The stuff that dreams are made of ...

August 13, 2010 3:25 AM

"... some guests turn off all the room lights, turn on the train set lights and play with the diorama until dawn." Room 1304 of the Akihabara Washington Hotel in Tokyo (Japanese link) used to be a twin, but the second bed was removed to make room for a train set featuring 30 meters of track and a model Tokyo Tower. The room is available for 'only' 23,000 yen (weeknight rate), but be warned, you are expected to bring your own trains to run on the track (rental trains apparently also available). See some video of the room in this TV news report, read about it in this (English) news story, or follow along with the room's own Twitter feed (also in Japanese).
posted by woodblock100 (8 comments total)

I think that's about 268 US dollars. FYI. And the train set isn't even that cool.
posted by IvoShandor at 3:35 AM on August 13, 2010

It looks like that Godzilla costume I bought may come in handy after all.
posted by digsrus at 4:37 AM on August 13, 2010 [1 favorite]

I have to say that 23,000 yen is not a crazy price for a hotel room in Tokyo.

If you're really cheap you could just sleep on the reclining chairs in the internet cafe underneath the Mandarake in Akihabara for about 30-40 dollars, but there are no beds. Or train sets.
posted by Alison at 5:51 AM on August 13, 2010 [1 favorite]

There are some incredibly cool cyber-cafes in Tokyo that come with snacks/drinks included, and booths with couches. Or capsules, if you're looking to stay cheap.

This is gimmicky but cool.
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 6:50 AM on August 13, 2010

It'd be cool if this was a normal thing in hotels, a few rooms that include train sets. A small number of travelers out there always packing their travel- train for use when out on the road.
posted by Stonestock Relentless at 7:36 AM on August 13, 2010 [1 favorite]

I think it's kind of important to point out that the Akihabara district is kind of a man-child mecca where everybody goes to buy games, electronics, computer parts, robots, manga, etc. so they are definitely targeting this at a certain audience.
posted by Rhomboid at 9:52 AM on August 13, 2010

man-child mecca where everybody goes to buy games, electronics, computer parts, robots, manga, etc.

I don't see why the hobbies you mention make someone a child, Rhombold.
posted by Netzapper at 12:18 PM on August 13, 2010

I don't see why the hobbies you mention make someone a child, Rhombold.

The geek-chic/ota-kool/etc etc fads have run their course, so now it's back to the usual business of shunning those weirdo nerds. Can't let the misfits forget their proper social caste, amirite?
posted by PsychoKick at 10:16 PM on August 13, 2010