Tokyo's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Green House Nakano Fujimicho 801!
Tokyo's Hidden Oasis: Fujimicho 801 - Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the (Mostly) Greenery
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Okay, buckle up, folks. Because this isn't just a hotel review; it’s a confession. I went to Tokyo hoping for cherry blossoms and ended up obsessed with a greenhouse… well, practically. Fujimicho 801, to be precise. The place is Tokyo's version of a secret garden, although… less secret than it claims to be now, I guess. But still worthy of the hype.
First off, Accessibility: Let's be real, navigating Japan can be a maze. Especially if, like me, you sometimes trip over your own feet. Fujimicho 801 gets a solid thumbs up. Elevators, facilities for disabled guests, and pretty decent exterior corridors mean you won’t be battling stairs all day. Although, I did notice a tiny, almost imperceptible step up at the entrance to the spa. Not a deal-breaker, but worth a mention.
Rooms & That Damn Greenery:
Forget minimalist chic. Fujimicho embraces plant-forward design (I just made that up, but it fits!). The rooms themselves are… well, they're perfectly serviceable, actually comfortable and well-equipped. They’re a little more traditional Japanese, mixing tatami mats and modern furnishings. You've got your air conditioning, desk, free Wi-Fi (thank the gods!), mini-bar, the whole shebang. They're all non-smoking, thank heavens. (And I'm not saying the blackout curtains saved me from jet lag, but they probably did.)
The thing that makes this place special is the view. If you're lucky enough to score a room overlooking the courtyard… Oh, sweet Jesus. Seriously. I spent one whole afternoon just staring at the greenery. Just… staring. It's a riot of textures, the verdant depths a refreshing escape from the concrete of Tokyo. The extra long bed, coupled with the view, turned into the ultimate relaxation hack.
Cleanliness and Safety:
This is a biggie, especially in these crazy times. Fujimicho 801 shines here. They're taking all the precautions with stuff like professional-grade sanitizing, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even have hand sanitizer everywhere (which I totally needed after touching… well, everything). They also have a bunch of other safety features like CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms. All the good stuff. They really seem to be leaning into the safety thing. I almost felt too safe. Does that make sense? Like, maybe I wasn’t allowed to put the safe deposit box in my room. Just a thought.
Getting Around, and the Perks:
Airport transfer is a boon, and the car park [on-site, free of charge] is a definite win, particularly in Tokyo. I didn't use a car power charging station, but it was good to know it was there. Although you can also take a taxi service pretty easily.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where Things Got Interesting:
Okay, let's talk food. Full disclosure: I’m a bit of a picky eater. And I have a particular weakness for a decent Western breakfast. Fujimicho 801 delivers, with both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options in the restaurant. You can get both, and you should. I found it a good way to start the day. The buffet in restaurant had a decent spread, but I wouldn't say it was anything overly special. The coffee wasn't bad either.
The restaurant itself offers international cuisine and a la carte options. I tried the desserts in restaurant one evening, and let's just say I was in heaven. They also have a bar (always a good sign) and a poolside bar, which… frankly, I didn't utilize as much as I should have. Lesson learned.
Where it got really interesting, though, was with room service. I ordered something at, let's say, an unusual hour. The person who delivered my grub was kind. And I'm not sure the room service [24-hour] was the healthiest thing I've ever done, but it sure satisfied those late-night cravings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – My Personal Spa Experience:
Alright, deep breaths. The spa at Fujimicho 801… It's an experience. They have a spa, sauna, steam room, and a pool with view. I went all-in, and it kind of broke me in the best way possible.
I spent a good chunk of one afternoon in the sauna, shedding all my worldly cares. Then I went for a swim in the swimming pool [outdoor]. The view from the pool? Unforgettable. The poolside bar beckoned, but I was in a state of pure bliss and didn't want to ruin it with anything as common as… alcohol.
I didn't try the body scrub or body wrap, but I have regrets. I also didn't see the fitness center, I blame the view.
Services and Conveniences:
They've got all the usual suspects: concierge, laundry service, dry cleaning, and a gift/souvenir shop. Luggage storage was super helpful. One minor annoyance: the elevator was a little slow at times. Not a deal-breaker, but… patience is a virtue. And I'm working on it.
