Escape to Paradise: Tabino Hotel Kashima's Unforgettable Japan Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Tabino Hotel Kashima – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Japan Getaway Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I've just stumbled back from Tabino Hotel Kashima, and let me tell you, my brain is still processing the sheer amount of good stuff. This isn't just a hotel; it's a full-blown experience. Forget your cookie-cutter resorts; this place aims for "unforgettable." Did it achieve nirvana? Well, let's dive headfirst into my ridiculously detailed (and probably overly caffeinated) review.
First Impressions: Accessibility & Arrival – The Good, The Okay, and the… Well, Not Perfect.
Right off the bat, let’s talk about the real world aspect of this trip, and I'll get to the fun stuff later. Accessibility: This is one area where things get a bit complicated. The hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and they do have an elevator, which is a massive plus. But, honestly, I didn't get a hardcore accessibility audit, because I didn’t need one. However, judging by observation, navigating the hotel, especially around the spa, pool area and restaurants, might pose some challenges for someone with significant mobility issues. I'd advise contacting the hotel directly to confirm details and ensure they truly fit your needs. I'm talking detailed questions about the ramps, doorways, bathroom setups and the like. They should have all the answers. But you will find a 24-hour front desk, and a friendly doorman, which is a great start.
Arrival Rant (and a Silver Lining): Ugh, airport transfers are the worst, right? (Sorry, I am digressing…) They do offer airport transfer, and I highly recommend it. Save yourself the train stress. My flight was delayed, which meant missing my pre-booked pick-up. Panicked, I rang the hotel, expecting the usual corporate shrug. Instead, a super-calm, mega-helpful staff member (I'm still kicking myself for not getting his name!) sorted it. He spoke fantastic English, which, let me tell you, after hours of travel is a gift from the gods.
The Room: My Cozy Hideaway (Almost Too Cozy…)
Okay, let's gush about the rooms. I stayed in a non-smoking room (because, ew, cigarettes still exist, seriously?), and it was packed with goodies. Let me just list them, I am going to need to take a breath. Air conditioning, a lifesaver in the Japanese humidity of summer. Alarm clock (thank goodness, or I'd be late for everything). Bathrobes (YES!). Bathtub (bliss!) Bathroom phone (useful; if you're into that sort of thing), Blackout curtains (essential for avoiding the dreaded sunrise). Carpeting (lovely, but maybe a little too, well, carpeted). Closet (enough space for my excessive clothing choices). Coffee/tea maker (mandatory). Complimentary tea (score!). Daily housekeeping (bliss!). Desk (for pretending to work). Extra long bed (because I am taller than the average Japanese person, hurray!). Free bottled water (crucial). Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.… And breathing!
Honestly, the room felt snug, which is the politically correct way of saying "a little cramped". But the thoughtful touches completely made up for it. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, and the blackout curtains meant I could sleep through a nuclear apocalypse (or at least the noise of the bustling street outside). I will say they should probably consider updating their WiFi infrastructure, although they do have free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The hotel offers Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi for special events, Wi-Fi in public areas.
Food Glorious Food: From Slurps to Sweets (and a Mild Panic Over My Waistline)
Okay, let's talk food. My favorite topic! Dining, drinking, and snacking: Tabino Hotel Kashima REALLY delivers. The restaurants are plentiful: A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. There's also a bar, coffee shop, and even a poolside bar.
Breakfast was an experience. They offer Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast service, Breakfast in room, and Breakfast takeaway service. I'm usually a "grab-and-go" kind of gal, but the buffet? Forget it. I was there every morning, piling my plate with mini-omelets, crispy bacon, and the most delicious rice cakes I've ever tasted. (Okay, maybe my taste buds are biased by happiness). They have Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant
The standout? The Japanese restaurant. I may have spent a small fortune on the A la carte in restaurant. Every dish was an adventure, a delicate dance of flavors and textures, and the presentation? Forget Instagram, it was art!
