Unwind in Tokyo's BEST Artificial Radium Hot Spring: Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno!
Unwind in Tokyo's BEST Artificial Radium Hot Spring: Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno!
Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno: My Tokyo Radium Rhapsody (and a Few Quirks!)
This isn't just a review, folks. This is my post-onsen, still-glowing-from-the-inside, slightly-sunburnt-from-the-outdoor-pool-despite-the-city-skyline-view, raw, unfiltered, and utterly personal take on the Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno in Tokyo. Get ready, because we’re diving deep, especially into that artificial radium hot spring – the main reason I booked, and the highlight of my stay.
Metadata for the SEO Gods (and You, the Curious Reader):
- Keywords: Centurion Hotel Ueno, Tokyo Hotel, Radium Hot Spring, Spa Hotel Tokyo, Ueno Accommodation, Hotel Review, Japanese Hot Spring, Onsen Tokyo, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel, Ueno Restaurants, Tokyo Spa, Best Tokyo Hotel, Hotel with Pool, Ueno Sightseeing, Japanese Hospitality
- Categories: Travel, Hotels, Japan, Tokyo, Spa, Hot Springs, Accessibility, Family Travel, Food & Dining, Hotel Review
Accessibility (A+ for Effort, Not Quite Perfect):
Okay, let's be real. Japan is getting better, but accessibility still needs work. The Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno gets points for trying. The wheelchair accessible rooms were present, and the lobby had an accessible route, the elevator was functioning and well-maintained. However, maneuvering around the hotel wasn’t 100% seamless. The sidewalks outside can be tricky with uneven paving. The hotel had facilities for disabled guests, but it would be wise to call ahead of time and ensure all needs can be met. The exterior corridor structure made movement easier.
My Rambling Anecdote (Accessibility Edition):
I was traveling with my slightly less-than-mobile Aunt Mildred. Bless her heart, she loves a good trip. The staff were very patient with her, especially when she got a little lost on the way to the spa. They were all incredibly polite and helpful. The hotel is also accessible to blind or visually impaired guests, with the use of visual alarm, and audio-visual equipment for special events.
The Radium Hot Spring: My Holy Grail (and Maybe Yours):
This is it, the main event. Forget the Tokyo crowds, the dizzying neon signs, the sheer madness of Shinjuku station. This is where you unwind. The spa/sauna area is immaculately clean – and I mean spotless. The steamroom was heavenly.
The artificial radium hot spring itself? Glorious. It's that deep, rich, slightly hazy water. The real deal is hard to find in Tokyo, so this is a fantastic substitute. It’s a truly relaxing experience, the kind that melts away stress and leaves you feeling like you've been sculpted by the gods – or, you know, at least properly massaged. I went back every day. The sauna was fantastic too, just the right temperature, and the pool with a view was great. Especially when you hit peak relaxation and start giggling because the skyline looks like a Lego city.
Quirky Observation:
The water does have a slightly…earthy smell. But in a good way! Like being hugged by the earth herself.
Body & Soul: The Spa & Wellness Zone
The hotel offers a range of treatments. Body scrubs and body wraps were available, although I didn't partake. The massage menu looked tempting.
I'm going to be 100% honest here: I skipped the fitness center. I was too busy soaking. Judge me if you must, but after a day of navigating Tokyo's hustle and bustle, the only work-out I needed was getting into the hot spring.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Relaxation Machine
The restaurants at the Centurion offer a decent selection. Asian cuisine and Western cuisine options are available. The breakfast buffet was pretty good. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent. Had some desserts in restaurant that were good and tried the soup in restaurant as well.
The poolside bar was amazing! The sunset over the Tokyo skyline, a cocktail in hand, and the gentle hum of conversation…pure bliss. The happy hour was excellent too, and provided an opportunity to connect with other guests. The snack bar was convenient.
My Slightly-Embarrassing Food Story:
I'm a vegetarian. Finding reliably good vegetarian food outside of designated vegetarian restaurants can be tricky in Japan. I had a slightly awkward interaction trying to order a veggie friendly meal. The staff were accommodating, but there was a little bit of translation confusion. They sorted it out, eventually, but it wasn’t the most seamless experience. The alternative meal arrangement could be enhanced.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind in a Pandemic World
The Centurion Hotel really shines in this area. Staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer readily available everywhere, and they were taking all necessary precautions. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and anti-viral cleaning products were all in use. I felt safe and secure.