For the Kids:
I didn’t travel with kids, but I noticed babysitting service and kids meal options. So, a good place for families, although I can't speak to the actual quality of either. Internet, Internet, Everywhere! (and it was good!)
Bless the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It made life so much easier. They also had wired internet access with internet [LAN], but I didn't bother. The Wi-Fi was so good, I just lazed about and got work done as well.
The Verdict:
Fujimicho 801 is more than just a hotel; it's a vibe. It's a haven, a breath of fresh air (literally, with all that greenery) in the concrete jungle. Is it perfect? No. But it's wonderfully imperfect, and that's part of its charm. The staff is friendly, the location is decent (Nakano is a great area to explore!), and the spa… the spa will change your life. Go. Just go. And tell them I sent you (they won’t know who I am. But it's worth a shot!). And if you end up as obsessed with the view as I am, don't say I didn't warn you. I might still be there, gazing out at the plants.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my potential Tokyo adventure, a chaotic love letter to the city, all based out of Green House Nakano Fujimicho 801 (God, let's hope I can find it when I land). Prepare for a wild ride.
Tokyo Tango: A Messy, Wonderful Itinerary (Probably)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Hunt (aka Jet Lagged Misadventures)
- Morning (like, REALLY morning): Touchdown at Narita (ugh, the long flight). Pray to the travel gods my luggage joins me. Seriously, I packed like I'm going to the apocalypse. First order of business: Survival. Find the Narita Express. Hope I understand the ticketing machine. Expect immediate confusion.
- Anecdote Alert! Last time I tried to use a Japanese ticket machine, I ended up accidentally buying a one-way ticket to…well, I still don't know where. Let's hope my Japanese comprehension is slightly better this time. Maybe. Probably not.
- Afternoon: Figure out the train to Nakano-Fujimicho. Pray to the GPS gods. Check into Green House Nakano Fujimicho 801. Honestly, the name is a mouthful. I'm picturing some kind of minimalist, zen-like apartment. Knowing my luck, it'll be a tiny, charming shoebox with air conditioning that's either permanently on "Arctic Blast" or "Sweltering Sauna."
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Ramen. Ramen is the law. Seriously, I'm going to be ravenous after that flight. Research ramen shops beforehand. But, let’s be honest, I'll probably just wander around Nakano until my stomach screams and then stumble into the first place that looks remotely promising.
- Quirky Observation: I bet I’ll become that overly enthusiastic ramen newcomer. "Oh wow! The noodles! The broth! Is this… life?!" They'll probably roll their eyes at me. Worth it.
- Evening (aka "Sleep, Please, Sweet Sleep"): Pass out. Likely at 8 pm. Jet lag is a beast. Maybe set an alarm to drink water, because hydration matters. (Noted, right…?)
Day 2: Shibuya Scramble, Harajuku Hysteria, and a Karaoke Catastrophe
- Morning: Subway adventure! Embrace the crush. I'll probably get lost. Probably get yelled at in Japanese. It's all part of the charm, right? Destination: Shibuya. Time to see the famous scramble crossing.
- Emotional Reaction: The idea of Shibuya Crossing always gives me the chills in the best way. It's like a giant, pulsing organism of human energy. I'm so excited! I'm going to feel so small, but in such a wonderful way.
- Afternoon: Harajuku! Takeshita Street! Prepare for sensory overload. Gonna try and resist the urge to buy everything. Or maybe not. Let's be real. I'm probably going to buy a giant rainbow cotton candy the size of my head.
- Messy Structure and Rambles: Okay, so… fashion in Harajuku. It's a whole other world. Seriously, some of the outfits are just… mind-blowing. I wonder if I'll be brave enough to try something daring. Probably not. I'm more of a "slightly eccentric tourist" type. But hey, maybe the cotton candy will inspire me.
- Evening: Karaoke. Because Japan. Find a karaoke place – one that hopefully has some English songs I can butcher. (My singing voice is… well, let's just say it's a unique interpretation of music.)
