Tokyo, Japan cityscape and tower at dusk.

Ryokans are a kind of traditional inn unique to Japan and can be expensive to plan for, so many tourists shy away from the experience due to budget constraints. There are a number of traditional Japanese inns scattered all over the country, and most of them, especially the high-end ones, are located in and around Tokyo. 

However, you can’t really complete a Japanese experience without staying in one–so we’ve compiled a number of inns that are budget-friendly but don’t take away from the experience of staying in any regular ryokan.

Sansuiro

sansuiro

Sansuiro

Sansuiro Yugawara is a popular choice of lodging in the Ashigarashimo District. Known for its scenic rooftop bath that offers a panoramic view of the mountainside and Lake Ashinoko, with waters sourced from Yugawara Onsen.

Sansuiro features guest rooms with their own private open-air bath hot spring baths, as well as a spa facility that offers facials and massage treatments upon request. The guest rooms are faithful to traditional Japanese designs, with tatami mat flooring, wooden fixtures, as well as a futon bedding, but incorporates more modern amenities to make the stay more comfortable.

You’ll find yourself being served artistic and meticulously crafted Japanese cuisine, and especially the sought after kaiseki meal and Japanese breakfast that will not only deepen the cultural experience in Japan but also bring about a healthier diet during your stay.

Sansuiro also offers optional experiences for guests to participate in or observe Japanese traditions like geisha performances and a Japanese Tea ceremony.

  • Website: https://sansuirou.co.jp/
  • Email: ssr-info@noguchi-k.co.jp
  • Address: 673 Miyakami, Yugawara, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 259-0314, Japan

Andon Ryokan

Andon Ryokan

Andon Ryokan

Andon Ryokan prides itself as Tokyo’s first designer ryokan–a modern take on the traditional Japanese inn made to welcome and introduce foreigners to Japanese culture. With a quaint interior decorated with antiques and accessories that bring a homey feel, guests are sure to feel comfortable.

The inn has guest rooms decorated with Japanese art and wooden fixtures and guests will have a well-maintained shared bathroom. Since Tokyo doesn’t have a natural hot spring, Andon Ryokan took the idea of an onsen experience and created a jacuzzi room with walls lined with beautiful tile pop-art depicting Japanese Culture. There’s even an antique teahouse on the first floor where guests can mingle, and observe and participate in tea ceremonies.

Since Andon Ryokan is well placed in Taito City, it’s also a quick walk to the historic Asakusa District.

Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa

Kamogawa Ryokan

Kamogawa Ryokan

Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa is a great stay for guests who are looking forward to exploring Asakusa, being a short walk from Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple. Despite its close proximity to local attractions, the neighborhood is peaceful at night, a perfect end to an exhausting day of exploration.

The Japanese inn offers traditional tatami-mat rooms with futon bedding and a Japanese tea set. There is also an on-site restaurant, a public bath, and complimentary internet.

The ryokan also offers a relaxing massage along with its large public bath and separate shower room. Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa offers all the experiences at an onsen ryokan with a reasonable price.

The on-site restaurant or tea room serves Japanese and Western breakfast and dinner daily.

Ryokan Kamogawa is a top choice for guests, families, and small groups, and has even earned a Certificate of Excellence in 2014 from TripAdvisor for its exceptional service.

Ryokan Sawanoya

Sawanoya at Yanaka, Tokyo by Starbacks, 2008

Sawanoya at Yanaka, Tokyo by Starbacks, 2008

Ryokan Sawanoya is a family-run Japanese inn, and one of Tokyo’s most popular lodging choices in Taito, if not the most popular, especially among international tourists.

The inn provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere that goes well with the charming rooms and service that has stayed consistently satisfying. Guests even come back just to be welcomed by the small, family-run business again. Ryokan Sawanoya provides two private baths that are open for reservations–a cypress bath, and a pottery bath, each one overlooking the Japanese garden.

The inn is conveniently located in the city and provides bicycle rental for those who wish to explore the nearby local attractions and tourist destinations.

In addition, the building is a suitable accommodation for persons with disabilities, providing an entrance slope and an easily-accessible bathroom. The friendly staff will also be able to provide assistance and can communicate in English.

  • Website: http://www.sawanoya.com/
  • Email: ryokan@sawanoya.com
  • Address: 2 Chome-3-番11号 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan

Hotel Nanpuso

Hotel Nanpuso

Hotel Nanpuso, www.nanpuso.co.jp

Hotel Nanpuso, located in Hakone, Kanagawa, is a modern Japanese-style accommodation located in Yumoto Osen, the gateway to Hakone. Its rooms are designed with either Japanese styles, or a fusion of Japanese-Western styles, and has a balcony overlooking the gardens and surrounding nature. Some rooms have a private open-air bath. Additionally, the hotel has a large communal bath that the guests are invited to enjoy themselves in.

Hotel Nanpuso offers its guests Japanese and Western cuisine in a breakfast buffet, as well as kaiseki dinners. Some rooms can be served their meals in their rooms.

A short distance from the hotel, guests will be able to explore tourist spots such as Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine, Owakudani, Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field, and Forest Adventure Hakone. Guests can also go sightseeing in the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Ekiden Museum, Homma Yoseki Museum, and the Hakone Glass Forest.

  • Website: http://www.nanpuso.co.jp/
  • Email: yoyaku@nanpuso.co.jp
  • Address: 179 Yumotochaya, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0312, Japan

Fuji-Hakone Guest House

Fuji-Hakone Guest House, fujihakone.com

Fuji-Hakone Guest House is a cozy family inn that provides outstanding service and is especially welcoming to international tourists. The ryokan’s hospitality has been awarded by a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor and a Certificate of Recognition for education, friendship, and cultural awareness by the People to People International.

The welcoming staff is well-versed in English and are extremely helpful to its guests. There is also a common area with a refrigerator, a microwave, and green tea, where fellow travelers and like-minded individuals can share and bond over their experiences. There is also a Western breakfast available in the dining room.

The homey Japanese inn provides simple accommodations with tatami-mat flooring and futon beds. Some rooms will have a view of the surrounding nature. Guests will be able to relax in the natural hot springs bath after exploring the sites in Hakone, such as The Little Prince Museum, the Hakone Wetlands Botanical Garden, and the Samurai Art Museum.

Ryokan Manners and Etiquette

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