Ryokan Sawanoya Tokyo

We loved our stay in 2019 and it was wonderful to be able to return this past month. This is a basic ryokan. Most rooms are not en suite, there’s no elevator and you’ll sleep on a ryokan in a small tatami floored room. We loved the addition of a Japanese breakfast and the two ofuros with views of a tiny garden. It’s family owned, warm and friendly.||But this neighborhood! It’s small scale and lovely to walk around here. So many small gardens in pots, small purveyors and craft stores and an astonishing number of bakeries, both Japanese and Western style or a combo. A small bakery across the street had great cream puffs and custards and you could enjoy them on some outdoor seating. One day, a small farm stand and local food products store was open and we bought local citrus and yogurt. Dinner at the Matsuyoshi (our fave) is one of many options.

Second visit to Japan (& to this Ryokan) for me. Previous visit was November 2022. This remains one of my favourites. ||Sawanoya is situated in the charming area of Yanaka. A quiet and traditional area, the hosts provide a handy map and point out all the places of interest on arrival (along with pointers on where to eat locally which I made use of). I recommend exploring locally if you have the time, the Nezu shrine, Yanaka cemetery and ginza shopping street are all worthy visits. The nearest tube is Nezu (about a 5min walk) from where you can get all over the city. Walk for 20mins and you're into Ueno. From Narita nearest direct route in is to train it to Nippori station then walk down to the Ryokan. ||I always opt for the small 1 person room which is just perfect for me as a solo traveller, I'll opt for the same if I should I return on business. Plenty of handy nooks to put your belongings/suitcase plus a built in wardrobe for additional hanging space. The rooms I've stayed in have a lovely traditional Ryokan feel. There is a sink in the room, toilet located just along the corridor is shared but very clean. Shower facilities are located down with the baths on the bottom floor. ||The baths are a really pleasant way to relax after a busy day exploring the city, I really like that as you bathe you look out onto a well-kept small gardens with a water feature and a pond, just makes the experience that much more relaxing. ||Sawanoya remains really good value for money and for a little extra you can opt for western of traditional breakfast. Occasionally they will have entertainments (such as a Rakugo comedy this time which was really interesting and funny) which you will be invited to if you're a guest at the time. ||Amenities-wise my every need was catered for. My suitcase failed to materialise at the airport so I had to make-do for a night with the same set of clothes. Sawanoya has a washing machine, Dryer and Iron on the top floor which I made extensive use of! The rooms themselves come equipped with small TV, aircon, hairdryer (I think) toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and other handy bits - certainly more than I expected.||The place overall is spotlessly clean, the family hosts are really attentive and I can't recommend this Ryokan highly enough. Hope to return one day. ||TIP: The owner of the Ryokan has written an interesting book about the origins of the Ryokan, how it's changed over the years & also about the lives of the people that run it, pick one up whilst you're there - the English translation is really very good.

The best ryokan experience ever, with the most kind and helpful owners. They made me feel so comfortable and were so helpful. The bath was beautiful and so relaxing. This is my favourite place I have ever stayed in Japan. I will definitely be back. I would highly highly recommend 🩷

This Ryokan is wonderful ❤️ My family have been travelling in Japan many times and each time we make sure to stay at this lovely inn. If you’re looking for somewhere with helpful, considerate family-owners, delicious home-cooked breakfast, a cozy comfortable sleep, traditional Japanese baths, located in a quaint, peaceful town with beautiful shops, just around the corner from a train station? Sawanoya is for you! It’s an amazing experience, you won’t be disappointed 🤩

Amazing place! (One you almost don’t want to review so it doesn’t get popular, but they really deserve all the good words, so I will give them credit.) LOVE the private (shared) onsens (they have two!)! Best night sleep in a comfy tatami room with plush futons. Western or Japanese breakfast can be added for a small charge ($5/person). Loved the quieter, more local location by Nippori Fabric Town, but still very central to everything. Run by the sweetest family who speak English quite well! Each room has AC & windows can open onto the quiet street. Sink in room, Shared toilet & bath ~ was fine, never had to wait & VERY clean! They clean our room every day & change towels & yukata every other day. Tea service in room & in dining area, nice toiletries in bath. Shared fridge & microwave near dining area. (Photo of 1 bath area)

We had an incredible stay at Ryokan Sawanoya. It's a very intimate Ryokan (I think about 12 rooms max), and the family that runs it are very hospitable and kind from the second we stepped into the space. I had some odd requests (such as wanting change for coins or needing a spoon to eat a snack at one point) but they were able to accommodate right away. Plus, Nezu is just such a calming, residential neighborhood. I would definitely recommend staying here if you want to get slightly away from the tourist-y areas but want to be within walking distance of Ueno Park. The rooms are small, but with authentic tatami mats. You get your own sink and then most rooms share a toilet (one for women, one for men) on each floor. Having the separate toilet actually didn't end up bothering me--they were kept super clean (and had good ply toilet paper! IYNYK). The individual onsens, as others have mentioned, were amazing. Never had an issue with timing for bathing. Finally, they have added coin laundry + dryer on the top floor of the Ryokan. Plenty of space to hang your clothes (even outside on the roof). All in all, I really loved staying here and hope to one day stay here again. Thank you so much!

We stayed here for three nights and this place became the highlight of our trip in tokyo. Its beautifully designed with the touch of traditional japan vibes. This is a family owned ryokan so you’ll soon feel their warmth welcome. They’ll give you insight about the surrounding area. Booking made through the website for first request and followed via email to confirm the availability of the room we desire. Paid at the hotel at check in (card accepted). We really love the public bath with small onsen. Very relaxing. The location needs a little walk from nezu station if you prefer using the train. But, its good using bus because the bus stop is just around the corner.

We chose Sawanoya Ryokan for a more traditional experience in Tokyo, and they absolutely delivered. Our room was modest but beautifully maintained, clean, and incredibly peaceful—perfect for a good night’s sleep. The ryokan is family-run, and the hospitality is outstanding: polite, friendly, and incredibly courteous. Breakfast was a delight, with both Western and Japanese options available. We also loved having a small fridge for snacks and drinks. But the real highlight? The baths! Soaking in a spacious bath every evening, with a view of a little garden, was pure bliss—plus, we never had to wait. The location is another big plus: away from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, but in a charming neighborhood with great coffee spots and restaurants. The only minor downside (and don’t let this scare you away!) was that the futons felt a bit thin at times, though that’s likely a matter of personal preference. Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic and relaxing stay in Tokyo, Sawanoya Ryokan is a fantastic choice!

My favorite place to stay in Tokyo. I've been twice and am going back in January. A family-run ryokan for over 70 years. The Sawa family are kind, helpful, speak some English and keep a spotless ryokan. The two Japanese style private baths overlooking the garden are a highlight. The neighborhood of Yanaka is one of my favorites in Tokyo too..lots of bars, excellent restaurants abd parks..very walkable. Nezu Shrine is just a five minute walk away and not to be missed.

If you're looking for a great traditional Japanese experience consider this ryokan!! It's a small family-run establishment, very hospitable. They'll provide you a map of the local area and help you navigate. No online reservations so you'll have to call and verbally make a booking. Not too bad on their English skills, much better than others places actually. Short taxi ride from the Ueno station, the walk is a little more involved. Vending machines sell Asahi beer! I miss this place so much! とてもしっている。