DaiTime Osaka-Hotel

I stayed at the Weekly Mansion in Otemachi. I booked the reservation on hostelworld.com, and was worried about what the room was going be like. I read the reviews, and many people said they were happy with the service and it was more like a hotel not a hostel. All I want is a private room and bathroom when I travel so I booked the private for 2 days and it was cheap.

When I went to check-in, they allowed me to go to the room at 10am when I arrived, instead of the normal 4pm check it. I was exhausted after taking the overnight bus to Osaka, so I really wanted to shower and rest. That was good look, and the room to my surprise was too! There was a small, furnished kitchen area, microwave, nice closet space, and a balcony.

I was satisfied with the location, being 4 blocks away from the Osaka Castle, and 2 blocks from the train station. The staff was very helpful and spoke English and Japanese. I was even able to book the room for an extra night, because I was leaving at 9pm on Sunday and didn't want to check out at 10am. I highly recommend this place if you're on a budget, are too picky about the facility, and are particular about having your own room!

DaiTime Tokyo: Best Bathrooms On The Go

Takashimaya Times Square 12th Floor, HMV South-Woman's Bathroom

I'm always scouting the best bathrooms, to change clothes in, around Tokyo. If leaving from work, and planning on staying out all night or attending events where you can't get home to change, it is always good to know where to go. Most of the women here tote huge purses, rolling suitcases, and shopping bags . It's unfortunate to come across a bathroom stall without enough room for you to turn around in, or even fit your baggage. But there are locations made just right for the occassion of changing clothes, and doing hair and makeup when you don't need a hotel room or public bath.

The entrance to the bathroom on the 12th floor of the Takashimaya Times Square department store, South exit of shinjuku station, has a great view of the station and surrounding.


The bathrooms are large enough for a suitcase and there's a wall shelf for other items.

The stalls come equipped with a toilet seat disinfectant dispenser, heated seats, water sprayer, air freshener, and flush sound effects for the whole Japanese hi-tech toilet experience. Instructions are available in English!

There is no need to use the regular sinks to wash and re-apply makeup.

There is a separate section/powder room with chairs, mirrors, basins, and a full length mirror, just for getting yourself done up. All while over looking Shinjuku.