Epson Aqua Stadium - Shinagawa Prince Hotel

We did not have alot of time in Tokyo this time, so I could not take my toddler to Tokyo Disney resort, Sanrio Hello Kitty Land or any of the bigger theme parks. The only place we managed to go in the end was the Epson Aqua Stadium, which was located right within the premises of our hotel - Shinagawa Prince Hotel N Tower.
We are a family who frequent many aquariums in different countries. Kyo loves aquariums so we've actually been to the Sydney Aquarium multiple times, Hong Kong Ocean Park, Singapore Resorts World South East Asia Aquarium etc. But I must say that compared to all the bigger aquariums, Kyo really enjoyed herself at the Epson Aqua Stadium, which was much smaller, but packed full of exciting programs to entertain her every minute.
We were in and out of the Aqua Stadium within 3 hours, but during that short 3 hours, Kyo had managed to catch the entertaining Seal & Sea Lion show, marvel at the active fish, sharks and rays swimming in the main fish dome just past the entrance, catch the manta ray and sharks feed on fish and plankton, run up and down the aisle in front of the penguin enclosure, and catch the very exciting Dolphin show at the Dolphin pool. This was the first aquarium where Kyo was able to catch the Dolphins close up! The lively music during the dolphin show had her up on her feet and dancing!
Of course, our favorite penguin enclosure is still at Ocean Park, and we still love our sharks and dugongs and sea turtles at Sydney Aquarium, but we will rate Aqua Stadium the best place for introduction and getting close to the seals, sea lions, and dolphins, who looked so happy and free swimming alongside their trainers during the dolphin show.   
For more information, visit: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/aquastadium/e/

For adults who are wondering what else you can do apart from visiting the Aquarium, Aqua Stadium also has an Attractions Squares, with virtual rides, indoor roller coaster, viking, and carousels as well as an ice cream cafe and arcade: http://www.princehotels.co.jp/shinagawa/aquastadium/e/attractions/

Value for money Tokyo Family Hotel - Shinagawa Prince Hotel N Tower

Next time you are traveling to Tokyo with your family and children, do consider Shinagawa Prince hotel N Tower.
The location of the hotel is amazing. if you are flying into Tokyo via Haneda airport, there is a direct train service to Shinagawa via the Keikyu line that takes only 30minutes. Shinagawa is also a main station on the JR Yamanote line, and the hotel is located just opposite the JR station, which makes it a perfect location for travelling all over Tokyo.
Here are some other reasons why it's such a good choice:
1) They have a 33 meter square Twin bedroom that has beds you can push together and extra mattresses to accommodate up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. There was also a study table and living room area with a low table and sofa chairs, perfect for my toddler to read her books and play with her toys whilst daddy surfs the Internet.

2) The toilet and bathroom are separate, with a separate door for bathtub and shower area, so that members sharing the room can brush their teeth, bathe and use the toilet all at the same time.

3) I paid only JPY22,000 per room night (USD220) and this included 2 special coupons I could use either as entry passes to the Epson Aqua Stadium, or for buffet breakfast at the famous Hapuna buffet restaurant, or as JPY1890 credit at the retail stores within the Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

4) Hotel guests were entitled to 2hours free use of the Epson Business lounge on the 17th floor of the N Tower per day, with free Internet wifi and free flow soft drinks.

5) For people staying more than 2 days at the hotel, you could opt to save the earth and not have any room cleaning done for the next day and the hotel will reward you with a JPY500 voucher that can be used anywhere in the hotel.

6) There's a 7-11 convenient store just next to the N-Tower and lots of restaurants including McDonalds within a 2 minute walk.There's also a supermarket and bakery across the road and a wide array of shops including a pharmacy where you can buy cosmetics etc all within a 10minute radius.

7) Activities for the family abound with the Epson Aqua Stadium within the hotel compound - get up close and personal with the liveliest sharks, sawfish and rays upon entry, and enjoy the seal and sea lion shows as well as the exciting dolphin pool shows. It's a small aquarium but packed with exciting activities every hour to keep families occupied. When tired, you can also have ice cream and a coffee whilst the kids play at the arcade or take a ride on the giant sea creatures carousel.

8) there are also bowling and arcade facilities within the hotel compound, and a cinema for couples who want to catch a romantic movie together.

9) Free trouser press facilities are also available on every floor, and for late nighters who need a drink and are too lazy to go downstairs to the 7-11, there are vending machines on every level next to the lift lobby too.

Need I say more? For bookings, please visit the Shinagawa Prince hotel official website at http://www.princehotels.com/en/shinagawa/
The N-Tower is a new tower that opened on 29March2013. Hence it has the look and feel of a very new business hotel.

Tokyo Special - What are best things to do for FREE in Tokyo?

Flyscoot posted this question which stirred my inner Japan Guru to rise up to the challenge. So what have I done for FREE in Tokyo?

1) Akihabara - visit the Tokyo Anime Centre for a free introduction to Japanese Animation; located at UDX building, minutes away from JR Akihabara station. My favorite memory is recording a VoiceOver for Pokemon with my girlfriend.

2) Harajuku - on a Sunday, Harajuku is a Cosplay paradise. Head over to the bridge just before Meiji Jingu to mingle and take pictures with Cosplayers.

3) Ryogoku Sumo Musuem - located minutes away from JR Ryogoku station, entry is free except on days where the Tokyo Grand Sumo tournaments are on.

4) Roppongi Hills - this is where I go for a good view of Tokyo Tower. It is also a great place for window shopping and one of my favorite haunts during Christmas season as it always has stunning Illumination. Go up the Mori Tower for more great views and admire beautiful pieces of installation art scattered all over the estate. On certain weekends there are also performances at the Roppongi Hills arena and within the mall itself. Think Christmas caroling and celebrity appearances. It is also free to visit the Mori Garden which is nice and cool in autumn and spring.

5) Odaiba is another one of my favorite places to go. Whilst getting there on the Yurikamome might not be free of charge, you can enjoy amazing views of the sunset from Odaiba Decks Shopping Mall or from the manmade beach at Odaiba Marine Park.
For those who loves a good stroll, you'll enjoy captivating indoor ambience at Venusfort.
And if you are into Cars, head to the Toyota MegaWeb (right next to the giant ferris wheel) for free admission to one of Tokyo's biggest car showrooms.
Pet lovers, you can head to Sun Walk (below Venusfort) to admire Tokyo's best pet owners and have a taste of how their pets are groomed and loved. Take home a little something for your pet as well, the pet accessories available will not disappoint.

For other free things to do in Tokyo, you can also visit these websites: http://www.tokyoessentials.com/free.html
http://www.hostelworld.com/travel-features/163/15-things-to-do-for-free-in-tokyo