MARK BOOKMAN’S DISABILITY ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH LIVES

DISABILITY PUBLICS-MAKING ACCESSIBILITY IN MODERN JAPAN

The late Mark Bookman's disability forward work will live forever.

Oxford University Press published his Disability Publics--Making Accessibility in Modern Japan.

I was honored to appear as a Universal Design expert in the documentary “Mark - A Call to Action"

Created by award-winning filmmaker Ron Small, the 90 minute feature film is both a lesson in progressive disability advocacy as well as an energizing father son love story.

Mark thrived in Japan because of an incredibly supportive and loving family.

I have met his wonderful family.

I hope they are comforted in the knowledge that though his life was short -- his brilliance will help people with disabilities for an eternity. 

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/disability-publics-9780198979739?cc=us&lang=en&

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There are restaurants and bars within walking distance of Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

But it is located on a super quiet street -- great for sleeping.

The thing to remember about Kyoto is its famous shrines, temples, historic zones, etc. are spread out.

If you visit for more than a day, you will be riding buses and trains to see the famous sites.

So, this is a good and affordable central location.

There also is a large, beautiful bookstore/cafe very near the hotel.

Sotetsu Fresa certainly is more sedate than some spots in Gion -- where the tourists walk the streets and partake of the bars well past midnight.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There is a 7-11 24 hour konbini 2 minutes away and a subway station 5 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

The pleasant hotel’s location is more in the downtown.

The beloved Gion and Pontocho tourist areas are about a 20-minute walk -- but there is an inexpensive bus to get you there in minutes.

The Daimaru department store's famous basement luxury food hall -- one to rival Harrods -- is 5 minutes way.

The touristy but delicious Nishiki Market and its fresh and diverse street food is 10 minutes away on foot.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Long before arriving at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma, I make a polite request for 2 extra flat sheets.

I got a terse note saying that could not be honored in advance, so I would have to remember to take it up with the desk staff on arrival.

Despite specific verbal and written notes to the staff, on cleaning day -- one of my flat sheets disappeared during the housekeeping visit.

I got back late and was stressed waiting for them to send a new sheet up -- while I remade the bed the way I had done up to my needs.

 

 

 

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

When I booked, I contacted Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma to request a quiet room -- away from elevators, bars and street noises.

When I arrived, I got a room far enough from the elevators, but next to the stairway of one of the dingiest apartment buildings in all of Kyoto.

I tried to rest for half an hour, but couldn't -- as some sleazy folks were smoking, drinking and talking at the top of their lungs around 4 p.m.

I requested a new room, but it was a pain to put all my belongings back into my single suitcase.

They have no carts to help with moving belongings.

Also, my new room was near the elevator and shared a wall with housekeeping -- so I heard staff banging around in there very early in the morning.

I did not have the energy to request a second room change, so I dealt with it.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

My Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma room was small but efficient.

There was a nice sized fridge for storing sodas and food.

The bed was comfy and the tub shower had endless hot water.

There is a full service breakfast place in the lobby.

I felt the price was a tad steep, so I did not partake.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma sets a nice tone with a long, tranquil, decorative hallway off the street.

The staff is outstanding.

They helped me with the automated check-in and not only found me a full-service grocery within 12 walking minutes, but they also printed a color map.

The second floor lobby is filled with free small items -- toothbrushes, razors, all kinds of amenities.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

When I arrived at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi and saw the array of hard liquor, wine, sake and Shōchū with soda highball dispenser – I felt some trepidation.

I could see where free, unlimited booze could create some noisy, sleep-disturbing neighbors.

This was NOT the case at all on my floor, but I'm wondering out loud whether they should place some kind of limit on the free flowing alcohol.

Bottom line: Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi is the first lodging I’ve stayed, out of hundreds, worthy of 10/10 review!

 

 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

During my 5 nights at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi, there were some noises from the room above -- 

kids jumping off the bunk bed? 

Person who works out at odd hours?

Or maybe it was some sound from nearby trains or freeway that I thought was in the hotel.

At any rate, using the free earplugs provided and bumping up the fan on the AC had me sleeping fine.

The mid-section of the room -- tub/shower/toilet/dressing room double sinks -- is raised.

Being 13 time zones from home and a tad disoriented, this can be a tripping hazard -- especially at night when you are getting out of bed and forgetting to step up a foot to use the toilet. 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi staff has translate apps to communicate by voice.

Two elevators to get you to room speedily. 

A menu of towels and pillows to supplement the comfy ones in the room.

I had a luxury stay at a price just above $100 USD including taxes.

The amount of freebies is astounding -- and they all are high quality.

I enjoyed this well-run property more than past stays at $1K per night luxe branded hotels.

