Imagine this: You’re in Tokyo, gazing upon the bustling city skyline, when suddenly, you spot a giant Godzilla head towering over the urban jungle. This isn’t some movie scene; it’s the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, a unique hotel that has become a haven for Godzilla fans.
A Godzilla Hotel, a Monster of a Time
The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a testament to Japan’s love for Godzilla. It features a massive Godzilla head peering over the building, and the entire hotel is a tribute to the iconic monster. From the moment you step into the hotel, you’re greeted by the sights and sounds of Godzilla.
The reception is on the 8th floor, and there’s a cafe with a special entrance to the Godzilla head. Hotel guests can access the head for free, but you can also simply stroll through the exit sliding doors and take a peek. I opted for the safer route and enjoyed a drink at the Café Terrace Bonjour, taking in the spectacular views.
Godzilla’s Culinary Delights
While at the cafe, I noticed a special menu item called the “New Godzilla Cake Set.” Intrigued, I couldn’t resist trying it. It’s a monster of a dessert, with a chocolate kaiju cake that is both adorable and satisfying.
The cake’s design is meant to resemble a building, but I’m not sure I saw it. The chocolate kaiju, however, was more solid than I expected, with a hollow lower half.
The drink, designed to resemble a gas tank, added another layer of fun to the experience. It was a memorable and uniquely Godzilla-themed treat that I won’t soon forget.
A Godzilla’s Eye View of Tokyo
After my cake set, I ventured onto the balcony to get a close-up view of Godzilla’s head. It’s a truly unique experience, standing beneath the massive head and looking out at the city.
The balcony offers stunning views of Shinjuku, and the roar that emanates from Godzilla’s head on the hour, between 12:00 noon and 8pm, is a thrilling touch. The gentle puffs of steam emanating from the head were a welcome surprise!
Godzilla’s Legacy: A Citywide Tribute
The Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is just one of many Godzilla-themed attractions in Tokyo. The city is a treasure trove for fans of the monster, with a plethora of attractions and experiences to immerse yourself in the world of Godzilla.
The hotel itself features sculptural reliefs depicting iconic scenes from the Godzilla films, including the original 1954 film and “Godzilla Vs Mothra” (1992).
These reliefs, alongside the Godzilla video game machine and a collection of Toho-produced Godzilla films, transform the hotel into a museum dedicated to the monster’s history.
A Godzilla Odyssey Through Tokyo
My Godzilla adventures didn’t end at the hotel. I journeyed to the southern depths of Tokyo to experience the Godzilla bathhouse, a truly unique and immersive experience.
From the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku to the Godzilla bathhouse, my Godzilla journey was an unforgettable one. It was a glimpse into the world of Godzilla, a world where the monster is more than just a fictional creature; he’s a cultural icon, a symbol of Japan’s enduring love for this cinematic legend.
