Sapporo Gem! 2BR Apt (53m2), FREE Parking, 9min Walk to JR Kotoni!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the Sapporo Gem! 2BR Apt review. And let me tell you, after that amazing bowl of ramen I had, I'm ready to spill. Let's get messy with it, yeah?
Title: Sapporo Gem! 2BR Apt (53m2) - My Honest, Rambling, Ramen-Fueled Review! (FREE Parking & 9-Min Walk to JR Kotoni!)
(Metadata: Sapporo, Apartment, Vacation Rental, Kotoni, Free Parking, 2 Bedroom, Japan, Travel, Review, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Dining, Amenities)
Alright, first things first. This isn't some sterile, corporate review. This is me, tired from jet lag, hyped up on deliciousness, and ready to be REAL.
Getting in & Out (aka, the "Accessibility" Shakedown)
Okay, so, "accessibility." Let's be honest, Japan isn't always the easiest for folks with mobility issues, right? I mean, cobblestones? Stairs everywhere? But… this place had an elevator! Thank god. And a decent enough entrance. I'm not saying it's perfectly wheelchair-accessible (I didn't need to use a wheelchair this trip, so I couldn't fully assess it), but the basics seemed covered. Good start.
The 9-Minute Walk – Was it Really 9 Minutes?
They say it's a 9-minute walk to JR Kotoni station. Look, I'm not going to lie, after that ramen… it felt more like 11. But the point is, it's close. And that's HUGE in Sapporo. Close to everything! Which is key, especially if you're planning on hitting up a bunch of places. Train stations are your friend.
Cleanliness and Safety – Or, Did I Catch the Sapporo Sniffles?
This is where things got really interesting. They're obsessed with hygiene here, which, after a pandemic, I'm all about. Anti-viral cleaning products are a win. Daily disinfection? Sign me up! They had hand sanitizer everywhere. The room itself? Spotless. I’m talking sparkling, my-glasses-are-clean-but-I-can-see-my-reflection-in-this-table clean. They even had all that individually wrapped food and sanitized kitchen stuff. Didn't get the Sapporo Sniffles, so, mission accomplished. (And yes, I did check to see if they were actually using the professional-grade sanitizing services they claimed. Seemed legit.)
Rooms Sanitized Between Stays? Yes, Please! (And No Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available – Hmmm…)
Okay, so they really took the cleanliness thing seriously, which frankly, I love. Bonus points for that. But… room sanitization opt-out? Nope. Not an option. Which, I get it, but also, maybe give people the choice? Let's just say if you’re a germaphobe, you're in heaven. If you aren't? Well, you won’t be bored.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Most Important Category!
Okay, let's be real. This is where things get serious. No on-site restaurants, unfortunately. But! They had an "alternative meal arrangement" option. Which, I’m going to assume is a delivery service? I didn’t use it, because, hello, Sapporo! Ramen! But I appreciated the option.
- "Breakfast in Room" Nope.
- "Breakfast takeaway service" Sounds good.
- "Bottle of Water." Check. Crucial for surviving jet lag and that powerful Sapporo beer.
- "Coffee/tea in the Room" Check! Bless their hearts!
- Snack Bar? Nope. Time to hit up that convenience store (and grab some Pocky).
Services and Conveniences – The "Stuff They Don't Tell You About" Section
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods. This is a must-have in this day and age.
- Daily housekeeping. YES! My messy self thanks them.
- Concierge: Not there. Hmmm. A little less "luxury" then.
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Duh. Must-have.
- Luggage storage: Useful after your ramen coma, so you don’t have to lug around your bags.
- Cash withdrawal: You can do this in the convenience stores, which is super helpful.
- Elevator: Already mentioned, bless them.
- Laundry Service: Not on-site, but… let’s be honest, everyone needs to do laundry after a trip that involves a bunch of ramen.
- Food Delivery: Not specifically mentioned, but given Japanese efficiency, I wouldn't be surprised.
- Ironing Service: You know, for those important meetings.
For the Kids – Aka, "Are my Nieces/Nephews Welcome Here?"
- Family/child friendly: Mostly yes, it seemed like it.
- Babysitting service: Nope.
- Kids meal: Obviously, no.
- Kids facilities: Nope. Probably not the best place to bring your pre-schoolers.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty (aka, the stuff I ACTUALLY cared about):
- Air conditioning: Mandatory.
- Free Wi-Fi: Duh.
