Where to Stay - Tokyo - page 120

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Shinjuku Kabuki-cho, 2-20-15 Kabuki-cho ( & 03/5155-1045; station: Shinjuku),
and Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No. 1, 2-50-5 Ikebukuro ( & 03/5960-1045;
station: Ikebukuro), both with single, double, and twin rooms at similar costs and the
same freebies.
4-23-2 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0074. & 03/3280-1045. Fax [phone]. www.toyoko-inn.
com. 180 units. ¥7,140 single; ¥9,240 double. Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Station:
Shinagawa (3 min.). From JR station's Takanawa (west) exit, turn left. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer,
high-speed Internet.
IKEBUKURO
In addition to the recommendation below, the Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.
1, 2-50-5 Ikebukuro ( & 03/5960-1045; station: Ikebukuro), offers singles for ¥7,140
and twins and doubles for ¥9,240, along with such extras as free Japanese breakfast, free
in-room Internet connections, and free use of lobby computers.
Kimi Ryokan This has long been a Tokyo favorite for inexpensive Japanese-
style lodging. Spotlessly clean and with such Japanese touches as sliding screens, a cypress
public bath, flower arrangements in public spaces, and traditional Japanese music playing
softly in the hallways, it caters almost exclusively to foreigners (mostly 20-somethings)
and is so popular there's sometimes a waiting list. A bulletin board and newsletter list
rental apartments and job opportunities (primarily teaching English); a lounge with cable
TV is a favorite hangout and a good place to network with other travelers. Rooms are
Japanese style, with single and the cheapest double the size of four and one-half tatami
mats, and the larger double the size of six tatami mats (a single tatami measures
1m×1.8m/3 1 ⁄ 4 ft.×6 ft.). Note that there's a 1am curfew.
2-36-8 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0014. & 03/3971-3766. Fax [phone]. www.kimi-ryokan.
jp. 38 units (none with private bathroom). ¥4,500 single; ¥6,500-¥7,500 double; ¥10,000-¥12,000 triple.
Prices exclude tax. No credit cards. Station: Ikebukuro (west exit; 7 min.). The police station (take the west
exit from Ikebukuro Station and turn right) has maps that will guide you to Kimi; there's also an area map
outside the station. In room: A/C, free Wi-Fi (some rooms).
OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS
Andon Ryokan Located two subway stops north of Ueno on the Hibiya Line,
this contemporary ryokan opened in 2003 and received an award by the Architectural
Institute of Japan 2 years later. Its facade is a sheet of milky glass (particularly stunning
at night, when light pouring out of individual guest rooms gives it a lanternlike glow),
while its interior sports black walls and mesh. Antiques from the owner's own collection,
however, fill nooks and crannies, and rooms (all nonsmoking) are traditional tatami style.
The staff speaks English, there's a small inviting lounge on the ground floor offering free
tea and coffee and use of a computer, a tea ceremony is held three times a month (fee:
¥500), and the top-floor Jacuzzi can be reserved for free. There's a lift for luggage, but
you'll have to take the stairs in this four-story ryokan.
2-34-10 Nihonzutsumi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0021. & 03/3873-8611. Fax [phone]. www.andon.
co.jp. 24 units (none with private bathroom). ¥8,190 single or double. MC, V. Station: Minowa (exit 3, 5
min.). Turn left, then cross and turn left at Meiji Dori; look for the Andon sign, where you'll take a right
and then a left. Amenities: Jacuzzi, lounge computer w/free high-speed Internet; communal kitchen.
In room: A/C, TV/DVD player and DVD library, high-speed Internet.
The Hotel Bellegrande This hotel is outside the Yamanote loop line, east of the
Sumida River, but it's just minutes from central Tokyo via the JR Sobu line and the Oedo

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