Tokyo is not a cheap holiday destination so the dilemma of many families wishing to visit this Asian metropolis is how to combine a comfortable and quality trip with the kids with a reasonable price tag. And here, Oakwood Hotels and Apartments, which is expanding at a breathless rate across Japan, seems to have found the perfect formula.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Oakwood Hotel and Apartments Azabu Tokyo, a modern and yet reasonably priced complex that opened just earlier this year. It ticks off all the boxes for family travel, especially for those who wish to stay in a home setting — functional kitchen and washing machine facilities needed — rather than in a standard hotel room. At the same time, these families are not quite ready to opt for the do-it-yourself route offered by apartments or homes privately listed online, so Oakwood serviced apartments are a logical choice.

WHY CHOOSE OAKWOOD

As one regular Oakwood guest who travels with his small children explained to me: “We need a place with enough space, and one with a kitchen so we don’t have to eat out all the time, so the choices are serviced apartments with hotel services or places on AirBNB.”

He continued: “The problem with renting someone’s private apartment is quality control. I’m always afraid of whether the owners have hired a college student to clean the place up instead of following a rigorous set of standards. It’s hit or miss here, whereas you always know that an Oakwood apartment anywhere in the world is going to be up to par.”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

I had this in mind when I decided to check in for a staycation at the new property in Azabu which is so conveniently located across Nisshin Supermarket, the grocery of choice of expatriates in Tokyo as well as of the Imperial Household of Japan. I know the latter as fact because the royal seal of approval is proudly displayed at the entrance.

At the same time, it’s a short walk to the popular neighborhood of Azabu Juban and to the swanky Mori Hills complex. Azabu Juban is a wonderful area of traditional shops and restaurants juxtaposed with hip stores and bars, while Mori Hills is retail central for the city’s fashionistas and glamour crowd.

Most sightseeing spots are only a short taxi ride or train ride away too. The Azabu Juban subway station is a three minute walk.

MINIMALIST DESIGN

In a city that favors minimalist aesthetics, the Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Azabu Tokyo fits right in too without coming across as cold and severe. I once stayed in one of Tokyo’s newly renovated top luxury hotels for three days, for instance, and not once did I find a corner I could photograph for Instagram.

This hotel is not like that. The building itself is quite an artsy structure compared to the typical 1990s buildings around it, and it’s lit up ever so beautifully at night. Even from outside, when you see it, you just know that it’s the kind of place that can offer you a nice life.

The lobby, too, has a Scandinavian retro design feel, reminding me of the iconic Radisson Hotel in Copenhagen, widely recognized as the world’s first design hotel. Modern Iines, warm colors, comfortable furniture, vintage lights and plants. Yes, plants. And that’s a very nice touch in my opinion.

WHAT THE THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENT LOOKS LIKE

We checked into the three-bedroom apartment, which is probably going to be the most sought after unit in this property when Japan’s borders finally open again. It’s a spacious corner unit with large terraces that give you an amazing view of Tokyo Tower.

The master bedroom is large and it’s got a Serta bed. The ensuite bathroom too is huge by hotel room standards and so nicely designed with two sinks, a separate bathtub and shower set-up and good lighting — so you know instantly that the parents are going to be very comfortable here.

It also has two small bedrooms that share a smaller bathroom just off the living room. These ones are small but they’ve got everything you could need: a nice bed, a desk with a lamp, and a wardrobe. The kids will be happy.

A KITCHEN YOU WILL LOVE TO COOK IN

The kitchen is part of the open plan living room. It’s a double counter set-up which amazed me because the designers had thought of everything. So it’s fully functional for cooking anything — whether it’s just breakfast or it’s a proper five-course dinner with guests. There is nice living and dining area plus the unbeatable Tokyo Tower views from the terrace, after all. And with Nisshin Supermarket just across the street, it will be a crime not to do so.

The kitchen utensils in bright Marimekko type colors also give users a happy lift.

THE LOWDOWN

WHAT WE LOVED

The overall design is seamless and user-friendly. We checked in for one night and by the next morning, we were thinking: “Wow, we can live here.”

The kitchen is also perfectly appointed with the kind of appliances and utensils that will make you consider cancelling your reservations at a yakiniku restaurant you found on TripAdvisor.com and just eating in.

