The 11 Best Ryokans in Tokyo | All Different Types

Photo courtesy of HOSHINOYA Tokyo

Are you looking for a ryokan in Tokyo?

Since you’ve come all the way to Tokyo, you definitely want to experience the culture of hospitality, the history, and all the traditions of Japan. One of the best ways to do this is to stay at a ryokan.

There are a countless number of ryokan throughout Japan; in this article, we will be recommending 11 different places you can stay while in the city!

There are many different types of ryokan, each with their own interesting features:

• Small, old-style wooden ryokan
• Recently opened, modern luxury ryokan
• Traveler-oriented ryokan with themes like ninja houses
• Large ryokan where you can enjoy onsen and other activities all in the same vicinity

We will be taking a closer look into each of these types of and explaining more about what makes each of them special (with pictures to illustrate, of course).

Let’s get started! 😊

Table of contents

1. HOSHINOYA Tokyo (星のや東京)
2. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (ホテル雅叙園東京)
3. cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
4. ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU (ONSEN RYOKAN 由縁 新宿)
5. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (旅館 浅草 指月)
6. OEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI (大江戸温泉物語)
7. Stay SAKURA Tokyo Shinjuku Hyakukura (Stay SAKURA Tokyo 新宿 百蔵)
8. ITO RYOKAN (伊藤旅館)
9. The Edo Sakura (江戸さくら)
10. Ryokan　Nakadaya (旅館　中田屋)
11. Ryokan Sansuiso (旅館 山水荘)

1. HOSHINOYA Tokyo (星のや東京)

↑ Click to play YouTube video

HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a luxury ryokan located a quick 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station. You might not notice it at first as it is surrounded by high-rise company buildings, but once you enter the ryokan, you might feel as if you have been transported to another world.

The interior design of the ryokan, the rooms, and the high-end food are all Japanese-style and of the top quality, allowing you to experience the tradition of Japan with all of your senses.

Guests staying at HOSHINOYA Tokyo can experience the outdoor bath on the roof, which is filled with water from a hot spring 1,500 meters underground. The salt content is fairly high, making it a great place to go soak your body and relax.

Even inside the ryokan, you can experience Japanese culture through a variety of activities such as the tea ceremony and Japanese traditional performing arts. There are also free daily morning stretch sessions on the roof for those who want to start off their day on the right foot.

To top it all off, reviews of HOSHINOYA Tokyo praise the excellent service of the staff, making this one of the best places to experience the culture of Japanese hospitality.

• Location: About a 10 minute walk from Tokyo Station
• Pricing: Around 80,000 ~ 150,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

2. Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (ホテル雅叙園東京)

↑ Click to play YouTube video

Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is included in Small Luxury Hotels of the World, making it a top-tier luxury hotel. It has a history of over 90 years, and is frequently visited by Japanese nationals and travelers alike.

There is no onsen at this ryokan, but the atmosphere of the interior and the design of the rooms is enough to make you feel like you’ve really come to Japan. On the hotel grounds, there is a Japanese garden with a waterfall and a staircase that is said to be one of the models of the animated movie, “Spirited Away.”

A bonus for those staying at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a tour of art pieces displayed inside the ryokan. These displays include many parts of old Japanese houses, some of which are about 100 years old. There is an audio guide for English speakers, too.

At a restaurant inside the hotel called “Tofutei,” you can also try a traditional Japanese multi-course food (called “Kaiseki”). Eating carefully prepared dishes cooked with seasonal ingredients will make you realize that Japanese food is actually an art.

Meguro, where Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is located, is a quick train ride to both Shibuya (5 minutes) and Shinjuku (12 minutes), making it an ideal location for those who want to head out of the hotel and explore the inner city areas of Tokyo.

• Location: About a 5 minute walk from Meguro Station
• Pricing: Around 40,000 ~ 80,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/en/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3. cyashitsu ryokan asakusa

How much do you know about Japan’s architecture aesthetics? What about the tea ceremony? To get a better idea, you might try staying at cyashitsu ryokan asakusa.

This ryokan puts emphasis on the old Japanese style of architecture, which integrates shadows and uses minimal space; as a result, many rooms have a style that is very simple and subdued. Prepare to be sleeping on a futon surrounded by sliding doors and folding screens.

Whereas many ryokan provide dinner, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa encourages its guests to check out the local restaurants. However, you can also reserve breakfast for a separate fee. Those who may not be accustomed to traditional Japanese foods have the option to reserve a western-style breakfast.

Despite its minimalistic nature, there are many things to do in and around the ryokan. Upon entering, you can soak your feet in warm water (which was a custom during the Edo period), or take a stroll through the moss garden near the entrance.

The Asakusa area itself is different compared to the big city areas of Tokyo, so it may be interesting to take a walk around. With a more relaxed and traditional feel to the town, you can find many cute cafes and small local shops to keep you entertained.

