Kario Kamata

We loved the feeling of being part of a quiet residential neighborhood instead of just tourists. There are apartments across from the hotel block and a park behind it, with fewer people passing through. Once you get to know Kamata, it feels like a quaint little town. The road from Burger King and Family Mart is lined with food shops, leads to JR Kamata Station, and is probably the town’s main route, so we ended up having dinner along it most nights. For four people, the place was inexpensive, comfortable, and beautiful. The modern, chic, minimalist design caught my eye while looking for hotels. Our apartment-style room had two levels: the toilet, kitchen, washing machine, and dining table were upstairs, with the beds in the basement. There’s no room service, but we liked having privacy and the freedom of our own place. The bathroom washing machine was useful, and the shower room has a clothes-drying setting that worked well. Our clothes were hot and dry the next morning. The kitchen came fully stocked with cookware, so we bought groceries and made meals to save on food costs. Checking in takes some figuring out. You need to go to Keikyu EX Inn Kamata, by Burger King diagonally across from Family Mart. Follow that road to the end of the block, where the covered pedestrian walk on both sides is a clue you’re close. You’ll see the Keikyu EX Inn Kamata sign, but reception is on the fourth floor, even though the outside says third. I think it’s an office building shared with other businesses. If you arrive after midnight like we did, use the intercom beside the main entrance and they’ll unlock the door. We went to the apartment with our bags first, then two of us went to check in while the others waited with the luggage. With a group, that worked well, and we did the same at checkout. Beautiful place, highly recommend it.

The main pluses are being next to a train station and a 7/11. Getting there is a hassle, though: check-in is at a separate location across the station, then the apartment is another 15-minute walk, so you have to haul your luggage to two places. Kario Kamata is a travelers’ apartment with no room service, and you have to wash your own linens and towels. Ask for toiletries when you check in unless you want to walk back 15 minutes to get them. The sleeping setup is fine for friends or a couple, but not families. There’s one futon that doesn’t recline, a bed, and some mattress-like pads in the closet that are meant to make a third bed but don’t really work as one. The listing said wheelchair accessible, but the ramp is too steep.

Comfortable for visitors or students who want to cook, and it’s easy to get to Haneda airport. KAMATA station is a one-minute walk away, with a direct route from there to Narita airport.

Good location and clean. Pay close attention to which room type you book, since the description isn’t very accurate.