Pro-tip: If you have dietary restrictions, their staff are amazing about accommodating them. Tell them your needs (I saw that they offered Alternative meal arrangement) they will do their best to make it work.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Poolside Bliss – Or, How I Became a Human Pudding
Okay, the Spa/sauna is worth the price of admission alone. They have a Body scrub and a Body wrap. The Foot bath was the perfect antidote after a day of exploring. The Gym/fitness center (which I, shamefully, didn't use - blame the food coma, and maybe also the pool) looked well-equipped, and there's a Sauna, Steamroom, and Massage available.
The Pool: A Literal View. The Swimming pool is gorgeous. The Pool with view blew my mind. I spent hours there, floating in the water, staring up at the sky, it was a slice of heaven. Be warned, though – it's tempting to just stay there forever. The poolside bar? Enough said. Pure. Bliss. They also have a Swimming pool [outdoor].
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (And a Little Bit of Obsessive Hand-Sanitizing)
In today's climate, let’s talk safety. Tabino Hotel Kashima understands the importance of cleanliness. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. There's also a Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit. I felt safe and well-cared for.
Services and Conveniences: From Concierge to Cash Withdrawal (And a Souvenir Shopping Spree)
The hotel offers a ton of services, which they should considering it is the Hotel chain. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Honestly, you name it, they've got it. The concierge was a lifesaver for arranging tours and recommending hidden gems. The Gift/souvenir shop was dangerously tempting. And I may have used the Cash withdrawal a few more times than I'd care to admit (because the food, oh, the food!).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (But I’m Not a Parent, So Take This With a Grain of Salt)
While I didn't travel with kids, I noticed the hotel is incredibly family friendly. They mention Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Verdict: Should You Go? Absolutely! (But…)
Look, Tabino Hotel Kashima isn't perfect. The room
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa Awaits! (AN82A)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is my attempt at tackling Tabino Hotel Kashima, Japan, and let's be honest, it's probably going to be a beautifully disastrous mess. Expect a lot of me second-guessing myself, maybe a tiny breakdown over the vending machine selection, and definitely some questionable food choices.
Operation: Kashima Kicks (with a healthy dose of "Kashimasia" - I just made that up)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Greetings, and the Vending Machine Crisis
- 14:00: Arrive at Narita Airport (NRT). Ugh. The usual chaos. Jet lag is already creeping in like a relentless, sleepy cat. Finding the train to Kashima… wish me luck. Pray to the travel gods the wifi isn't flaky.
- 17:00 (ish): Arrive at Kashima-Jingu Station. Okay, actually arrive. I'm already feeling this… the slightly off-the-tourist-path vibe, and I dig it. The air smells… cleaner? Is that even possible in Japan?
- 17:30: Check into Tabino Hotel Kashima. Okay, initial impressions: Clean. Minimalist. Maybe a little too minimalist. The receptionist is ridiculously polite. I'm pretty sure she bows slightly deeper every time I stumble over my basic Japanese. Gotta remember to practice my greetings… and also, to not make awkward eye contact.
- 18:00: THE VENDING MACHINE CRISIS. Seriously, this is what's going to define my Kashima experience, I just know it. Staring at the gloriously confusing array of beverages. Ok, I'm feeling the pressure of this decision. "Coffee? Tea? Weird, fluorescent-green… thing?" Okay, I'm going for the green one. I regret this so much.
- 18:30: Wandering around the hotel, feeling utterly disoriented. Finding the convenience store is absolutely crucial. I need Pocky. I need snacks. I need a map that isn't an origami swan that I can't unfold, I'm going to need to download google maps.
- 19:00: Dinner! Found a local ramen place (thanks, Google Maps!). The broth is amazing. The pork belly… divine. This is what I was looking for!. Speaking of which, let's order… more pork belly. More deliciousness to be had!
- 20:30: Stumbling back to the hotel, feeling pleasantly full and mildly tipsy. I need to make sure I get a good night's sleep because I'm going to be exhausted.
Day 2: Kashima Shrine Pilgrimage & the Unexpected Beauty of "Nothing Much"
- 08:00: Wake up! Well, more like stumble out of bed after fighting the jet lag. After that absolutely glorious ramen, I am good to go! Okay, coffee first. Probably from the vending machine. Pray for me.
