Finding a reasonably priced hotel in Tokyo often comes with a compromise: space.
I understand that smaller rooms are part of the experience when trying to keep accommodation costs manageable. Still, opening the door to a room with barely enough space to settle in can be disheartening. Choosing somewhere larger, meanwhile, often means stretching the budget considerably.
For this trip, Yokohama offered a welcome alternative.
Around 50 minutes from Ginza by train, it combines waterfront scenery with the possibility of a much more spacious stay. At OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts, I found rates in the US$120 range per night – and a room that made spending time at the hotel a pleasure in itself.
Yokohama – Closer to Tokyo Than I Expected
If Yokohama has never been on your itinerary, you might be surprised by how accessible it is.
There is no need to arrange a lengthy bus journey. The rail trip takes around 45 minutes from Haneda Airport and approximately 50 minutes from Ginza, making the city much easier to reach than I had imagined.
Yokohama is also well known for its baseball team, giving fans another reason to visit. Ramen enthusiasts may want to make time for the ramen museum in the area, too.
The hotel is roughly a five- to ten-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station, a manageable distance even with a suitcase. It was raining when I arrived, but the elevated pedestrian walkways connected much of the route, so getting there was straightforward.
The building also has a direct connection to Bashamichi Station, which made getting around particularly convenient.
The first real surprise came upstairs. The lobby sits on the 46th floor, with panoramic views extending in every direction. I learned that the outlook is appreciated by local visitors as well – and once I saw it, I understood why.
👉 OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts – Check rates on Agoda
👉 OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts – Check rates on Expedia
Deluxe Twin Room – Space to Settle In
The Deluxe Twin at OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts was the strongest argument for staying a little outside central Tokyo.
Compared with the rooms I had been considering in Shinjuku or Ginza at a similar price, this felt roughly two to three times as spacious. Moving beyond the busiest central districts brought both a calmer setting and considerably more room to breathe.
Some compact city hotel rooms leave me feeling enclosed the moment I step inside, especially when there is little to see beyond the window. Here, the experience was quite the opposite.
The guest rooms are above the 46th-floor lobby, and the outlook from the terrace was wonderful. The sea stretches into view, and on clear days, Mount Fuji can be visible as well. It was the kind of setting that made me happy to slow down and enjoy the hotel, something I do not always associate with a city trip to Japan.
The practical details were just as appealing.
Our room had a sink, a generously sized refrigerator, a microwave, and cooking utensils, making it easy to prepare something simple without going out for every meal. For families, that flexibility could be particularly useful.
There is also a large supermarket on the building’s first floor. Alongside groceries, it sells prepared meals that can simply be brought upstairs and reheated.
One evening, we bought sushi and okonomiyaki and enjoyed an easy dinner in the room. With this much space, staying in felt like part of the holiday.
A Spacious Bathroom, In-Room Laundry & Daily Coffee
The bathroom was another welcome change from the compact, box-like bathrooms often found in Japanese city hotels. It felt closer to a proper apartment bathroom, with enough space to move around comfortably.
An in-room washing machine made the setup even more practical. For anyone travelling for an extended period, being able to do laundry without leaving the room is a considerable advantage.
The room also came with a toaster, an electric kettle, and a Nespresso machine. On the same floor, there were drinking-water and ice dispensers, which quickly became part of my daily routine.
I made iced coffee every day, using the small ice pellets that reminded me of the drinks at Doutor, the Japanese coffee chain.
Six Nespresso capsules were provided each day, and I made very good use of them. Towels were refreshed, bins were emptied, and the capsules were replenished daily Рa small detail that saved us quite a few caf̩ purchases.
Bathroom amenities were available behind the check-in counter, where guests could take what they needed. Since I rarely use disposable razors or combs, I appreciated being able to leave those items untouched. It felt like a sensible way to avoid unnecessary waste.
Small Evening Rituals & Beautiful Night Views
Beyond the room itself, OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts offered several small activities that added something special to the evenings.
Guests receive a token for the Night Experience Vending Machine. After inserting it and selecting an option that reflects your mood, the machine dispenses a corresponding tea bag.
The experience includes a pretty portable lamp and a brief introduction from the staff. With tea and a lamp in hand, you can wander, take photographs, and enjoy the view at your own pace.
The daytime panorama was impressive, but the night views were even more memorable. I spent quite a while walking around, taking in the city lights from different angles.
In one corner, a film was being shown on a projector, adding another quiet way to enjoy the atmosphere. These experiences were open to all hotel guests.
Sky-High Night Party
The Sky-High Night Party took place on the 46th floor from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., with complimentary wine and other drinks.
At 8:30 p.m., there was also a lucky draw, with around five guests receiving a souvenir. The prizes included attractive luggage tags, so it was worth staying for the announcement.
I joined on two evenings, hoping that luck might be on my side. Unfortunately, I did not win on either occasion.
Still, sipping sparkling wine while looking out over the illuminated city felt like a reward of its own.
Since the event was included for all guests at no additional charge, I would make time for it if you are spending the evening at the hotel.
Breakfast – Japanese or Western, Served with a View
Breakfast was served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., with last orders at 9:30 a.m.
Rather than a full buffet, the hotel offered a choice of Japanese or Western set breakfasts. I enjoyed the calmer pace of having a plated meal, while coffee and other drinks remained available on a self-service basis.
At around ¥2,500 per person, breakfast felt reasonably priced for a hotel of this kind.
The Western breakfast stood out for the quality of its croissant. With the Japanese breakfast, I particularly enjoyed the mackerel and egg dish.
Both were neatly presented and satisfying, without feeling excessive. Add the wonderful view, and breakfast became something I looked forward to rather than simply a meal to fit in before heading out.
If your schedule allows, I would recommend making time for it.
A Relaxed Alternative to a Central Tokyo Stay
My departing Korean Air flight was from Haneda, and Yokohama’s proximity to the airport made the journey convenient. It helped me understand why so many travellers prefer Haneda to Narita.
Travelling just 40 to 50 minutes beyond central Tokyo brought a noticeably different pace, with room to slow down and a hotel I genuinely enjoyed spending time in.
There are plenty of sights nearby, too, so Yokohama deserves more than a passing mention when planning a Tokyo trip. Even a single night can offer a refreshing change of scenery.
For travellers flying through Haneda, I would particularly consider spending the final night here before departure.
What I appreciated most about OMO5 Yokohama Bashamichi by Hoshino Resorts was how well the experience balanced atmosphere and everyday comfort: expansive views, a spacious room, cooking facilities, a microwave, and the convenience of a supermarket downstairs.
For a family trip – or simply for anyone who has grown tired of squeezing into small Tokyo hotel rooms – it is a very appealing alternative.
※This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you