Having just finished my first business trip to Tokyo after moving to Osaka, I can say one thing: I’m not as young as I used to be. In fact, I’m getting old. The youth hostel, backpacker’s hotel, and other super-budget options leave me feeling more tired when I left than when I arrived. My back, and desire for some privacy, just can’t take it any more.
As a result, I’m always on the lookout for good deals on accommodations in major cities in Japan that also provide a relaxing, semi-private stay. This last trip, I decided to check out one of the untried hotels on my the Frugal Japan Wiki Hotel Tips list, Andon Ryokan.
The ryokan’s website looked very promising: an architect-designed building, only 1 1/2 years old, filled with unique spaces, Japanese antiques, and all for a reasonable price. I reserved a room for three nights, at 7,800 yen per night. The price is the same regardless of how many people stay in the room, and a room will fit up to three people, making this a good bargain option for couples or small families. The hotel requires a credit card for reservations, but you can pay in cash. A 2,000-yen key deposit is required, but refunded when you leave. (Note: a triple room is 10,800 yen, or around 3,500 yen per person.)
First, please remember the hotel is geared for international travelers visiting Japan on a budget, so there are common showers and bathrooms (all very clean), and the rooms are rather small. The single shower per floor is made up for a very lovely private jacuzzi bath, available for use by reservation at the front desk. Each room features a simple double futon set, a TV, DVD player, table, and small closet. It ALSO (for internet junkies like myself) features some of the speediest optical fiber Internet I’ve had the pleasure of connecting to ever — in each room. The ryokan even has LAN cables available. The front desk also boasts a movie library, discount train tickets, phone cards, iron/ironing board, and other amenities. Overall, very impressive.
The hotel common areas include, standard for most accommodations of this type, a lounge and kitchen. Free coffee and tea are available 24/7, as well as common Internet access. Breakfasts are a real treat, with a French toast and cinnamon toast option for 300 yen, and a full breakfast option for 500 yen. Absolutely delicious, and cheap to boot. Finally, both the unique architectural atmosphere and friendly staff made for a great stay. The hotel is located in Tokyo’s historic Taito district, a five-minute walk from the Minowa subway station on the Hibiya line, two stops north of Ueno. It’s a bit difficult to find, so download the map from the hotel’s website before you go.
All in all, I can recommend Andon Ryokan without hesitation, and would really love to go back, especially to get some more of that excellent French toast!
Note: The owner/operator of the hotel is fairly interesting herself. Check out the staff’s online diary in English, both for some funny insights into these artsy people, and to get a feel for the place.
© 2004 Wendy J. Imura.