10 Best Ryokan in Tokyo Japan

10 Best Ryokan in Tokyo Japan (Tokyo Traditional Japanese Hotels)

Are you looking for the best ryokan in Tokyo for your upcoming trip to Japan? Let me share with you my Top 10 Traditional Japanese Hotels / Inns (ryokan) in Tokyo where you can enjoy traditional Japanese style accommodation, relax in a Japanese bath and experience Japanese hospitality.

Best Ryokan in Tokyo: Asiatravelbug’s Recommendations from “Personal Experience”

Choosing the right traditional ryokan accommodation in Tokyo need not be overwhelming. By sharing my “personal experience” from staying across at least 10 ryokans in Japan, I hope that you’ll finally get to choose the best ryokan in Tokyo for your upcoming Tokyo vacation!

If you are short on time, here are my top 5 Tokyo ryokan picks out of my 10 recommended best ryokans in Tokyo. I have personally stayed at Edo Sakura and Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa and can recommended them highly based on my personal experience.

Best Tokyo Ryokan with Onsen

While most of the tourists in Japan associate onsen (natural hot spring water) with public bath in a ryokan, public baths are not necessarily supplied with natural hot spring water which is mostly the case in Tokyo. However, a Japanese public bath regardless of its source of hot water, offers a similar experience for first timers and does a great job in relaxing tired muscles after sightseeing all day!

• Tokyo ryokan with onsen (natural hot spring water): If you are really looking for a ryokan in Tokyo with a natural hot spring onsen public bath, choose either Yuen Shinjuku (3*) or Hoshinoya Tokyo (5*).
  

  

   

• Tokyo ryokan with private onsen alternatives: While there are no ryokans in Tokyo which offer private onsen with natural hot spring water, there are a number of alternatives which will let you enjoy a private Japanese hot bath experience. If you are looking for a reservable public bath for private use, stay at either Edo Sakura (3*) or Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa (3*). If you prefer an in-room Japanese private bath, choose the room with semi open-air bath at Ryokan Takemine (3.5*) or stay at Ochanomizu Hoten (4*) which offers deep Japanese stone bathtub in all their rooms.
  

  

   

• Ryokan near Tokyo with onsen: If you are considering a ryokan near Tokyo with onsen, I can highly recommend Suimeisou (3.5*) at Hakone and Shuhokaku Kogetsu (4*) at Fuji Kawaguchiko having personally stayed in these ryokans before. The in-room private onsen facing the river at Suimeisou is very scenic and is one of my personal favorites! Mt. Fuji lovers will definitely want to stay at Shuhokaku Kogetsu for fantastic views of Mt. Fuji from the ryokan’s public onsen on good day.
  

  

How to Pick the Best Ryokan in Tokyo and Enjoy Your Stay at a Tokyo Traditional Japanese Hotel

While ryokans in Tokyo do not provide full service similar to those in suburbs, ryokans in Tokyo provide a great introduction to a traditional Japanese inn experience.

• Ryokan Meals: Kaiseki dinners are usually not offered in ryokans in Tokyo. To complete your traditional Japanese experience, avail your ryokan’s Japanese breakfast. Price of breakfast is usually separate from room rates for ryokans in Tokyo. This gives you a lot of flexibility to avail breakfast everyday or only on certain days.
  

  

   

• Tatami Rooms: Even with minimal furnishings, Japanese style tatami rooms in Tokyo ryokan hotels may be quite small. So it’s best to choose a room with at least 18 sqm of space. You have to remove your shoes before stepping on any tatami floor so don’t forget your socks. Sizes of rooms usually range between 5 – 10 sqm for budget ryokans, 10 – 20 sqm for mid range ryokans, and at least 50 sqm for luxury ryokans in Tokyo. In most cases, futons are provided instead of western beds unless you book a western-style room or stay in a Tokyo luxury ryokan.
• How much does a ryokan cost in Tokyo? Ryokans in Tokyo have similar prices as hotels in Tokyo. For two adults without meals, you can get budget ryokans (Japanese guest houses) in Tokyo for under USD 100/night, mid-range ryokans for ~USD 125 to USD 250/night, and luxury ryokans for ~USD 370 to USD 900/night.
• Location: Most ryokans in Tokyo are tucked in local neighborhoods, requiring at least 1 transfer by subway or train to get to most to tourist sites. But this should not be a big problem as long as you have a pocket wifi with you so you can access Google Maps while on the go.

Best Ryokan in Tokyo: Asakusa and Ueno Tokyo Ryokan

Mid range ryokans in Tokyo are mostly located in working class residential neighborhoods like Asakusa and Ueno. If you want to stay in a tourist area with a traditional Japanese vibe, choose a Tokyo ryokan in Asakusa. If you want to be in a more central place with direct train connection to Narita Airport, stay in Ueno. But either way, you’ll be ok since Asakusa and Ueno are just next to each other.

