cotoha Hotel Asakusa

As a solo traveler in my 30s, I care more about coming away rested and disconnected from work than stretching my budget, and this place gave me exactly that kind of stay. Privacy and comfort were spot on, from the easy check-in to the warm welcome from the attentive staff, who speak great English. The amenities were the real highlight. I drink a lot of sake, so I loved being able to choose how hot I wanted it; the staff heated it to my preferred temperature. There’s a good selection in the lobby from daytime until 10 pm. Oden, charizuke, and other snacks are free to have while you drink there. Comic books in English on each floor gave me something to browse, too. On the 10th floor, you can reserve a private open-air onsen and sauna bath for JPY 10,000 per hour. For me, it was worth every buck. This is the best stay I’ve had in Tokyo so far, and I’ll definitely come back. Thanks for such an amazing experience.

After a day walking around the city, the rooftop footbath was a real treat. You can soak while watching the sunset over the skyline and enjoy some sake. The main-floor lounge also has a selection of delicious food and snacks. The rooms were very clean, and the turndown service was excellent. It’s near a rail station for getting around Tokyo, and one of Asakusa’s major shrines is within walking distance. A fantastic place to stay.

My room was a little small, but since I was traveling on my own it wasn’t much of a problem. I arrived late on the first night and didn’t want to go looking for dinner, so staying in and having sake and food at the hotel turned out to be a great, relaxing choice. There are small dishes at different times to go with the unlimited sake tasting, which is a big draw for sake fans. Upstairs, you can use the free rooftop footbath and take in the Tokyo Skytree view, with sake from a self-service dispenser nearby. Private outdoor hot spring baths are also available to rent for ¥10,000 an hour. I’d recommend this relaxing, enjoyable hotel to anyone who likes sake.

I knew the room was small when I booked, but didn’t expect the balcony, so that was a nice surprise. The staff were excellent and helpful, and both the bed and pillows were comfortable. One side of each pillow was buckwheat and the other was fluffy. I’d definitely stay here again. The Asakusa subway is close by, and several buses run nearby too. One tip: try mixing yuzu liqueur with dry sake. It took me ages to find the liqueur, but I eventually got some at the base of Yanaka Ginza and in a grocery store inside Ueno Station. Yum-zu!