While Tokyo doesn't have as many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) as Kyoto, there are still a few left in the city. Here, I'll introduce my Tokyo ryokan picks.
Because it was destroyed in WWII and rebuilt as a modern city, Tokyo doesn't have many ryokan. However, there are some good ryokan in the city. These are located in the older parts of the city: Asakusa, Ueno and Yanaka. So, if you’re not going to Kyoto and really want to try the traditional Japanese ryokan experience, why don’t you try one of the ryokan introduced here?
Recommended Tokyo Ryokan
Tokyo Station Ryokan
- Hoshinoya Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Hoshinoya Tokyo is the finest ryokan in Tokyo. Full stop. If you’re looking for Japanese-style luxury accommodation in a very convenient location, it’s a fantastic choice.
Asakusa Ryokan
- Ryokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This fine ryokan offers nice Japanese-style rooms and a super-convenient location for touring Asakusa – it's just a stone's throw from Senso-ji. - Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Very popular with foreign travelers, this ryokan offers simple Japanese-style rooms for rock-bottom prices. It's not far from Senso-ji.
Budget
Mid-range
- Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Asakusa Shigetsu is a really nice mid-range ryokan with a location super convenient to Senso-ji.
Luxury
- Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This fine ryokan is very close to all the sights. The service and the facilities are very good. I recommend this place if you want to try a ryokan in Tokyo.
Ueno Ryokan
- Ryokan Katsutaro
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This small ryokan just northwest of Ueno-koen Park is well located for sightseeing. They're quite used to foreign guests.
Yanaka Ryokan
- Annex Katsutaro Ryokan
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located in the atmospheric old district of Yanaka, this fine ryokan is a great choice for those who want to explore Tokyo’s most traditional district. And, it’s close to the subway, so it’s easy to access the rest of the city.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