1. EDO SAKURA (3* Ueno) – Best Cheap Ryokan in Tokyo

Having personally stayed in this ryokan before, I consider Edo Sakura as the best cheap Tokyo ryokan for practical travelers. I love the free Japanese tea ceremony every morning, the relaxing ~USD 5 reservable public bath for private use, and the tasty ~USD 8 Japanese breakfast! Even if tucked in a local residential neighborhood, the location of Edo Sakura is highly convenient with the lively Ueno Station just a 5-minute subway ride away. Book at least a 20 sqm superior room for more space. Rates start at USD 125/night.

Check rates of EDO SAKURA >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

2. RYOKAN KAMOGAWA (3* Asakusa) – Best Tokyo Ryokan for First Timers

Out of the 10 ryokans which I’ve stayed in Japan, Ryokan Kamogawa provided the most comfortable thick futon beds! The ryokan’s reservable public bath for private use and its fantastic location in the heart of Asakusa made my first time experience in a ryokan a breeze! Stepping out of this ryokan felt like being transported to a mini Kyoto while in Tokyo with temples and human powered rickshaws around. Book either a superior or deluxe room for a more comfortable stay, with rates starting at USD 190/night.

Check rates of RYOKAN KAMOGAWA ASAKUSA >>> Agoda or Booking.com.

3. SADACHIYO (3* Asakusa)

Sadachiyo is one of the rare ryokans in Tokyo which offer kaiseki dinner. Kaiseki dinners in ryokans in Tokyo usually cost USD 150 – 200 per person. If you’re able to book Sadachiyo at USD 375/night for two adults inclusive of breakfast and kaiseki dinner, you’ve got a great ryokan deal! Rates for 19 sqm superior room without meals start at USD 220/night.

Check rates of SADACHIYO >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

4. SHIGETSU (3* Asakusa)

Located in Asakusa, Shigetsu offers a wide range of rooms from 9 sqm compact Japanese style rooms for budget travelers, to roomier 20 sqm executive Japanese style rooms perfect for families. Their public bath, while small, offers a fantastic view of Tokyo Skytree at night! Rates start at USD 150/night.

Check rates of SHIGETSU >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

5. SAWANOYA (3* Ueno)

This family-run ryokan near Ueno Park has perfected the art of Japanese hospitality. No wonder, it’s multi awarded and is quite hard to book. Voyagin offers package stays at Ryokan Sawanoya bundled with a half day walking tour of old Tokyo. Rates start at USD 320/night for a 3-night stay with a half day walking tour.

Book Ryokan Sawanoya via Voyagin.

Best Ryokan in Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya Tokyo Ryokan 

There are very few ryokans in Tokyo which are located in the highly commercial districts of Shinjuku and Shibuya. The recommended ryokans are located in the quieter side of Shinjuku.

6. YUEN SHINJUKU ONSEN RYOKAN (3* Shinjuku) – Best Ryokan in Tokyo with Onsen

If you want to stay in a reasonably priced ryokan in Tokyo with natural hot spring onsen transported all the way from Hakone, stay at Yuen Shinjuku Onsen Ryokan. The location of this ryokan is fantastic, just 10-minute walk away from the lively Shinjuku-sanchome station where there are plenty of restaurants and department stores. Some of the rooms maybe small so it’s highly recommended to get at least a 20 sqm Comfort Twin room for more space! Rates for Comfort Twin rooms start at just USD 150/night.

Check rates of YUEN SHINJUKU ONSEN RYOKAN >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

7. TAKEMINE (3.5* Shinjuku)

For those looking for a ryokan in Tokyo with a private traditional Japanese bath inside your room, book a Premium Room with Semi-Open Air Bath at Ryokan Takemine. This ryokan offers the biggest room space among all other mid-range ryokans in Tokyo, making it a perfect accommodation for family. Shinjuku Station is just less than 20 minutes ride away with 1 transfer. A 55 sqm premium room with semi-open air bath starts at just USD 275/night.

Check rates of TAKEMINE >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

Best Luxury Ryokans in Tokyo Near Tokyo Station

Majority of luxury ryokans in Tokyo are located within 10-minute subway / train ride away from Tokyo Station. Staying in a ryokan near Tokyo Station is highly convenient for sightseeing in Tokyo, for getting to/from the airport, and for bullet train shinkansen rides to other regions in Japan. Luxury ryokans in Tokyo often offer hybrid Japanese style rooms mixed with western beds and highly spacious rooms averaging 50 sqm for maximum comfort!