- Alarm clock: Useful, especially if you want to get to that morning fish market.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? Who uses these anymore?
- Bathtub: Yes! Perfect for soaking those aching muscles after a long day of exploring.
- Blackout curtains: HEAVEN. Jet lag? What jet lag?
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial.
- Desk: Good for working (or pretending to work).
- Extra-long bed: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Yes!
- In-room safe box: Okay, I’ve got to be honest. I barely used it.
- Refrigerator: For your beer and snacks!
- Satellite/cable channels: Useful in case there's nothing better to do.
- Shower: Yep.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Slippers: YES!
- Sofa: Perfect for lounging.
Getting Around – Surviving Sapporo
- Airport transfer: Nope, you're on your own.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! HUGE win.
- Taxi service: Obviously, available.
- Bicycle parking: I didn’t see any, but Hokkaido is awesome with regards to cycling.
The "Maybe They Should Have Mentioned This" Bits:
- No Pool, no Spa, No Gym. Oh well
- No on-site amenities. This apartment is strictly a place to sleep and crash. You'll have to go elsewhere for all the fun.
- The Decor Was…Functional. Nothing fancy. Clean, simple, and efficient. No complaints, but don't expect any design awards here. It's like, "Here is a place to sleep so you can enjoy your holiday, now get out."
The Rambling Conclusion (Because That's How I Roll):
Okay, so the Sapporo Gem! 2BR Apt. Isn't perfect. But for the price and those perks? That free parking? The close proximity to the station? And the cleanliness? It's a solid choice. Especially if you're planning on being out and about all day, hitting up the ramen shops, the beer gardens, and all the amazing things Sapporo has to offer. Don't come here looking for a luxurious spa experience. But if you want a clean, comfortable, and convenient base camp to explore the magic of Sapporo? This is it. Would I stay again? Yeah, probably. After all, there's still ramen to be eaten. (And that free parking! chef's kiss)
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Banff Aspen Lodge: Your Dream Banff Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into a Sapporo adventure from the glorious (and hopefully still available, fingers crossed!) K106★FreeCarpark★53m2-2BR★JR Kotoni 9minwalk_wifi★. Let's be honest, the listing name is already a rollercoaster. Free parking? Score! But 53m2? Is that… enough? We'll find out! This itinerary is gonna be less "perfectly polished travel brochure" and more "scatterbrained journal entry post-karaoke."
Day 1: Arrival and Oh My God, So Much Ramen
Morning/Afternoon (Ugh, Jet Lag Will Be the Boss):
- Arrive at New Chitose Airport (CTS). Pray the flight wasn't delayed (because, you know, life).
- Transportation: Get that JR line ticket! Figure out the Sapporo station transfer to Kotoni. This is where the "lost in translation" moments begin. Probably involve some frantic pointing and miming. Hopefully, my basic Japanese (mostly "konnichiwa" and "arigato") will save me.
- Check-in Chaos: Hopefully, the apartment is as advertised. Maybe I'll have to wrestle with one of those fancy Japanese toilets that do… everything.
- Pro-Tip: Grab some snacks at the airport. Because jet lag hunger strikes, and you need fuel for navigating the train. Chocolate is your friend. Specifically, Japanese chocolate: it's an art form.
Evening: Ramen Revelation (and Existential Dread):
- Dinner: Okay, this is important. Ramen. In Sapporo. It's non-negotiable. Research beforehand! A place within walking distance of Kotoni is ideal. (Maybe a place with picture menus, because, ya know, language barriers).
- Anecdote Alert: Picture this: me, slurping noodles, overwhelmed by the sheer perfection of the broth, and simultaneously battling the sudden realization that I've traveled halfway across the world and, yes, I do feel a little bit… lost. Is this what they mean by "finding yourself?" Because right now, I'm just "finding" a mountain of delicious noodles.
- Post-Ramen Stroll: If I have any energy left after the carb-induced coma, a walk around Kotoni. Maybe find a convenience store (Combini) for some onigiri (rice balls) and pre-bedtime snacks.
- Emotional Truth Bomb: First night in a new country is always weird. You feel both incredibly excited and utterly terrified. It's the ultimate juxtaposition.
- Dinner: Okay, this is important. Ramen. In Sapporo. It's non-negotiable. Research beforehand! A place within walking distance of Kotoni is ideal. (Maybe a place with picture menus, because, ya know, language barriers).
