Experience Japanese Culture! 10 Excellent Ryokans and Hotels in Tokyo
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Tokyo has many ryokans and hotels that offer hands-on cultural experiences and warm Japanese hospitality. We introduce 10 accommodations with an elegant Japanese atmosphere. The featured facilities include budget-friendly options.
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Tokyo, Japan
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Accommodations That Preserve Japanese Elegance
"If I visit Japan I'd like to stay somewhere in Tokyo where I can experience Japanese culture." These words reflect the sentiments of many international visitors.
We have compiled a list of recommended accommodations in Tokyo, including reasonably-priced hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns).
Use this list as a reference when considering staying in Tokyo! From comfortable ryokans that feature an elegant Japanese atmosphere all the way to a remote island resort, there is surely a lodging that will appeal to your taste.
1. Hotel 1899 Tokyo in Shimbashi - A Tea-Themed Hotel
Hotel 1899 Tokyo features a green tea theme. The hotel was built by Ryumeikan, a well established ryokan that was founded back in 1899.
This hotel is a six minute walk from Onarimon Station (Toei Mita Subway Line).
Your eyes will be immediately drawn to the green tea-inspired guest room interiors. The fragrance of green tea gently wafts throughout the hotel complex.
Picture courtesy of Hotel 1899 Tokyo
At the tea counter (lobby), staff carefully brew tea according to your preference or the kind of tea you feel like drinking on that day.
Chaya 1899 Tokyo is a cafe located on the hotel's first floor. They offer unique food and drink menus containing green tea, including their popular matcha green tea bread.
This hotel is ideal for visitors who would like to learn more about Japanese culture.
2. Hotel Kazusaya in Nihonbashi - Elegant Japanese Hospitality
Tokyo's Nihonbashi is an area that flourished as a mercantile town from the Edo Period (1603-1868). Along with bustling commercial facilities, there are well established businesses from the Edo Period that are still in operation today.
Hotel Kazusaya is just one minute on foot from JR Shin Nihonbashi Station and five minutes from JR Kanda Station.
In 2020, this long standing hotel celebrated its 130th year in business.
Visitors can spend some comfortable time on the hotel premises which incorporates a Japanese-style atmosphere.
This hotel features a large public bath—somewhat unusual for a hotel in a big city. Guests can take a relaxing soak in the bath and soothe their tired bodies after a long day of sightseeing.
Picture courtesy of Hotel Kazusaya
At restaurant TOKI-NO-KANE you can savor the special Japanese-style breakfast.
It features grilled fish of the day, a miso soup chock full of tasty ingredients, and white rice. This nutritionally balanced, tasty breakfast will get your day off to a great start!
3. Ito Ryokan in Ningyocho - Experience Japanese Culture First-Hand!
The charm of a working class neighborhood remains strong in Tokyo's Ningyocho area.
Here you'll find Ito Ryokan—a facility where guests can have a hands-on experience with Japanese culture. The wide range of activities include playing the shamisen (see photo above), trying on a kimono, and shodo calligraphy lessons.
All guest rooms at Ito Ryokan are Japanese-style. So guests can enjoy the ryokan's uniquely elegant atmosphere.
Nihonbashi SANO is a Japanese restaurant on the first floor.
Here you can sample various donburi dishes including tendon (rice bowl topped with tempura) and kaisendon (rice bowl topped with sashimi). At dinnertime, the shop also serves up Japanese cuisine that pairs well with sake.
At Ito Ryokan, guests can spend some precious time as they experience Japanese culture amid warm hospitality.
4. Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan - Feel Japanese Beauty
We'd also like to recommend a hotel that's located in Ochanomizu, an area filled with fashionable restaurants and cafes. It's right near Akihabara, a place where Japanese pop culture lovers congregate.
Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan—which originally started as a ryokan—can meet the needs of all visitors, whether it's a solo traveler or a family group. Guests will be able to fully relax in the tastefully appointed Japanese-style rooms.
The large bath (separate areas for men and women) comes equipped with a jacuzzi function. In addition, the men's side of the bath also has a sauna.
5. Ryokan Sawanoya in Ueno-Yansen: A Friendly Family-Run Ryokan
Yanesen is an area close to Ueno Park that's lined with temples, art galleries, and coffee shops. As a "town of culture" it's loved by all visitors.
It's here that you'll find Ryokan Sawanoya, a family-run business that opened in 1949.
The ryokan has a total of 12 guest rooms. They are all Japanese-style and the largest can accommodate up to three guests. One night in a single room won't exceed 5,830 yen. So prices here are extremely reasonable.
On the ryokan premises there are two all-private baths. As you soak in the tub you can gaze out at the lush green garden, making these baths very popular.
The fourth floor comes equipped with washing machines and dryers, and the roof has a spot for hanging your laundry. In other words, this ryokan is ideal for longer stays.
The ryokan owners are eager for guests to experience Japanese tradition. This explains the ornaments and decorations on the premises that change with each season. Also, in the summer, guests can participate in a shrine festival together with local residents.
6. Kaminarimon Ryokan in Asakusa - Right Next to Sensoji Temple!
Kaminarimon Ryokan is located right near Sensoji Temple and the Kaminarimon Gate.
