OYO Hotel Sankoen

We had a corner room with charming rounded walls, which the kids and we were excited about. The hotel feels retro, but it’s cared for and very comfortable. The staff were warm and gentle, and even gave each of our children a toy at check-in. They seemed happy to welcome families, even though it’s a business hotel. I was surprised to find more than coffee and tea at the drinks corner by reception. There were soups and Milo too. Just across the street are Starbucks, Yayoiken, and a yakitori restaurant, with a 7-Eleven only a short walk away, so finding food was easy. The hotel sits one block back from the main road, which made it very quiet. I’d definitely stay here again.

The front desk staff were friendly and gave me detailed tips about the area. I booked through Jalan on a weekday for about 5,000 yen, without meals. There are beef bowl places and convenience stores nearby, so food is easy to find. Shoji screens on the windows add a retro Showa-era feel.

I was satisfied with my stay. The staff were all friendly, and there were bath salts along with instant coffee, miso soup, and other items to use. The bathtub was a bit small, though just large enough to soak in. The shower pressure was the one real drawback, it was very weak.

The rooms are pretty average, and you have to learn how to unlock the doors, which are in an old Western-style building. It’s clearly an old hotel, but the friendly staff are a comforting welcome. There’s a Starbucks, Seven-Eleven, and an izakaya close by, so meals shouldn’t be a problem. I did wish there were microwaves in the rooms. The only ones are shared on the guest floors. Laundry hanging in the hallways and on the staircase landing makes it seem like there are quite a few long-term guests. There’s a certain chain hotel nearby, but if you’re not set on staying there, this one could be worth a try.