Kimi Ryokan

In a city as vast as Tokyo, it's hard for anything to be truly "centrally" located, but this place is near a useful train station (Ikebukuro) with access to many train lines. Ikebukuro is not quite as crazy as Shinjuku or Shibuya for those new to Tokyo, but there's still a lot going on (and it's very close to those places - only a few stops away). There are plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance, yet it's also on a quiet street, so noise is not an issue. There is a cafe and a common area, but really, this is a "business" ryokan - small, clean, no-nonsense rooms, 50/50 Japanese/foreign guests. Shared bathrooms were fine, hot water was good.

The price was a steal. We paid so little and received such a relaxing place, beautiful looking, clean and with towels, yukata, brushes… everything was there. Such a lovely place and in a style of a ryokan. The futons were so fluffy. Loved it!!

I really like the ambience of the place. I slept well on the comfy futon and tatami mat for the first time. The shared amenities were all kept tidy and ready to use anytime. I wasn't able to try the bath since you have to book in advance, but I would like to try it next time. The cafe within the hotel serves good coffee too that I didn't bother looking for another cafe in the mornings. The staff has been very nice and accommodating despite the language barrier at times. Will definitely book the place again whenever I go on a solo trip again.

It is close to Ikebukuro Station, which connects to a lot of lines so there's a lot of option to go out from there. Ikebukuro itself is pretty nice to explore. The room is nice, it's a nice tatami room with a futon, it isn't fancy by any means, but you get to experience living with in a tatami room and futon, it feels very traditional. They clean your room every 3 days, there's a shower and bathroom in every floor. No complaints so far. I haven't had a chance to try their cafe because I always wake up late and never eats breakfast, but from the pictures it looks nice.

Once you know how to get there, it's really easy to find. I loved the hot bath. The cafe's breakfast is really nice. I really like the room. Everything was really clean and beautiful. There's also a lift in the accommodation. But there are stairs to the lift. There's a small fridge on every level, shared toilet (SO CLEAN), shared shower (ALSO SO CLEAN). Toothbrush set, Q-tips, shampoo, body soap & conditioner provided. There's even a water dispenser and microwave oven at the shared area. Remember to return your tray after use at the cafe. I totally forgot to (because it's a thing in my home country to just leave the utensils at the table) and only remembered the next day. There are also many restaurants within walking distance, and 2 local supermarkets.