Where to Stay - Tokyo - page 118

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as that view is this hotel's best feature. I also like the sky lounge on the top (10th) floor
for its panoramic views, inexpensive lunches, and evening cocktails with live piano
music. Rooms with semi-double-size beds are available for ¥14,000 for couples on a
budget, as well as Japanese-style tatami rooms, including one with its own open-air bath
for ¥39,600 for two people.
2-11-18 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005. & 03/3836-5711. Fax [phone]. www.parkside.co.jp. 128
units. ¥9,200-¥10,800 single; ¥15,500-¥18,000 double. AE, MC, V. Station: Yushima (1 min.), Ueno Okachi-
machi or Ueno Hirokoji (4 min.), or Ueno (6 min.). Amenities: 3 restaurants; lounge. In room: A/C, WebTV,
fridge, hair dryer, high-speed Internet.
Hotel Rainbow Just minutes from Ueno Park's southern end, the Ameya
Yokocho market, and Keisei Station with service to Narita Airport, this older, spotless
hotel is tucked away inside a nondescript building next to McDonald's; you'll find the
lobby on the third floor. In addition to single and twin rooms (all with double-size beds),
it also offers a variety of double rooms at various prices, the best of which are corner
rooms with views of Shinobazu Pond. It's a good choice for budget travelers in a colorful
part of town.
2-13-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005. & 03/3833-7716. Fax [phone]. www.hotel-rainbow.jp. 48
units. ¥8,930 single; ¥10,500-¥14,700 double. AE, MC, V. Station: Ueno (5 min.). In room: A/C, TV, fridge,
high-speed Internet.

Ryokan Sawanoya Although this family-run, smoke-free ryokan, open since
1949, looks relatively unexciting, it's delightfully located in a wonderful residential area
of old Tokyo, northwest of Ueno Park and within walking distance of the park's attrac-
tions and Nezu Shrine. Upon your arrival, the owner, English-speaking Sawa-san, gives
a short tour of the establishment before taking you to your tatami room; throughout the
ryokan are written explanations to help the novice. The owner also gives you a map
outlining places of interest in the vicinity. Several times a month, Sawa-san's son provides
guests with a special treat—a traditional Japanese lion dance, free of charge. His daugh-
ter-in-law sometimes gives demonstrations of the tea ceremony. The nice public baths
(which you can lock for privacy) have a view of a small garden, and there's free coffee and
a computer in the lobby. This is a great place to stay thanks to Sawa-san's enthusiastic
devotion to his neighborhood, which he readily imparts to his guests (he's even written
a book about his years as an innkeeper). Highly recommended.
2-3-11 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001. & 03/3822-2251. Fax [phone]. www.sawanoya.com. 12
units (2 with bathroom). ¥5,040-¥5,355 single without bathroom; ¥9,450 double without bathroom,
¥10,080 double with bathroom; ¥12,915 triple without bathroom, ¥14,490 triple with bathroom. Break-
fast of toast and fried eggs ¥315 extra; Japanese breakfast ¥945 extra. AE, MC, V. Closed Dec 29-Jan 3.
Station: Nezu (exit 1, 7 min.). Amenities: 2 rental bikes (¥200 for 1 day); lobby computer w/free high-
speed Internet; ironing board, iron, and trouser press (on 3rd floor). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, high-
speed Internet.
SHINJUKU
In addition to the recommendation here, there's the Toyoko Inn Shinjuku Kabuki-cho,
2-20-15 Kabuki-cho ( & 03/5155-1045; station: Shinjuku), offering singles starting at
¥6,510 and twins and doubles at ¥9,240, along with such extras as free Japanese break-
fast, free in-room Internet connections, and free use of lobby computers.
Tokyo International Hostel This spotless hostel, operated by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government and situated in a high-rise, is definitely the best place to stay
in its price range—it offers fantastic Tokyo views. Even the public baths boast good views

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