Unbelievable HOTEL R9: Noda Kashiwa's Hidden Gem (Japan)
Unbelievable (and Surprisingly Good) HOTEL R9: Noda Kashiwa, Japan - A Quirky Gem (Seriously, You Gotta Read This!)
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Okay, so I’m back. Fresh off a trip to Japan, fueled by ramen and a desperate need for some peace and quiet. And guess where I ended up? HOTEL R9 Noda Kashiwa. Honestly, the name doesn’t exactly scream “luxury getaway,” does it? More like… “Hotel R9, the place you book when everything else is full.” But holy moly, was I wrong. This place completely surprised me. Like, rocked-my-world surprised.
Let's get real, before you think I'm just a paid shill for Mr. R9. I'm not. I went in with zero expectations, ready for the budget inn experience. I'm a pretty critical traveler, okay? Judge-y, even. But R9 Noda Kashiwa? They got me.
Accessibility: (And How I Almost Messed Up)
Right off the bat, the ramp access to the hotel was smooth, but I am relatively able-bodied, so I can't fully speak to the accessibility of everything. However, I did notice that the elevator’s controls were clearly labeled, and the hallways seemed wide enough to handle a wheelchair easily. Now, I almost did screw up because my luggage wheel got stuck in a crack in the sidewalk! Facepalm. But the staff was super friendly and came out and just helped me by lifting it. They seem to be pretty good about making sure everything works for everyone, though.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Not applicable that I could see.
Wheelchair Accessible: The entrance definitely is, and I saw accessibility features in the rooms.
Internet: The Holy Grail of Free Wi-Fi
Let's talk internet. Because in this day and age, it’s practically a basic human right. Seriously, if a hotel charges for Wi-Fi, I’m turning right around. R9 gets this. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And Internet [LAN]! Internet services are also there, and they had Wi-Fi in public areas, so you can catch up on your work or your binge-watching habits wherever you are. It's a beautiful thing. Plus, this place actually connected. I’ve been in places where the Wi-Fi is slower than dial-up, but not here. Victory! They also have Internet – you know, just in case.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and My Obsession with the Foot Bath
Alright, this is where things get interesting. This isn’t your usual resort with a plethora of activities. And honestly, that's part of its charm. Fitness center? Yep, they had one. Maybe a treadmill or some basic exercise equipment, which is all I needed. Gym/fitness? Yup, same thing.. Pool with view? Nope, didn’t see one. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, or Steamroom? Not really.
However… they had a Foot bath at reception and it was so very necessary. I walked for hours, and it was a lifesaver! It was simple, bubbly, and totally, utterly wonderful. I think I spent an hour there the first night. Pure bliss. Okay, maybe more like an hour and a half… Don’t judge me. The Body scrub and Body wrap were not available. Massage wasn't on offer, either, but I was cool with the foot bath. Honestly, sometimes less is more.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Pandemic-Era Revelation
This is where R9 really shines. Let's face it, we all travel with a healthy dose of anxiety these days. But R9? They’ve taken things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep. Breakfast in room was fine. Breakfast takeaway service? Yes! Cashless payment service? A huge plus. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Doctor/nurse on call? Good to know. First aid kit? Present and accounted for. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. I really liked the Hot water linen and laundry washing. Hygiene certification? I saw lots of signage and felt a sense of security. Individually-wrapped food options? Very thoughtful. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Definitely observed. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Pretty evident, honestly. Room sanitization opt-out available? Didn't test but liked the option. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. Safe dining setup? Yes. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Seemed to be, and felt clean. Shared stationery removed? Thank goodness. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yes! Sterilizing equipment? I’m guessing? Look, they were on top of things.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ramen and Beyond
Okay, so this isn't a Michelin-star experience. But for a budget-friendly hotel, the food was decent. A la carte in restaurant? Not that I recall. Alternative meal arrangement? Possible for the breakfast. Asian breakfast? Yes, it fit right in with everything. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Some options. Bar? No. Bottle of water? Yes, in the room. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. Breakfast service? Yes. Buffet in restaurant? Yes. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes. Coffee shop? No. Desserts in restaurant? The options were there. Happy hour? Not applicable. International cuisine in restaurant? Not really, it's more centered around Japan. Poolside bar? Nope. Restaurants? There's one; the Japanese food was good. Room service [24-hour]? Not applicable. Salad in restaurant? Yes! Snack bar? Not exactly a snack bar. Soup in restaurant? Yep! Vegetarian restaurant? I didn’t see a dedicated one, but there were veggie options. Western breakfast? Yes. Western cuisine in restaurant? Some options, but not a main focus.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
This is where R9 really impressed me. Air conditioning in public area? Yup. Business facilities? Yes, they had them. Cash withdrawal? Not available. Concierge? Not really, but the staff was helpful. Contactless check-in/out? Absolutely! Convenience store? No. Currency exchange? No. Daily housekeeping? Yes, always spotless. Doorman? Not really, but someone was always at the front desk. Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop… all present or available. The Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events weren’t really designed for lavish parties, but there's definitely a sense of privacy. Invoice provided? Yes. Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center… all were available.
