hanare

This is a long overdue review. My stay at Hanare in March 2025 was such a special experience. Hanare is more than accommodation, it’s an invitation into the heart of the Yanesen neighbourhood. Momo-san and Nana-san welcomed me with such warmth and intention that I genuinely felt like part of the community. Exploring the area through their recommendations (cozy cafes, vinyl bars, quiet back streets..) reminded me why we travel - not to chase crowds, but to witness how others live their everyday lives and reflect on our own. Hanare helped me slow down, connect, and feel the quiet joy of belonging somewhere. For specifics: my room, Kasumi, was spacious for a solo traveller. It was quiet and very comfortable. The futon gave me an excellent night’s sleep. I was initially nervous about the shared washroom and shower - sure, there were some minor inconveniences here and there, but overall everything was smooth, clean and easy to use. The shared area was peaceful and filled with soft music that created a homelike atmosphere. The sento experience was unforgettable. Hanare provides tickets to three local bathhouses and each one had its own charm. Asahi-yu was my favourite, with (boiling!) hot bath and full of neighbourhood regulars, effectively bringing back long-forgotten memories of going to public baths with my grandfather :) Saito-yu had a welcoming vibe with many locals visiting as families (don’t forget to grab a draft beer in the lobby after your bath!) Fukuno-yu required a bit of walking, but the night stroll was lovely and the interior and artwork were beautiful. Another major highlight was the breakfast at Hagiso Cafe. The Japanese breakfast plate was beautifully prepared using ingredients carefully curated from rural regions in Japan in partnership with the cafe. I would describe it as traditional at its core but with a gentle touch of innovation. The jazz and soul tracks in the background made the experience even more special. I still find myself going back to the Spotify playlist they shared. Overall, Hanare became one of the most meaningful parts of my trip. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. I recently learned that Hanare is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year - I wish Hanare all the success and happiness they deserve :)

We loved our stay at Hanare. Very homely stay for Tokyo, usually only very small and basic accomodation found in this expensive city. The rooms offer a ryokan type experience, and there are so many thoughtful little touches. The local onsen passes was a great touch and we loved the 'town is your hotel' concept.

This is one of the best experiences for staying in a local residential neighbourhood. The atmosphere truly allows you to experience daily local life. The staff, especially Nana and the lady at the breakfast place, were excellent. They provided us with very helpful information about local attractions and outstanding food options, which made our stay even more enjoyable. That said, there is one area where I sincerely hope the management will give serious attention: safety. • Carrying large luggage up to Level 2 via the narrow, steep staircase poses a safety risk. • The room window, when opened, has a low barrier bar, which could potentially lead to a serious or even fatal incident. Both points represent significant safety hazards, and I strongly encourage the management to review and improve these aspects to ensure a safer stay for all guests.

Comfortable way to experience tasteful life in Japan. Staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. Great connection to Narita airport! Highly recommended.

Best hotel in Yanaka. I loved every minute of it. It is such an experience. The staff is amazing, Nana is a jewel. You can ask them activities, restaurants or workshops recommendations, they always have great ideas. Every details is well thought. I can’t explain how lucky I felt to celebrate my birthday in hanare.

My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience at hanare. Nana, Momo, and the cafe staff were so helpful and kind. We really felt taken care of! the breakfast was amazing and the area is so cute. If you have a couple extra days in tokyo and want to be in a peaceful and cute neighborhood like Yanaka, I would suggest hanare! Thank you so much Nana & Momo!

Hanare is a wonderful little hotel with an incredible service and attention to detail. The staff is lovely and very competent, they will make you feel welcome and at home in no time. They appreciate and value the story of the beautiful Yanaka neighborhood as well.

Really nice Inn in the very quiet, dare I say bijou, neighburhood of Yanaka. Charming staff who gave us a very personal welcome and introduction to the area. The tearoom (where breakfast is served) is excellent, the rooms are a couple of hundred meters away. The room was comfortable and airy. The futon was very comfortable. Breakfast was lovely. You also get a free ticket to one of the nearby public baths (which was great) About a 10 minute walk to two different stations which give access to the rest of Tokyo. We enjoyed staying here and would recommend it.