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THE TOP 4 HOSTELS IN TOKYO

From blooming cherry blossoms to snow-capped mountains, Japan is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. As officially the second largest city in the world by area, Tokyo is absolutely massive and can be quite overwhelming. If you’re traveling on a budget and want to explore some unique and downright stunning residences, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re traveling solo, or with friends, our top picks for the best hostels in Tokyo are sure to leave you enchanted. Book and Bed Tokyo Location: Ikebukuro

Booklovers spending time in Tokyo, this one’s for you! Based on the idea of an ‘accommodation bookstore’, this cozy and unique hostel is located just 5.1 Km from the Kabukiza theatre, and 5.6 Km from the National Theatre. If you are one of those who carry a bunch of books every time they leave for a trip, this will truly be your dream come true. Book and Bed’s serene atmosphere and delightful environment are ideal for calming messy minds or overcoming jetlag. The sleeping arrangements are private and snug and prices vary according to room and availability. Book and Bed is one of the city’s more novel hostel options where every inch of the place is crammed with books. The hostel offers single beds in mixed dorms which you can choose as per your convenience and liking. This place also has an on-site bar, if you wish to grab a drink without leaving your book unfinished. The hostel has been featured in many international travel media outlets and is a great option for travelers interested in city walks. Book and Bed, quite presumably, offers free Wi-Fi to all its occupants as well.   Nui Hostel and Bar Lounge Location: Kuramae

This trendy hostel, café, bar, and live music space is one of the most stylish lodging options in Tokyo. The nightlife is entertaining and chill, accompanied by chic hand-made furniture and accents. The hostel is located in a bustling neighborhood and is an amazing place to hang out with both locals and travelers. If you are the kind of person who feels right at home at a bar, and loves to chat and mingle, Nui hostel is the place to be. Featuring many different types of rooms and aesthetics, this place even draws locals to the well-known ground floor bar. Free city maps and direct train rides to Narita and Haneda airport are just some of the added perks of this hostel. It is worth a mention that all bathrooms have comfortable Jacuzzis for a bit of indulgence. Here, you get the choice between female-only and mixed dorms, as well as a posh natural industrial vibe. Nui Hostel brought to Tokyo by an eminent hostel chain, is exceptionally beautiful and has a friendly, approachable staff. The thoughtful touches and bar events might make you want to spend the entire trip here! Grids Hostel + Lounge Location: Akihabara, Nihonbashi, Asakusa-Bashi

This place is so popular that they have three sites in Tokyo already! This is a unique backpacker hostel with a focus on bringing people together. With modern and thoughtfully designed rooms, the hostel has a neat and stark ambiance. All the rooms exude a sense of complete harmony and tranquillity. The hostel offers every combination of rooms and beds imaginable, making it easy for guests to pick their own adventure. For the convenience of female travelers, they have dedicated the entire fifth floor to women only. It is only a three-minute stroll away from the nearest train station making getting around the city easy for travelers. The Akihabara area is especially lively with cheerful friendly locals. At the entrance of the hostel, is a fabulous Bar and Lounge with the décor being inspired by a railway terminal. This place offers meticulous service at a reasonable price and features kitchenettes and communal areas for easy socialization. If you are a capsule hotel fan, this place will meet all your expectations and more. You can find many locals and travelers to share your stories and find a connection to the Japanese culture with. Planetyze Hostel Location: Asakusabashi

This place has the best location you could ask for in the heart of the city. There is a gorgeous bar and lounge area where you can unwind and browse the web on one of their touch-panel screens. The cozy atmosphere of the beautiful lounge and café encourage you to relax and interact with other travelers as well as locals. The common areas are stylish and well equipped with all the things you need for a comfortable, convenient stay. The neighborhood of Chuo Ward is an excellent choice for people interested in city walks and street food. Most of the popular attractions like the Electricity/Anime town are an easy commute away from this hostel. This hostel is also rated very highly for providing the best value services and super friendly staff. The staff is also happy to offer local tips on traveling around the city and restaurants to choose from. One of the most unique features of this place is that it also conducts weekly events such as market tours and Mt. Fuji bus tours. No matter which of these places you choose, the only thing you need to be prepared for is having a good time. The staff is accommodating and friendly and would be happy to assist you at any hour of the day. Explore and discover the wonders Tokyo has to offer while doing your wallet a favor by living in these gorgeous contemporary hotels. Photo credits: @bookandbedtokyo, @nui.hostel_bar_lounge, @grids_sapporo on Instagram. Read the full article

#hostel #tokyo

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An Overview of Belgium for First Time Travelers

Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers. An Overview of Belgium for First Time Travelers Belgium is located on the coast of the North Sea between Holland, German and France. The name comes from the Belgae, a celtic tribe. Belgium’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of much of Europe, particular in relation to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. As a result, the country has been heavily influenced by the powers that be in Europe during certain periods of times. You can find aspects of Romans, Celtics, Germanic, French and Spanish influences. Ruled by various European empires, the cities of Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp were major commercial trading posts. They also produced some of the more spectacular artists in Europe, including Eyck and Rubens. In modern times, the country is really three separate states with significant autonomy. The country is divided up into Flemish, Walloon and a smaller Germanic area. The Flemish are Dutch speaking while the Walloon are oriented to French. The divisions between these areas are significant and they have significant autonomy from the federal government. One might argue they are countries unto themselves. The official name of Belgium is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is located in Western Europe and covers approximately 12,566 square miles. Brussels is the capital of the country and has a population of approximately 922,000 people. The second largest city is Antwerp with 452,000 residents. The people of Belgium are known as Belgians. Total population for the country is 10.4 million with a paltry annual growth rate of less than one half of one percent. The country is divided into three linguistic regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. French is the dominant language in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders and German in the Brussels area. Most people of Belgium claim Roman Catholic as their faith, but Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Anglican communities exist. The literacy rate is 95 percent. Belgium is an odd hodgepodge of influences. That being said, everyone seems to get along in these modern times and Brussels is a major financial center in the Europe. Read the full article

#belgium #brussels #europe #flemish #germany #holland #northsea #rubens #unitedkingdom #walloons