- 09:00: Hike to Kashima Shrine. The walk is actually beautiful, and I'm not going to lie, it's also making me absolutely sweat. Passing some old people, and trying to maintain eye contact will be a challenge, but I'll try!
- 10:00: Kashima Shrine. The atmosphere. So peaceful. So zen. I'm actually getting a little emotional. The red torii gates are stunning. Taking a breath and then I'm going to attempt to take some photos - without looking like a total tourist idiot. (Spoiler alert: I fail.)
- 11:30: Lunch at a small cafe near the shrine. They serve… something with rice and seaweed. I don't understand the ingredients entirely, but it's delicious. The language barrier is real, but the food is universally understood.
- 13:00: Wandering through Kashima-Jingu Station. "Just soak it in," they said. "Get a feel for the local culture," they said. I'm mostly just soaking in the sheer ordinariness of everyday life, and you know what? It's kind of wonderful. Found a tiny bookstore. I bought a Japanese phrasebook I probably won't use.
- 15:00: Relax back at the hotel, attempt to do some planning for the day, but the day is all about relaxing and nothing else!. My brain is fuzzy, so I'm going to sit quietly and let my mind wander.
- 19:00 Another excellent meal, some great food, and a great atmosphere to be had!
- 20:00: Write in my journal (probably complaining about my inability to pronounce anything), watch some TV, and make absolutely no plans for tomorrow.
Day 3: Football Fever (Maybe), and the Awkward Departure
- 09:00: Wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Maybe I'm getting used to this whole "Kashima" thing?
- 09:30: Vending machine time! (Deep breath.) This time, I'm going for the… well, I'm still not sure what it is. But it has a cute picture on it. Let's be adventurous!
- 10:00: Consider going to a soccer match. The local team, the Antlers, are a big deal. But I'm not sure I know enough about football, and I'm worried about looking like a complete idiot. Okay, I'll think about it. (Spoiler alert: I probably won't go.)
- 11:00: Go for a walk to the beach.
- 13:00: Lunch at a restaurant near the beach and the ocean, I can't wait.
- 15:00: Packing. Ugh. The worst part.
- 16:00: Check out, try to say a polite goodbye to the receptionist (and hopefully, she won't remember my terrible Japanese).
- 17:00: Journey back to Narita. Reflecting on Kashima, It's been a beautiful experience, and I would love to come back!
- 18:00: Get slightly lost in the train station.
- 19:00: Get slightly more lost at the airport.
- 20:00: Board the plane, finally.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, this itinerary is probably a total mess. I missed things. I will probably never get the hang of the vending machines. But that's okay. Because Kashima, in its quiet way, was utterly charming. It's a place where you can get lost, both literally and figuratively, and then accidentally find something beautiful. And I really do want to come back, and hope I will be able to!.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe another drink. Preferably not from a vending machine.
Escape to Paradise: Club de Soleil All-Suite Resort Awaits!
Okay, Escape to Paradise: Tabino Hotel Kashima... What IS this place, exactly? Sounds suspiciously idyllic.
Alright, so "Escape to Paradise" is the name they give it. I mean, fair play, Kashima's a bit off the beaten path, which, honestly, I *loved*. It's got this whole "get away from it all" vibe. Think of it like a modern ryokan, but with a Western twist. You've got your comfy rooms (decent size, not a shoebox!), a decent onsen (more on that later), and, most importantly, a chance to actually *breathe* without a thousand tourists bumping into you. It's not all roses, mind you. You're not in central Tokyo, so if you're expecting instant ramen and a flashing neon sign every five minutes… you're in the wrong place. But if you want actual peace? You've hit the nail on the head.
Is the onsen worth the hype? I'm a shy, sweaty mess.