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: Karaoke Nightmare: Ok, here we go. I'm going to be drunk on the cheap, sugary drinks they have. I'm going to select a song I think I know the words to. I will attempt to belt it out, off-key. I will embarrass myself. I will probably cry…from laughter. And then I'll do it all over again.
- Late Night: Walk home. Maybe get lost. Definitely tired. Probably smelling of sugar and regret.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Comfort Food (and maybe a Temple?)
- Morning: Okay, time for some "culture." Try to tackle a temple or shrine. Maybe Meiji Jingu Shrine? Hoping for some zen, or at least a quiet walk.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I have a weird feeling about temples, like a combination of awe and almost a bit of dread. I want to respect it and soak it up, but at the same time I feel so outside of it all. I hope I’m not disrespectful.
- Afternoon: Comfort food! Maybe try a tonkatsu place? Or some okonomiyaki. Gotta fuel the body for more adventures. The real adventures will begin at lunch.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Explore the neighborhood a bit more. I want to find those little shops, those hidden alleys. Maybe get another snack… or three. Or ten. Because why not?
- Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing: I will not go light on the snacks. I'm on vacation, dammit! And if someone tries to tell me it's "too much," they can go eat their bland, boring salad. I'm here to experience life, which also includes a very happy, slightly chubby stomach.
- Evening: Back to Green House Nakano Fujimicho 801. Maybe watch some Japanese TV (even though I won't understand it). Reflect upon the day's chaos. Start planning for the next round of adventures.
Day 4: Day Trip! (Probably to somewhere I'll regret not spending more time at)
- Morning: Decide on a day trip. Kyoto? Hakone? (I'm already getting overwhelmed by the options.) Check train times. Then probably get distracted by something shiny.
- All Day: Day trip. Get lost. See amazing things. Take a million photos. Buy souvenirs I don't need.
- Evening: Back to Tokyo, exhausted but exhilarated. Probably eat instant ramen in my apartment. And probably regret that I didn't spend more time wherever the day trip was at.
Day 5: Final Day of Glorious Mess (and the Sad Farewell)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping! Panic! Wander aimlessly. Probably buy too much stuff.
- Afternoon: One last amazing meal. Savor every bite. Take a deep breath and try to absorb everything.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: It’s going to be hard, you know? Seeing all the amazing things, the food, the people… that feeling is going to settle in deep. I'm already going to miss everything. I can just feel it now.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Pack. Say a tearful goodbye to Tokyo. Head to the airport. (Again, praying my luggage and I stay together).
- Flight: Reflect upon the messiest, most wonderful trip ever. Start planning the next one.
Important Notes (aka "My Survival Guide")
- Pocket Wifi: Essential. I'm terrible with maps.
- Suica/Pasmo Card: Get one. It’ll save you some time and embarrassment at the train gates.
- Google Translate App: My life-saver. Seriously.
- Embrace the Chaos: This is not a perfectly planned trip. It's an experience.
- Have Fun! Seriously. Don't take things too seriously. Get lost. Laugh at yourself. Eat everything. And enjoy the ride.
This is my potential Tokyo adventure. It's likely to be filled with a lot more "oops" moments than "perfectly executed plans." But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Now to survive the first leg… wish me luck!
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Nakano Fujimicho 801: The Greenhouse (and My Sanity's End) – FAQs
Okay, first things first. Is this place REALLY a secret? 'Cause I've Googled, you know...
Hah! "Secret" in Tokyo? Everything's a carefully curated secret, darling. Yes, Fujimicho 801 is *relatively* under the radar. I stumbled upon it by accident, mostly because I have a terrible sense of direction and was desperately trying to find a decent matcha latte. Think of it like this: imagine accidentally falling into a Narnia wardrobe, except instead of snow and Turkish Delight, it's…well, we'll get to that. The point is, yeah, not plastered all over TripAdvisor. Which is *exactly* why I love it. Keeps the riff-raff out. (Just kidding...mostly.)
What *is* it, exactly? Is it a restaurant? A shop? A cult? (Asking for a friend…)
Okay, so here's the thing. Describing Fujimicho 801 is like trying to describe a dream. It's… a haven. A greenhouse, yes. But also… a café? A plant shop? A social experiment? It's like a really, really cool friend's slightly cluttered, entirely enchanting apartment that just *happens* to be filled with plants that practically glow. They serve coffee, mostly. And some snacks. But honestly? The *vibe* is the main course. Don't expect Michelin stars or anything. Expect… serenity. Maybe. Depends on your mood. Mine? Usually slightly panicked, but pleasantly so.