The Quirkiest Little Detail:
Individually wrapped everything! Including the tiny little teacups.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The hotel excels in providing a multitude of services and facilities: Air conditioning (essential in sweltering Tokyo summers!), concierge service (super helpful!), currency exchange, daily housekeeping (rooms always spotless), elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, smoking area (for those who need it, discreetly tucked away).
The Annoyingly-Excellent Observation:
They have a convenience store right there in the lobby. Dangerous. So. Convenient. I may have bought enough Pocky to feed a small village.
For the Kids, & Families:
The family/child friendly designation is legit. While I didn’t have kids with me on this trip, I saw several families enjoying themselves. They also offered babysitting service which I found helpful, as well as kids meal.
My Final Verdict:
The Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno is a win. The artificial radium hot spring alone is worth the price of admission. The hotel has a lot to offer, it's clean, safe, and offers a decent range of facilities. However, the accessibillity is a little weak. So please check with the hotel to ensure you can get your needs met.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if that radium-infused water is calling my name…again!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of my potential mental breakdown… I mean, trip to Tokyo, specifically centered around the Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno Station. Yeah, that place. Should be a relaxing getaway, right? Ha! Let's see if my actual experience lives up to that expectation.
The (Potentially Unraveling) Tokyo Itinerary - Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno Station, Behold!
Day 1: Arrival and the Ueno Shuffle – aka, Jet Lag is a Bitch
- 5:00 AM (GMT+9): Wake up in a cold sweat. Okay, not really, but the pre-travel anxiety dream was a doozy. Pretty sure I was trying to navigate the Tokyo subway system on a unicycle made of sushi rolls. Wonderful.
- 6:00 AM: Arrive at Narita (NRT). Landed! Smooth flight, thank the heavens. But the immigration line? Dear GOD. It was like wading through molasses. Should be expected I guess.
- 7:00 AM: The train! I'm on a train! I think. Possibly a hallucination. The jet lag is already starting to set in. Everything looks… shiny. And I swear that elderly gentleman is judging my luggage.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Ueno Station. Oh, the chaos! A tsunami of people, all moving at a pace I can't even fathom. Found the hotel, though! Centurion Hotel & Spa, here I come! The lobby smells… clean. Like… expensive soap? A good start.
- 8:45 AM: Check-in. "Welcome to Japan!" I think I grunted back. Not sure I've actually spoken a whole sentence that made sense yet. The room… It is small. Let's be honest. It's tiny. But hey, it's got a bed, a tiny desk, and a view of… another building. Close enough.
- 9:15 AM: Forced myself to unpack. This is important. I have this irrational fear that if I don't unpack immediately, my luggage will explode.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Ueno Park Blitz:
- Ueno Park: Alright, "blitz" might be a strong word. More like a slow, bewildered shuffle. The park is HUGE, with temples, shrines, museums, and… a LOT of cherry blossoms (if it's the right season). Attempted to visit the Tokyo National Museum. Gave up after 45 minutes. My brain, like my body, was still operating on Western time.
- Anecdote: Saw a street performer juggling flaming torches. He looked utterly bored, even though he was, you know, juggling fire. Made me feel inadequate about my life choices.
- Shinobazu Pond: Absolutely picturesque. Water lilies, ducks… it was like a Monet painting, only with more urban sprawl in the background. I considered renting a swan boat. Decided against it, fearing I'd fall in and attract a flock of judgmental ducks.
- Ueno Park: Alright, "blitz" might be a strong word. More like a slow, bewildered shuffle. The park is HUGE, with temples, shrines, museums, and… a LOT of cherry blossoms (if it's the right season). Attempted to visit the Tokyo National Museum. Gave up after 45 minutes. My brain, like my body, was still operating on Western time.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Ramen Rescue:
- Ramen Lunch: Found a hole-in-the-wall ramen place near the hotel. The ordering machine was terrifying. The broth? Divine. The noodles? Perfect. The language barrier? Hilarious. I pointed at the picture of the ramen and hoped for the best. Nailed it!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Ramen is the fuel of champions… or, at least, jet-lagged tourists.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The "Nap" That Became a Coma:
- The Nap: Back to the tiny room. "Just a quick nap," I told myself. "Recharge and conquer the world!"