For the Kids: (I Didn't Bring Any, Thank Goodness)
I didn’t bring any kids (thank the travel gods!). But they do claim to be Family/child friendly and had some Kids facilities, but I can't speak to how great those are.
Access and Security: Safe and Sound
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour]… all were there. Hotel chain is a big plus. Non-smoking rooms (a MUST for me!), Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms… I felt secure.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Airport transfer wasn’t available, but the Bicycle parking was present. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] were great. No Car power charging station, but I appreciated the Taxi service!
Available in all rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, this is where things get really detailed. Additional toilet: Check! Air conditioning: Check! Alarm clock: Check! Bathrobes: Nope. Bathroom phone: Nope. Bathtub: Yup! Blackout curtains: YES! Carpeting: Yes. Closet: Yes! Coffee/tea maker: Yes! Complimentary tea: Yes! Daily housekeeping: Yes. Desk: Yes. Extra long bed: Yes, thank you traveling gods! Free bottled water: Yes. Hair dryer: Yes. High floor: Yes! **In-
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your polished, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered experience of a human – me – attempting to survive (and maybe even enjoy) the concrete jungle of Noda, Japan, while based at the glorious, and often bewildering, HOTEL R9 The Yard.
Hotel R9 The Yard, Noda, Kashiwa: My Existential Digs & Mostly Unplanned Adventures (AKA the Itinerary of a Hot Mess):
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in a Tiny Box (aka the Room)
- 14:00 PM: Arrive at the hotel. Okay, "arrive" is generous. More like, I stumbled out of the taxi, blinking in the strangely aggressive sunlight. First impression of the Yard? It's…well, it's yard-shaped. Rows and rows of what are essentially shipping containers glammed up with a veneer of "modern minimalism". My room? The size of my walk-in closet back home, which, let's be clear, isn't that big.
- 14:30 PM: Settle in. Or TRY to settle in. The room's so small, my suitcase feels like a rogue landmass. I'm already claustrophobic. Panic sets in. Did I make the right life choices to end up here, in Noda, in a box? Am I destined to be a tiny, insignificant dot in the vast, unknowable cosmos? Deep breaths. Remember the point – to see the world.
- 15:00 PM: Explore the (limited) amenities: Okay, the vending machines are plentiful. Thank god. I snag a weirdly-flavored green tea. The internet…not so great. I'm already suffering from digital withdrawal.
- 15:30 PM: Attempt a Japanese lesson. My phone is the only connection to the outside world. I open my Duolingo app. Staring at a pixelated owl is more daunting than the actual language. I give up—my brain already feels like mush.
- 16:00 PM: Wander aimlessly. This is where the REAL fun begins. I emerge from the hotel and walk around. The area seems…industrial. Factory whirs, the scent of something faintly metallic, and the distant hum of traffic. I find a small grocery store. I struggle to understand how to pay at the checkout, and a sweet old lady smiles and helps me. I think she was talking about the weather, but I'm not sure.
- 17:00 PM: Dinner. Find a local ramen place – must. Find it. I spot a place, tentatively step inside. The air smells of deliciousness. I point at pictures on the menu. Success! The ramen is a revelation. This is the first time I feel happy.
- 19:00 PM: Retreat. Back to the box. The existential dread returns, but this time, I'm armed with a full belly and a tiny, slightly deflated, sense of hope. Tomorrow, I think, I might try to be a better, braver traveler. Maybe.