THE NICE TOUCH

We loved the welcome basket filled with goodies for that first breakfast. Ours had healthy options like yoghurt, wheat bread, fruit and salad. It’ll be so appreciated by guests checking in late, and it literally comes in a basket. After that first morning, however, you’re on your own so please go to the supermarket across the street.

Note; Welcome packages may only be available to guests who check into specific rooms or serviced apartments or at specific rates.

WHO SHOULD CHECK IN HERE

The Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Azabu Tokyo is mainly geared towards hip couples and singles who want a taste of stylish Tokyo without breaking the bank. However the three bedroom apartment is just perfect for families looking for a “home away from home” in Tokyo — whether it’s for a weekend or a month. It’s not in the tourist area but convenient enough to it. More importantly, it’s a short walk from one of Japan’s best residential areas. So, yes, do go ahead and feel at home. You’re literally in the right place.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE REVIEWS ON OAKWOOD PROPERTIES IN JAPAN

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For Tokyo residents, the Oakwood Premier Yokohama is the perfect staycation hotel amidst the pandemic. It was near enough to Tokyo — half an hour by car or by train to the glitzy new bayside area of Yohomaa — but different enough to feel like a proper holiday somewhere new for families who could not travel. In particular, the two-bedroom apartments are most people’s idea of a modern dream home.

WINDOWS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Each apartment has a view that can mesmerize for hours, no matter what the angle. Best of all, in spite of being an apartment hotel within a high-rise, the Oakwood Yokohama actually has windows that open and terraces that are big enough to prompt guests to consider moving to Yokohama.

This has more impact that one would imagine, especially when you consider that Tokyo and Yokohama are full of steel-and-glass skyscrapers but most of them don’t have access to fresh air. The lack of windows that open can make or break a long stay, of course.

However these days, with virus worries literally in the air, the real windows and terraces can make the decision to check in so much easier.

This is exactly how we felt, on that weekend that we packed our bags to take a breather from Tokyo. The hotel, which accepts both short-term and long-term residents, is spanking new and the epitome of minimalist modern.

VIEWS OF YOKOHAMA

The first thing that strikes you is the space, as there is so much of it. The four corners of the reception floor are actually completely bare save for ultra-modern pea pod-shaped benches that can double as art installations. So hotel guests and the general public can take the elevator up to this floor and enjoy Yokohama from every angle.

On fine days, you can easily see Tokyo in the distance on one side and the perfect silhouette of Mount Fuji on the another side. Meanwhile, the sea and the massive Yokohama port — one of the largest ports in the world — beckon on yet another side.  

DREAM APARTMENT DESIGNS

For those who travel light, the two-bedroom units at the Oakwood Premier Yokohama are perfect. It’s really a proper apartment with a foyer and two decent-sized bedrooms, plus the kind of combined living room with a dining room and kitchen that make inviting friends over so enjoyable.

The kitchen is compact, of course, but it has everything needed to cook a proper dinner — color-coordinated appliances included. The layout is so well thought out that you pretty soon don’t notice the fact that it’s basically an L-shaped set-up with an island counter. It’s fully equipped and it comes with a view that will make washing dishes pleasurable.

HOW TO DESIGN A LIVING ROOM

The living room with the corner views was conducive to writing articles too. “This is the perfect work-from-home set-up,” I told myself. “The social distancing and occasional bouts of lockdown don’t seem so bad from way up this high.”

Indeed, watching the sunset from my sofa settee, which was all neutral and nice, as I caught up on emails on my phone, I could’ve sworn that the pandemic was over and life was wonderful again.

WE LOVED

The clean lines and bright colors gave the apartment/ suite a fresh feeling, but the best things were really the windows that could open and let fresh air in, and the balconies that made all the difference. Oh yes, the cool designer kitchen appliances certainly made our day.

THIS HOTEL IS GREAT FOR…

Families visiting Tokyo or Yokohama, executives on business trips, Japan-based expatriate families wanting a change of scenery, anyone celebrating a special occasion.

DON’T MISS

The pizzas in the Italian restaurant on the same floor as the lobby are absolutely delicious.

PRO-TIP

Bring a notebook, sketchbook, camera or laptop. Anything that will encourage you to capture the views or your thoughts. The living room is so conducive to creativity.

FAVORITE ROOM

The one we stayed in. A spacious two-bedroom corner apartment with a proper foyer and a living room/ dining room large enough to dream in.

Click here to read more articles about Oakwood properties in Japan

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