A nice, elderly woman with a smile and a gentle "Chotto matte" (wait a moment) set me straight. Bless her. It reminded me how much the Japanese are so polite and kind, even to lost souls like me.
- Emotional Reaction: Relieved, mortified, and incredibly grateful for human kindness. Also, slightly convinced I'm cursed.
2:00 PM: Check into the Richmond Hotel Tokyo Musashino. It's… clean. Efficient. Slightly sterile, but hey, I'm here for the adventure, not the decor. My room is a shoebox, but the view is… well, it's a view. (Of other shoeboxes. Welcome to Tokyo!)
2:30 PM: Quick nap. jet lag is a beast. wake up and hungry as hell.
4:00 PM: The Convenience Store Debacle. This deserves its own section, honestly. This is where I almost lost it. Went to the 7-Eleven across the street, thinking I could conquer my ravenous hunger. I stared at the shelves, a glorious tsunami of unfamiliar food. Japanese snacks! Noodles in a cup! Mysterious, savory-looking blobs in plastic containers! I bought everything. Literally everything. I remember thinking, Okay, I'm going to get the best lunch of the world, thinking it would be a cinch, grabbing anything and everything. I even got a rice ball that I didn't know how to open - I failed miserably for ten whole minutes, and I was so starving, I knew I was going to be late for dinner, but I just kept on trying to open it. I'm pretty sure I sweat through my shirt trying to decipher the Japanese instructions. Finally, with the help of my broken-down English-speaking friend, I ate the rice ball so fast, I almost choked.
- Quirky Observation: The convenience store is a microcosm of Japan: packed, efficient, and bursting with hidden wonders. And potentially a serious source of confusion for the uninitiated.
Day 2: Ghibli Museum & The Great Ramen Debate
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The "Western Style" breakfast is… well, it's a generous use of the word "Western". I'm talking a sad-looking croissant, watery coffee, and some toast. I'm starting to miss bacon already.
10:00 AM: Head to the Ghibli Museum. This is the reason I'm here! I've been a Ghibli nerd since my childhood, and I was so excited. The walk through the park leading to the museum is magical. Even the line, which was monstrous, felt okay because I was surrounded by other Ghibli fans all whispering around about their favourite studio ghibli film.
- Anecdote: I swear I saw Totoro peek from behind a tree. (Okay, maybe it was the lack of sleep… but still!)
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated JOY. I felt like a little kid again. The exhibit was a dream come true!!
2:00 PM: Back to Musashino. Time for lunch. The Ramen debate. I did some research. I read reviews. Had a plan.
- Rambling Interlude: Okay, so I wanted the authentic ramen experience. The kind where you slurp, you sweat, you feel your soul re-emerge in a delicious noodle soup. But there were so many choices… Tonkotsu ramen? Shoyu ramen? Miso ramen? It nearly gave me an anxiety attack.
2:30 PM: Find a small restaurant and sit at the counter. I awkwardly asked the waiter for a rec, and he said "Ramen is good, good choice". the ramen was amazing. It was rich, savory, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I slurped, I sweated, and I felt my soul, in fact, re-emerge.
6:00 PM: Explore Musashino. This area is not nearly as crazy and is a lovely place to wander around: small shops, parks, and a general air of peace. I find a tiny, traditional sweet shop and get some mochi. The woman behind the counter smiles so sweetly at me, my Japanese is very mediocre, but we somehow have a conversation and manage to express ourselves.
- Emotional Reaction: This is the real magic of travel, the moments of connection.
8:00 PM: Early night. The jet lag is back with a vengeance. I'm already dreaming of the next adventure.
Day 3: The Tsukiji Outer Market & The Lost in Translation Crisis
6:00 AM: Ugh, wake up early. The Tsukiji Outer Market is calling, and the crowds are calling even more. I'm not a morning person, but the promise of fresh sushi is a powerful motivator.
8:00 AM: Tsukiji Outer Market. Prepare for sensory overload. The sights, the smells, the sounds… it's a beautiful chaos. I eat a sushi breakfast that almost makes me cry (again). I buy a cooking knife and make a deal with the owner as my japanese is really bad, and he is kind and helps me with the negotiation. I love this. This is life.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, if you're in Tokyo, you have to go to Tsukiji. It's a crime against humanity to miss it.
11:00 AM: Back to Musashino. Laundry. This hotel doesn't have laundry facilities. The fun part is trying to figure out how it works, the words are hard to understand. (I thought I was going to die.)
2:00 PM: Trying to go to Inokashira Park to rent a boat. Inokashira Park is a beautiful park with a lake in the middle, and it's supposed to be a great place to go boating. The boat hire shop is nowhere to be seen, and my Japanese is woeful. I finally asked a group of kindly Japanese men in their 70s and 80s for help. They talked for a good 5 minutes, looked at me blankly, giggling, and then pointed me to the boat rental shop.
Emotion: So thankful, but also feeling like a total idiot!
4:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Feeling weary and beat.
8:00 PM: Last dinner. I wander around the nearby streets and have a small udon dinner.
Day 4: Departure & The Post-Travel Meltdown
9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. I make a mental note to try the Japanese breakfast next time. Maybe. Probably not.
10:00 AM: Check out. Final walk around Musashino. Soak it all in.
12:00 PM: Travel to the airport and prepare for the long flight home.
Emotional Reaction: Bitter-sweet. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and already experiencing a post-travel meltdown. I want to stay, but I also miss my own bed. And bacon.
Final Thoughts: This trip was messy, wonderful, and deeply, profoundly human. Japan, I'll be back. (And next time, I will master the rice ball!).
