DIVA AIZ

Capsule hotels are primarily intended for those who missed the last train that it makes more sense to stay in the city for the night, rather than take an expensive cab home. Most capsule hotels are strictly for males, but in recent years, some of the hotels have started to accept female guests.


Tokyo Ariake Bay Hotel Capsule Hotel Female Floor. I was one of the first to check in so the floor was quite empty then.

To be honest, I was hesitant to try this at first. Several thoughts run through my mind. I’m not claustrophobic, but what if I suddenly become one? What if I get suffocated? What if there’s fire? My other option too was too spend overnight in an onsen.

But finally, my curiosity and appetite for adventure triumphed over my anxieties and I've decided to spend my last night in a ‘pod’, more popularly known as capsule hotel. After all, I’m not sure when will I be back in Tokyo or Japan, so this quirky and eccentric Japanese experience must be ticked off my bucket list, pronto!

Since I began my search quite late, exactly a week before my arrival in Tokyo, I didn’t have much choice left. Most capsule hotels left in booking sites only have vacancies for males and I was down to two choices.
I chose the latter. Although the price is slightly higher, it seems cleaner and newer based on photos and reviews. The area seemed appropriate to stay as well since my itinerary for my last night is to try an onsen. I had my eyes on Oedo Onsen Monogatari located in Odaiba (in a separate post)


FACILITIES

Like I said they vendo everything

It is encouraged to keep all belongings in the lockers, at the ground floor. If your luggage doesn’t fit the lockers, you can request to leave it at the reception for free and it will be tagged accordingly. The locker contains towel, robe, pants and slippers. It is best to change into these before heading up to your cabin.

From the main stairs, 3rd floor door leads to a very clean and well-lit shared powder room and toilet. On the other end is the entrance to the capsules.

The hotel’s free WiFi is accessible throughout the entire property. I didn’t get to check out and enjoy the pantry and the lounge area, since I already had dinner in Odaiba. By the time I reached my pod, all I wanted was to retreat - rest my back, my foot and charge my mobile phone.




While I think it is generally ok for an overnight experience, it has downsides too:
LOCATION




Hotel Entrance

I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping it would be walking distance from Odaiba.

The closest MRT is Shinonome via Rinkai Line. I had to transfer to a new train line, coming from Odaiba.
There is a gasoline station / convenience store from the train station to the hotel. I passed by to ask where the hotel was, but I swear the vibe made me feel like I’m in a suspense/thriller movie. My imagine can be intense sometimes.


OVERALL

I think staying in a capsule hotel is something a female traveller should add in her Japan bucket list. It is secure, convenient and comfortable.

I can't believe its been more than a year since my last blog post. 2013 has been very fast and a challenging one indeed..

Well, this entry isn't gonna be a super late year-ender blog. I just realised Easter is fast approaching anyway, so allow me to signify a new beginning and reset :)

I've been on hiatus for quite a while. Work has been very demanding and let's say I've battled emotional and esteem issues. I can say my work also involves writing content, writing HTML codes and website programming and by the time I reach home, which is quite late, I prefer not to touch my laptop or smartphone anymore. Blogging suddenly started to feel like an extension of work.

I had my fair share of challenges for 2013, but not to say it was that bad.
1st. I found a fulltime job again in Singapore, yes I was referring to the one above and yes I am thankful overall.
2nd. Travelwise I managed to step outside Asia's borders and had a glimpse of Australia. For the first time as well, I had the chance to travel with friends to Seoul, South Korea and the approval of my US Visa.
3rd. Met new people and new friends, won contests and seen my 1st niece celebrate her 18th birthday.

2013 was good for me in general but it wasn't so for some people closest to me.

Before the hiatus, I also started to feel obliged to push content. I have these tendencies to seek attention hehe and I admit that, I placed too much emphasis on on pushing commercial content that will bring people in my blog and drive readership. Although the topics I posted  covered my interest, I wasn't blogging for fun and for myself anymore. When I realized that, I had to stop.

Enough with the blah blahs.. 2014 is an even challenging year yet paves way to self discovery. Quarter 1 just passed and all I can say is, its pushing me to grow up, face adulthood and responsibilities. Aja!