- Reality: Woke up at… well, I don't even know. Several hours later, drool on the pillow, utterly useless for the rest of the day. Jet lag: 1, Me: 0.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Late-Night Snack Search:
- 7-Eleven Run: Wandered out, vaguely disoriented, in search of sustenance. 7-Eleven in Japan is a legend. Stocked up on onigiri (rice balls), which were surprisingly delicious, and matcha Kit Kats, which were… interesting.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machines are EVERYWHERE. Like, strategically placed in every available crevice. I'm starting to think they're sentient and secretly judging my snack choices.
- 5:00 PM - Until I Pass Out: Artificial Radium Hot Spring… Maybe:
- The Spa: Finally. Time to experience the Artificial Radium Hot Spring. Okay, I have NO clue what that means, but it sounds relaxing. I just hope the water doesn't glow in the dark.
- Emotional Anticipation: I'm cautiously optimistic. Hope it lives up to the hype, especially after that nap. Or I'll just soak until I fall asleep and start the whole thing over again tomorrow.
- The Experience: Okay, so… it was… hot. Like, really hot. And steamy. The artificial radium… I still have no idea, sorry to disappoint you. But the water was great, the muscles relaxed, and the experience almost made up for the jet lag.
- Evening: Crash in the hotel. Watch questionable Japanese television. (I think one show was about competitive umbrella twirling.) Fall asleep before my head hits the pillow.
Day 2: Culture Shock and the Quest for the Perfect Curry
- Morning: Wake up feeling slightly less like a zombie. But the sun is the enemy. Why is it so bright?!
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Asakusa Temple Pilgrimage (and more crowds.)
- SensÅ-ji Temple: This place is gorgeous. The massive Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise-dori street with all its shop… again, crowds. So. Many. Crowds. But you have to push through, you know? It's part of the experience. Or it's a test of your sanity.
- Observation: The sheer number of people taking selfies at the pagoda is staggering. I swear, I'm starting to see the world through a lens filter.
- Anecdote: Accidentally bought a lucky charm that, according to the overly enthusiastic vendor, would bring me eternal happiness. Time will tell.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM : Food, Glorious Food
- Japanese curry hunt: This is the main purpose right now. The internet is the enemy again, but the idea is simple, great curry, and a little bit of rest.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Roppongi and the Tokyo Tower (or Bust):
- Roppongi Hills: The place is expensive, but I'm going for the art museum and the view, that's it.
- Tokyo Tower: Will I go up? Maybe. Is it worth it? Who knows. Hopefully, it is.
- Evening: Hotel again, probably more hot spring, and maybe some more ramen.
Day 3: Last Day, The Final Push
- 9:00 - 12:00 AM: Last Bites
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Some sushi, some fish, and all the snacks.
- 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Shopping
- Akihabara Electronics and anime. The idea of this place makes me giddy.
- Evening: Time to head back to the hotel. Packing, going to bed.
Final Thoughts (From a Possibly Deranged Tourist):
Japan is… intense. Absolutely amazing. But also… intense. My emotions have been from the rooftops to a level of despair. But I think that's what makes it fun.
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Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno's "Artificial Radium Hot Spring" - Let's Get REAL! (And Slightly Rambly)
So, what's this "Artificial Radium Hot Spring" deal, *exactly*? Is it… legit?
Okay, okay, let's be honest, the word "artificial" does make you go, "Hmm..." doesn't it? They're not mining radioactive rocks and tossing them in the tub, thankfully! It's essentially a fancy filtration/mineralization system using, I believe, some sort of 'radium-emitting ceramic' to mimic the effects of a natural radium onsen. Think… science-y bathing. Whether it's *precisely* the same as soaking in the real deal? Probably not. But does it feel nice? We'll get to that. My personal experience? I was skeptical at first, kinda expecting a chlorine-heavy pool disguised as a fancy spa. I got more than the chlorine smell! Seriously though, I was there for a reason. I was working a lot and my body definitely felt the effects.
Does it actually *feel* like a hot spring? I mean, is it relaxing?
