Ryokan Katsutaro Tokyo

This was such a great low key place to stay, my one tip would be not to leave your stuff in the communal area for too long as some of my things went missing (toothpaste and floss to be exact) but I think that’s on me.

Overall, this was a fairly-priced sharehouse-like stay in a decent location. The staff were always kind and helpful, and the check-in/check-out process were quick and easy. I saw that guests were allowed to drop off luggage early before check-in, and even to store luggage here after check-out if they were leaving Tokyo later in the day, though I didn't use either of these services myself. The room was comfortable but minimal (as one expects in Tokyo). Most importantly the futon and blanket were quite comfortable, and the table, shelving, and coat rack were adequate for my needs. There was a small TV which I didn't use. In addition to a standard Japanese AC/heater unit, the window could be fully opened for temperature control. I was in the ground-floor room next to the door, so guests using the loud after-hours door lock keypad were slightly annoying, and guests checking out in the neighboring hallway made it difficult to sleep past ~08:30 AM. The shower room, toilet room, and fridge are all shared, and there's only one of each like in a sharehouse, which isn't necessarily suitable for everyone. Using shared facilities outside normal waking hours can cause noise issues for others. The coin-laundry washing machine was unfortunately broken during the week I stayed here, but just a 5-minute walk away there's a nice laundromat with combination washer-dryer machines and an online machine status dashboard. The location has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it's a very short walk to Ueno Park, which includes must-see attractions like the Tokyo National Museum. And there's a decent selection of restaurants and shops in the surrounding Nezu area, not to mention the Nezu subway station. However, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the much better-connected Ueno Stations (both JR and subway - don't get them confused!), or 20-25 minutes if you're carrying luggage and/or choose to only walk along roads (instead of going partially through the park). I'd consider staying here again as long as I don't have too much luggage and my schedule isn't packed.

beautiful cosy ryokan! we booked the room with private toilet and bath, and it was so spacious for us, especially since rooms in japan tend to be small. the room and ryokan was very clean. the owners are very kind and hospitable, everything went smoothly. i am so thankful and would love to stay again if i am back in tokyo!!!! the only thing to note is that the walls are thin so small sounds from next rooms can be heard, but i think that it is very normal and didnt bother us! the ryokan also had a coin washing machine and free dryer for use, so it was very convenient. the owners are so kind, they helped us to store our luggage before and after checking in/out as well. thank you!!

We really liked this place as the room was very cosy and it was not badly located. Best thing was the discovery of a traditional hot baths just down the road. And if you are looking for Indian food the Khana Pina Indian restaurant run by Nepalese is not far away.

I stayed here twenty years ago as a teen travelling on my own, and I stayed again this year. The ryokan is simple and charming, but the real gem is its owner, who is as friendly and hospitable now as he was all those years ago. The location is also excellent, opposite a convenience store, within walking distance of Ueno, and just five minutes from a metro station. I can heartily recommend this location, and will stay here again next time I am in Tokyo as well.

For a different experience we booked this family owned Ryokan for our holiday in Tokyo. The room we booked was very spacious and had its own ensuite, however some other rooms were without this facility and used shared shower and toilet. We had air-conditioning too which was very welcome as temperatures were in the high twenties during our stay. Sheets and towels were changed every day and laundry room with washer and dryer was available for guests' use at reasonable cost. Both appliances worked like a dream.A fridge was situated on the landing and complimentary coffee\tea were available in the small lobby area. Iron and board were available too on request. The proprietor also looked after our valuables for us. All in all we had no complaints and the family was very welcoming. Just one niggle: being a Ryokan the rooms do not have chairs, just cushions, and I must admit I found this a challenge. The location is a good one being near to Ueno station which is a major transport hub as well as a thriving area for shops and many many restaurants of every type. Ueno Park is the location of a number of museums and art galleries. Nezu Subway station is close by also. A neighbourhood light bus stops a few metres away which will bring you to Ueno centre but it is an easy ten minute walk.

My mum and I stayed here in a double room with shared Bathroom. We really enjoyed our stay at Ryokan Sawanoya. We had everything we needed in a traditional Japanese style inn. The staff were very helpful with telling us what was near by and allowed us to store our luggage after check out. The area has good amenities and is really charming and a nice contrast from the more modern tokyo suburbs. We would definitely stay again, thank you.

Stayed 7 nights to explore Tokyo, Yokohama and Nikko. Location is top, in a quiet neighbourhood but also close to Ueno Station (15 min) and Nezu Subway Station (6 min).||Owners speak limited English, but are helpfull and very friendly. We did stay in a room on the ground floor with shared shower and toilet on the first floor. Both the room and sanitary were always spotless. ||The room was small (as any room in Tokyo) but had all the things we needed including towels, a water boiler and a handy power bank with USB-ports. We slept on a futon. Sleeping on the floor doesn't looks comfortable, but this one slept very well!||We definitly recommend this Ryokan when you're looking for a nice stay in Tokyo.|