Rembrandt's Yokohama: Unveiling Hidden Beauty in Kannai
Rembrandt's Yokohama: My Kannai Confession - A Hotel Review That's a Little Too Real
Okay, so I just got back from Rembrandt's Yokohama, that fancy-pants place in Kannai, and honestly? I'm still processing. It's not your average, cookie-cutter hotel experience, that's for sure. Forget sanitized reviews; this is me, unfiltered, spilling the tea (and maybe a little soy sauce, because, you know, Japan). Buckle up, because this ride is gonna be a bit bumpy, just like my sense of direction.
First Impressions: Smooth Like Silk (and Then a Few Bumps)
Let's get the basics out of the way, shall we? Accessibility? They've got it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Everything's laid out pretty thoughtfully. Now, I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I saw enough ramps and elevators to make me feel like they actually cared about people being able to, you know, move around. That's a huge win. Also, the elevator situation was a godsend after a long day of exploring. Trust me, those Japanese streets can be brutal on the legs.
Internet: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Praise the Gods)
Okay, so I'm a digital nomad, a Wi-Fi fiend, a caffeine-fueled, perpetually online creature. So, the fact that they advertise Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! and Wi-Fi in Public Areas is HUGE. And, guess what? It actually worked. Not that agonizingly slow, buffering-for-eternity kind of Wi-Fi. This was fast. I could actually upload photos of that ramen I ate (more on that later!) without wanting to smash my laptop. They also have Internet [LAN] which is good if, like, you're still stuck in the 90s. But who uses that anymore? Anyway, Internet Services were top-notch. Don't think I used a lot of Internet directly, but good to know it's a thing.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
The non-smoking rooms were a savior, as, y'know, I don't smoke. Mine was a standard room, but it felt anything but. It had Air conditioning (thank you, sweet Jesus!), a comfy bed…okay, maybe a slightly extra long bed, which was a minor joy, a desk that actually let me get work done, and blackout curtains - perfect for battling jet lag/avoiding the harsh Yokohama sun to sleep till noon. Additional toilet was nice in the room. Coffee/tea maker was a welcome perk. Seating area was cool to have too. Safety/security feature was good. Wake-up service was accurate. Also: All the little things were there, from fluffy bathrobes to slippers, complimentary tea, and a perfectly functional hair dryer. Small details but hey, I'm not gonna complain. Smoke detector, smoke alarms, safety/security feature, and a handy in-room safe box really made feel safe.
Now, a personal confession: I'm a sucker for a good bathtub. And the one in my room? Glorious. Deep. Perfect for soaking away the aches of a day spent wandering the streets. My only gripe? The slightly limited hot water. It ran out faster than I’d have liked, but hey, minor detail.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (and a Few Questionable Decisions)
Okay, let's talk FOOD. Because frankly, in a city like Yokohama, it's a HUGE part of the experience.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was… overwhelming in a good way. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, the works. I’m talking tons of options. You could go all-out with the buffet in restaurant or grab something lighter. I maybe, maybe went a little overboard on the pastries. Don't judge.
- Restaurants: Multiple. One, a particularly fancy one, with a A la carte in restaurant menu that made my wallet weep a little. But the food? Worth it. The Asian cuisine in restaurant and international cuisine in restaurant offerings were spot-on.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yep. Essential.
- Happy hour: Yes, please! The bar had a decent selection of cocktails.
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite.
- Poolside bar: Nice touch, though I didn't hang out by the pool much.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is pure luxury. Especially helpful when jet lag hits at 3 AM.
- Bottle of water: a great touch.
- Soup in restaurant: very nice.
Here's where things get a little… off-piste. I may have indulged in a bit too much ramen from a street vendor across the street. (Ramen is a weakness, okay?). The hotel might have the finest Desserts in restaurant and Salad in restaurant, but that ramen? It had my heart.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (and the Reality Check)
So, the brochure promised a spa. The pictures? Heavenly. The reality? Well… It was great. It was actually as good as the pictures.
- Spa? Check.
- Sauna? Double check.
- Steamroom? Oh, yes.
- Pool with view? Technically. (It's on the rooftop).
- Massage: I got one. A deep tissue one. It was glorious. Like, "melt all my stress away and then gently put me in a nap pod" glorious. Highly recommended.
