Yanaka Sow

The common area is spacious and really pleasant, with two washing machines that have integrated dryers. It's a handy place to spend time before check-in or after checking out. We couldn't leave our luggage at the property after check-out because there's no front desk or luggage storage. Bounce has a nearby bag drop open until 8 PM, and it costs less than the station lockers. Our room felt like a modern Japanese-style studio flat with a kitchen, and everything matched the photos and description. Entry is digital, using a four-digit PIN rather than a key card. Check-in itself was easy, though it took a while because there was a lot of information to upload. We did it ahead of time from the city we were in before Tokyo, which was convenient. It was so peaceful at night that I slept like a baby. I didn't hear the traffic, noise, or ambulances I'd encountered at other places in Japan. There are cemeteries around nearly every corner, which might put off someone who's superstitious, but I loved that about the property. Some reviews are funny to read. The neighborhood is quiet, and I'm glad we managed to book three nights. I found it by chance on Booking.com just a couple of days before arriving in Tokyo. It was non-refundable, so booking felt like a risk, but I'm glad we took it. It became one of my favorite places on the trip. A few train stations make it easy to get around: Nippori on the Yamanote Line and Sendagi on the Chiyoda Line are both 5-7 minutes away. Nishi-Nippori, served by JR Lines and the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, is 11 minutes away, and Nezu on the Chiyoda Line is 12 minutes away. From Nippori, you can catch either the Skyliner or the Keisei Line to Narita Airport. Yanaka Ginza is only five minutes away, there's a 7-Eleven right outside the station, and several lovely shrines are nearby. I have no real complaints. The only small downside was having a shower instead of a bathtub in our room. That wasn't a big deal, and the listing does say so. I should've read it more carefully before booking. For me, it's still a 10 out of 10. I'd definitely return if there's availability on my next trip. Thank you!