5 Days in Tokyo: Sakura Fleur Aoyama Hotel Review

Sakura Fleur Aoyama

Photo Here

Address: 2-14-15 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

I booked my trip through Japanican and everything went smoothly. I only booked a few weeks in advance, as this trip was pretty last minute on my part. I would use Japanican again. This trip, (which I took back in April of this year) marked my first time in Japan and I was also traveling alone. I'm happy to report that I felt super safe in Tokyo and in the hotel. ^^

Why Shibuya? Truthfully, I am not very knowledgable about Japan. The memory of a particular scene from "Lost in Translation" was one of my only data points for deciding where to book in Tokyo....which I'm only slightly embarrassed to admit.

SCENE: 

[ Scarlett Johansson....silence....blank stare.....white umbrella...raindrops....digital brontosaurus.....]

#MostEmotionalPedestrianCrosswalk#whereisbillmurray #somanyfeels

As I learned from the director commentary on the Lost in Translation DVD (yeah I love that stuff) that they shot this scene illegally (no filming license) in the Starbucks that is adjacent to the crosswalk. It turns out this scene was filmed at Shibuya Crossing and so I decided to research the Shibuya area for affordable hotels.

Voila:

Exterior of hotel. Look for the "cafe du monstre" sign.

Simple and clean room.
(White square on the bed is actually a nightgown provided by the hotel - how...thoughtful? I didn't utilize this ^^)

Tiny bathroom, toilet with remote control (!) Luckily this wasn't my first time at the rodeo....
GOOD DAY, BIDET.

Exterior of Hotel at night.

Sakura Fleur Aoyama Highlights:

• Great location, easy to find from Shibuya station (5-10 min walk from the station).
• Small but functional single room with private bathroom.
• Connected to quirky "cafe du monstre" which has a large drink selection but minimal food options (*cafe is cash only but has free Wifi).
• When returning to the hotel, the front desk asks for your name and checks your key to confirm you are staying there. A nice safety measure. I read online that this hotel was for females only(?).  However that description must be outdated as I saw multiple couples and male travelers staying as well. 
• Staff was friendly.

PROS:   Free WiFi in all rooms! | Affordability | Location | Connected to Cafe

CONS:  Poor views in rooms facing away from street | Uphill walk to Hotel from Shibuya Station (may be difficult with large suitcases).

TiPS:

• When looking for the hotel, look for the "cafe du monstre" sign, it is much larger and easier to find than the sign for the hotel.
• Ask for bottled water from the front desk, they will give you 2 bottles a day for free.

TAKEAWAY: Affordable, simple, comfortable in a great location. Best for those traveling alone or as a couple. Very positive experience!

Good Morning Tokyo! Was lucky enough to get a nice view.

Shibuya Crossing, a 5 min. walk from Sakura Fleur Aoyama.
I took this picture in Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks.