Meet Ryu, a Malaysian native who graduated from a Japanese university, and Yuma, a Japanese local with experience studying in Taiwan. As a couple, they explore and share captivating information about intriguing spots, delectable cuisine, unforgettable experiences, and remarkable journeys in Japan, all under the theme of "Japan's captivating culture and hidden gems that are not easily found through research."

Their content is primarily disseminated in Chinese on Ryuuu TV, where they offer a fresh and distinctive take on Japan.

With over 1.82 million subscribers on YouTube (as of June 2023), Ryuuu TV has become one of the most popular creators among youth in Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Notably, Ryu has developed a deep fascination with Japanese trains since living in Japan. This makes him the perfect fit for this project. With his love for trains and a unique perspective as a foreigner, he will provide captivating reports showcasing the allure of Japanese trains.

Opened in October 2020, Asakusa Tobu Hotel boasts a remarkable feature rare even in Japan—a "Train Simulator Room."

Situated just a minute's walk from Asakusa Station on the Tobu Skytree Line and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and a mere three-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, the hotel's location is unbeatable for exploring the vibrant Asakusa area.

With a total of 253 rooms and 16 different types of accommodations, Asakusa Tobu Hotel ensures it meets the diverse requirements of its guests, whether they are visiting for business or leisure.

The room's air conditioning, power outlets, and more can be easily operated through a tablet embedded in the bed's headboard. With multilingual support in Japanese, English, Korean, and Simplified Chinese, even foreign guests can feel at ease and assured.

The in-room TV is a smart TV that allows guests to access platforms like YouTube and Netflix. You can enjoy your favorite videos, dramas, and more, just as you would with your own account.

Despite being a city-style hotel, Asakusa Tobu Hotel offers multiple rooms accommodating up to four guests. Additionally, they have unique rooms in collaboration with Hello Kitty, catering perfectly to families. The hotel also sells original merchandise, adding to the unique experience.

Don't miss out on the hotel's recommended restaurant. A must-try menu item is the breakfast onigiri, where skilled artisans handcraft the onigiri right before you. Onigiri holds a special place as comfort food for many Japanese people, so experiencing it at Asakusa Tobu Hotel is truly a treat you shouldn't miss.

Asakusa Tobu Hotel boasts the unique and exclusive Train Simulator Room. This room's rarity stems from its distinctive feature as a concept room, made possible by the hotel's affiliation with the Tobu Railway Group. It is a valuable and one-of-a-kind experience awaiting train enthusiasts.

Located exclusively on the 8th floor, this is the one and only Simulator Room. Originally conceived to leverage the company's uniqueness and cater to the demand for enjoyable experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was completed in October 2021.

Occupying approximately half of the room is a large-scale simulator. But this is no ordinary gaming device—it's an authentic train driving simulator that Tobu Tojo Line train drivers previously used! This unparalleled and ultra-rare experience allows guests to use the actual simulator throughout their stay in the hotel room, offering a one-of-a-kind accommodation plan.

As you enter the room, your excitement heightens as your eyes are immediately drawn to the railway plaques adorning the walls.

The walls are adorned with numerous photographs of trains that once ran on the Tobu Railway, along with route maps and station plaques, creating a captivating display.

You'll also find valuable train-related items, such as plate pin badges featuring trains no longer in service. These items are a treasure trove for train enthusiasts, making it an irresistible collection.

"I used to live near Shiki Station on the Tobu Tojo Line in the past! Right here! So, I've actually ridden this train before. And now, I can simulate driving on that very same line?! That's amazing!" Ryu enthusiastically explains, with a touch of excitement, while looking at the route map.

In a special arrangement for this occasion, we have borrowed the Tobu Railway uniforms to enhance the overall experience even further. (Please note that uniform rental is not available under normal circumstances.)

"Departing now!" exclaims Ryu as he eagerly takes on the challenge. The simulation allows you to experience driving from Tobu Tojo Line's Ikebukuro Station to Ogawamachi Station, a journey taking over an hour to reach.

However, there is a significant difference between watching and doing it. Controlling the speed doesn't go as smoothly as expected, and stopping at the stations proves to be quite challenging.

"Oh, this is quite difficult! I thought it would be mostly automated, but it seems that a lot of manual control is involved. This really requires driving skills..." Ryu remarks, realizing the level of expertise required.

Furthermore, many of Japan's modern stations are equipped with platform screen doors. For the doors to open, the train must be positioned precisely. This adds a layer of complexity, requiring the driver's advanced skills.

The hotel staff will provide detailed instructions on basic usage and operational tips.

"In fact, real train drivers also practice using the same machine," Ryu explains. "Press this button to stop," he adds, as he receives meticulous explanations such as, "The speed is a bit too high, so let's decrease it a bit." The staff's attention to detail is truly commendable.

"Are you sure you're not a real train driver? Your knowledge is incredible!" Ryu's face expresses a combination of astonishment and intense focus.

In addition, there is a separate manual available for reference.

Next, it's Yuma's turn to take on the challenge. With a surprised expression, she exclaims, "Wow, it's difficult! But it's also fun!" She proceeds to operate the simulator calmly and steadily, surprising everyone with her natural sense of handling.

By staying in this Train Simulator Room, guests can enjoy unlimited driving from check-in at 3:00 PM until check-out the next day at 10:00 AM! It's said that some guests even immerse themselves in driving throughout the night, completely engrossed in the experience.

"This is the first time I've experienced a room like this! Not just in Japan, but even abroad, it's quite rare to find such a unique hotel. I'm really looking forward to enjoying it to the fullest tonight!" Ryu expresses with excitement.

