I’m sure that by now everyone has heard about the hotel in Japan that is run by robots. It was huge news a few years ago and it reminded the world that Japan hasn’t stopped being Japanese when it comes to all things tech, and forward-thinking.
So in a country that is constantly innovating, where does a hotel run by robots go from here? Well, how about a unique hotel run by holograms!
Asakusa is a historic town known for the Senso-ji, the oldest and most colorful temple in Tokyo. Asakusa is also one of the few places where you can truly experience the atmosphere and architecture of the Edo period. The historic streets are lined with food stalls, izakayas, and traditional craftsmanship. In stark contrast, the futuristic Henn Na Hotel Asakusa is unlike any other hotel that I have ever stayed in.
Upon entering you will be greeted by three distinct holographic characters. The anime-style butler that is happy to help but can’t cook to save his life, the Ninja who seems to get stabbed a lot, and of course, the friendly but quite scary raptor that the original Henn Na Hotel was famous for. Each one has his own personality, voice, and animation.
Checking in is incredibly straightforward and efficient. Just use the tablet at the reception and through exciting animations and great voice acting, the hologram character of your choice will guide you through the process. Your room cards will come out of the machine under the counter and you are ready to go. After check-in is complete, your way will be guided by a projected red carpet that will appear on the floor. You will be directed to the elevators while puddles and leaves mimicking your steps trail behind you.
The reception area has a really relaxing zen style, it is exceptionally clean and quiet. There is a bag storage section, an area to sit, work, or eat, and also has a small sports bar called Bat’s Man for a few cheeky night time drinks before bed. Should the bag storage system be full, you can always call for assistance from a real human. They will be happy to store your luggage for you while you explore the best that Asakusa has to offer.
The beds were firm and comfortable. the dimmer switch for the warm ambient lighting is a really nice touch and considering the city is quite a busy place and the number of people staying at this hotel, the room was extremely quiet and relaxing. There were more than enough ports and plugs to charge all of my devices. They even provide a split cable with a USB-C, Lightning cable, and a micro USB end. Not to mention, the view of Asakusa’s cityscape from my room was amazing!
Rooms in Tokyo can be on the small side unless you are springing for the business or honeymoon suites so I was pleasantly surprised to see such a spacious room. The bathroom has a traditional Japanese shower room with a bath, a smart toilet, and all the general amenities that one would need to freshen up.
The room itself has the usual TV, fridge, hairdryer, and kettle. However, there were two new devices that I had never seen in a hotel before. Tabii is a tablet that is your personal guide to tourist hot spots that also answeres any questions or queries you may have.
There was also something that I thought was a giant fridge but turned out to be an LG Styler!
The LG Styler sanitizes, steams, presses and dries your clothes meaning fewer visits to your dry cleaners. I was simply blown away that a £1,500 device would be an option as I had never seen one before. Needless to say, I used it to death. All of my clothes are now steamed, sanitized, and wrinkle-free.
Check-out is just as easy as check-in. Selecting check-out on the tablet at the reception, you insert the cards for the room into the slot and that’s it, all done.
This hotel is more of an experience than your usual “place to stay”. It was clean and relaxing but most of all, totally hassle-free. Despite the fact that a lot of engineering and technology have gone into the building of this hotel, the process is extremely streamlined and makes me wonder why we need real reception staff at all.
Be sure to check out the link Booking.com for £15 off your next stay!
Currently staying at this hotel and can confirm everything John says. I’ve stayed in many hotels around Asakusa and this one just does everything right. One additional benefit not mentioned is that the convenience store on the 1st (ground) floor can be accessed from the hotel elevator without going outside so getting some quick late-night munchies or beer is easy. Tons of places to eat in the area though.
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