Okay, the onsen. Listen, I was *dreading* it. Public nudity? My ultimate nightmare. But, and this is key, the Kashima onsen is actually… pretty great. Firstly, the layout is thoughtful. There are separate areas for men and women, and even though there are other people it feels so much more private than I expected. The water is amazing, all naturally heated, and you emerge feeling like you've been reborn. The first time I went, I stumbled in feeling like a total awkward duckling. I spent the first five minutes hiding behind a little bamboo screen, convinced everyone was staring at my pasty skin. But then, a little while in, I just relaxed. Everyone's just chilling. It's a shared experience. You’re all just... naked humans, wanting to soak. The feeling of utter relaxation? Worth the initial mortification. Seriously, do it. Just close your eyes if you need to, and focus on the warmth. You'll thank me later. The best part? After the onsen, they have some great ice cold milk! It's the perfect chaser.
The food! Tell me about the food! 'Cause I live to eat.
Okay, the food. This is where things get *interesting*. The hotel restaurant offers a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, and the quality is pretty darn good. They have a breakfast buffet - which, okay, is a buffet, so temper your expectations. But they’ve got some fantastic Japanese dishes like miso soup and grilled fish, and they also bring in some good coffee, which is absolutely essential to get me through the mornings. The dinner set menu is where the magic happens, though. They clearly put a lot of care into it. The presentation is beautiful, the flavors are complex, and... well, there was this one dish. This *one* dish. It was some kind of perfectly seared scallop, served with a yuzu sauce. Honestly, I could have eaten five plates of it. I didn't, because, you know, decorum. But I *wanted* to. And the sake list is extensive. Be warned though, those tiny glasses of sake that the bring you, add up quickly!
So, is it good for families? Or is it a romantic getaway kind of vibe?
Hmm, that's a tricky one. I saw a few families there, and I can see the appeal. There's space for kids to run around (relatively speaking), and the staff seemed friendly to kids. But it's not a Disney World kind of vibe. I'd lean towards it being *better* suited for a romantic getaway or a solo trip. The atmosphere is all about relaxation and tranquility, which might be hard to achieve with screaming toddlers. I think it would depend entirely on your family's dynamic. My partner and I loved it for the quiet time.
What's the best way to get to the hotel? Train? Bus? Spaceship?!
Okay, no spaceships (yet!), sadly. It's easiest to take the train. From Tokyo, you’ll take the JR Joban Line to Kashima-Jingu Station. It's a pretty comfortable ride, but just be mindful of the train schedules, they can be infrequent and/or change around, so plan your journey ahead of schedule just in case you miss your connections. From the station, you can either take a taxi (easy option, but will cost you) or the shuttle that the hotel runs, which can be pretty busy. The hotel's website has the details. I took the taxi – I was impatient to get there. The journey is about 20 - 30 minutes and very worth it for the convenience.
Anything to do *besides* eating and soaking in the onsen? I have a ridiculously short attention span.
Haha, fair enough. Look, Kashima isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. The main draw is the hotel itself and the immediate surroundings. There’s the Kashima Shrine, which is beautiful and easy to visit, as well as a local beach where you can take a walk. Really, this isn't the place to be if you're expecting a constant barrage of activities. It's more about *slowing down*. Read a book, stare at the ocean, talk to your partner (or yourself! I won't judge). Embrace the downtime. I actually found myself really enjoying just *being*. I even got lost in a small library they had in the common area because it had such a big selection of books. Try it, you might surprise yourself.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just trying to get me to leave them alone?
The staff were generally excellent. Really, lovely people. They were incredibly polite and helpful, and went above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Their English was decent, which was a massive relief for me and the fact that I don't speak a lick of Japanese. They'd even anticipate your needs. I remember wanting extra pillows and they were just there instantly. They were professional without being stuffy, which is a hard balance to pull off. They even helped me figure out how to get a taxi back to the station! Plus, every time you passed them, they’d give you a friendly little bow and a smile. It's these little touches that really make a difference.
Any downsides? Gotta be *some*.
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. The biggest downside is probably the location. It’s a bit of a trek to get there (but, hey, that’s part of the escape, right?). The WiFi was a bit patchy in my room, and it did make it hard to do some work, which could be difficult for remote workers. Oh! And I wish they had a bigger selection of craft beer. Otherwise, for me it was a pretty good experience.
Would you go back toStay Collective