- Gym/fitness I didn't spend time at it.
I was particularly obsessed with the foot bath. After miles of walking I was super happy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and a Little Obsessive)
In the post-COVID world, this is HUGE. And Rembrandt's Yokohama didn’t disappoint.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha.
- Hand sanitizer? Available everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Yep.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? They were on top of it.
Look, I’m still a little paranoid about germs. Seeing all these measures gave me some serious peace of mind. And hey, a doctor/nurse on call isn't a bad thing to have listed, either, right?
Things to Do: Exploring Yokohama (and Losing Track of Time)
This is where the hotel really shines. Kannai is the perfect location from which to base yourself. It's central, buzzing with energy, and ridiculously close to all the good stuff.
- Things to do: Yokohama's attractions are right at your doorstep. Head to the Yamashita Park.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] helped me relax.
- Taxi service as well.
- Airport Transfer was so practical.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Slightly Less Important Ones)
- Concierge: Super helpful. They pointed me in the right direction for some of the best ramen spots.
- Cash withdrawal: Yep. Handy.
- Currency exchange: Always useful.
- Convenience store: They've got a few, for snacks and essentials.
- Laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service: Standard, but appreciated.
- Luggage storage: A necessity for the over-packer (me).
The Quirks (and the Tiny Imperfections)
Okay, no place is perfect, right? Here’s the real talk:
- Check-in/out [express]: The express check out really was.
- Smokin Area was far away.
- Doorman. Always a nice touch.
The Verdict: Should You Stay? YES, But…
Look, Rembrandt's Yokohama is a fantastic option. It's stylish, well-located, and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The spa, the location, and the attention to detail are what really set it apart. It's perfect for a solo traveler like me or, from what I saw, a couple, a business traveler, or even a family. But here’s the caveat: this isn’t a budget hotel. It's an investment in your experience. But hey, you get what you pay for. And what you get here is a taste of luxury, convenience, and a whole lot of Yokohama charm.
My Recommendation? Book it. Now.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel brochure. This is Rembrandt Style Yokohama, and it's going to be a glorious, slightly chaotic, and definitely opinionated mess. Let the record show: I'm going to revel in the imperfections.
Day 1: The Arrival and the Shakedown (aka, Finding my Feet…and My Ramen)
- 10:00 AM: Narita Airport, Japan - "Lost in Translation: The Sequel" Landing felt like being hurled into a kaleidoscope. The airport… well, let's just say I'd forgotten how efficient the Japanese are. Finding the right train to Yokohama felt like navigating a labyrinth designed by a sadist who loves speed. The sheer volume of signs, the rapid-fire announcements in Japanese… I swear my brain was trying to reboot itself. Managed to fumble my way onto the Narita Express, which chugged along with alarming punctuality. This is going to be a long, long journey.
- 12:00 PM: Yokohama Station - "Raccoon vs. Luggage" Yokohama Station. Oh, the glory of crowds. I emerged from the train a sweaty, bewildered mess, wrestling a suitcase that seemed determined to sabotage my every step. The sheer density of humanity was overwhelming. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity of bumping into impeccably dressed salarymen and bewildered tourists, I found a taxi. A kind, if slightly silent, taxi driver deposited me at…
- 1:00 PM: Hotel in Kannai (Somewhere, Hopefully Clean) - "The Great Hotel Reveal & Ramen Redemption" My hotel. It's… compact. Let's leave it at that. The room is the size of my bathroom back home, but the view looks over a tiny, charming, and yet noisy little street. After unpacking, I did what any sensible travel-weary soul would do: demanded ramen. Found a little hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks away, and the ramen was divine. Heart, soul, and stomach all breathed a sigh of relief.
- 2:30PM: Yamashita Park – “Birds, Booze & Existential Dread” A stroll through Yamashita Park. The ocean breeze was a blessing, after the stuffiness. The sea was blue, the boats were pretty, and then I saw a man feeding seagulls. A few cans of cold beer had been snuck out for a clandestine parkside visit. I bought myself one, the view of the ocean was more pleasing than the view from my tiny room and all was well. For a little while. Then thoughts about home and the inevitable return crept in.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in Kannai’s Chinatown - “Dumplings and a Deluge of Questions” Back to Kannai for dinner in Chinatown. And a feast. I devoured dumplings, char siu bao, and noodles, and spent some time just staring at the bustling streets. I thought about the people I had lost, the people I loved and the future. I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of it all.
