Shinjuku Prince Hotel

[JLee]

I am planning on staying at Shinjuku Prince hotel in 2 months & read/saw good reviews and ratings. However, AFTER I had sorted out the holiday I found out that it was in Kabukicho (or on the outskirts apparently). I was just wondering if it's safe to go there & what/where I should avoid if not! Thanks all

[Kinzokusei no Inu]

Yeah, I'm familiar with that area. It's one of the liveliest parts of Tokyo. There are a lot of people around, but you don't have to worry much about safety there. One of my favorite live houses (Shinjuku Marble) is right near the Prince. The ACB (which has fantastic acoustics) is also not far off. If I were staying at a hotel, I wouldn't hesitate to stay in that area.

One thing though. If you're a dude and on your own while out and about the streets, you can expect to be approached by local prostitutes or foreign pimp type guys trying to get you into their clubs. Good places to stay away from if you're not looking for trouble while traveling.

[planeteuropa]

Dangerous?! Ha, ha, ha, Japanese are saints compared to gaijins. Trust me, I would know, because I am a gaijin. I mean seriously, when was the last time you saw a Japanese person carrying a semi-automatic in the back trunk of their automobile? Never, that's when.

[JLee]

Hahaha! True xD
Thanks for the advice Kinzokusei no Inu I'll check out what you said - apparently the train from Narita goes to the station 7 minutes away from hotel? What train card would you advise? I've heard about this PASMO but my cousin who went had a different card.
I'm not worried to be honest europa but nice analogy hahaha xD I've been to some dodgy places before but this time, it's my first visit to Japan and I'm going with my cousin who's 16 so would prefer to avoid any trouble xD

[robbo]

I mean seriously, when was the last time you saw a Japanese person carrying a semi-automatic in the back trunk of their automobile? Never, that's when.

Hahaha! True xD

Which God forsaken bit of gaikoku do you live? I don't think that's normal most places.

Kabukicho is not as bad a Roppongi, but yes, there are some rather dodgy places. If you're not looking for trouble then it won't be looking for you.

The Price Hotel is just above Seibu Shinjuku station, which is handy, but you'll probably never use that line (happens to be the line I live on!), only the JR station a few minutes walk away. which has far more connections. Tokyo has two pass card systems, PASMO and SUIKA. There is a difference, but they're interchangeable for most situations. As a visitor it won't matter which one you use. I think you can even use them in Osaka these days. You can only use these on the local trains. You have to buy another ticket for express trains. By the way, not all the Narita Express trains stop at Shinjuku, so watch out. It may be quicker to go to Tokyo and change to the Chuo line.

[JFZ Teacher (George)]

I have never stayed in the Shinjuku Prince. But if you were at the Shinagawa Prince, which is where I like to stay then the Limosuine Bus from Narita goes there directly.

Perhaps you can see if the same thing is possible for the Shinjuku Prince. The bus is VERY convenient since it's point to point travel and you end up directly at the hotel with your luggage instead of trekking through the train station.

George

EDIT: It seems the bus doesn't go direct to the Shinjuku Prince.
http://www.princehotels.com/en/shinjuku/access/

[Kinzokusei no Inu]

I used the bus service from Narita last time. It works really well and probably less complicated than the trains if it's your first time in Japan. They call it a "limousine" bus, but it's really just like any normal bus. I stayed in Shinjuku as well, but at a different hotel closer to the bus stop. Shinjuku station and area can be somewhat confusing and overwhelming when you're new there, so it's a good idea to study the map and plot out your general walking route ahead of time. I remember trying to go freestyle in Shinjuku my first time there, and got lost trying to return to my hotel.

[mar83cin]

I stayed in Shinjuku Prince Hotel in April 2008 and loved it - rooms aren't that big but it's great service, nice breakfast in the basement, and surroundings didn't look to scary for me... Yes there is a lot of people walking around even by night - like 10pm, but you shouldn't worry about it. My girlfriend and I, arrived in Ueno by Narita Express, and then used tube - Yamanote line (light green) to get there. We really enjoyed that part of city, although it's kind of business part of Tokyo.
On the building next to Shinjuku Prince Hotel - there is a big red neon - it's massive ! Inside that building there is Pachinko, something like casino - it looks nice by night Enjoy!