Asakusa nibankan

For a budget stay, especially as a couple wanting a private room instead of the capsule or hostel options around Tokyo, this worked well enough for us. The beds were pretty comfortable, and it’s away from the busy, noisy area. The walk to the train takes a bit, but you pass the temple and markets, so it’s pleasant. Check-in was simple: they emailed us the room code, a bit like an Airbnb. The little “kitchen” only has a stove, kettle, and fridge, though that was fine since we planned to eat out. Some reviews had made me nervous, but we were happy enough with the value. Just be aware that the room didn’t look like the photos on Agoda and Booking.com, which seemed fake.

This was the worst hotel I’ve stayed in, including the five places I visited in Japan. It felt at least 30 years old, and the room was full of mold and fungus. There was basically just a bed and a toilet, and even the toilet didn’t work. They charged a premium but provided almost nothing compared with other stays in the same price range. They gave each of us one towel at check-in and wouldn’t replace it. When we asked for fresh ones, they charged 100 yen per towel. The Airbnb listing said there was a microwave and washing machine, but the microwave didn’t work, and the laundry was actually a coin-operated place you had to pay to use. The room lights were broken too, and the lantern was torn and damaged.

I just checked in, and so far everything matches the description. Not sure why the score is so low.

It’s my first day here and I’m loving it. Thanks so much!