8. HOSHINOYA TOKYO (5* Tokyo Station) – Best Luxury Ryokan in Tokyo

There is no doubt that Hoshinoya Tokyo is the best modern luxury ryokan in Tokyo to relax and unwind. With massive room sizes starting at 49 sqm, an all-day lounge per floor for snacks and drinks, complimentary cultural performances and a rooftop natural hot spring onsen, you can experience Japanese culture and hospitality even without stepping outside. Rates start at USD 750/night.

Check rates of HOSHINOYA TOKYO >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

9. OCHANOMIZU HONTEN (4* Ochanomizu) – Best Affordable Luxury Ryokan in Tokyo

With only 9 rooms, you will surely get the most attentive Japanese service when you stay at Ochanomizu Honten. The location is also great. While tucked in Tokyo’s university district, this modern ryokan is just less than 10-minute subway ride away from Tokyo Station. While this modern ryokan doesn’t have a public onsen, each room has a deep Japanese stone bathtub enabling you to have a similar experience as a private onsen. Rates for highly spacious 50 sqm room starts at USD 370/night.

Check rates of OCHANOMIZU HONTEN >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

10. HANAKOHRO (5* Shinagawa)

If you are looking for a modern luxury ryokan in Tokyo surrounded by natural scenery, look no further than Hanakohro of Grand Prince Takanawa. Surrounded by an expansive Japanese 20,000 sqm garden, the area looks particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season. The price, which starts at just USD 475/night, is a great deal considering the free breakfast for two and all day access to club lounge for snacks and drinks!

Check rates of HANAKOHRO >>> Booking.com or Agoda.

Best Ryokans Near Tokyo with Onsen

While ryokans in Tokyo provide a great introduction to experience traditional Japanese style accommodation, staying in suburb ryokans near Tokyo provide a more authentic and well-rounded Japanese experience. Those ryokans located in onsen towns near Tokyo offer natural hot spring water in their public bath which are beneficial for the skin. If you’ve got a chance to stay in a suburb ryokan near Tokyo, I strongly suggest booking a half board room plan inclusive of breakfast and kaiseki dinner. Here are some of the best ryokans near Tokyo with onsen.

• Ryokan Wakamatsu Honten (3* Narita) – Having been in the ryokan business for over 240 years, nothing gets more authentic than a stay at at this historical traditional ryokan near Narita airport. Rooms face the Naritasan temple which makes your stay more charming and memorable. To complete your experience, don’t forget to book a room with breakfast and kaiseki dinner if your flight schedule allows. A deluxe room for two with a private bathroom only costs USD 260/night with breakfast and USD 295/night if with both breakfast and kaiseki dinner. Book in Booking.com or Agoda.
  

  

   

• Shuhokaku Kogetsu (4* Mt Fuji Kawaguchiko) – If you are dreaming to see Mt. Fuji right outside your ryokan’s room window, look no further. Having personally stayed here, this is my favorite ryokan for Mt. Fuji views. You can also see Mt. Fuji from the ryokan’s public onsen too in a good day. Rates for a Mt. Fuji facing room with buffet breakfast and kaiseki dinner for two starts at USD 395/night. Book in Booking.com or Agoda.
  

  

   

• Suimeisou (3.5* Hakone) – Out of all the 10 ryokans which I have previously stayed in Japan, this is my favorite ryokan for ultimate relaxation! I highly recommend booking Sumeisou’s Japanese style room with open air bath facing the river for a private onsen experience in your own room’s balcony. It was so enjoyable and relaxing that my mother even told me that we have to go back to this ryokan every year! The ryokan’s location in Hakone Yumoto is great starting and ending point for the Hakone tourist loop. Also, this ryokan is just less than 2-hour direct train ride away from Shinjuku Tokyo, making it highly convenient for tourists. A 30 sqm tatami room with in-room open air private onsen bath, breakfast and kaiseki dinner for two, starts at a very reasonable price of USD 350/night. Book in Agoda or Booking.com.
  

  

Still looking for other places to stay in Tokyo?

Check our Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Tokyo Guide for Hotels.

Other Japan Travel Tips:

• Heading to Kyoto and Osaka too? Check out Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Kyoto and Where to Stay in Osaka guides.
• Afraid to get lost in Japan? A pocket wifi can be your travel best friend. Asiatravelbug strongly suggests first time visitors to rent a pocket wifi. Check out 5 reasons why you need a Pocket Wifi Japan Rental in your trip to Tokyo. Free public WiFi is RARE in Japan!
• No Tokyo itinerary yet? No problem, we’ve done all the grunt research work for you! Check out Asiatravelbug’s Tokyo Itinerary travel blog.
• Want to see Mount Fuji? Mount Fuji only shows up 80 days a year! Increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji by checking out our How to See Mount Fuji blog. Other readers have reported to see Mount Fuji following Asiatravelbug’s guide.

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