The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by HULIC - Asakusa, Tokyo Japan
THE HOTEL
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is located in Asakusa, one of the most historical areas of the city. It is one of four branches operated by Hulic Hotel Management Co Ltd in Japan. The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon Asakusa was recently awarded 1 Pavilion in the category of “comfortable hotels” in the Tokyo Michelin Guide in 2020. All design aspects of the Gate Hotels from facade, interiors, logo & graphics and featured artworks are by Japanese creatives.
THE LOCATION
Asakusa is a neighbourhood in northeast Tokyo, a popular tourist spot and an important area in the city’s history. Staying in Asakusa is an excellent choice as here, you will find Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple; and Asakusa Shrine, built during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). The hotel is close to the landmark Kaminarimon Gate, the entry to Nakamise Shopping Street. Many young men operate rickshaw tours and loiter here in a bid to attract business from locals and tourists.
Across the Sumida River, you cannot miss TOKYO SKYTREE, the highest freestanding broadcasting tower in the world.
THE ROOM AND AMENITIES
We stayed in an Essential Hollywood Twin Room (Non-Smoking) on the 9th floor. The room is 24 square metres featuring two king-sized single beds (by Slumberland beds) pushed together – we had the most amazing sleep on these mattresses, Bevan in particular as he spent the previous week on a traditional Japanese futon! The supplied double-gauze fabric pyjama sets were also an added luxury!
The royal purple lounge chair next to the window invites you to enjoy a direct view of TOKYO SKYTREE. The bathroom is compact with a Hansgrobe Raindance shower and a separate bathtub. We were left feeling refreshed and revived with the elegant aroma of Darjeeling Tea with complimentary shampoo, conditioner and soaps by GemiD – the first Japanese cosmetics brand to use all-natural ingredients in their products.
We did not make use of the 32-inch television but we were more than happy to take advantage of the Nespresso machine.
THE FACILITIES
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon has its “R Restaurant & Bar” on the 13th floor next to reception. The casual bistro style restaurant and bar serves menu items inspired by French cuisine. We were fortunate to enjoy complimentary breakfast during our stay which included: green salad with sesame, French or vinegar dressing; potato wedges & pasta salad, fresh bread & pastries, seasonal fruit with yoghurt & natural honey and either Eggs Benedict or French Toast. This generous offering also came with freshly squeezed orange juice and coffee or tea. Safe to say this breakfast gave us plenty of fuel to start our days exploring Tokyo!
Breakfast is served from 6.30am – 10.00am. Usually a breakfast buffet is served at the hotel but due to the threat of COVID-19 virus, management ceased this offer for the unforeseen future and this decision coincided with our stay (beginning of March 2020).
The “T Terrace” is the hotel’s 14th floor outdoor rooftop terrace open from morning to night. The panoramic spot offers clear views of the Asakusa area including Sensō-ji Temple and TOKYO SKYTREE. We were fortunate to enjoy a stunning cotton-candy coloured sunset from this very viewpoint on our first evening.
The “B Bar” sits next to the “T Terrace” and is a private bar reserved exclusively for hotel guests. An elegant modern space, we unfortunately didn’t enjoy an artisan cocktail here during our stay, but can imagine how beautiful TOKYO SKYTREE must appear when lit up at night!
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, from the lobby to the restaurant and bar and in all of the guest rooms.
THE HOSPITALITY
The reception and lobby is located on the 13th floor. We were warmly greeted upon arrival and our luggage was stored until check-in time later in the afternoon. When we returned later to collect our keys, we were delightfully surprised that our luggage had already been taken to our room. Further, Bevan’s snowboard bag was safely stored in the luggage room until our departure to not take up unnecessary space in our hotel room.
Japanese hospitality is renowned for being polite, courteous and respectful and we found no fault in the customer service by The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon staff from front desk, to the restaurant and also the cleaning lady we bumped into in the hallway.
THE LOWDOWN
How To Get To The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon Asakusa
To access The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, refer to this perfectly summarised page with transport options by Local Train, by Bullet Train, by Taxi and by Car.
When travelling to and from the hotel, we frequently used the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (orange) and the Toei Asakusa Subway Line (red).
*This stay was provided complimentary by The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by HULIC. All photos, words and opinions are our own.
