We faced a lot of difficulties choosing accommodation for our family, consisting of four members, including two young children. We had a 6-night, 7-day itinerary with 2 nights in Disneyland and 1 night in Hakone, so finding a quad room was not too difficult for those stays.
However, when it came to finding a hotel in Tokyo for the last 3 nights, it was challenging because now that our children are considered adults, we needed a twin room or suite that could accommodate four adults. The regular hotels we looked at were too expensive.
Considering we had children, we searched for residence-type accommodations. While the prices for options like Dormy Inn and MiMaru were high, I came across the COCOSHUKU chain, which had very few reviews but had a visually appealing interior to me.
Although there weren’t many reviews on Naver, I found their official Instagram account on Yahoo! Japan, where I discovered that the concept of COCOSHUKU was to have a small party and enjoy themselves with friends for a one-night stay. I searched for more Japanese reviews on Instagram and felt that it seemed promising, so I went ahead and made a reservation.
Let me provide you with a detailed review for those who are considering this hotel!
As you enter the entrance, there is a kitchen right away, and behind the kitchen, there is a separate toilet and bathroom. The bathroom has a small sink for handwashing, which is convenient.
Underneath the sink in the bathroom, there were plenty of towels prepared for four people, and they would replace them with fresh ones if you left them there in the morning. Having a dining table was very nice. There was a small TV mounted on the wall behind the dining table, so we would turn it on every morning and watch the morning news.
Next to the luggage was a wardrobe where we could hang outerwear, and it could fit two 29-inch suitcases.
Inside the wardrobe, there was a small drying rack, so we could hang a few pieces of laundry there. You have to separate and dispose of your garbage on your own, and if you put your towels or garbage outside the room before 9 am, they will replace the towels and leave the garbage bags.
There is no daily cleaning service for consecutive stays, but if you request it, they will charge 6,000 JPY for one cleaning session. There was a vacuum cleaner in the optional room, so we brought it in and used it ourselves.
The refrigerator had a separate freezer, so we bought ice cubes and used them. The microwave was very useful. For the kids’ breakfast, we bought pre-cooked dishes like grilled fish and sausages at a nearby Lawson convenience store and heated them up in the microwave.
There were two induction cookers, but we didn’t use them. We used the electric kettle every day. There was hand sanitizer and kitchen detergent on the kitchen countertop, and they provided a new sponge.
We only used a few dishes, mugs, cutlery, and scissors. All the dishes were from the Kyukuro brand, and they were all for four people. There were also cutting boards, knives, ladles, tongs, rice cookers, and frying pans.
Our kids caused quite a ruckus sleeping on the second floor. Each bed had a reading light and USB slot, which was convenient. On the second floor, there was a coin-operated laundry room. There was only one washing machine and one dryer, probably because the number of rooms available was small. However, since there weren’t many guests, we could always do our laundry immediately.
On the 4th floor, there were various board games, amenity items, drip coffee packs, rental umbrellas, George LUshy heated humidifiers, vacuum cleaners, beams, planetariums, and takoyaki machines that you could use freely.
I brought my own heated humidifier, and I enjoyed the drip coffee every day!
1. Accommodation Name and Rating: COCOSHUKU Shinjuku Hanazono (4 stars)
2. Location or Area: Shinjuku Gyoen-mae
3. Distance from the nearest station: 3-5 minutes by walk
4. My Recommended Score: ★★★★★
5. Room Type: Quadruple Room
6. Accommodation Cost: 3 nights, 670,000 KRW (approximately 600 USD)
7. Booking Platform: Agoda
8. Breakfast Included: No
9. Surrounding Atmosphere: There is a commercial area just a block away, but in front of the entrance, there is a residential area with a nearby playground in a neighborhood park.
Overall, we were very satisfied with this family accommodation, especially since it was located near Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station. However, for those who mainly use the JR line for transportation, there might be a disadvantage. For our trip, we used a 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket with a PASMO card, so it was a great combination.
I hope this detailed review helps those who are considering this hotel!
For tourists staying at COCOSHUKU Shinjuku Hanazono, there are several nearby tourist attractions and activities that I would recommend:
1. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: As the accommodation is located near Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station, one of the must-visit attractions in the area is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This spacious and beautifully landscaped garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Visitors can stroll through various garden styles, including Japanese, English, and French gardens, and enjoy seasonal flowers and cherry blossoms.
2. Shinjuku Golden Gai: Just a short walk away from the accommodation, Shinjuku Golden Gai is a unique and atmospheric area with narrow alleys lined with small bars, restaurants, and izakayas. It’s a great place to experience the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo and mingle with locals and fellow travelers alike.
3. Kabukicho: Adjacent to Shinjuku Golden Gai, Kabukicho is known as Tokyo’s entertainment and red-light district. While it may not be suitable for families with young children during late hours, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy during the daytime. Shopping, arcade centers, themed cafes, and restaurants can be found in this lively district.
4. Meiji Shrine: A short subway ride away from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station, Meiji Shrine is a popular attraction and a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this shrine is surrounded by a lush forest, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the paths and admire the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
5. Harajuku: Located near Meiji Shrine, Harajuku is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood known for its unique fashion culture and quirky street styles. Takeshita Street is a must-visit, where you can find an array of fashion shops, dessert cafes, and souvenir stores. Don’t miss out on trying some of the famous crepes or indulging in colorful cotton candy!
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks: For a panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks. Located in Shinjuku, these observatories offer stunning views of the city for free. On clear days, you can even spot iconic landmarks like Mount Fuji in the distance.
7. Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Another interesting spot near Shinjuku is Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Piss Alley.” This narrow alley is lined with small yakitori (grilled chicken) and izakaya stalls, providing a glimpse into old Tokyo. It’s a great place to try authentic Japanese street food and immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere.
8. Shibuya: A short subway ride away from Shinjuku Gyoen-mae Station, Shibuya is a lively neighborhood famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue. Explore the vibrant shopping streets, indulge in diverse cuisine, and experience the energetic atmosphere of one of Tokyo’s busiest districts.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities that can be enjoyed while staying at COCOSHUKU Shinjuku Hanazono. Whether you’re looking for tranquil gardens, exciting nightlife, or cultural experiences, this area offers a wide range of options to suit different interests.