• Location: About a 10 minute walk from Asakusa Station
• Pricing: Around 18,000 ~ 33,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://www.cyashitsu.com/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

4. ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU (ONSEN RYOKAN 由縁 新宿)

↑ Click to play YouTube video

Staying at Yuen Shinjuku will allow you a ryokan experience in the heart of the city. Shinjuku is one of the busiest areas of Tokyo, but the surroundings of this ryokan are said to be very calm and quiet.

Although Yuen Shinjuku values the ideals of a traditional ryokan (hospitality, quiet space, simple design, etc.), it also has a very modern interior, with western-style rooms and beds. Yuen Shinjuku might be ideal for those who want to experience Japanese customs without spending the night on the floor.

Customer reviews rave about the food at Yuen Shinjuku. A restaurant located inside the ryokan called Kakatojo serves Japanese food, and offers a dinner course as well as breakfast. For dinner, there are two options: dishes cooked on an iron plate or tempura.

Due to its location, Yuen Shinjuku allows a great view of Shinjuku from the bath. The hot spring water is taken from Hakone, a famous onsen town in Japan; the water is said to help with joint pain, stiff shoulders, and many other ailments.

• Location: About a 5 minute walk from Shinjuku 3 Chome Station (subway), 16 minute walk from Shinjuku Station
• Pricing: Around 9,000 ~ 40,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://www.uds-hotels.com/en/yuen/shinjuku/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

5. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (旅館 浅草 指月)

If you are looking for a ryokan that is calm and quiet with an at-home feeling to it, you might consider staying at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu.

A high-quality ryokan at a more mid-range price, Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu has been serving guests in Tokyo for over 80 years. It has great access to the tourist-friendly areas of Asakusa such as Senso-ji, a temple famous for its large, red gate. From the bath on the top floor, you can see Tokyo Skytree.

If you are staying alone or with one other person, there is an option for a western-style room; otherwise, you should expect to be sleeping on tatami-flooring in true Japanese style.

Customer reviews praise Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu for good customer service, so you are guaranteed to have a pleasant stay.

The Asakusa area is also a quick train ride away from Ueno, where you can take a trip to the zoo, stop for a drink at local bars, go shopping, or visit a variety of different art and history museums.

• Location: About a 2 minute walk from Asakusa Station
• Pricing: Around 8,000 ~ 16,700 JPY per night
• Website: http://www.shigetsu.com/en/index.html

↑ Go back to the table of contents

6. OEDO-ONSEN MONOGATARI (大江戸温泉物語)

In many ways, Oedo Onsen Monogatari is a lot more like a theme park than a ryokan. First, at the entrance you receive a wristband that records your purchases and are then guided to change into a yukata.

There are many different activities within the facility; for example, an area that has the feel of a traditional Japanese festival including stalls with games, fortune telling, and food. There are a variety of restaurants, so you are sure to find something that you want to eat.

At Oedo Onsen Monogatari, there are two large outdoor baths separated by gender. There is also a relaxation space with massage chairs if you feel like taking a rest after a long bath. One of the most interesting attractions is the “Ashiyu”, a large hot spring just for your feet.

Because Oedo Onsen Monogatari places more emphasis on its attractions than it does on the actual lodging, you have the option to just spend the day enjoying the facility. However, there is a space on the second floor for those who choose to spend the night. There is also a capsule-hotel-like option for men only.

Close by, there is an amusement park called Joypolis with roller coasters, haunted houses, and other attractions. You can buy a ticket that takes you to both Joypolis and Oedo Onsen Monogatari at a discounted price.

• Location: 7 minute bus ride from Tokyo Teleport Station; you can take free shuttle buses from a number of different stations
• Pricing: Depends on the season and day of the week (Usually around 9,000 ~ 17,000 JPY per night)
• Website: https://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/en/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

7. Stay SAKURA Tokyo Shinjuku Hyakukura (Stay SAKURA Tokyo 新宿 百蔵)

In terms of design, Shinjuku Hyakukura is a bit more fun than your average ryokan. The rooms are designed with ninja houses in mind, so you have the chance to stay in a very unique room.

The closest station is Okubo Station, which is a bit far but still a walkable distance to Shinjuku. Shin Okubo, another station close by, is known for delicious Korean food so you should not have to worry about finding a good meal.

There are multiple types of rooms at Shinjuku Hyakukura; as mentioned earlier, some are designed especially with ninja in mind, so they have bunk beds and a ninja-like design integrated into the interior. There is a kitchen where you can cook your own meals and you also have the option to reserve a room with an open air bath. According to customer reviews, the rooms are all very spacious and clean.

The ryokan itself is not huge or especially luxurious, but it was made with the Japanese “Kura,” a traditional architectural style, in mind. Staying at this ryokan will definitely give you a unique experience in Japan.

• Location: About a 2 minute walk from Okubo Station
• Pricing: Around 6,000 ~ 15,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://en.stay-sakura.com/tokyo

↑ Go back to the table of contents

8. ITO RYOKAN (伊藤旅館)

Staying at ITO RYOKAN is a cost-effective way to enjoy your trip to Tokyo while also having access to many cultural activities that you would have to go out of your way to find otherwise.

