Staying in a ryokan in Tokyo can be a fascinating experience, although it differs from the more traditional ryokan found in hot spring or rural areas. In Japan, the ryokan concept is historically tied to provincial towns or mountain resorts, often with onsen (hot springs), where guests typically spend most of their time relaxing on-site, enjoying hot baths, kaiseki-style dinners, and a tranquil atmosphere. In contrast, most visitors in Tokyo spend the day exploring the city, making Western-style hotels or business hotels more practical. Nevertheless, choosing a ryokan in the capital can still be a great option—especially if your trip to Japan is short and you don’t have the chance to stay in a hot spring town. In that case, staying in a ryokan for one or two nights can give you a taste of Japanese culture, with tatami rooms, futon bedding, and traditional hospitality.
It's important to distinguish between a true ryokan and a regular hotel with Japanese-style rooms. Some hotels offer rooms with tatami and futon, but follow a typical hotel structure with standard front desk service, no traditional common spaces, and no hot spring baths. A genuine ryokan, on the other hand, is more intimate, often family-run, and emphasizes omotenashi—Japanese-style hospitality. Another factor to consider is that ryokan in Tokyo are often geared towards foreign tourists, as Japanese travelers tend to prefer experiencing ryokan in more relaxing settings. As a result, you might not encounter many local guests, and the atmosphere may feel less authentic compared to a ryokan in a hot spring town.
In conclusion: if you’re planning a longer trip that includes destinations like Hakone, Nikko, or other hot spring resorts where the ryokan experience is immersive, with onsen and kaiseki cuisine, it’s best to enjoy a ryokan there. But if your time is limited and you still want to try a ryokan, then staying in one in Tokyo for a night or two can be a great way to experience a more traditional side of Japan without leaving the capital.
Here are five ryokan we recommend for those who want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality in the heart of Tokyo, without giving up comfort and good value for money. The ideal neighborhood for staying in a ryokan is undoubtedly Asakusa, thanks to its historical charm and old-fashioned atmosphere. However, in recent years, the high influx of tourists has driven up the prices of ryokan in this area, even though most are small and simple accommodations with few luxury services. For this reason, in addition to two excellent ryokan in Asakusa, we also recommend three alternatives located in other parts of Tokyo: one in Minami Senju, not far from Asakusa and easy to reach; one in Bunkyo, a quiet and charming area away from the typical tourist routes; and one in Ikebukuro, a modern and well-connected district.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is a traditional Japanese inn located in the heart of Asakusa, just steps away from the famous Nakamise-dori shopping street and Senso-ji Temple. With a history of over 80 years, this ryokan is very popular among foreign tourists, as it offers guests an authentic Japanese experience in a setting that blends historical charm with modern comfort. Rooms are furnished in traditional Japanese style, featuring tatami flooring and futon bedding, and come equipped with air conditioning, TV, refrigerator, and private bathroom. On the sixth floor, there's a public bath made of Japanese cypress wood (hinoki), from which you can enjoy views of Senso-ji’s five-story pagoda and the Tokyo Skytree. A small rooftop garden is also available. The property does not serve breakfast or other meals, but there are hundreds of restaurants and shops nearby.
Rates: single room 13,000-15,000¥, double room 20,000-30,000¥.
Ryokan Kamogawa is also located in the heart of Asakusa, just steps from Senso-ji Temple and the famous Nakamise-dori shopping street. This family-run inn is highly regarded for its peaceful setting and friendly service. The Japanese-style rooms feature tatami flooring, futon bedding, private bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy access to a Japanese-style bath that can be reserved for private use, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The ryokan offers breakfast and, with advance booking, traditional Japanese dinner.
Rates: single room 15,000-20,000¥, double room 30,000-35,000¥.
Sawanoya Ryokan is a family-run traditional Japanese inn located in the quiet neighborhood of Nezu, within walking distance from Yanaka and Ueno Park. This small ryokan offers an authentic experience with Japanese-style rooms featuring tatami mats and futon bedding—some with private bathrooms, others without. The property also has two traditional private-use baths available by reservation: one made of cypress wood and one of ceramic. Sawanoya is also known for the warm hospitality of the family who runs it, who have not given in to the recent trend of drastically increasing prices. Here, you can enjoy a comfortable, charming, and affordable stay. A simple breakfast is available in the morning for 770¥. Sawanoya Ryokan is not listed on major online booking platforms. The family prefers to maintain a traditional approach, accepting reservations by phone or through their official website.
Rates: single room 7,500¥, double room 13,000-15,000¥.
Andon Ryokan is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and contemporary design. Opened in 2005, it received an award for its innovative architecture, which combines modern lines with classic ryokan elements. Located in a primarily residential area of Tokyo, it offers a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere compared to more tourist-heavy neighborhoods. The property is conveniently situated just a few minutes’ walk from Minowa Station (Hibiya Line), with easy access to Ueno, Akihabara, and Asakusa. The rooms are compact but tastefully furnished with tatami mats, futon beds, and a minimalist aesthetic. Bathrooms are shared. Among the amenities offered: a private-use jacuzzi (reservation required), evoking the onsen experience of countryside ryokan; a Japanese-style common room; and cultural activities such as tea ceremonies. A small restaurant is also available on-site, serving breakfast and traditional Japanese dinner.
Rates: single room 10,000¥, double room 13,000¥.
Kimi Ryokan is a guesthouse located in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district, about 600 meters from JR Ikebukuro Station. Among the options featured in this guide, it is the least aligned with the authentic concept of a ryokan: the term “ryokan” is primarily used for marketing purposes to attract tourists, while in reality the accommodation is simple and functional, more akin to a hostel. All rooms are private and furnished in Japanese style, with tatami flooring and futon bedding, but bathrooms and showers are shared and located on each floor. It’s a good budget-friendly option for travelers who want to try staying in a Japanese-style room without spending much. The location is very convenient for exploring Tokyo: thanks to its proximity to Ikebukuro Station, districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno can be reached in just a few minutes. Many restaurants, shops, and attractions are also found in the immediate vicinity.
Rates: single room 7,000-8,000¥, double room 10,000-12,000¥.