It was founded in 1947, and many years later it underwent a renovation, reopening for business in 2019.
The ryokan's concept is "Enjoy Japanese Culture." Guests can feel the Japanese sense of beauty throughout the premises—from the elegant and tastefully appointed guest rooms all the way to the interior ornaments and decorations.
The Japanese-style breakfast, skillfully prepared by the experienced chef, is also one of the reasons for the ryokan's popularity. This luxurious kaiseki-style morning meal is a treat for both the eyes and palate.
Vegetarian and children-friendly meals can also be prepared if requested beforehand.
For visitors who'd like to fully enjoy a breakfast that's unique to Japan, please book a room plan that includes breakfast.
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7. Andon Ryokan in Oku-Asakusa: A Designer Ryokan Filled With Antiques
Minowa is a peaceful residential area that's also close to Asakusa.
This area is home to Andon Ryokan, a stylish ryokan where visitors can savor delicious Japanese home-style cooking.
The ryokan premises are decorated with various handicrafts and artwork—courtesy of its antique-loving owner.
All guest rooms are Japanese-style. It's possible to rent a yukata (summer-style cotton kimono) here as well. There's also a bath that you can enjoy all to yourself if you make a reservation.
At Cafe Fuku Andon, they serve up homemade dishes created by the owner.
For guests who'd like to enjoy "the flavor of Japanese home-style cooking"—different from the cuisine found at nearby restaurants—we highly recommend staying at Andon Ryokan.
8. Kadoya Hotel in Shinjuku - A Pillow Advisor Supports Your Sleep!
Picture courtesy of Kadoya Hotel
Kadoya Hotel is only a three minute walk from Shinjuku Station. It's been garnering attention for its original Pleasant Sleep Project.
Guest rooms feature mattresses and pillows of the highest quality. In addition, guests can select their pillow of choice at the pillow corner.
The hotel also offers a highly unique and popular service not found anywhere else. A qualified sleep advisor will measure the height of your head and neck using a special instrument, and then recommend the most suitable pillow for you.
The western-style guest rooms are infused with stylish Japanese accents, creating a classical kind of design that is very soothing.
Picture courtesy of Kadoya Hotel
Cafe La Voie is on the hotel's first floor. Here you can enjoy a tasty breakfast that takes your health and food safety into consideration.
Breakfast is available in two variations, Japanese-style and western-style, offering three different options. Each option includes the fresh salad bar.
On the basement floor level, you'll find Japanese Restaurant Hatago. This restaurant is famous for its wide selection of tasty Japanese sake. So it's ideally suited for dinner.
9. Hotel Pulitzer Jiyugaoka - In the Heart of Chic Jiyugaoka!
Photo by Pixta
The Jiyugaoka area—lined with fashionable clothing stores, miscellaneous shops, and cafes—is a popular spot for going out in the city.
Hotel Pulitzer Jiyugaoka (*English) is just two minutes on foot from Jiyugaoka Station.
*To access the English page open the hotel page and first find the multi-colored google button in the top right corner. Then click on the down arrow. When the tab opens, click on the blue colored word at the top of the right hand column.
The Hotel Pulitzer Jiyugaoka has an elegant, European-style interior.
Guest rooms feature traditional Japanese accents including kumiko (*1) woodcrafted shoji. Hotel guests can choose from a wide range of different rooms: single rooms, deluxe double rooms, and triple rooms which are perfect for families and groups.
This hotel is ideal for visitors wanting to enjoy some shopping or cafe-hopping in Tokyo.
*1 Kumiko: a traditional Japanese woodworking technique that incorporates a series of geometrical patterns and shapes crafted out of wood without the use of nails. Also refers to the objects created by this technique.
10. Hachijo View Hotel on Hachijojima Island - Visit One of Tokyo's Remote Islands
Photo by Pixta
Hachijojima Island is a remote island located about 300 kilometers from the center of Tokyo. This resort area is blessed with beautiful natural surroundings and a rich history.
We highly recommend the Hachijo View Hotel for visitors who'd like to spend some relaxing time as they refresh their body and soul.
The all encompassing view of the island from the hotel—which sits high atop a hill—is another one of its attractive features.
Picture courtesy of Hachijo View Hotel
In addition to newly renovated western-style guest rooms, the hotel also offers Japanese-style rooms—allowing visitors to feel as though they're in a traditional ryokan.
Picture courtesy of Hachijo View Hotel
At Smile, a genuine shochu bar on the hotel premises, you can enjoy a glass of shochu that was brewed right here on the island.
For dinner it's best to visit one of the island's many restaurants. We also recommend doing some restaurant-hopping.
Stay at a Ryokan or Hotel and Fully Enjoy Tokyo!
When it comes to Tokyo accommodation, some people might imagine modern, high-rise hotels and expensive traditional ryokans.
But Tokyo also has reasonably priced accommodation where guests can experience Japanese culture and enjoy first-class hospitality.
Using this article as a reference, please find accommodation that best suits your preference, and enjoy your stay in Tokyo to the fullest!
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Supported by Japan Ryokan Association Tokyo Branch
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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