Welcome to this issue of Quick Takes! It’s been a while since the last issue, but we are back with news that you will need in your trip planning. Anyway, on with this week’s update.
- Keio open new hotel in Kyoto: Keio Group had just opened a new hotel in Kyoto in November. Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo will be the first hotel Keio Group operates in Kansai area, and is under the Keio Prelia brand. It features in-premise onsen style baths for both men and women, mattress from Sealy, and great buffet breakfasts. Rooms are available in two to three person combinations (twin and double). Its location would be the biggest selling point, as it is only one subway station away from Kyoto Station, thus going there by subway or taxi would be relatively hassle-free. As an alternative to the international hotels that are less than convenient in terms of transportation, this hotel should be a strong contender in the Kyoto hotel scene.
- Handy Japanese phrases for use at the airport: Enough said, just read it and keep a copy of the questions with you when you arrive in Japan airports.
- Free WiFi added to Keisei Skyliner trains, replace paper voucher with QR code: Keisei is working hard to bring new conveniences to its passengers. Aside from offering free WiFi starting this Saturday (Dec 8th), it will also start to issue QR code instead of paper vouchers to passengers. The QR code will be delivered to the passenger’s mobile phone, and they can present the code to Keisei ticket counters in Japan to get their tickets. Both the Skyliner Coupon and Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket are eligible for the QR code plan.
- JR East to test in station office booths, like those in airports back in the ’90s: Office booths are nothing new, as airports install them back in the nineties, and they are still around. But JR East had started a testing program by installing office booths in Shinagawa Station in Tokyo last month. Dubbed Station Booth, the test will last for three months, with additional units installed in Shinjuku and Tokyo Stations. The booths will offer table and chair for work, 24-inch monitors for connecting laptops, and USB ports for charging of phones. About 1000 people had already signed up for the test program, and JR East seems bullish in this service being deployed to other stations. So, maybe in the very near future, we can book a Station Booth and go there to take care of business while on the road traveling?
That’s all for this week, see you all next time!