The first time I saw Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay, I was surprised by how big it was: a tall white tower rising over the Shin-Urayasu waterfront, with palm trees lining the driveway. It's one of four Tokyo Disney Resort Partner Hotels. After staying there with my family in a Japanese-Western room, I think it's one of the easiest places for first-time visitors to Japan to try a few very Japanese experiences at once: sleeping on a futon on tatami mats, soaking in a natural hot spring, and eating a proper Japanese breakfast before heading to the parks on a free shuttle bus. All the photos here are from my own stay.
| Location | Urayasu, Chiba, a 7-minute walk from JR Shin-Urayasu Station |
|---|---|
| Hotel type | Tokyo Disney Resort Partner Hotel |
| Buildings | Emion Tower and Emion Square |
| To the parks | Free shuttle bus, about 15 minutes, no reservation needed |
| Check-in/out | Check-in 3:00 p.m. / Check-out 12:00 noon |
| Hot spring | Natural onsen "Hohoemi no Yu" (hotel guests only, extra fee) |
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Hotels.comWhat Is a Partner Hotel?
You can spot the white Emion Tower from far away.
Tokyo Disney Resort sorts its hotels into four categories (25 hotels in total), from Disney's own hotels to partner properties. Partner Hotels are four hotels in the Shin-Urayasu area, one train stop past Maihama, the station for the parks. They're not Disney-themed, but each one runs a free shuttle bus straight to both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.
The trade-off is simple. You usually pay less than at a Disney Hotel, but you can't use Happy Entry, the early park entry that only Disney Hotel guests get. If early entry isn't a must for you, the money you save can go toward an extra park day or a nicer dinner.
One more thing: park tickets are date-specific and sold on the official website, so buy them online before you fly rather than counting on getting them at the hotel.
The palm trees give the hotel a relaxed resort feel.
Getting to Hotel Emion from the Airport and Tokyo
Hotel Emion is a 7-minute walk from JR Shin-Urayasu Station on the JR Keiyo Line, the same line that stops at Maihama for the parks. Note that Shin-Urayasu is one stop after Maihama when you're coming from Tokyo Station, so don't hop off at Maihama out of habit like everyone else heading to Disney. There's also a local paid bus from the station that takes about 4 minutes.
If you're flying in, the Airport Limousine Bus is the easiest option with luggage:
- From Haneda Airport: about 40 to 60 minutes. Get off at "Hinode Kominkan" (a 6-minute walk) or "Shin-Urayasu Station" (a 7-minute walk).
- From Narita Airport: about 50 to 60 minutes. Get off at "Shin-Urayasu Station" (a 7-minute walk).
Bus times change with the season and traffic, so check the latest timetable on the Airport Limousine website before you fly. For train, bus, and taxi routes to the resort area in more detail, see my access guide.
Train, bus, car and taxi routes to Tokyo Disney Resort, explained step by step with photos.
Read More ›Free Shuttle Bus to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
The shuttle bus was already waiting in front of the hotel sign.
The free "Partner Hotel Shuttle" is the main reason to stay here. It's for hotel guests only, there's no reservation, and the ride takes about 15 minutes. The bus runs in a loop: hotel → Tokyo DisneySea → Tokyo Disneyland → hotel. Since Tokyo Disneyland is the second stop, allow a few extra minutes on Disneyland days.
A monitor at the bus stop shows the next departures.
During the busy morning hours I saw 8 buses an hour leaving for the parks, so I never waited long. Two tips from my stay:
- Check the bus name on the way back. At the park bus terminals, shuttles for other hotels stop at the same place. Emion's shuttle leaves from Bus Stop 6 at the Tokyo Disneyland Bus Terminal and Bus Stop 7 at the Tokyo DisneySea Bus Terminal. Look for "Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay" on the front of the bus before you get on.
- Expect a short wait at closing time. When a bus is full you'll be asked to take the next one, and heavy traffic can delay the schedule.
He said there were plenty of shuttle buses to Disney and they ran on schedule, which made for a smooth summer vacation. Going straight to the park with no transfers was a big plus.
She was surprised by how many shuttle buses there were, and liked not getting stuck in the traffic jam leaving the Disney parking lots at night.
Lobby, Free Space and Garden
The front desk area has a high, open ceiling.
A big fresh-flower arrangement greets you in the lobby.
The guest lounge (called "Free Space") has wooden floors and is a quiet spot to rest or check your plans.
A lawn garden spreads out behind the sunshades, with terrace seating nearby.
She found the first-floor front desk open and airy with a high ceiling, said the palm trees added to the resort feeling, and described the front desk staff as kind.
She mentioned a treasure-chest puzzle game for children in the lobby that her kids enjoyed. It seems to have been a summer-holiday event.