Day 2: History, Horror, and a Heartbreak (Literally)
- 9:00 AM: Exploring the Harbor - "Ships, Silk and… Regret?" Woke up early for some exploring. The harbor is where the history is. Walked the waterfront, which is beautiful. I found the historic district, an area filled with old warehouses and mansions. The architecture is stunning, a jarring mix of Western styles amidst the more traditional Japanese buildings. The view was a stark reminder of the past, the lives lost and the futures forever changed.
- 12:00 PM: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse - "Shopping and a Sudden Case of the Mondays" Lunch at the Red Brick Warehouse turned into an overwhelming experience of retail therapy. After what seemed like hours examining the merchandise, a sudden wave of… melancholia washed over me. I ended up buying a ridiculously expensive scarf and a book I'll probably never read.
- 2:00 PM: The Cup Noodles Museum - "My Brain Is Officially Fried" I thought this would be a fun excursion. I was wrong. The Cup Noodles Museum is… bizarre. I found myself staring at an inexplicable exhibit on the history of instant noodles, then designing my own cup of instant ramen. My brain felt like a fried egg.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - "The Search for Meaning" I had dinner at a quiet little restaurant, where the waiter spoke a little English. We talked about life, art, and the pursuit of happiness. He told me how much he loved his life. I left feeling a little… hollow.
Day 3: More Ramen, More Rambles, Goodbye?
- 9:00 AM: The Sankeien Garden - "Beauty, and a Blur of Tears" Oh, the Sankeien Garden. This place… this might be the most beautiful place on Earth. Wandering through its sprawling grounds, surrounded by historic buildings imported from all over Japan, was like stepping into a living painting. I burst into tears. Just, started crying. Not because of sadness…just because of the overwhelming beauty. It was the kind of moment you want to bottle and preserve forever.
- 12:00 PM: Ramen Take Two - "The Search for the Perfect Broth" Back to Ramen. Needed a pick-me-up. More, better ramen than before. Found a place that served it, and made it so delicious that I could eat it again. It was perfect.
- 2:00 PM: Yamashita Park - "One Last Look, One Last Beer" Back to Yamashita Park. Spent some time just staring at the ocean. Another beer was consumed. This time I allowed myself to cry a little bit. The sea was calm and the sun was setting. I realized, in that moment, that I didn't want to leave.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell Dinner - "Embracing the Mess" One last meal. Found a little Izakaya, drank a bit of sake, and ate skewers. Said goodbye to a few nice people. Thinking I would like to return.
- 8:00 PM: Packing, Reflection, and Slight Panic - "Goodbye, Yokohama?" Back at the hotel, packing… I felt a strange mixture of sadness and relief. Sadness at leaving this place, relief at the thought of having a bed that wasn't the size of a shoebox. There was a lot that I didn't do. A lot that I didn't see. I left a whole chunk of my heart here.
The Verdict:
This trip… it was messy. It was chaotic. It was beautiful. It was overwhelming. I cried, I laughed, I ate a ridiculous amount of ramen. It was everything and nothing I expected. Yokohama, you magnificent, slightly confusing, deeply moving beast, you stole a piece of my damn heart. I'll be back. Don't you dare change.
P.S. My Japanese is still atrocious. My luggage is still a disaster. And I'm pretty sure I left a scarf at the Red Brick Warehouse. Oh well. Embrace the mess. That's the Rembrandt way, right?
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Rembrandt's Yokohama: A Messy FAQ - Because Life (and Art) Ain't Always Perfect!
So, what *is* this "Rembrandt's Yokohama" anyway? And why did it take me so long to even *hear* about it?
Okay, okay, let's be honest. I stumbled upon Rembrandt's Yokohama completely by accident. One of those late-night Google rabbit holes, you know? I was probably looking up obscure noodle shops (a crucial life pursuit, I assure you), and *bam!* "Rembrandt's Yokohama." Apparently, it's this exhibition focusing on the works of famous Dutch Master, Rembrandt, but... in Yokohama? Confusing, right? It features prints and other art, not all painted originally by Rembrandt himself. They are usually more associated around his school. And the fact that I hadn't heard of it before? Well, Yokohama is a huge city. And, let's face it, sometimes, the art world throws these little gems out there and hopes people find them. It's our fault we didn't find it sooner. (Mostly mine, let's be real.) Plus, pandemic.
