The Best Hotels in Ota, Tokyo

A very modern concept, Nine Hours Kamata is part capsule hotel, part remote office, part rest stop. It’s an ingenious answer to the city’s desperate demand for space. Catching an early morning flight from Haneda? Just arrived and missed the last train or just want to sleep somewhere cheap? Nine Hours Kamata should be your first choice in the Ota-ku area. Beds are available for naps and overnight stays, and private desks can be rented by the hour.

Just 10 minutes from Haneda Airport by train on the Keikyu Airport Line, the Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo West Wing is an excellent choice for those planning an early morning or late-night flight. Although it is close to the airport, its stylish, youthful design is not what you’d expect from a commuting hotel. In the relaxed, open light-filled communal space is a dining area; however, if you’d rather explore all the culinary offerings of the city, there are many restaurants and bars nearby.

The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda’s lobby is literally situated on the doorstep of the departure floor of Haneda Airport, making it an excellent option for those passing through. On-site you’ll also find a business centre and a bar, as well as a currency exchange counter and dry cleaning services, perfect for business travellers. If you’re looking to explore the city in a little more depth, Shinagawa Station is just an 11-minute ride away by the Airport Rapid Limited Express train.

The word “henn” in Japanese translates as “weird”, which is precisely what this hotel in Ota is. It looks pretty normal from the outside, but don’t let that fool you. Expect an animatronic concierge, robotic dinosaur staff, faux-volcanoes on full display, and quirky little surprises tucked behind every corner. While not the first choice for luxury or budget travellers (the price sits somewhere in the middle), it is very niche. Plus, given that it was the world’s first robot hotel, it’s worthy of a little respect. Just appreciate it for what it is – weird and a whole lot of fun.

As mentioned, one of the main reasons visitors choose to stay in Ota is its proximity to Haneda Airport, and Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu is possibly the closest you can get. Located in Haneda Airport’s Terminal 2, the hotel is central, elegant, spacious and quiet – basically, everything you crave after a journey on a long-haul flight. If you’re looking to pack a lot into your time here, the airport is a 35-minute train ride from Yokohama station, a 30-minute train to Shinjuku station and 50 minutes by airport bus to Tokyo Disneyland.

For a more self-contained choice in a neighbourhood of Ota hotels, Universal Haneda is your best option. This complex of accommodation offerings features spacious units, each equipped with open kitchens and scenic terraces. If you’re looking for something that’s close to the airport but also connected to the city’s many attractions, the hotel is located close to the historic Kawasaki Daishi temple and Shinagawa Aquarium, and 10 minutes from the airport by car.

While space is often at a premium in Japan, Minn Kamata — located near Haneda Airport and the Kamata Train Station — makes the most of it. The concept at this ‘apartment hotel’ is getting lots of people (and stuff) into a limited area. The modest, tidy layout of the rooms (standard lofts as well as a suite) manage to fit beds, a kitchen nook, washing machine and bathroom all into one space, accommodating anywhere from two to seven souls. If you come in on a late flight or want to stay by the airport, you might want to give this property a whirl.

While the rooms at this contemporary 179-room hotel in Ota are small, the quality Simmons mattresses make for a comfortable night’s sleep. Attractive Japanese structural and design touches can be found here, including a storage arch under many of the bed frames. You can also benefit from mood lighting, with settings for chilling out or working, along with heated automatic toilets with built-in bidets, plus good water pressure in the showers. The communal bath (segregated by sex), with stone and bamboo décor, offers indoor and outdoor areas. If you aren’t shy, these baths are a great way to get in a vigorous scrub or relaxing soak.