They think of everything.

They scrimp on nothing.

I will run out of space before I list the endless high quality amenities.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi common area is unmatched.

It has a welcoming, lavish and warm breakfast buffet.

Gourmet coffee machine and soda machine add to the calming atmosphere.

Amazing veggie curry, ramen, baked sweet potatoes and other free top notch food is available around the clock.

The lobby has free wine, sake, liquor.

The hotel draws a high caliber guest -- because I saw no one abusing the free alcohol or being noisy.

Dozens of free small things -- think ear plugs, glasses cleaning wipes, face masks -- are available in baskets in the lobby.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi places you footsteps away from famous sites, fabulous street and sit down food, fun bars and all ranges of shopping.

The nearby Namba train station provides excellent access to all of Osaka's downtown lavish department stores, aquarium and Ferris Wheel on Osaka Bay -- and all the quirky little foodie neighborhood.

Upon check-in, they give you credits for full room and light cleanings.

That way you can have zero disturbance or frequent housekeeping.

The front desk is super responsive -- helped me with directions, suggestions and resetting the AC controller that I bumped in the night.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Every hotel on earth should be like Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi.

The amenities are amazing.

My room was large and featured a huge tube and shower with TV.

The bed was comfortable. 

The mini fridge was large and cool.

The dressing area is amazing with side by side sinks and dozens of high quality grooming products.

The location is perfect -- 5 minutes from major Namba train station and right at glitzy Dotonbori (neon, crowds, restaurants, energy) but somehow quiet and calm.

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY

AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita said it is a rule in Japan to change over the room every third day.

I had requested an extra flat sheet on arrival.

And I emailed to remind them. 

But each night, I would come home late and find zero flat sheets.

The every third day service robbed me of my ability to have the sheets customized the way I liked them...and it had me begging for extra sheets then waiting for them in the wee hours.

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY

The rooms at AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita have no individual temperature control.

Even on freezing nights, I would crack the window a few hours to cool things down.

They also can lend you a space heater if the one-size-fits-all temp is cold and you need to warm up.

I found it super odd that the hallways are open to the elements. 

I'm from Miami where its 80F and I arrived to far below 40F.  

Having rain and cold open air was odd for the hallways.

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY

The staff at AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita uses google translate to speak English.

I found it best to type requests in advance on Booking.com messaging -- so they could feed it into translate app and provide me with answers and service.

They recommended some nice locals and chain restaurants.

I paid well under $100 USD for a modern, efficient room in one of the biggest cities on earth. I wish I could do that in NYC.

I would book at another AKA hotel (there are dozens in Tokyo alone) in a heartbeat.

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY 

A mini fridge in the room at AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita was a great bonus. 

I brought home milk, berries and snacks from a 24-hour full-sized grocery about 5 minutes’ walk from the property.

It was about a 12 minute walk to the train station and an equal distance to the joys of Electric Town's gadgets, photo shops, anime, manga, etc.

The immediate area is very low key, so no noise at night.

 

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY

My room at AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita was super quiet and my bed was perfectly firm and comfortable.

There's a great flat screen TV with tons of free VOD.

The tub-shower was clean and worked for a soak after a long day of work.

There seemed to be endless hot water, which I really love.

APA HOTEL AKIHABARA EKIKITA

SUPER QUIET AND EFFICIENT MICRO ROOM

AT FABULOUS PRICE POINT FOR A GLOBAL CITY

I'm used to micro rooms, so I did not feel cramped in the AKA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita.

Everything is super-efficient with plenty of regular electrical and USB outlets -- some right at the bed and others at the desk.

They give you the coolest fold our hair comb, a great toothbrush and razor plus a comfy bath robe.

“MARK - A CALL TO ACTION” RELEASES GLOBALLY ON OCTOBER 8

I AM HONORED TO APPEAR IN THE DOCUMENTARY AS A GLOBAL DISABILITY ADVOCATE AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN EXPERT CONSULTANT

The documentary, by an award-wining team, premiered in Japan in February.

I was gratified to attend in Tokyo.

On October 8, it releases via Digital, Streaming, Satellite – even DVD.

“Mark – A Call to Action” is the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a severely disabled Pennsylvania-born American who later resided in Tokyo full-time, becoming one of Japan’s leading experts on accessibility, and a policy consultant to governments and major corporations around the world.

His tireless efforts helped raise awareness and positively impacted the lives of not only disabled persons, but also children, seniors and vulnerable populations in the United States, Japan and many other nations.

For more information, visit:

https://www.soundviewmediapartners.com/mark-a-call-to-action/

For a review, see this image: