Khaosan Tokyo Laboratory

The futon was much more comfortable than I expected, and my room had plenty of space. I had no trouble with the shared areas, either. I did bump my head on the low doorway a couple of times, but otherwise the stay was great. The owner was friendly and helpful, and the location is excellent, near several must-see places and just a 2-3 minute walk from Tawaramachi Station.

A quiet building with good heating and AC, in a great location. It’s basic but good value, and the manager was friendly and offered suggestions for local places to eat. Thanks for the hospitality.

Right in the heart of Asakusa, Taito Ryoken is close to lots of interesting bars and things to do, and staying there gives you a taste of a traditional ryokan. Still, I wouldn’t return. It’s more of a backpacker place, and felt run down and a bit dirty. The toilets smell, the facilities are limited, and the old futons were dusty. There’s a noisy construction site next door during the day, and some very low-budget alterations take away from the traditional building.

The owner was warm and helpful throughout my stay, greeting me when I left and wishing me a good day. They also let me leave my luggage after checkout until it was time to go to the airport. The shared showers and toilets were fine with me, and the owner cleans the common areas every day. I’d read complaints about hygiene and arrived skeptical, but the ryokan was in good condition when I visited in late April. My room had a futon, little table, two cushions, and a small bedside table. It was minimal, but I understand why there’s no wardrobe, since one might damage the tatami. The room smelled lovely, like tatami mats and old wood, and had air conditioning. You can hear people in the corridor and other rooms, but that’s to be expected and didn’t bother me much. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the heart of Asakusa, with everything you need nearby. For a low price, convenient location, and an authentic Japanese house experience, I can’t recommend it enough. I’m grateful for the stay and would love to come back.