It’s 2020, and I am determined to live my best “wagamama mama” life! While I still dream of a solo night out on the town, I recently had the next best thing — a #hosted Tokyo staycation and ladies’ night at Moshi Moshi Rooms, in Harajuku!
Ladies’ outings, or joshi kai (女子会), certainly aren’t a Japan-exclusive thing. But, it almost feels like it as restaurants, karaoke spots, and hotels vie for customers by promoting their facility as the perfect spot for social hour.
When I had the opportunity to work with Moshi Moshi Rooms for Instagram, I just knew I had to invite a few of my colleagues for a well-deserved ladies’ night.
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We used the occasion as a shin nen kai (新年会 | new year’s party) to mark the start of Kindergarten Term 3 and the countdown to the end of the school year.
(DISCLOSURE: Our stay was hosted in exchange for one English language post on Instagram.)
About Moshi Moshi Rooms
Moshi Moshi Rooms is an AirBnB property located in the heart of Harajuku. Open since December 2018, there are two suites available.
SAKURA is a sweet, pink fantasy wonderland celebrating Japan’s national flower.
ORIGAMI is a modern take on traditional Japanese architecture and interior design.
Moshi Moshi Rooms ORIGAMI Suite
From the moment I walked into the ORIGAMI suite, it felt like I was almost intruding into the home of an oiran (high-ranking courtesan).
Design
The ORIGAMI suite makes prominent use of dynamic colors such as red, violet, and gold. This color scheme compliments the wooden furniture and tatami flooring and highlights the wa (和 | Japanese) feeling.
Hanging paper umbrellas, an abstract bonsai tree, silk haori, and even origami-style stools decorate the lounge area.
Ivory and gold orizuru (origami paper cranes) of various sizes are throughout the suite. I even found a few in the cupboards!
Kitchen
The studio kitchen is complete with a sink, refrigerator, microwave, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, and other necessities.
Washroom
The washing machine is inside the toilet/shower room, making it easy to store laundry.
The shower stall has body soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Toothbrushes, unfortunately, were not available. (But we ended up buying a pack of toothbrushes on a convenience store run at Family Mart on the next corner.)
Bedroom
A noren separates the lounge and the tatami bedroom.
Spacious and comfortable, the vanity table has soft lighting that accents the pink wall, perfect for flattering photos!
Forgot your hair dryer or curler? No problem!
The origami bear is actually a battery operated night light and the tea canisters store cotton swabs!
The bedroom even incorporates a functional kaidan dansu (storage chest) for the bunk beds.
I just loved the sliding doors on the lower bunk — it was clearly crafted with great care and incorporates traditional motifs and even Mount Fuji!
The lower and upper bunks come with extra bedding, as well as outlets and personal lamps.
While my colleagues and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay, I must point out two important things, which can also be seen in the AirBnB reviews.
First:
The location is amazing — it’s accessible via Cat Street, Harajuku Street, or Takeshita Street, though a walk via Takeshita Street will take more than 10 minutes.
But, the building is under construction, so the drab gray corridor doesn’t quite match with the cute neon sign. I had to double-check my map and several times to be sure I was at the right place!
Next:
There are NO elevators at this property! Plus, the ORIGAMI suite is on the 4th floor, meaning you’ll have to carefully navigate the narrow stairway with your luggage (or stroller, in my case).
The stairs are also a bit of a hassle with young kids. Miss Kaiju, ready to exert her independence, had no trouble walking up the stairs after a Family Mart run. But, I was very hesitant to let her walk down the stairs.
The upside is that when you check into Moshi Moshi Rooms, you also get a key to the rooftop.
The rooftop overlooks the entrance to Harajuku Street.
It’s covered in artificial grass, and there are chairs and a table, making it a great spot to let kids run around, have a picnic, or a few drinks outside.
Why Stay in the Moshi Moshi Rooms ORIGAMI Suite?
While Harajuku is very obviously in Japan, the ORIGAMI suite is a wonderful, calming escape from the throngs of people and the dizzying sights of Takeshita Street and Harajuku Street.
I’d definitely recommend this suite to “bucket list” travelers who are seeking the “ultimate” Japan experience in Tokyo.
Or, if you’re a Tokyoite like me itching for a ladies’ night out on the town, there’s perhaps no place quite as unforgettable (and instagrammable) like the Moshi Moshi Rooms ORIGAMI Suite!
Get There:
Moshi Moshi Rooms
Hood Building
2-18-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
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