As with many people, part of my New Year's resolutions is to be more healthy, get active and finally achieve a normal BMI this year. Funny though that I only started doing a 2013 bucket list during the Chinese New Year break, a month after year 2013 started :) And yes, part of that bucket list was to complete a 5km and a 10km marathon this year. Yes, emphasis on complete, not compete :)

It was on that Chinese New Year weekend when my friend Laurice and I started searching for a 5km runs in Singapore that would be somehow budget friendly.

What convinced us for the Venus Run were: length of 5km which is good for us beginners, its an all-women run in celebration of International Women's Day, and the shirt's color and nice message. Its somehow close to one of my mantras: "Dont let anyone dull your sparkle!"

Since my November vacation in the Philippines, I swear I can't stop thinking of home decor. During mall visits, of course my first stop would be clothes, shoes and accessories, but recently, it won't be complete without a visit to the furniture and home accessories department.

Signs of aging tastes perhaps? Haha.. I feel like our condo is still incomplete and missing some bits and pieces, especially my room on the 2nd floor.

A lot of friends have recommended Dapitan Arcade recently. In search of some design inspirations, Christmas holiday decors and cheap but unique knick knacks and to feed our curiosity, we allotted  few hours to visit this little hub at the corner of Dapitan and Kanlaon Streets called Dapitan Arcade.

The street prior to Dapitan Arcade are also lined up with vendors selling different items such as these vases

In the street adjacent to it, is Dapitan Tiangge, (where we parked coz we thought its already Dapitan Arcade), its a 3-storey building that also offer home decors.

Anyway, Dapitan Arcade serves as a depot for export over-runs of gifts, home furnishings and accessories made of various materials ranging from sinamay, paper, rattan, capiz, ceramics, plastic, wood and metal. Though there are also China made items you'd normally find on Ebay, Home TV Shopping and Daiso.

Add romance to your room with these rustic lamps

These sunburst wall clocks, sunburst mirrors and intricately-designed metal and capis wall arts would make any room look highly sophisticated.

You'd be surprised that the prices are again, not as high than those in malls or art galleries. You can bargain and they can adjust depending on your budget. You can also inquire if you want customized steel art.

In the midst of chaos, I found this mock Eiffel Tower which I'm so lusting to buy!

Shopping hours are from 7am to 7pm.

The place is not air-conditioned, therefore it may not offer the comfortability of shopping malls, so be armed with a fan or a handkerchief!

But never mind the slight heat, most of the items we bought were priced almost half of those found in malls. Talkin' about value for money here! and yes, some bargaining skills.

What we bought:
1. Christmas wreath - It even has a "Kultura" tag priced at Php 499.75 but I bought it for only Php 300.00
2. Christmas tree decor (balls, dried glittered leaves, ornaments) ranging from - Php 10-100 each about Php 30-300 in malls.
3. Little Pink Dress Accessories Organizer - Php 80
4. Pink Laundry Hamper made of rattan. - Php 200
5. Some christmas gifts Php 300 and below


I think Dapitan Arcade is worth another visit around February to September. Great finds are year-round and for sure, you'll find something to suit your budget.

For now, Merry Hunting!

For days when I feel unmotivated, besides my family's future, I think of my condo bedroom renovation plans. Growing up, I always had to share a room with parents or siblings. So since my sister and I moved to our condo, I finally experienced having a room of my own. And I really want to customize it based on my personality and interests.

I have always wanted a Parisian-inspired room. All things French spells E-L-E-G-A-N-C-E- to me. Santorini and Paris will top my list of dream destinations, but I get more style inspiration from Paris.

I created a checklist so that I could easily refer to a single page whenever I decide to DIY this renovation project. Or its also for people like you, my could-be future interior designer, you might have some more ideas to spare.

Checklist:
Color Palette - Purple, black, white or cream and some damask details



An Eiffel tower - Should I be contented with a model display of the Eiffel tower or should I play with wall decals?



Wooden Letters - I am still thinking what words to arrange.. "Dream" or "believe" or "Achieve" I;ve seen it in many stores and rooms and I really wanted mine to be unique, a French translation of these words perhaps but not too long.. "j'adore",  "La vie est belle"

  



Sitting Nook - A small space where I could work, write or read, or watch movies in my laptop.