The plants. Tell me about the plants! Are they, like, real? And are they *happy* plants?
ARE THEY REAL?! Honey, they’re not plastic. The plants are *everywhere*. Vines dripping, succulents bursting out of mismatched pots, enormous ferns reaching for the glass ceiling. And happy? Oh yes. You can practically *feel* their joy, which, frankly, is both inspiring and slightly demoralizing because my own houseplants are currently staging a slow-motion revolt against my neglect. Seriously, it's like walking into a jungle that's been meticulously curated by a plant whisperer who also has impeccable taste in vintage teacups. God, I swear, I once saw a fern *gleam* in the sunlight. Okay, maybe I was just tired...
What's the food/drink situation like? Worth the visit?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. The food isn't the *main* show. It's…adequate. Good coffee, decent pastries. Think simple, wholesome, not-going-to-win-any-awards-but-perfect-for-the-setting fare. The real draw is the whole *experience*. You're not going for a gourmet meal; you're going to escape the concrete jungle and soak in the atmosphere. Though, I did once have a slice of chocolate cake there that, for a moment, transported me to pure, unadulterated happiness. Seriously, I’d fight a small child for a piece of that cake again. If you’re looking for a Michelin-star experience: no. If you're looking for a soul-soothing retreat: *yes, absolutely*.
Is it crowded? (Because I hate crowds.)
It's *usually* not mobbed, thankfully. But, okay, let me be upfront. I was there *once* on a Sunday afternoon, and it was… a touch more "lively" than I prefer. Let's just say "intimate". Like, hearing-everyone-else's-conversations-because-there-are-so-few-people intimate. That's when I remembered my noise-cancelling headphones. (Lifesavers!). Definitely go on a weekday if you're crowd-averse. Weekends, prepare for a slight wait and possibly some mild existential dread brought on by the sheer beauty of the place. But even then, it's worth it. Just… prepare yourself.
What should I wear? Because I'm not sure how to dress for a greenhouse.
Wear whatever makes *you* feel good! But... here's the inside scoop: I've seen everything. From yoga pants (predictable) to full-on floral print dresses (appropriate, and a bit much, honestly). The vibe is relaxed, so don't overthink it. Comfortable shoes are a good idea because you might find yourself wandering around, lost in planty-wonder. I'd say, aim for "effortlessly chic" if you're the type, or embrace comfy. Just don’t wear something you’re afraid to spill coffee on. Or get dirt on. Because, you know, plants. And life.
Okay, you've convinced me. How do I *get* there?
Alright, navigating Tokyo can be a beast. Fujimicho 801 is in Nakano-Fujimicho, near the… well, Nakano-Fujimicho station. (Groundbreaking, I know). Google Maps is your best friend. Seriously. I'd try to give you actual directions, but I swear, I got lost in the parking lot of my *own* apartment building yesterday. Just… trust Google Maps. Look for a nondescript building, and keep an eye out for the slightly overgrown entrance. It's a bit of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it situation. But the reward? Oh, honey, the reward. Prepare to be amazed. Or mildly confused and then instantly charmed. Either way, you're going to have a great time. I guarantee it. (Unless you're allergic to plants; then, maybe not.)
Anything I should know *before* I go? Any tips from a veteran?
Okay, here’s the real tea.
- Cash is king: They might take cards, but don’t risk it. Japan loves cash. Just assume you’ll need it.
- Embrace the silence: It's a place for quiet contemplation. Don't be *that* person blaring their phone. (Seriously, put it away!)
- Take pictures, but be respectful. People go there to chill, and taking a million photos can be a little…much.
- Go hungry (for happiness): Even if the food isn't life-altering, the feeling *is*.
- Accept imperfection: It's not a perfect place, and that's part of its charm.
- And the most important tip is: Be prepared to fall in love. Seriously. I’ve almost considered moving in. (Don't judge!)
