Hotel Fukudaya

We came back to Hotel Fukudaya for a second stay because our first visit had made such a good impression. The property is lovely, peaceful, and very well maintained, and the staff are friendly and courteous. We booked two parts of our Tokyo trip there, with nine days in between, and hoped to leave some luggage at the hotel during the gap. The policy allows belongings to be stored for up to seven days, but the boss and staff kindly made an exception and extended the time a little for us. I’m very grateful.

We were able to use the private sento/public bath without any trouble. It’s first come, first served. There was complimentary coffee and water in the hallway, and they offer rooms with either shared or private bathrooms. Shared-bathroom rooms are a bit cheaper, so make sure you book the option you want. The hotel has a no-shoes-indoors rule and provides slippers, which felt like a nice traditional ryokan touch. The staff accepted our luggage when we arrived early. We’d sent it from Fuji the day before, and by the time we returned for check-in they’d brought it to our room, which was very kind. The place has traditional tatami flooring and is close to Shibuya Station. Our room didn’t have a bidet, which was a major letdown. The walls were thin and sound insulation poor, so we could hear noise and commotion. There was no breakfast or dinner available, even for purchase. Also, a motion sensor near the bathroom picked up movement from the main room and switched on the light, so we had to keep all the doors closed. Overall, 7/10.

The room was spotless, nicely designed, and much quieter than I expected. After long days out exploring, it was easy to relax there. I also liked the little details, from the neatly arranged amenities to the soothing lighting. The common areas felt just as calm and cared for, and they never seemed crowded or hurried. Even walking through the lobby felt peaceful. Staff welcomed me warmly and were kind and accommodating throughout the stay. They helped with what I needed, offered local recommendations, and made sure I was comfortable. The hotel had the peaceful atmosphere I’d wanted for my trip, and it exceeded my expectations. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a clean, quiet, welcoming place in Japan with staff who are ready to help.

The traditional rooms are small by Western standards, as you’d expect, but they’re beautifully kept and impeccably clean. It’s a humble hotel, though a very good one, and the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. Train stations are an easy walk away.