Day 2: Kikkoman & Karaoke Calamity! (with a side of Confusion)
- 08:00 AM: Struggle with breakfast, a sad convenience store sandwich that I buy. Ugh. I need real food.
- 09:00 AM: I decided to be BRAVE. I want to learn about some soy sauce. I drag myself to the Kikkoman Soy Sauce factory, and it's fascinating! The sheer SCALE of the place is mind-boggling. I love the aroma of roasting soybeans. The tour is mostly in Japanese, obviously, but there are enough English signs to keep me from drowning in a sea of soy. I even try the soy sauce ice cream…it's…interesting. A little too salty for my liking, but definitely a conversation starter.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I find a family-run place and order set menus, which is a gamble. I end up with something that looks vaguely like a deep-fried chicken leg and a side of pickled…something. The pickled things. I'm not sure. I eat them anyway. I'm a survivor.
- 13:00 PM: I decide to explore Kashiwa city, a short train ride away. The shops are nice, but I feel lost. I buy a random trinket.
- 16:00 PM: Karaoke! I, for some reason, decide this is a good idea. I find a karaoke place and my fate is sealed. I choose a song I know – "Bohemian Rhapsody". Turns out, my voice is…not quite Freddie Mercury-calibre. The Japanese locals are unfazed. They seem to appreciate my attempt, and I will be forever humbled and embarrassed . I leave in shame, heart racing.
- 19:00 PM: Dinner. I find a small izakaya (pub) that I think will be more my pace. A local points me in the right direction.
- 20:00 PM: Retreat! A beer and a snack. I am exhausted. The box, however small, feels safe and familiar.
Day 3: Day Trip Disasters & Existential Crises Continued
- 09:00 AM: I, foolishly, decide on a day trip to a nearby park. I can't find any buses to the park, so I walk.
- 10:00 AM: I attempt to navigate the park’s pathways. I get lost. The park is beautiful but large, and I wander around for hours. I stop at a temple; very interesting. I learn how to pray (I think).
- 13:00 PM: I buy a snack from a vending machine. I forgot my drinks. I am thirsty. I am hot. The existential dread returns.
- 14:00 PM: I find an ice cream shop and buy a cold drink and ice cream. Very good.
- 16:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I order delivery and chill in the room.
- 19:00 PM: I eat.
- 20:00 PM: I sleep. Very good.
Day 4: Leaving (and maybe kind of missing) The Yard!
- 08:00 AM: Pack. The little box that I've come to think of as a strange little home.
- 09:00 AM: Check-out is seamless, and I feel…empty. I will miss the vending machines. I will not miss the cramped space.
- 09:30 AM: Taxi arrives. Goodbye, Noda. Goodbye, Hotel R9 The Yard. Thank you for the memories, and the existential angst.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport. On my way. I feel changed. I look back and smile.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
So, would I recommend staying at Hotel R9 The Yard? Hmm… if you’re on a budget, can tolerate tiny spaces, and don't mind a healthy dose of existential questioning, then maybe. It’s a unique experience. The people I met were very kind.
The Yard, though, is just a launching pad. It's a place to sleep, maybe a place to panic, but ultimately, a stepping stone to the REAL experience of Japan. And that, my friends, is what makes it worthwhile. Even if the memories are a little messy. And maybe a little, well, bizarre. I will always think back and smile!
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Unbelievable HOTEL R9: Noda Kashiwa - My Unfiltered Thoughts and FAQs!
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *deal* with HOTEL R9 in Noda Kashiwa? Is it actually 'unbelievable'?
Those rooms – are they really like, *shipping containers* inside? Tell me everything!
What's the Wi-Fi like? Crucial information!
Are there any amenities? Like, a gym? Or at least coffee?
Food options nearby? Because let's be real, I get hangry.
Is it easy to get to the hotel from the train station? I hate lugging my suitcase.
What kind of person would *love* this hotel?
- On a Budget: This place is a steal! Seriously affordable. Money saved, more on ramen!
- A Minimalist: You'll feel right at home. Everything's compact, clean, and efficient. Your inner Marie Kondo will sing!
- An Adventurer: Looking for something unique? This is it. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel experience.
- Someone who doesn't mind a little…quirk: The shipping container aesthetic is *definitely* quirky. Embrace it!
- Solo Traveler: Perfect. You get your own little box, full control.