As a special perk for guests, upon check-out, they receive an original train cushion as a gift (as of April). "How cute! Thank you so much!" Both Ryu and Yuma express their great satisfaction.

Due to the room's limited availability, early reservations are highly recommended. Reservations open approximately one month before the desired stay period. Please check the official website regularly for the exact reservation start date and time (resale due to cancellations will be done in order).

The next day, they visit the Tobu Museum to delve deeper into the history and allure of Japanese trains.

Located beneath the elevated tracks of Tobu Isezaki Line's Higashi-Mukojima Station, the Tobu Museum is dedicated to Tobu Railway. It houses various exhibits, including documents, vehicles, and other displays.

Japan's railway system, known for its exceptional precision, celebrated its 150th anniversary in October 2022. Tobu Railway, one of the major private railway companies representing the Kanto region, opened its first line in 1899.

One of its greatest strengths lies in having the longest rail line among private railways in the Kanto region, boasting a distance of 463.3 kilometers. As a result, the Tobu Railway serves a diverse range of users, including commuters, students, and tourists, due to its extensive coverage from the metropolitan area to regional cities, business districts, commercial areas, residential neighborhoods, and popular tourist destinations.

This wide variety of passengers spans different age groups, from children to older people, and includes international travelers, making it a railway with a broad spectrum of users.

The expansive grounds of the museum offer model displays and a plethora of actual train exhibits.

The museum also features installed train simulator machines, which visitors can use for free upon entry. These simulators provide an immersive experience with stunning full high-definition visuals.

During the "SL Show," held four times a day (11:00 AM, 1:40 PM, 2:40 PM, 4:00 PM), visitors can witness the up-close spectacle of a locomotive engineer climbing aboard and operating the train, with the wheels turning and the steam whistle blowing.

In addition to the familiar train models, the Tobu Railway exhibits a variety of unique vehicles, including express trains, the rare SL (steam locomotive), and diesel locomotives. Each vehicle possesses distinctive characteristics and offers a diverse range of designs, making comparing and appreciating their individuality worthwhile. Here, displayed in the courtyard, is the "5700 Series, Car No. 5701."

Upon hearing the staff's explanation that it is commonly referred to as the "Cat Whiskers (Neko-hige)," both Ryu and Yuma nod in agreement. "Ah, I see! It does resemble a cat! It's even cuter when you think about it that way. Japanese trains have a wide variety of designs," they remark, completely captivated by its adorable appearance.

Detailed exhibits provide explanations about the mechanisms behind the operation of trains. As they learn more, they deepen their understanding of why certain components are commonly seen on trains.

"It's fascinating, isn't it? I don't think many countries have such a wide range of train lines and vehicle types as Japan. It's incredibly interesting for foreigners," Ryu remarks. It seems that their perspective on trains will change as they continue to observe them in their daily lives.

One unmissable feature of the Tobu Museum, taking advantage of its location beneath the elevated tracks, is the "Watching Promenade." This unique viewing area allows visitors to observe trains passing through and arriving and departing from the station at eye level with the tracks, offering a perspective that cannot be found elsewhere.

"Wow, it's incredibly immersive! It almost feels like we're doing something sneaky by looking from below," they chuckle while anxiously peering at the trains. They get to witness the intricate details of the train's connections and the sight of the wheels rolling right in front of them.

One of the museum's main attractions is the large-scale diorama showcasing a day on the Tobu Railway. This diorama faithfully reproduces the cityscape and landscapes along the Tobu Line. A panoramic show is held five times a day, where model trains are set in motion, depicting the flow of time throughout the day from daytime to sunset and into the night. The lighting and scenery accurately portray the different time periods.

The Tokyo Skytree® featured in this diorama is meticulously designed with details such as different lighting colors for weekdays and weekends. "In addition to viewing it from below, we highly recommend going up to the second floor to enjoy the panoramic view from above," suggests the staff, providing insider information for visitors to fully appreciate the overall scenery.

The actual display of vintage train cars is truly a rare treasure. Here, we have a part of the iconic Showa-era luxury train, the "Deluxe Romancecar," which captivated the era. It's astonishing to learn that it even had a jukebox where passengers could listen to records.

Here we have a wooden electric train from the 1920s. "It's incredibly stylish and charming, isn't it? I wish we still had trains like this today," remarks Yuma. It exudes an elegance and tranquility that is distinct from modern designs.

In July 2023, Tobu Railway will introduce its new Spacia X limited express train, which not only features updated vehicle design but also incorporates enhancements in interior design and seating. Furthermore, this new express train is designed with environmental considerations in mind, reducing carbon emissions by up to 40% compared to existing train models.

"While enjoying the presentation, the two of them receive explanations about the train's amenities, such as private rooms and premium seats. "After seeing this, I definitely want to ride on it! Count me in!" exclaims Yuma.

Given its convenient access to the popular tourist destination of Nikko, which foreign visitors highly favor, it is expected that many people will choose to utilize this train in the future.

At the gift shop, you can purchase various exclusive original merchandise that is only available there. It's the perfect place to find special souvenirs.

Ryu and Yuma shared their thoughts on the Asakusa Tobu Hotel's driving simulator room and Tobu Museum:

"The driving simulator room at the Asakusa Tobu Hotel really surprised us with its realistic feel! Finding a room where you can drive using a professional sim is so unusual. We highly recommend trying it out when you visit Japan. The Tobu Museum was also very intriguing, showcasing numerous vehicles that were actually used in the past. It was a fulfilling facility where you can observe, interact, and experience."

We wholeheartedly recommend the Asakusa Tobu Hotel and Tobu Museum as top spots to visit in Tokyo, offering a unique blend of Japanese entertainment and technology!