Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
116
business hotels. Two Japanese-style rooms with a bathroom connect, making them good
for a family of up to six people.
2-6-2 Iriya, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0013. & 03/3876-8118. Fax 03/3873-9456. www.sakura-ryokan.com. 18
units (8 with bathroom). ¥5,500 single without bathroom, ¥6,600 single with bathroom; ¥9,600-¥10,000
double without bathroom, ¥10,500-¥11,000 double with bathroom; ¥13,200 triple without bathroom,
¥13,800 triple with bathroom. Japanese or Western breakfast ¥840 extra, Japanese dinner ¥1,680 extra
(reservations required). AE, MC, V. Station: Iriya (exit 1 or 2, 6 min.). In room: A/C, TV.
UENO
Annex Katsutaro This thoroughly modern concrete ryokan is a standout
for its simple yet chic designs, spotless Japanese-style rooms (all with bathroom), and
location—right in the heart of Yanaka with its old-fashioned neighborhood and about a
20-minute walk northwest of Ueno Park (the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport stops
at nearby Nippori Station). The English-speaking proprietress, Arakawa-san, distributes
a free map of the area showing the best way to get around and offers free coffee in the
lobby. If the ryokan is full, don't let management talk you into taking a room in its much
older main Ryokan Katsutaro; it's not nearly as nice as the annex.
3-8-4 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001. & 03/3828-2500. Fax 03/3821-5400. www.katsutaro.com. 17
units. ¥6,300 single; ¥10,500-¥12,600 double; ¥14,700-¥16,800 triple. Continental breakfast ¥840 extra.
MC, V. Station: Sendagi (2 min.) or Nippori (7 min.). Amenities: Lobby computers w/free high-speed
Internet. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet.
Homeikan Although a bit of a hike from Ueno Park (about 30 min.)
and not as conveniently located as the other ryokan, this lovely place is my number-one
choice if you want to experience an authentic, traditional ryokan in a traditional neigh-
borhood. It consists of three separate buildings acquired over the last century by the
present owner's grandfather. Homeikan, the main building (Honkan), was purchased
almost 100 years ago; today it is listed as a “Tangible Cultural Property” and is used
mainly by groups of students and seniors. Across the street is Daimachi Bekkan, built
after World War II to serve as the family home. A beautiful, 31-room property, it boasts
a private Japanese garden with a pond, public baths (including one open 24 hr.), and
wood-inlaid and pebbled hallways leading to nicely detailed tatami rooms adorned with
such features as gnarled wood trim and sitting alcoves, as well as simpler tatami rooms
for budget travelers. This is where most foreigners stay. If you opt for meals, they will be
served in your room in true ryokan fashion. The third building, Morikawa Bekkan,
about a 5-minute walk away, was built as an inn about 45 years ago and, with 35 rooms,
is the largest. Owner Koike-san, who speaks excellent English, points out that travelers
who need the latest in creature comforts (including private bathrooms) should go else-
where; those seeking a traditional ryokan experience, however, will not be disappointed.
5-10-5 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033. & 03/3811-1181 or 03/3811-1187. Fax 03/3811-1764.
www.homeikan.com. 89 units (none with private bathroom). ¥6,825-¥7,350 single; ¥11,550-¥12,600
double; ¥14,175-¥15,750 triple. ¥525 more per person in peak season; ¥525 less per person in off season.
Western- or Japanese-style breakfast ¥1,050; Japanese dinner ¥3,150 (not available 1st night of stay). AE,
DC, MC, V. Station: Hongo Sanchome (8 min.) or Kasuga (5 min.). In room: A/C, TV, minibar.
Hotel Park Side Located across from the south end of Shinobazu Pond, this hotel
has a good location near Ueno Park's many attractions and views of the park. Otherwise,
it's rather ordinary, with clean, modern, and very small rooms with 19-inch LCD TVs
plus keyboards so that they double as computers (the first 30 min. are free; thereafter it
costs ¥1,000 until 11am the next day). Ask for a room on an upper floor facing the park,
5
 
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