Okay, now we're getting to the *good* stuff. Yes! For me, it did. It's not just about the water being, you know, warm (duh). It's the… *ambiance*. They've done a pretty decent job with the whole "onsen" vibe. Dim lighting, the smell of… something earthy and pleasant (maybe it's the minerals, maybe it's wishful thinking!), and the general *lack* of screaming kids or dudes mansplaining the proper way to massage your own shoulders (thank god!). That's the real key to the relaxation. I remember this one time, I was practically vibrating from a deadline, then I sunk into the water, and my muscles just… sighed with relief. It was like a long, slow exhale after holding your breath for, like, a week. Actually felt like floating in a cloud.
What's the vibe like inside the spa? Is it… weird? (Naked people, oh my!)
Alright, stripping down can be intimidating, I know. But everyone's pretty chill. It's a typical Japanese onsen experience, so… yeah, it's communal bathing – no swimsuits allowed. But honestly, after about five minutes, you forget all about it. Everyone's just focused on relaxing, washing up, that whole ritual thing. The spa’s done a good job of creating an atmosphere that's not too…clinical. There are usually a few quiet conversations, the gentle splash of water, and the occasional, blessed, sound of someone's satisfied sigh. No-one is staring, no-one judging! Just, you know, a bunch of humans attempting to melt into water. It's actually quite beautiful, in a slightly odd, slightly communal, way.
Okay, okay, so it's good vibes… but what about the actual *facilities*? Are the showers decent? Is the *spa* clean?
This is where I get a little bit… particular. I’m a shower snob. I *need* good water pressure. And the Centurion, bless its little heart, delivers! The showers are decent, usually well-stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (the good stuff, not the watered-down hotel stuff). Everything is typically clean, which is a HUGE plus. I remember once, though, I was there in the morning and it looked like someone had *completely* covered the mirror in… hair. I gagged! I mean, come on! But honestly, that's the only real complaint I have. And hey, stuff happens! The staff are generally pretty diligent about keeping things tidy. The changing rooms are spacious enough, with lockers and those little stools to perch on while you're doing your post-bath routine. Just… keep an eye out for rogue hairs, okay?
Any tips for a first-timer? Like, what *not* to do?
Oh, boy, do I have stories. First off, **wash your body *before* you get in the hot spring**. It’s just… etiquette. Don't be *that* person. You'll see little stools and buckets. Use 'em! Also, don't bring your phone in there, duh! It's a no-photography zone. And for the love of all that is holy, don't try to strike up a conversation with someone while they’re trying to soak and relax. A polite nod is fine; a full-blown chat about the Tokyo subway system? Not so much. And here's a big one: **stay hydrated**. Hot springs can make you sweat, and dehydration is *no fun*. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after. Oh, and one time, I saw a dude try to sneak in a beer. It was like, "Dude, this is a *hot spring*, not a frat party." Don't ruin it for the rest of us! And, of course, watch your step on the wet floor – it's slippery! Common sense, people, common sense!
Is it worth the money? Compared to, say, a regular hotel room?
Honestly, it depends. If you just need a place to crash, maybe not. You're paying a premium *for the spa*. But if you're looking for a genuinely relaxing experience, if you're tired, stressed, and need a serious reset… then yes, absolutely. I found myself *craving* that onsen after a long day, more than I craved a fancy dinner. I've paid more for a mediocre massage than for a night at the Centurion including the spa. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. Plus, the Ueno location is super convenient, so you can easily explore the area. Considering the price, the location, and the sheer bliss of that hot spring, for me... it's a resounding YES. I'm already planning my next visit… and I’m going to try to avoid the hairy mirror of doom this time!
The location? Is it easy to get to? Anything nearby?
Ueno rocks! The Centurion is super close to Ueno Station, which means you can get *anywhere* in Tokyo pretty easily. Easy access to the Narita Express if you're flying in/out. So convenient! Outside the hotel? Oh man, you're in the heart of Ueno Park. Museums galore, the zoo, the temples… it's a culture vulture's paradise! Tons of restaurants, from tiny ramen shops to swanky izakayas. Seriously, you can eat your way through Ueno. AND Ueno is a great spot to do some shopping. From the hotel? Get out, turn left, ten minutes, and voila! You're in the vibrant Ameyokocho market, which is a feast for the senses. I remember one time, I stayed and spent like, half a day, just wandering around, stuffing my face with takoyaki and mochi. IManila's HOTTEST 2-Bedroom Condo in Urban Deca Homes A1!
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