Day 2: Sapporo City Exploration (and Hopefully, Avoiding Tourist Traps)
Morning: Clock Tower Angst and Beer Garden Bliss (Maybe):
- Breakfast: Make my own breakfast in the apartment. Toast and jam, perhaps with a cup of instant coffee. (Maybe I can venture out and buy fresh bread?)
- Clock Tower: Okay, okay, I know it's a tourist trap, but I HAVE to see the Sapporo Clock Tower. Expect to take a LOT of pictures and likely feel a little underwhelmed. Sigh.
- Odori Park: Stroll through Odori Park, because, you know, it's "what tourists do." Depends on the season, but expect a beautiful green place.
- Quirky Observation: I fully anticipate getting lost in the park and marveling at how effortlessly organized everything is in Japan while simultaneously feeling like a clumsy idiot.
- Sapporo Beer Garden (if open/if I'm feeling brave): Another touristy place, but come on! Sapporo beer! It's essential. Hopefully, the staff can deal with my non-existent Japanese.
- Rant Moment: Seriously, how hard is it to order a beer?! I should've taken that Berlitz course.
Afternoon: Shopping Spree (or Just Browsing) and Sweet Treats:
- Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade: Explore the arcades. If I'm feeling brave, maybe try a "purikura" (photo booth). Expect hilarity.
- Shopping: Consider buying some souvenirs (Japanese Kit-Kat flavors are a must!) or looking at local goods
- Sweet Treat: Search for a local cafe and try some local desserts like parfait or icecream with green tea.
Evening: Susukino After Dark (If I Dare)
- Susukino: The Entertainment District. This is where things get interesting (and potentially overwhelming). I'm not sure whether I'll actually go. Maybe just people-watching?
- Dinner: Maybe some robatayaki (grilled seafood/meat) or maybe I'll be ramen again.
- Emotional Reaction: I will almost certainly feel the urge to buy the entire contents of a shop.
Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru (and Seafoam Dreams)
- Morning: Travel to Otaru:
- Transportation: Take the train to Otaru. Enjoy the scenery. Take pictures of the sea.
- Otaru Canal: Touristy, yes. Pretty? Undeniably.
- Anecdote Alert: Picture this: I would like to take a picture of me standing there like those photos shown. The photo came out not that great. But the memory of the beautiful canal stay.
- Afternoon: Glass Blowing and Seafood Heaven:
- Glassblowing: Otaru is famous for its glass. Browse the shops or maybe even take a class.
- Seafood Market: Eat all the seafood! Specifically fresh sushi!
- Sweet Treat Alert!
- Try a soft-serve ice cream.
- Evening: Return and Recharge.
Day 4: Skiing/Snowboarding /Exploring Sapporo (Choose Your Own Adventure!)
- Option A: Skiing/Snowboarding:
- Day at the slopes. Sapporo is known for its snow. Research a good ski resort.
- Expectation vs. Reality: I may fall. A lot. I'm not particularly graceful on skis. But laughter is a good workout, right?
- Option B: More Exploration (or Recovery Day):
- Sapporo Snow Festival Museum & Historical Village: A more relaxed day. Learn about Sapporo's history.
Day 5: Departure (and Heartbreak)
- Morning:
* Last Breakfast: Enjoy whatever snacks are left.
* Clean the Apartment: Leave it spotless.
- Check out.
- Transportation: Head back to the airport via train.
- Afternoon: * Reflect. * Buy last-minute souvenirs!
- Evening:
- Takeoff.
- Emotional Reaction: As the plane lifts off, I'll probably fight the urge to cry. Five days is not long enough! I'll immediately start planning my return.
Overall:
This itinerary is a suggestion, not a commandment. Embrace the unexpected. Get lost on purpose. Talk to strangers (or at least, try). Eat everything. And most importantly: allow yourself to feel. This is your adventure. Make it messy. Make it real. Have fun!
Escape to Paradise: Ria Apartment Genting Highlands Awaits!
So, what's the big deal? Why Sapporo Gem? Why should *I* care about this apartment?
Alright, alright, simmer down. Look, I'm a sucker for a good deal, and this place... well, it *seemed* like a good deal. Sapporo, Japan? Beautiful! Two bedrooms? Plenty of space (for me to trip over laundry, anyway). Free parking? Bless the travel gods! And the 9-minute walk? Advertised, anyway. We'll get to *that* later. Honestly, I was sold on the *promise* of convenience and comfort. That's the dream when you're lugging bags across the world, right?