Last Note: This is just the beginning of my adventures in Japan. Stay tuned - there will be more, of that you can be sure. (Especially after all the ramen!)
Unbelievable Tokyo Getaway: Richmond Hotel Musashino's Secret Revealed! (Or... My Brain Dump About It)
Okay, spill. What *is* the "Secret" of the Richmond Hotel Musashino? Is it a secret underground karaoke bar run by ninjas?
Hah! Ninja karaoke, that's the dream, right? Sadly, no ninjas. And no hidden karaoke, as far as I could see. Look, the "secret" is less a Bond-villain-lair kind of secret and more... the *feeling* of it. This hotel is like, REALLY good. Like deceptively good. It's in Musashino, which is a little outside the main tourist hubbub, and that right there is part of the magic. No screaming hordes. No relentless flash photography. Just… a peaceful, almost *too* peaceful, vibe. The real secret is its value. It's clean, it's comfy, the staff is ridiculously helpful (even with my atrocious Japanese), and it's easy on the wallet. Basically, it's a haven of sanity in the glorious, chaotic, sensory overload that is Tokyo. Trust me, after a day wading through Shibuya Crossing, you'll *get* it.
So, it's just... clean? What's the *actual* room situation like? I need details, people!
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The rooms are… small. Let's be honest. You're in Japan, you KNOW space is at a premium. But honestly, they're cleverly designed. Everything has its place. The beds are actually quite comfortable. And the bathroom? Spotless. I mean, sparkling. My partner is a germaphobe (bless his heart), and even he didn't freak out. The magic is in the clever storage solutions – little nooks and crannies everywhere. I remember thinking, "Okay, I could actually *live* here... for a week, at least. Maybe two... if I packed REALLY light." Honestly, it was nice. Really, really nice. Compared to some of the shoebox hotel rooms I've endured… this was a luxury palace. Well... a *relative* luxury palace.
Food! What about food? Breakfast? Nearby restaurants? My stomach is my compass.
Oh. My. God. The *food*. Okay, breakfast at the hotel. It's included, a simple buffet. Nothing fancy, but it's… *good*. They have the usual suspects: eggs, bacon (crispy!), toast, some Japanese breakfast options (rice, miso soup, maybe some grilled fish - I'm not a fish-for-breakfast kind of person though). But the important thing? The *coffee* was actually decent. And plentiful. Coffee is crucial, people. Crucial. I'm a nightmare before my morning caffeine. And honestly, the convenience factor is HUGE. You're fueled up and ready to tackle the day.
Now, outside the hotel... *that's* where things get exciting. Musashino itself is a foodie paradise. It's a bit of a walk from the station (Tokyo stations are vast, like entire cities themselves), but there are tons of little ramen shops, tiny sushi places (where you *will* order something you don't understand but it'll be delicious), and the ubiquitous (and wonderful) konbini (convenience stores) are everywhere. I ate a ridiculous amount of onigiri (rice balls) and the most amazing Japanese curry I think I've ever had, about five minutes from the hotel. Seriously. Best. Curry. Ever. I'm still dreaming about it. I'd go back to that curry place tomorrow if I could. I'm probably going to fly back just for that curry. Okay, I might be slightly obsessed, but the memory is truly potent. It was *that* good.
Okay, okay, you're selling me. But what about the location? Is it a pain to get around?
Yes and no. Yes, it's *slightly* outside the main tourist areas. It takes a bit longer to get to places like Shinjuku or Shibuya. It's not like you can just stumble out of the hotel and be tripping over Godzilla statues. But! The Musashino-Shi station is super well connected. The trains are clean, efficient, and run *on time* (a concept I still struggle to grasp after living in London). Honestly, the slightly longer commute is a worthwhile trade-off for the peace and quiet the hotel offers. Plus, you get to experience a more local side of Tokyo. You'll see families, students, people just going about their daily lives, not just the tourist crush. And you'll feel less… overwhelmed. I found myself *really* enjoying the train rides - people watching, observing the city wake up, planning my adventures. It sounds a bit corny, I know, but it was pretty magical.
Any downsides? Honestly. No hotel is perfect.
Okay, honesty time. No, it's not perfect. The rooms *are* small, as I mentioned. And the gym? Heh, I think it was more of a "fitness-adjacent room". Maybe a treadmill and some weights. I didn't actually use it. I was too busy eating curry and trying to navigate the subway. And the elevator... sometimes felt a bit slow. But seriously, these are tiny quibbles. My major "downside" (if you can call it that), was having to leave. Seriously. I didn't *want* to go. I wanted to stay and just... exist in that little bubble of calm. That's how good it was. Oh, and there's a slight language barrier with some of the staff, but they are SO. DAMN. HELPFUL. They'll try their best, and you'll try your best, and somehow, it all works out. Plus, it's great incentive to learn a few basic Japanese phrases, which is worth every second.
Would you recommend it? Come on, just give me a straight answer!
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, affordable, and conveniently located hotel in Tokyo (and who isn’t?), the Richmond Hotel Musashino is a total winner. It's not the flashiest hotel, it's not the most luxurious, but it's got heart, it's got soul, and frankly, it's exactly what you need after a long day of battling crowds, trying to communicate with gestures, and marveling at vending machines. It's a sanctuary. Book it. Seriously. Just… don’t book *my* room next time I go. Because I *will* be back. And I need my curry fix.
Okay, fine. You’ve convinced me. Any specific tips for staying there? Like, packing tips? Or Tokyo specific advice?
Okay, good. Prepare yourself. First up, packing. Pack LIGHT. Seriously. You will be doing a lot of walking, especially around Musashino station, so you don’t want to be lugging a gigantic suitcase. RollComfy Hotel Finder
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