One of the most unique aspects of ITO RYOKAN is the abundance of classes and cultural experiences that you can participate in. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at Japanese cooking, origami, or the Japanese traditional instrument Shamisen, staying at ITO RYOKAN will give you the chance.

Similar to others on this list, ITO RYOKAN provides lodgers with Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring and futons to sleep on. Bathrooms are shared, so it feels very much like a guest house.

On the first floor of the building is a restaurant where you can drink Japanese sake and eat Japanese food. There are only 10 lunch portions available per day by reservation, so you should definitely take advantage of the chance to eat a high-quality Japanese meal. Breakfast is much cheaper compared to other high-end ryokan, however, at only 550 JPY a meal.

This ryokan is not necessarily in the heart of the city, but it does have good access to a number of different stations that can take you all over Tokyo.

• Location: About a 3 minute walk from Ningyocho Station
• Pricing: Around 6,000 ~ 9,800 JPY per night
• Website: https://itoryokan.jp/en/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

9. The Edo Sakura (江戸さくら)

↑ Click to play YouTube video

The Edo Sakura is a ryokan that puts emphasis on the culture of hospitality and tea. You can observe a tea ceremony for free every morning, as well as participate in cultural workshops like ikebana (flower arrangement), try on a kimono, or attempt some calligraphy. You have the option to lay out and clean up your own futon, which might even be a cultural experience in itself.

There is no open air bath, but instead a private bath that can be reserved in 40 minute sessions, so you can have it all to yourself.

This ryokan is especially accommodating to its guest’s dietary needs. There are four types of breakfast available: Japanese, Western, vegan, and gluten free. There is even a kids menu for those traveling as a family.

The Edo Sakura is located near Iriya Station, which is a little further away from the center of the city compared to others on this list. However, it is easily accessible to the city by walking a bit to the JR Yamanote Line or taking the subway to the well-known area Akihabara.

• Location: About a 5 minute walk from Iriya Station
• Pricing: Around 10,000 ~ 15,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://www.tokyoedosakura.com/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

10. Ryokan Nakadaya (旅館　中田屋)

Ryokan Nadaya has been in operation since 1930. It is perfect for those who enjoy getting to know the culture through the people. You shouldn’t be expecting a fancy hotel with beautiful landscapes or shiny, luxurious interiors.

You will be sharing a bathroom and spending your time in a small room with futons and tatami flooring. You might even feel like you are experiencing a homestay.

Almost all the reviews of Ryokan Nakadaya mention the kind and friendly demeanor of the owner and the family that runs the hotel. You can also get recommendations for where to go and what to do while you are in Japan directly from a local.

This would be a great place to stay if you are on a budget but still want to get the full experience of the Japanese hospitality.

The Minami Senju area does not have the best access to famous tourist attractions, but it is a nice neighborhood and you might be able to find some tucked-away local spots to eat or drink. If you ride the train or the bus, you can easily get to bigger parts of the city as well.

• Location: About a 9 minute walk from Minami Senju Station
• Pricing: Around 3,800 JPY per night
• Website: https://japanese-inns-143.business.site/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

11. Ryokan Sansuiso (旅館 山水荘)

Sansuiso is another budget ryokan, meaning that you will not find anything extremely fancy like high ceilings or decorative soaps. It is very much the opposite of that, with a clean and simple interior, providing guests with an intimate and cozy stay.

The exterior of the building is similar to Nakadaya in that it does not look too different from any other Japanese house. The tatami flooring and sliding doors will give you the feeling of living a Japanese lifestyle.

Depending on the room that you reserve, some will have private bathrooms and others will require you to share. The rooms vary in size, the smallest one being just 8.2 square meters and the largest one with a maximum capacity of six people.

Reviews praise Sansuiso for being quiet and easy to stay at despite the older exterior and large amount of shared spaces. They also mention the cleanliness of the bath, bedrooms, and the polite attitudes of the staff.

The surrounding area, Gotanda, does not have any major tourist spots, but it is a quick train ride to Shibuya and other big city areas.

• Location: About a 5 minute walk from Gotanda Station
• Pricing: Around 5,800 ~ 24,000 JPY per night
• Website: https://sansuiso.net/

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

Today we introduced some of the best ryokan that you can find in Tokyo for all types of budgets. We hope that you found one that suits your needs, or at the very least piqued your interests.

It may be commonly thought that a city as big and modern as Tokyo does not retain the culture or traditions of premodern Japan. However, there are some hidden gems that can really make you feel as if you have come to Japan. We recommend that you stay at these types of places to get the most out of your trip.

Good luck on your journey and have fun in Tokyo!

Have you booked your SIM card or pocket WiFi for your trip to Japan yet?

In Japan, you’ll want to be connected without missing out on high speed data and internet!

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
• Avoid stock shortages at the airport

To learn more about data and WiFi options for your trip, check out our products below.

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

↑ Go back to the table of contents