On our last day in Tokyo, Japan, Virg and I checked out from Pearl Hotel Kayabacho at 10am. We took the subway until Yaesu station and walked three blocks to get to Tokyo VIP Lounge in Chuo-ku. Our bus to Osaka left at 1045pm and we had 12 hours to kill. We left our luggage in Tokyo VIP Lounge and wandered around the city unemcumbered.
Tokyo VIP Lounge is a facility that offers a wide array of services for those take their highway buses as well those who do not. Tokyo VIP Lounge has a two-floor waiting area: one has chairs and tables and the other has mats and soft cushions. We stayed part of the evening in the one with chairs and tables. Both waiting areas offer free Wi-Fi and free drinks and miso soup. I had their tea and miso soup. They were decent and were enough to stave off hunger for those who wait. Aside from these, there are separate powder rooms for men and women, separate fitting rooms for men and women, internet services (I saw desktops in the other waiting area – I used the restroom there because they thought I was going to use the powder room, which was on the other waiting area), portable battery charger for minimal fee, printing service, foot massage, and Bus de Aroma. The way I understood it is, Bus de Aroma is a mobile salon which offers hair styling, make-up services, and manicure and pedicure. It can be rented for parties and other occasions.
We were allowed to stay and use some of the amenities for free as soon as we showed our bus reservations. For others who wish to stay there or sleep, they pay from 300 yen to 600 yen per hour of stay, depending on the time. One can also avail of multi-hour rate for a cheaper price. Use of shower room costs 500 yen for 25 minutes.
The of use powder room looks like the most popular service they offer. It has hair dryer, hair iron, make-up, iron for clothes, and facial wash, lotion, and mousse, among other things. People enter the powder room in their street clothes and come out of it like different individuals in their power suits with perfect face and hair. It is like the reverse phone booth in Superman. It is amazing to see!
Tokyo VIP Lounge also sells cold beverage and souvenir items. Beside them is the cutest thing in the waiting room, a talking robot who is sensitive to sound and light. He follows whoever is closest to him and talks to that person in English and in Japanese.
Tokyo VIP Lounge is beside a Family Mart and there are dozens of eateries nearby. In one corner, there is a store that sells discounted candies and chocolates. We went there on our way in at night and bought a couple of things. Upon arriving in Osaka, Virg and I, especially the “I” part, regretted not buying more. Their merchandise are really cheaper and they offer a great selection of delectable chocolates. I chose a couple slathered in matcha, and as of this writing, I am still in love with it.
We had dinner in a café that offers salmon. When I saw salmon, I was automatically drawn to it. When we thought it was “eat all you can” we thought it was a bargain. We were mistaken, it was actually all items cost the same price. Hahaha. Anyway, we learned our lesson and did not make the same error in Osaka.
By 1025pm, we were called to line up with our luggage (which we claimed an hour earlier), told to go down the building from the second floor, and walked around a block to go to the waiting bus.
Virg and I were in seats 2C and 2D (they were predetermined as soon as we reserved the tickets on September 28, 2019). The seats recline, with phone chargers, and a mini-TV. The bus has free Wi-Fi. Each seat has a small pillow, a blanket, and a flimsy curtain for privacy. It makes one predetermined stop (which was perfect for those who wanted to go to the restroom). The rest of the night and early morning was a smooth ride. We woke up in Osaka earlier than the 725am scheduled time.
The people who assisted us in Tokyo VIP Lounge and in the bus ride barely spoke English. Prepare all the documents and show them the documents to avoid miscommunication. They were patient and helpful, but it may take time to transact if there are no documents.
Each bus ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs *6,800 yen (US $62.63).
*Exchange Rate: US $1.00 = 108.57 yen
For more information, please visit vipliner.
Tokyo VIP Lounge Address:
1-5-9, Yaesu, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Yaesu (2nd and 3rd floor of the building)
It is about 4 minutes on foot from the east of the Tokyo sta. Yaesu North exit.
Tokyo VIP Liner Reservation Center Contact Number: 048-487-7343
(Limited hours) on
weekdays 10:00 to 17:00 / Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 13:00 to
17:00 Tokyo VIP Lounge Emergency Contact Number: 03-3548-0146
Emergency contact will
be available 30 minutes before departure and only for customers for the
day.
Tokyo VIP
lounge guidance only dial:
048-487-7414 (24-hour automated voice guide)