Is it *actually* worth going? Like, should I trade my Netflix binge for it?
Oh, the million-dollar question! Look, here’s the thing: I’m a terribly impatient person. I get bored easily. And I *hate* crowds. So, with that in mind... YES. ABSOLUTELY, YES. The *quality* of the art, the historical context, and the feeling of, well, *being there*… it’s powerful. Now, I'm not gonna lie, there were a few prints that felt... fine. Not mind-blowing. But the *depth*. The way you could almost feel the texture of the engraving... it's breathtaking. And the use of darkness. The contrast of light and shadow; I could rave about the way light bounces off the old master paintings for a long time. But here's the real sell. The history. Kannai, where the exhibition is housed, is a seriously cool part of Yokohama. It's got that old port town vibe, that mix of East meets West. You feel like you're stepping back into time! Plus… the museums are beautiful, and it gives you a perfect opportunity to experience Yokohama.
Okay, you've (kinda) convinced me. What's the *best* thing about the exhibition?
Alright, buckle up. This is where I gush. For me, it was *the self-portraits*. Oh, man. Rembrandt's self-portraits. Seeing his aging face, the wrinkles, the *honesty*… it's like staring into a mirror of human experience. I spent a solid twenty minutes, maybe longer, in front of one particular etching. It showed him, older, a bit disheveled. And the *expression*. It was all there: the confidence, the weariness, the sheer *lived experience*. It felt less like looking at a painting and more like… well, a conversation. He's looking right at you! I got a bit emotional, to be honest. I think I even teared up. Don't laugh! Beauty can do that to a person. And if you're feeling cynical, and tired from life, that image can be so cathartic. A reminder that struggle is universal, and that beauty comes in many unexpected forms.
And the *worst* part? Be honest. No sugarcoating.
Okay, here goes. The signage wasn't always fantastic. You know, that museum-speak, that academic jargon? Sometimes, it sailed right over my head. Plus, I wish they'd offered more English translations, or even just more *context*. Okay, I just have to admit, I was a bit lost sometimes. It always gets to me, when an exhibition does not offer much context.
What else is there to see at the exhibit besides the Rembrandt's works?
The Yokohama Museum of Art, which is where the exhibit usually lives, has stunning stuff beyond the main event! There's almost always a collection of other art on display, ranging from modern Japanese artists to other works from the museum's permanent collection. It's worth exploring the surrounding area too, including the old buildings of Kannai. There's a lot to see around! So make sure to schedule a bit more time for exploration around the exhibits.
Tips for the Average Clumsy Visitor?
Here is some advice on how to survive this exhibition; Wear comfortable shoes. My feet were killing me by the end. And bring a water bottle. Museums can be dehydrating, and you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Okay, I'm sold. How do I get there? And should I eat beforehand?
Getting there is pretty easy. It's in Kannai, which is super accessible by train (JR or subway). Google Maps is your friend here, seriously. Just type in "Yokohama Museum of Art" and you're good to go. And *eat beforehand*. Seriously. The museum cafe is alright, but Yokohama has a TON of amazing food. I'd recommend grabbing a bite *before* you go, so you can focus on the glorious art.
I have a screaming toddler. Can I even go?
Okay, this one is tricky. The museum is, thankfully, pretty stroller-friendly. But, let's be blunt. Rembrandt is not known for his… you know… *peppy* subject matter. Think long, dark, pensive gazes. The museum rules are generally about quiet enjoyment and respect for the art. And let's be real, no one wants to be the parent with the ear-splitting toddler in a quiet art space. So, maybe, consider a babysitter. Or a very, *very* well-behaved toddler.
So, overall, is this a life-changing must-see? Or a "meh, it was alright" kind of experience?
Okay, I'll be honest. It's not going to *cure* your existential dread. But, for me? It was more than a "meh." It was a reminder of beauty, of history, and of the enduring power of the human spirit. And even though I may have moaned about details, and sometimes got overwhelmed. I'd go back in a heartbeat. So, yeah… go. Go and see Rembrandt in Yokohama. Give yourself permission to be moved (or not!). It’s worth it, even ifUrban Hotel Search