But let's be real, you're probably here because you either: a) secretly love a good travel adventure even if it's a disaster, or b) you actually *are* considering staying there and want the unvarnished truth. Either way, you're in the right place. Consider this a survival guide.
Okay, Free Parking. Is it *actually* free parking? And, like, *good* parking?
YES! The free parking is LEGIT. And crucial. Sapporo snow is no joke, and dealing with public transport for everything can be a hassle. I mean, I didn't have to spend like, a gazillion yen for parking. It was a godsend, honestly.
The parking itself… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly the Taj Mahal of parking spaces. It was a slightly tight fit. My poor little rental car looked like a sardine in a can. I may have scraped the side once or twice. Okay, maybe three times. Just try not to be the size of a pickup truck. And practice your parallel parking skills beforehand. You'll thank me later.
The 9-minute walk to JR Kotoni… is that a *realistic* walk? Are we talking Olympic speed walkers, or regular humans?
Nine minutes? Please. Look, the *listing* may claim nine minutes. That’s the *optimistic* estimate. If you're sprinting? Maybe. If you're a seasoned, highly caffeinated marathon runner? Possibly. But if you’re me, with luggage, possibly lost in translation, and constantly stopping to take photos? Double it. At least. I’d call it a solid 15-20 minute stroll, possibly longer if the Siberian winds are trying to blow you into the next prefecture.
There were cute little shops along the way, okay?! I *needed* to stop at like, twelve of them. I also got distracted by a very fluffy Shiba Inu. Justice for the fluffy Shiba Inu!
What's the actual *size* of the apartment? 53m2 doesn't mean much to me.
53 square meters. That's… well, it's not palatial. But it's decent, okay? It's definitely doable for a couple or a small family. Think of it like a really well-optimized New York City apartment, but in… well, Sapporo. I will say though, try to keep things tidy. Otherwise, hello, claustrophobia! I’m a naturally messy person, and I’m not going to lie: I cluttered. The apartment was much more spacious for me after I did like, a major clean.
I did, at one point, consider moving a wall out so I could have a separate walk-in closet, but then I realized I was in someone else’s apartment.
So, the two bedrooms? What are they like?
One bedroom was... well, it was a bedroom. A bed. Some space. Functional. The other was a *little* smaller, but fine. The thing is, the beds… oh, the beds. Okay, on the plus side, they weren’t those rock-hard futons I’d heard so much about (thank the travel gods once again!). But they also weren't exactly the Ritz-Carlton. They were… satisfactory. They did the job. I slept. That's all that matters, right?
I'm more concerned with the lack of space to properly unfold clothes when I unpack. I wanted to live out of my suitcase for half of my stay. That would have been a decision I regretted immediately.
What about the kitchen? Could I actually cook a decent meal there?
The kitchen was… small, but functional. A mini-fridge. A hotplate. A microwave. Basic stuff. I think I had some chopsticks to eat with. Don’t go expecting to whip up a Michelin-star meal. But if you’re happy with some instant ramen, a quick stir-fry, or pre-made gyoza from the local supermarket (which, by the way, are *amazing*), you'll be fine.
I did try to cook a simple pasta dish. Let's just say I'm glad I learned the word 'fire alarm' in Japanese *before* I set it off. (It didn’t get to that point, thankfully!). Pro-tip: open a window. Ventilation is key.
Was it clean? Like, *really* clean?
Clean enough. It wasn’t a sparkling, sterile environment. It wasn't filthy either. Somewhere in the middle. I wouldn't be running around licking the baseboards, but it was definitely livable. I've seen way worse. I think it was someone’s home, and well-loved. There was a tiny bit of a musty smell, but you get that with older buildings in Japan. I was hoping to air it out and wash every sheet.
I brought my own cleaning wipes, just in case. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, okay? Don't judge me.
What about the Wi-Fi? I *need* Wi-Fi. For work. For Instagram. For… well, everything.
The Wi-Fi was… well, it was there. I think. Sometimes. It wasn't the blazing-fast, super-reliable connection I was used to back home. There were moments of frustration, especially when I was trying to upload photos of my incredibly delicious ramen (priorities). The solution? Be patient. Or, go to the nearest cafe, like I did.
The router also seemed to have a mind of its own. Sometimes, it would randomly disconnect in the middle of my video calls. That wasQuick Hotel Finder
