Accommodation in Tokyo
As I am planning to travel to Japan in August, at last, I am faced with quite a difficult task and that is to find a place to stay. I would like to find something cheap; I don't require any spacey hotel rooms with luxurious furniture and first-class service. But still, I would like to find something decent without mice popping out of the holes in walls, personnel ignoring you, and the likes of that. I am sure that it's possible to avoid such experience even without paying a lot of money. Moreover, even if you pay a fortune, you can't be totally sure that nothing like that will happen to you. Information and recommendations is the best way to avoid places where the service is poor, and that's why I am turning to you all seeking some tips and recommendations for lodging in Tokyo, possibly also Osaka and Kyoto.
Of course I have done quite a thorough investigation prior to writing this post, so I already kind of have an inclination to a certain place, but I'd very glad to hear about your experience of staying in Tokyo, because my decision is not set in stone yet. Aizuya Inn is the place I am considering the most now. It's quite cheap, it's close to a train station, and what's more, many people seem to have been satisfied with their service. Has anyone of you stayed there? What are your thoughts of it?
Another place I have in mind is Khaosan Tokyo Samurai in Asakusa. Can anyone share their experience at that place? I have mentioned and consider these two, because I have come across words of praise about both these places, but if you have stayed some place else and could share your impression of that place - be it a good one or a horrible one - please do so. I am sure that not only me, but also others might benefit from this post. Otherwise, I would have refrained from posting this here.
Check out my blog, I have a guide there that should help you on where to stay. It depends how long you'll be there though.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
I stayed at Aizuya Inn for about a month back in 2009. The rooms are about 3 tatami mats so it's small but clean. Keep that in mind for if you have a lot of luggage or expect to buy things that take up space. Each room comes with its individual air conditioning and tv, and an outlet with 2 plugs. The staff are all friendly and helpful, just ask them if you need help with something. First floor restrooms have the bidet, upper floors don't. Comes with wifi in the rooms or LAN connection on the first floor. If you just want a clean place to sleep, don't expect to be in your room much, and don't mind sharing the showers/restrooms, this is a great place to stay. It's also recommended if you stay in Japan for a while.
However, if you're only in Tokyo for a few days or so, I'd consider staying at a business hotel like Toyoko Inn. It's more expensive than Aizuya but you have your own bathroom/restroom, over 3x as much space, daily room cleaning, and complimentary breakfast buffet. Has wireless in the lobby area and LAN connection in your room.
I don't think I've ever had poor service experience in Japan, either I'm very lucky or my standards are just low. For the most part if you ask them for something they'll do what they can to assist you, but don't expect them to wait on you hand and foot. At the hotel and in restaurants, they won't walk back and fourth to check up on you, but you're quickly assisted upon asking.
I'll second Toyoko inn. For the price, they're pretty good, and have been my hotel of choice when doing unscheduled travel around Japan. They're reliable, the rooms are decent, and they're affordable.
I'll be staying there for like 3 weeks so Toyoko Inn might be a bit too much for me. I checked the prices and it's twice as expensive as Aizuya Inn or Khaosan Samurai. I think I can do without daily cleaning and LAN connection. Wi-fi is fine with me, as long as it works.
The only thing that bothers me a bit is the size. I do plan to buy some stuff, it's a stone's throw away from Akiba after all, but I don't think I'll buy anything large. And even if I did, I would have to send it by mail anyway.
It's nice to hear the outlets have two plugs. Charging camera batteries, charging notebook, and there's also the TV, one plug wouldn't be enough.
Thank you for your advice.
One more thing, that curfew. It means that you won't get in after 24:30 unless you let them know in advance, right? It shouldn't be much of a problem, though.
Hostelworld have a huge selection of hotels and hostels u can stay in, all very well priced, i stayed in asakusabashi (20 mins walk from akiba, 2 mins JR line for around 100yen single) for around £14 per night shared with a friend in a 2 bedroom, it was very clean and tidy and because of that i stayed in tokyo for 2 weeks easily and had much more funds for spending.
I stayed at Khaosan Tokyo Samurai for my week in Tokyo back in Oct. It's a nice clean place with very friendly staff who will be willing to help you during your stay. The baths and toilets are shared amongst guest but it is always clean every time you need to use them. The rooms are very private giving you your own personal space. Stayed in a double with my sister but you'll be able to book a single room if you want.
Khaosan is about a 5min walk from the Asakusa Line which can take you to any other line you would want to transfer to including JR. It wasn't open when i went but the Sky Tree is probably like a 10min walk from the place as well. Some good places to eat around the area if you get hungry too.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I just checked out of Aizuya this morning and can confirm they are a great deal and their prices are even lower than before due to the tsunami disaster's effect on the economy. Its been two years since I stayed there and they are actually better than before. Definitely can recommend it.
Here's a recent post about the Aizuya Inn:
http://www.figure.fm/post/en/27113/Hotel+adventures.html
I've been to Tokyo, as well as many other cities in Asia, and you do not have to worry about the concerns you voiced. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world and your experiences will be good as people are very kind and helpful wherever you go. Be polite and you will NEVER have any problems, especially in the big well known areas of the city. See my blog back in Feb 2010 for more info on Tokyo (cgivisionary.blogspot.com).
Thank you for the link.
You're welcome. :D
I've been 4 times to Japan and stayed 3 times in Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza hotel. I wasn't very expensive for my taste and was amazingly well located. About 5 mins walk from the Shinjuku station. There's also a lot of great place to eat and do stuff right next to the hotel. You get a flat screen TV and free internet with LAN cables in the rooms, but you can also find 4 PCs for use in the guest lounge. The staff is very friendly and the place is amazingly clean. On my second stay there I asked to get a room on higher floors with a nice view and got a 9th floor room with gorgeous view on Shinjuku skyscraper district. BTW, be careful as there's 2 Sunroute Plaza in Shinjuku, so the one I went was at 2-3-1 Yoyogi dori, Shibuya. (in Shinjuku...XD)
For longer stays though, I highly recommend Sakura House, as you can have your own apartment for very cheap without paying key money or gift money or anything. You can choose from shared rooms to private rooms to semi-apartments to full apartments and they have a huge selection of locations across Tokyo and other major cities.Enjoy your stay in Japan!!
here's the view I had in Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku http://www.flickr.com/photos/40574453@N06/3730656394/in/set-72157621480276019
Nice view, but the price is too much for me for a 3 week stay. And 3 weeks is not enough for Sakura House, unfortunately. Nevertheless, thanks for sharing your experience.
I have been to Tokyo twice and stayed at Kimi Ryokan
http://www.kimi-ryokan.jp/en_top.html
I am not sure if this is in your price range but it is quite cheap, very clean and nice. Staff are helpful and it's located in Ikebukuro which has everything you need including Tokyu Hands, Animate, etc and is 5/10 minute walk from the station.