Section L opens its sixth property for 2023 in Tokyo’s Ueno-Hirokoji neighbourhood

TOKYO, JAPAN — October 30, 2023 — Section L, Tokyo’s fast-growing apartment-hotel hospitality operator will open its newest property in Ueno-Hirokoji today.

Driven by the unwavering confidence of investors in the Japan’s burgeoning tourism sector, Section L is establishing a niche in the sector of upper midscale apartment-hotels in Tokyo. With this newest address, Section L has 9 apartment-hotels, mostly in the “Shitamachi” (historic downtown) neighbourhoods. In the past 10 months, Section L opened 6 apartment hotels in Ginza, Tsukiji, Hatchobori, Kuramae, Hamamatsucho and Yushima.

Established in 2020, Section L is a trailblazer in managed apartment-hotels, reimagining the way travellers experience destinations. Reaching out primarily to more experienced travellers, Section L helps guests get a deeper appreciation of the captivating essence of city exploration and the charming allure found within each neighbourhood. Since Japan opened its borders for leisure travel, the average length of stay at Section L has been 6 days, more than double the market average.

With different apartment-hotel locations now in neighbourhoods like Asakusa, Ginza, and Tsukiji, the team at Section L has carefully curated a list of “City Gems” for each property, so guests can explore the neighbourhood, understand its nuances, and form meaningful connections with the local businesses and residents. 

Boasting a management team composed of seasoned international hoteliers with expertise in hospitality real estate, operations, and technology, Section L brings a fresh perspective to every guest's stay. Activities and events are planned to match the modern travellers’ desire for authenticity, personalization, and connection. By stepping away from the traditional centralized hotel model, Section L has focused on expanding its distributed network of accommodations across various neighbourhoods.

Guests staying at any Section L hotel will discover how the rich tapestry of stories of the people and places coexist with the pulse of the present.  Ueno-Hirokoji promises to deliver a unique and enriching living experience, setting a new benchmark for longer stays. Like the other properties, the rooms combine the best of modern design and functional convenience. The interior showcases the harmonious blend of a Japandi-influenced colour palette with a touch of retro inspiration, while the deliberate choice of wooden furniture selections convey a playful and cozy atmosphere.   

Section L offers guests a host of thoughtful amenities that cater to their comfort and convenience. Each room is equipped with a full-size kitchen, complete with utensils, pots, and pans, empowering guests to enjoy the flexibility of cooking during their stay. The inclusion of a washing machine, high speed Wi-Fi, and a smart TV further enhances the overall experience. Section L will be introducing two Sauna Suites at Ueno-Hirokoji, equipped with a Finnish-style Sauna in the apartment, and suitable for up to 6 persons.  

Embrace the Community with InterSection 

Central to Section L's ethos is the emphasis on fostering connections and experiences. Upon check-in, guests will gain access to InterSection, the in-house social app designed to bring travellers together. Through InterSection, individuals can discover neighborhoods’ gems, local events curated by the staff, and even coordinate housekeeping requests, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the property's walls. 

Howard Ho, Co-Founder and CEO  at Section L said, “We are excited to unveil Section L’s ninth Tokyo hotel in the foodie paradise of Ueno-Hirokoji.  This neighborhood is a feast for the senses, and we capture its essence through the design of the hotel.  Through elements like original artwork, playful and retro aesthetics, and a photo wall of our “city gems” (top neighborhood destinations), we make sure our guests feel the allure of Tokyo’s “Shitamachi” (downtown).  We aim to make each Section L property a springboard into the unknown." 

Section L's commitment to innovation and community-building continues to captivate travellers seeking not just a place to stay, but a destination that enriches their journey. As November approaches, the anticipation for the grand opening of Ueno-Hirokoji builds, marking a new chapter in Tokyo's hospitality scene. 

Ueno-Hirokoji has 25 rooms and are great for those travelling as a group with larger room sizes that can fit between 4-6 persons. For November 2023, Section L is offering a 5% opening offer for all bookings.   

Section L’s vision is to create a borderless community through flexible, tech-savvy, and community-driven spaces. Section L combines unique design with thoughtful amenities, providing an unparalleled extended-stay experience. Founded in 2020, the company is led by a team of seasoned international hoteliers, bringing a unique blend of expertise to the industry. 

Room types at Ueno-Hirokoji 

Larger than a standard Tokyo-sized studio apartment, this fits up to 4 people comfortably with everything you need for a vacation or business trip. 

5 people is a tricky number to accommodate, but this spacious studio can do just that! It has a Tatami area with floor cushions where you can try Seiza (traditional Japanese sitting posture) while having your meal or do some light exercises to start your day.

A spacious studio that comfortably fits 4 people, for those who appreciate a little more space and natural light. A large dining table can hold your meals or serve as extra storage space for all the shopping you'll be doing. 

This premium suite can accommodate up to 6 people and has a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed. You can pick from a variety of seating areas to dine and enjoy your time. Double sinks are included so you and your traveling companions can get ready for city exploring quickly. The Finnish-style sauna room has colour changing lights so you can set the right ambiance to match your mood. 

Larger than your standard Tokyo-sized apartment, this fits up to 3 people comfortably and is perfect for anyone on a vacation or business trip.