My Room: The Japanese-Western Room (Type B)
| Building | Emion Tower (13th floor and above) |
|---|---|
| Size | 60 m² (about 646 sq ft) |
| Sleeps | 4 to 6 people |
| Beds | 2 beds + a tatami room with futons |
I stayed in the Japanese-Western Room Type B ("wayoshitsu" in Japanese). It combines a Western-style bedroom with a Japanese tatami room in one unit, so some of your group can sleep in beds and the others on futons. For families of five or six, or trips with grandparents along, this is one of the few ways to stay together in a single room near the parks.
Two semi-double beds with a small sofa between them.
At 60 m², the room felt roomy by Japanese standards. Even with suitcases open next to the beds, we had space to move around.
The tatami side, with futons laid out on the floor.
If you've never slept Japanese-style before, here's what to expect. Tatami are thick woven straw mats, and a futon is a mattress and quilt laid directly on top of them. My kids, who never get to roll around on tatami at home, loved it. The tatami room can also be fully closed off from the bedroom, which is handy when the kids go to sleep before the adults.
Tatami etiquette in one line
Take off your shoes and slippers before stepping onto the tatami, and walk on it in bare feet or socks.
The curved balcony gives a wide view over Shin-Urayasu.
Our room was on a high floor, and in the daytime we could see across the Shin-Urayasu skyline. Several Japanese reviewers mentioned seeing Tokyo Skytree and even the Disney fireworks from upper floors at night.
Bathroom, Washbasins and Amenities
The "view bath" has a window right in front of the tub.
Every room at Hotel Emion has a bathroom with a separate washing area, and the bath and toilet are in different rooms. In Japan, the custom is to wash and rinse your body on the stool outside the tub first, then get into the tub just to soak. It feels strange the first time, but after a long day of walking in the parks, a clean hot soak is the best part of the evening.
Two washbasins side by side made busy mornings much easier.
Toothbrushes, a comb, a razor, cotton pads and cotton swabs, all in one basket.
The room also had pajamas for each guest, an electric kettle, bottled water, cups and glasses for everyone, and a small mini-fridge. There was even a fizzy honey-lemon bath tablet, which turned the bath water a soft yellow.
A separate mini sink and kettle corner, useful for tea or baby formula.
For more photos of every corner of the room, see my full room tour: Japanese-Western Room Type B room tour.
On her fourth or fifth stay, she said she's surprised every time by how spacious and how thoroughly cleaned the rooms are compared with other hotels in the area.
He stayed in the same Type B room and was happy overall, but found the bidet toilet spray too strong and the fridge small, with no freezer.
If you need to store a lot of food or frozen items, the small fridge may not be enough. Ask the hotel about room equipment when you book.
Breakfast Buffet: Your First Japanese Breakfast
| Hours | 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. (last entry 10:00 a.m.) |
|---|---|
| Venues | Palm Garden (Emion Tower 1F) / Square Hall (Emion Square 2F) |
| Price | Adults ¥2,700 / Ages 5 to 12 ¥1,500 / Age 4 and under free |
The long buffet counter has both Japanese and Western dishes.
If you've never had a real Japanese breakfast, this buffet is an easy place to start, because you can mix it with familiar food. You'll find Western staples like scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants, and the hotel's crispy French toast, alongside a full Japanese spread. Eat well here and you could get by with just popcorn for lunch in the park.
Shishamo are small grilled fish full of roe, and you eat them whole, head and all.
If you want to try something new, here are the Japanese dishes I'd point you to:
- Rice and miso soup: the base of a Japanese breakfast. The rice is grown in Chiba Prefecture, where the hotel is located, and you can add green onion or seaweed to your miso soup.
- Shishamo: small grilled smelt, crispy outside and served hot from the grill.
- Mentaiko: spicy pollock roe. A tiny bit on top of white rice goes a long way.
- Dashi chazuke: pour hot dashi broth over rice with toppings like Chiba's local "namero" (minced raw horse mackerel with miso).
- Natto: fermented soybeans with a strong smell and sticky texture. Many Japanese people eat it every day, but it divides opinion even in Japan. Try one bite!
A row of rice toppings, from spicy mentaiko to seasoned quail eggs.
Food allergies? The hotel publishes an allergen chart for the breakfast menu with dish names in both Japanese and English. You can check it before your trip here: Breakfast allergen list (PDF, official). Each dish at the buffet also has a small label showing the main allergens.
When to go: 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. is the busiest stretch, because most guests eat before the parks open. Arrive the moment the doors open at 6:30, before the rush builds, or after 8:00 for a calmer meal. Whether breakfast is included depends on your booking plan, so check when you reserve.
She said breakfast was delicious, with as many choices as a lunch buffet, and admitted to eating too much.
She particularly enjoyed the dashi chazuke, the seafood rice porridge, and the hotel's special chicken curry.
He felt that charging from age 5 was a bit much, since there wasn't much a 5-year-old would eat. If you have small children, take a look at the menu before you decide.
