Hotel Fukuya

I was itchy all over just from sitting in a chair. It smelled of cigarettes, and I wonder if there were dust mites. When I came back on my second night, the door was unlocked and my luggage was still in the room. All of that for 7,000 yen, even though the station is close. The staff are very homey, but I wish they’d replace the curtains and beds.

I went to drop off my luggage before check-in and asked where I should go. The man sitting behind me suggested Ritsurin Garden. He was about to head out himself and offered me a lift. He was so helpful. It turned out he was the manager, and I was really touched. After that, the manager and the woman at the front desk kept greeting me whenever we crossed paths in the lobby. It made the trip feel warm and wonderful. Thank you so much. I’d love to visit again.

The location was good, but I didn’t get a proper rest. My room was small and offered little privacy, and its flimsy door left me feeling uneasy. It also smelled strongly of cigarette smoke.

I often make Fukuya Ryokan my home when I’m in Tokyo. It’s less than a five-minute walk from Ueno Station, and the rooms are much larger than those at newer chain hotels nearby. For a solo stay, it’s good value at ¥6700 to ¥7500, excluding breakfast. Fukuya Ryokan is a well-known old ryokan in Ueno, with only about 20 rooms. It still has the human touch that Tokyoites have gradually lost, while the renovation and Wi-Fi throughout the building are selling points too.