More photos of every corner of the buffet are in my breakfast guide: Hotel Emion breakfast buffet guide.
Hohoemi no Yu: A Natural Hot Spring (Onsen)
The entrance to Hohoemi no Yu, the hotel's hot spring bath.
This is what makes Hotel Emion different from every other Tokyo Disney affiliated hotel: according to the official Tokyo Disney Resort site, it's the only affiliated hotel with its own natural hot spring, pumped up from 1,500 meters underground. The water is a strongly salty sodium chloride spring, and the official site lists benefits like easing tired muscles, which is exactly what you need after a full day of walking in the parks. Emion Tower has an outdoor bath (rotenburo) as well as indoor baths; Emion Square has indoor baths only.
| Ticket | Adult | Elementary school |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | ¥800 | ¥500 |
| Single entry, 5:30–10:00 a.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m. | ¥600 | ¥300 |
| One-night pass (unlimited, from the morning of your stay until the next morning) | ¥1,200 | ¥800 |
- Hours: 5:30 to 10:00 a.m. (last entry 9:30 a.m.) and 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (last entry 12:30 a.m.)
- Hotel guests only. Preschool children with a parent are free, but children still in diapers can't enter.
- Towels and toiletries are provided, and you can walk there in your room wear and slippers.
- Children aged 7 and up, or taller than 120 cm, must use the bath for their own gender.
- Guests with tattoos are not allowed in. This is a common rule at Japanese hot springs.
First time at an onsen? The basics
Baths are separated by gender, and you bathe without a swimsuit. Wash your body at the shower stations before entering the bath, keep your small towel out of the water (many people fold it on their head), and tie up long hair.
She uses the indoor bubble bath and the outdoor bath every stay, and said the natural hot spring water really helps her recover from a tiring day.
She pointed out that the bath costs extra, but said it was a great way to recover after a day at Disney.
FamilyMart, Vending Machines and Other Facilities
The FamilyMart on the first floor.
Japanese convenience stores ("konbini") are a highlight of any trip, and there's a FamilyMart right inside the hotel. You'll find onigiri rice balls, sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and baby supplies. Its hours are 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to midnight, so it closes in the middle of the day.
Yes, Japan has vending machines for beer too. There are also machines for soft drinks and snacks.
- Luggage delivery counter (7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): ship suitcases or souvenirs within Japan with a delivery service, so you don't have to carry them on the train.
- Free Wi-Fi in the rooms and public areas.
- Massage: full-body and foot massage near the Emion Tower bath, or in your room.
She said the FamilyMart was well stocked even late at night after the parks, and also liked that the guest washing machines accept cashless payment.
She was charged for another family's room charges at checkout and the front desk couldn't confirm the details right away. In its reply, the hotel apologized for not matching the room number and name and promised to prevent it from happening again. It's worth checking your bill before you pay.
See rooms and rates on the official English website
Is Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay Right for You?
A great fit if you...
- are traveling as a family of 4 to 6 and want to stay in one room
- want to try tatami, futons, an onsen, and a Japanese breakfast in one stay
- want free, frequent shuttle buses to both parks at a lower price than Disney Hotels
Maybe not the best fit if you...
- want Happy Entry (early park entry), which is only for Disney Hotel guests
- want Disney theming in your room
- have tattoos and are mainly booking for the onsen
FAQ
Is Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay inside Tokyo Disney Resort?
No. It's a Partner Hotel in the Shin-Urayasu area, about 15 minutes from the parks by the free shuttle bus. The bus is for hotel guests only and needs no reservation.
Can I use Happy Entry if I stay at Hotel Emion?
No. Happy Entry is a benefit for Disney Hotel guests only, so Partner Hotel guests enter the parks at regular opening time.
Is the onsen free, and can I go in with tattoos?
The onsen costs extra: ¥800 per entry for adults, or ¥1,200 for a one-night pass. Guests with tattoos are not allowed to enter.
How do I get to Hotel Emion from Narita or Haneda Airport?
Take the Airport Limousine Bus. From Haneda it takes about 40 to 60 minutes, and from Narita about 50 to 60 minutes. By train, you'll need to change to the JR Keiyo Line (for example at Tokyo Station), then ride to Shin-Urayasu and walk 7 minutes.
Does Hotel Emion have rooms for 6 people?
Yes. The Japanese-Western Room Type B that I stayed in and the Family 6 room both sleep up to six people.
Summary
Hotel Emion Tokyo Bay isn't a Disney-themed hotel, but it gives first-time visitors a lot that the themed hotels don't: a spacious family room with tatami and futons, the only natural hot spring among the resort's affiliated hotels, a generous Japanese breakfast, and free shuttle buses that make the parks feel close. If you want help comparing it with the other hotels around the resort, start with my hotel guide below.
I compare six Tokyo Disney Resort hotels I've stayed at, by budget, family size and Happy Entry access.
Read More ›
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